Door Industry Journal - Spring 2019

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 24 THE door industry journal spring 2019 Industry News Weru UK Celebrates Major Accreditation, and a UK First Blackpool-based Weru UK – a distributor for Weru (Germany’s market leader in windows and doors), has just achieved the new RAL installation standards certification. The new and very strict RAL approved door and window installation standards cover all aspects including air tightness, security and wind loading on entrance doors, bi- fold doors, sliding doors and last but not least, windows. Weru UK is to their knowledge the only window and door company outside of Germany to receive this prestigious honour and one which required the company to undergo stringent assessments and training prior to be being awarded the sought-after accreditation. Kate Lindsay, Sales Director at Weru UK explains: “RAL is recognised as a trusted trademark worldwide and a reliable guide for consumers over the almost 90 years it has been in existence. Whilst the Weru product range has had full RAL accreditation on their finished products for many years the introduction of a RAL certification for technical installation is new. We feel it will be of high interest to all UK architects and specialist Eco builders and will clarify the myriad of grey areas that exist re the optimum fixing methods frame position and wall connections. “We are thrilled to be awarded the standard for all our window and door installations, as testament to this fact we have met over and above the incredibly rigorous RAL criteria. Quality and customer service are always at the heart of everything we do.” The firm was established 34 years ago but the formation of the Weru UK network is new however there are already established Weru Partners in Macclesfield Derby, Glasgow and Bexhill all currently going through the same accreditation. The network currently has a combined turnover circa £4.5 million. They have commenced seeking new partners countrywide to fully establish the brand in the UK. The new training facility operates from within the Weru UK 8000 sq ft UK head office at Amy Johnson Way, Squires Gate, Blackpool. For more information visit www.weru.uk Top customer service award for HOPPE (UK) BDM Outstanding customer service in the door hardware industry was celebrated at this year’s Institute of Architectural Ironmongers (IAI) Awards. The Paul Lewis Customer Service Award was won by Karen Nelson, business development manager at HOPPE (UK). Karen was nominated for the award by one of HOPPE (UK)’s customers, Gary Cooper, the hardware project manager at Conduit Construction Network (CCN). Gary says: “I’ve known Karen within the industry for a long time and she’s always been someone I know I can rely on; she really is my go-to for anything technical. “The thing that always stands out the most about Karen is that for every query I send her way, she goes above and beyond to help, fitting in with my schedule and making my life a lot easier. Nothing is too much trouble. No matter how difficult the project or specification requirements, I know I can turn to Karen and she will do her best to help.” Karen has been involved with the IAI for 12 years. This is the second IAI Award that she has won. She was previously awarded the Services to the Institute award in 2014, when she was treasurer of the IAI Midlands branch, where she is now chair. “The IAI plays such a huge role in helping ironmongers and locksmiths to stay at the top of their game,” says Karen. “It gives them access to CPD and provides them with an opportunity to network with likeminded people. There’s a real sense of community at the Midlands branch, I’m proud to be their chair.” Karen has more than 30 years’ experience in the architectural ironmongery industry and joined HOPPE (UK) in 2015. www.hoppe.co.uk