Door Industry Journal - Spring 2020

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk Industry News 24 THE door industry journal spring 2020 dhf ‘Futureproof’ with Subtle Branding Changes Tamworth-based trade association, dhf (Door & Hardware Federation) has announced a tweak to its branding. The proactive federation, whose activities date back to 1897, has amended the strapline of its logo from ‘Raising Standards, Safety Assured’ to ‘Raising Standards, Advancing Safety’. The subtle modification is a nod to dhf ’s ever-increasing and diverse audience, and will position the organisation more prominently in the global marketplace, as Commercial Manager, Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens, explains: “As a federation, we passionately believe that we are advancing safety for everyone and are launching our innovative ‘Reach Out Programme’ in the Spring on this year, with training courses and seminars to support our members. This encompasses such bodies as facilities managers, local authorities and housing associations. Furthermore, our continuing work in promoting safety, higher standards and best practice is an on-going part of our activity. We believe the new strapline fully embraces this concept. “We are also finding that increasingly, vertical markets are approaching us for advice,” continues Patricia. “We are offering this advice via events, presentations and participation in training programmes at exhibitions.” The new strapline has also been launched as a result of the highly acclaimed training programmes that dhf are running, the numbers of which are increasing year-on-year. In 2018, dhf offered four training courses; this now stands at eight training courses and three seminars in the ‘Reach Out’ programme, and later this year, will see more training courses being launched. The organisation continues to react to industry need and is widely recognised as a leader in the training that it delivers. Last year saw almost 1000 delegates trained by dhf in either Automated Gate & Traffic Barrier safety, or Industrial & Garage Door safety, and more than 3500 people to date have completed at least one of dhf ’s safety training courses, with many completing more than one course. dhf continues to drive its innovative training offering. Indeed, 1 April of this year will see the federation launch a new format for its two-day diploma courses, with the second day of the training course accredited at a Level 4. The course will be split, with the first day, a one-day accredited level 2 safety training course, and the second day delivering level 4 accredited legislation training. Delegates will need to complete day one of the course before progressing to day two. “We are understandably very excited to be able to provide this unique offering to the industry,” says Patricia. “The increase in the number of our courses demonstrates just how far dhf has come in terms of its training; moreover, it highlights the federation’s continuing commitment to advancing safety in all of the areas it serves.” New Position Key to Success for Relcross Door hardware specialist Relcross has further strengthened its specification team with the appointment of a new Specification Manager for South Wales and the south West of England. Mark Taylor, a Dip GAI qualified architectural ironmonger, will bring a wealth of product, customer and project knowledge to his new role with nearly 30 years’ experience in the AI trade. Mark is very much looking forward to the challenges of his new role. “My new role is geared towards powering Relcross products through the design and specification process,” comments Mark. “My aim is to create new business for the customers that are at the heart of our business and strengthen the Relcross brand in the marketplace. I will be talking to a wide variety of AI, OEM, architectural, and end user customers, helping them to build specifications, answer technical queries, and solve any problems and challenges that arise on site.” As the UK’s principal distributor of ANSI standard hardware in the UK, Relcross offers a free technical specification and advisory service to assist you in the correct choice of hardware. The company keeps substantial stocks of most products, backed by a team of trained specifiers that discuss problems, offer guidance, make recommendations and help on site if difficulties should occur. Have you liked our facebook page yet? We post news everyday! www.facebook.com/DoorIndustryJournal