Door Industry Journal - Spring 2020

32 THE door industry journal spring 2020 Industry News Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk Two Guys, a Girl Named Flo – and a Mountainous Charity Challenge! Filling up with petrol on a snow-covered garage forecourt in the mountains, while dressed as a French maid, isn’t everyone’s idea of fun. But this is the reality facing Steve Hudson, MD of JD (UK) Ltd - the UK’s sole distributor of Alutech sectional garage doors and roller shutter components. Steve and friend Rich are currently on a madcap adventure to drive a battered old Citroen 2CV all the way from the French Alps to Cheshire. And why the French Maid’s outfit? Because it is a charity fundraiser in aid of Dementia UK, with the dynamic duo raising money through a series of challenges set by donors, one of which is to do every fill up (a regular occurrence with a petrol tank as small as a 2CV’s) dressed as French maid! “We came up with the idea last year, while skiing in the French Alps,” explains Steve. “An old 2CV overtook the coach we were on and we said how much fun it would be to drive one again. Before we knew it, we’d decided it would be a great opportunity to drive a 2CV back from the Alps to Nantwich - my home town! We’re not going to take any motorways or use satnav - we’re using the minor roads through little French towns and villages. And – this being a 2CV - there’ll be no creature comforts like heated seats and digital radio! It’s a mad thing to do – but while we‘re freezing our backsides off in a tin can on wheels, we’re asking everyone back home to make a pledge via our JustGiving page, so we can raise as much as possible for Dementia UK and show just how big hearted the UK door sector can be.” And if anyone was under any illusions about the scale of the challenge, note that Flo is thirty years old and already broke down on the much flatter roads of Cheshire when taken for test run! Steve is hoping that a reconditioned engine – as well as a good dollop of luck – will ensure the grand tour from the Alps is a better experience and raises as much as money as possible for Dementia UK. The 2CV sets off on March 19th, with a projected finishing date of April 7th. To find out more about the challenge and make a donation, go to www.the2cvchallenge.com . Garador Appoints New Area Sales Manager Garador has appointed a new Area Sales Manager to cover the north of England and the east midland regions. Stephanie Jennings brings to Garador a wealth of experience from a range of building trade roles including working in business development and account management for companies such as Sash UK, BSS pipeline and heating solutions and Rixonway kitchens. Originally from Yorkshire, Stephanie already has a good range of contacts with builders’ merchants which will enable a fast transition into her new role. Her proven talents in business development as well as in customer relations and sales will ensure Garador can continue with its strong and growing presence across both the North and East Midlands. Roy Sargant, Garador’s National Sales Manager, commented: “Stephanie is joining Garador at an exciting time in the company’s development. Her excellent experience and track record in the building trade will play a key role in our plans for spearheading further growth across these regions.” Garador is recognised as one of Britain’s leading garage door manufacturers with its own purpose-built factory and head office in Somerset. It offers a full range of modern and traditional garage doors and front entrance doors for every type of domestic build. For more information on Garador’s garage door range, please visit www.garador.co.uk STOP PRESS! PO STPONED UNTIL 2021