Industrial Doors & Shutters Automated Gates & Barriers Industry News Domestic Garage Doors Access Control & Smart Security Entrance, Internal, Sliding & Bi-folding Doors Doorsets, Fire Doors, Safety & Security Locks & Building Hardware Finally, a Composite Door You Can Rely On The Voice of the UK Door & Gate Industry | Spring 2023
THE door industry journal spring 2023 Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk Advertising and Editorial The Door Industry Journal PO Box 508 Warninglid Haywards Heath West Sussex RH17 5GY T: 01444 464147 F: 01444 464148 E: mail@doorindustryjournal.co.uk Design Agency Freelance Design & Graphics PO Box 508 Warninglid Haywards Heath West Sussex RH17 5GY T: 01444 461796 F: 01444 461596 E: info@freelance-design.co.uk Advisory Partner The Door & Hardware Federation The Barn Shuttington Fields Farm Main Road Shuttington Tamworth B79 0HA T: 01827 52337 F: 01827 310827 Printed Circulation: Door Industry Journal is a controlled free circulation publication and is available free of charge only to personnel who fall within our defined criteria. Copies are available on subscription to persons or companies who do not qualify. Our current printed circulation is just under 5000 copies. Digital Circulation: Our current digital circulation reaches around 12,500 readers. Annual Subscription Rates: £17.95 (UK), £29.95 (EU), £38.95 (Rest of World) To subscribe visit: www.doorindustryjournal.co.uk 3 Follow us on Twitter @DoorIndustryJnl The Door Industry Journal is an independently produced and edited trade publication, published by Avalon Innovations LLP on behalf of the door, security, lock, ironmongery and automated gate industries, with support and guidance provided by our advisory partner The Door and Hardware Federation (dhf) and other carefully selected industry bodies. Companies selling to the any of the above industry sectors wishing to find out more about advertising or having articles published in the Door Industry Journal should visit our website at www.doorindustryjournal.co.uk or download our media pack at www.dijonline.co.uk . Alternatively, to obtain further information, discuss your advertising requirements or to enquire about special features and advertorials, please call us on 01444 464147 or send an email to advertising@doorindustryjournal.co.uk . Door Industry Journal is a trading style of Avalon Innovations LLP. Company No. OC364751 Derek Hibbart, Editor, Door Industry Journal welcome As I write, the sun is finally putting in an appearance and Easter is on the horizon. And with it comes the spring issue of the DIJ. So – before you snaffle that creme egg – let me tell you a bit about this edition: If you’re reading the print version, you’ve probably noticed it’s in a different wrapper. That’s because we’ve gone green! Gone are the old polythene bags, in favour of a paper wrap that’s fully recyclable. Inside you’ll still find all the latest news and views from across the sector. One piece that brought back memories for me is Garador’s 75th-anniversary story on page 38. Back in the early 1980s I worked as a Garador Area Manager, covering the south-east. Happy days, but sadly brought to an end in 1985 when Westland, the firm’s then owner, sold it off to Catnic Components during a time later known as the Westland Affair. Plenty more inside to keep you going. Here are a few highlights: • Rowland Door Services celebrates its 40th anniversary (p8) • Ken Price, MD of the Automatic Door Suppliers Association, tells us why we are ‘better together’ (p10) • Another anniversary - Doorfit is celebrating 70 years in the business (p20) • What a day in the life looks like for Stuart Shaw - National Field Sales Manager at Hörmann UK (p28) • Roller door specialist Trojon announces a big new product launch (p42) • A flexible aluminium dock shelter for universal use has arrived, courtesy of mydocking (p66) • A new product ordering system is improving life for HorizAL customers (p80) • The dhf take on the government’s latest fire safety reform (p112) • Scott Copeland, Category Manager at IronmongeryDirect, takes us through some of the latest door handle options (p118) I hope you enjoy both the magazine and your Easter break. I’ll be back before you know it with the DIJ summer issue.
Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk contents 5 8 Rowland Door Services 40th Anniversary - 2023 A milestone we are really proud of. 52 ThermoSecure Ltd Expands Colour Range and Introduces Garden Awnings TheremoSecure announce the addition of 3 new colours within their stock colour range. 74 West Mercia Sections Website Gets a Fresh New Look West Mercia Sections launch its brandnew website to cover its extensive range of industrial door products. 80 HorizAL Introduces New, Easy-to-use Product Ordering Process New product ordering process, greatly enhances the service it offers to the ever-growing number of gate installers choosing HorizAL over other brands in the UK. 86 JCM on a Future in Smart Installations to Activate Doors Avoiding incidents to save time and travel are the benefits users in our impatient world most seek. 92 Case Study: House Renovation with Six Front, Internal and Garage Doors in European Oak Urban Front was thrilled to be part of a spectacular house transformation, creating a series of bespoke door solutions that were both functional and beautiful. 100 I’m Still Pushing Door Sets 25 Years On Richard Kowalski, Technical Manager of the Doors Division at Stairways Midlands, banging the drum for door sets. 113 Squire Stronghold® Marks 25 Years Squire’s premium range Stronghold® celebrates 25 years, marking a quarter of a century of the very best British-made, heavy-duty, extra-high security padlocks. 121 A Priest, a Rabbit and a Minister Walk into a Bar... Industry News Industrial Doors & Shutters Domestic Garage Doors Access Control & Smart Security 6 63 Automated Gates & Barriers 77 38 84 Entrance, Internal, Sliding & Bi-folding Doors Doorsets, Fire Doors, Safety & Security 88 98 Locks & Building Hardware Take a Break Services 113 121 123 6-7 Finally, a Composite Door You Can Rely On Comp Door burst onto the composite door scene. THE door industry journal spring 2023
Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 6 THE door industry journal spring 2023 Industry News Finally, a Composite Door You Can Rely On Comp Door burst onto the composite door scene in March last year, when it began manufacturing from its impressive 46,000 sqft factory in Staffordshire. Since then, Comp Door has quickly become the solid timber core composite door of choice for installers and homeowners looking for a dependable, part L-compliant composite door. More recently, Comp Door Group CEO, Steve Hudson, and his team have been encouraging customers of the other group businesses, such as JDUK Door Systems, to take advantage of the various opportunities to diversify into other product areas offered by the group’s combined product portfolio. At a series of open days at JDUK in February and March to launch the new JDUK Outdoor Living brand and pergola and awning products, Steve also introduced Comp Door to a room of garage door installers, to an extremely enthusiastic response. Many garage door installers also fit entrance doors but said they tended to steer away from composite doors due to the well-documented problems with them such as poor performance, faults and unreliable customer service from suppliers. However, Steve was quick to explain that, Comp Door was set up by an experienced team of composite door specialists to develop a high-quality, reliable product that looks great and performs well over time, by combatting excessive thermal movement, amongst other known problems. The result is a superior but affordable, high-performance product that is currently the only solid timber core composite door to be part L-compliant door! For installers, this means they can have complete confidence that the door they’re installing will guarantee happy customers, without costly callbacks. Comp Door also offers a personal service and quick lead times, with online order and payment options available, and customer support that is open, honest and convenient, such as live production and delivery tracking for all orders. But what exactly are the features that make Comp Door products stand out from the competition? Outstanding U-Value - Market-leading, part L-compliant U-values of 1.4 W/m2k for high energy efficiency. TriSeal frame - Industry-first TriSeal frame with 3 seals on the door frame, for optimum weatherproofing and reduces the chance of air leakage. Auto-fire slam shut lock as standard – The premium crosslaminated Albasia Falcata timber core is fitted with an automatic multi-point locking system. It features four self-locking, deadbolt latches that activate when the door is closed and keeps the door latched at all times over the full height of the door, requiring no homeowner intervention as with a single latch and lift lever, thus eliminating the chance of the door not being secured properly, and helping to combat excessive thermal movement that causes
7 THE door industry journal spring 2023 Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk Industry News warping or bowing associated with some other brands. CoolSkin technology - Revolutionary, highperformance CoolSkin technology makes the door skin much more robust and durable than alternative skins used by most other composite door manufacturers. The solar deflective layer will help to prevent the door skin from wearing, cracking or fading, helping it to look its best for longer. Automated bonding process - Reduced delamination through our automated process, ADHEER (Advanced Hydro Electric Equalised Release) InvisiEdge - Technically advanced InvisiEdge system gives a seamless colour edge to the door faces, maintaining perfect aesthetics whilst ensuring up to 100% moisture resistance. Comp Door has recently added composite Arched Frames, French Doors and Stable Doors to its range. And with big investments planned for the future and an impressive growth trajectory, it will soon be a market leader. So if you would like to install composite doors with confidence again, please call 01924 472924 or email sales@jdukltd.co.uk . IMPORTANT Subscriptions to Door Industry Journal DID YOUR COPY OF THIS MAGAZINE ARRIVE AT THE CORRECT ADDRESS? If not, please supply your new address ensuring that your unique reference (DIJ/~~/XXXX) as printed on the magazine mailing wrapper or your previous postcode and the first line of your old address are supplied: A ‘CHANGE OF ADDRESS FORM’ CAN BE DOWNLOADED FROM WWW.DIJONLINE.CO.UK/SUBS/CAF.DOCX • Send the form by email to subscriptions@doorindustryjournal.co.uk • Post the form to us at the address shown on page three of this issue. • Phone through your revisions to 01444 464147 Please ensure that the above information is supplied or we may not be able to identify your subscription. Steve Hudson, Group CEO (Right) and Pierre Mifsud, Technical Director at Comp Door (left).
Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 8 THE door industry journal spring 2023 Industry News Rowland Door Services 40th Anniversary – 2023 From humble beginnings with one man in a van to achieving 40 years of providing outstanding and unrivalled service to a multitude of contracts across an array of different industries and sectors. Our Managing Director and Owner Glenn Rowland shares his thoughts on this amazing achievement: “In the beginning God created man, then he created RDS. One thing was for certain this industry was in my blood, my father had successfully managed Bolton Gate Company for many years, and during that time many family members had successfully created their own prospects doing the same; some of them right through to retirement which proves that once you’re in the chances are you’re in for good, we didn’t see this at the time but it is something I’m sure you all feel at some point. For me my role model was my father, I watched him for many years dedicate 100% of his life to ‘the empire’ even well beyond his retirement age. His passion was his work, even at his ripe old age he would want to come to work with me just to keep his hand in and to keep himself moving but sadly age got the better of him this was not always possible but always enquired about the business which spurred me on even more. My mother was my grounding person, she ensured that my feet stayed firmly on the ground as long as she could, I was very lucky to have had these people in my life, and I still believe their watchful eyes are still watching over me every step of the way. “ ” 2023 marks our 40th anniversary of trading, a milestone that as you would imagine we are really proud of.
After leaving school and with the added benefit of my family working in this industry with a company that was known as ‘the empire’ (Bolton Gate Co) my dad suggested that I at least did an apprenticeship which I decided to start, I proceeded to work every day with only one thing in my sights and that was to start my own business, I started my apprenticeship at 16 and finished at 21. In 1983 I decided that this was the year, I hated working for Bolton Gate which had now been taken over by Tarmac so decided that at some point the time had come, this came much sooner than expected and with the help of my cousin who gave me £250 to paint their garage and a Datsun van I was up and running, things were tough, I remember my first Lloyds bank manager agreeing a £200 overdraft with a guarantee, which was my cousin once more. Once I had started to gather speed and get some regular work, I knew I would never be able to look back, only forward. RDS grew quickly, we then became a limited company and things really started to accelerate and now I am writing about achieving 40 successful years of trading. There are far too many names to mention but I do honestly thank you all truly for your loyalty and support shown to RDS throughout our 40 years of trading. We have some great suppliers & trade partners, who have been a constant source of support as we have grown and have also been there when times were tough, I appreciate everything anyone and everyone has done for RDS and me personally. I must now move on to my employees, as with all businesses people come and go but certain members of our current staff with a few in particular have been around through thick and thin and remained loyal employees, in an industry that let’s be honest loyalty and commitment can often be brought into question. A special thank you to all of the members of staff, I thank you from the bottom of my heart and long will you remain part of the RDS family & team, this thank you also goes to every single person who continues to play our part in RDS’s successes and also to people who have moved on, we are what we are today all because of our people and what they have put in. My intention was always to ensure the family name would continue and that it will, I am fortunate enough to have a great team heading up RDS and I know it’s in very safe hands here’s to the next 40 years. One of the hardest things for me is slowly letting go of the day-to-day activities, I loved being out there chatting with clients, taking orders, giving advice and just being there to support the brands and to provide our unrivalled support which has been our strength for many years. That personal hands-on attention to detail used to fire me up every day, guiding RDS through the murky waters certainly drained me of quality time with the family but the focus was always a priority to success. For me, the business has drawn together a family, each and every one in the business should feel the warmth of the whole team from top to bottom. Something which I thank you all for your continued loyalty, dedication and support to achieve this to the level RDS now stands, you should all be proud of your accomplishments and long may this continue” To mark this occasion, we will be participating in several fundraising events throughout 2023 in a bid to raise vital funds and awareness for a local charity ‘The B30 Foodbank’. A selection of our staff is currently in training for Birmingham Half Marathon that they will be participating in in May of this year and we also intend to undertake the 3 peaks challenge later in the year. We will also be running many other events including a summer charity golf day. We are currently looking for donations for our chosen charity, all donations can be made through our dedicated Just giving page, use the QR code for more information on our Just Giving page. 9 THE door industry journal spring 2023 Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk Industry News
Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk Industry News Better Together Ken Price, MD of the Automatic Door Suppliers Association, explains how specialist industries can be part of the bigger picture. “No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.” This line from John Donne’s famous poem explores the idea of connectedness, how by coming together, people can support their well-being and survival and that of others. It applies not only to individuals but also organisations. The supply of automatic doors may be considered to be a ‘niche’. Indeed, a recent apprentice to the Powered Pedestrian Door Technician apprenticeship course, which ADSA initiated, commented that it wasn’t even aware that ‘it was a thing’ until he entered the business. What recent events have impressed upon us, is that we are all interconnected: from the pandemic and supply chain dependence to the escalation of energy costs and the ramifications of the Building Safety Act, our industry is part of a bigger picture. It is one that directly links us to others within construction and wider society, which is ultimately our end user. That’s why this bigger picture is part of our business strategy. Only by working together can we stay fully informed, be best placed to provide an integrated response and be in the best position to influence the nation’s decision-makers. We have approached this in a variety of ways. We recently became members of The Trade Industry Association - the UK’s leading body for professional trade associations from which we hope to gather learning opportunities around best practice and meet with the heads of a diverse range of industries. We are also working with the Government-backed Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education, after being invited to join its Employer Directory. In doing so, we had to meet a rigorous criterion which included demonstrating our governance structure, responsibilities, statutory functions, identifying board members and their roles across a range
of employers and membership numbers. We were in an ideal position to demonstrate the latter: having increased membership by 25 per cent. Last year saw the introduction of the new CSCS card which links to an app where site managers can check the cardholder’s credentials - secure in the knowledge that a site worker is suitably qualified. ADSA was part of the working group that introduced the Smart Check scheme, working alongside other selected accredited delivery partners. Our work with industry trade associations continues. Last year, we worked ever more closely with the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) and were delighted to sponsor the Product Design and Innovation Award (Electronic) category at its prestigious AI Specification Awards during its 40th year. ADSA also continues to work closely with the Door and Hardware Federation, with whom we founded the Entrance Systems Alliance in 2021, to boost NVQ opportunities for people working with door and gate-related industries. To date, we have welcomed 180 learners who have achieved or are currently working their way through more than 300 NVQs. ESA was created to raise the bar for training and education within the sector. Its qualifications are critical to measure the competence of those working in the industry and provide a framework for much-needed development. We have also applied this strategic vision to ensure our own house is in order. As the leading voice of the industry and exponents of quality standards and best practice, we thought that it was only right to assess our own working arrangements. We have started working towards ISO Accreditation - ISO 9001 and ISO 450001 – which relates to quality and safety and ISO 270001 – a gold standard in data management. To date, we have undertaken process mapping and gap analysis, followed by a full audit and are working through a series of recommendations to further improve what we have in place. It has been a reflective process aimed to ensure that ADSA truly practices what it preaches. We are keen to remain robust and resilient, which in turn will demonstrate our commitment to members, and reinforce the confidence that they have in us. Not all initiatives are proactive, sometimes an emerging issue presents an opportunity. We have been working in partnership with the Health and Safety Executive around the publication of a report on a fatality involving powered pedestrian doors. Although this came about as the result of a negative situation, we have harnessed the chance to support the H&SE, supply inspectors with industry information for the compilation of the report, assess its findings and present them as a series of recommendations for those in the industry and our stakeholders. This will culminate in a whitepaper to be published in the spring, available to download from our website: www.adsa.org.uk Our Better Together approach has come full circle. By embracing co-efficiency, we are making ADSA better for its members and those joining us. Becoming a member of ADSA will allow organisations to become part of something bigger, stronger and with greater understanding and prominence. For more information on ADSA membership visit: www.adsa.org.uk or email: rachel@adsa.org.uk Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 11 THE door industry journal spring 2023 Industry News Interested in appearing in the Spring Edition? SAVE THESE DEADLINE DATES: Features Editorial Advert Artwork 15th June 25th June 5th July Have you liked our Facebook and Twitter pages yet? We post news everyday! www.facebook.com/DoorIndustryJournal www.twitter.com/DoorIndustryJnl
Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk THE door industry journal spring 2023 Industry News 12 New Area Sales Manager with Proven Track Record Joins JDUK Door Systems JDUK Door Systems are excited to welcome its new Area Sales Manager, Liam Bailey, to the team. Liam has years of experience in sales and a proven track record of growing revenue in the garage door industry. His role will be to help JDUK Door Systems strengthen its place in the market by obtaining more growth. Liam will work alongside Lewis Blake in the South East, while Liam’s focus will be on onboarding new customers and managing existing accounts in the South East. Sales and Marketing Director Jason Wade explains: “As our product portfolio has grown, so has interest and demand. We’ll continue to invest in strengthening our team with experienced people to make sure we can respond quickly to enquiries and maintain the excellent levels of customer service we’re known for. Growing our team gives us the ability to service more customer accounts and provide dedicated customer support. It’s certainly exciting times ahead for everyone involved.” Liam said, “I’ve been working in the garage door industry for the last 5 years, for a leading manufacturer of roller garage doors. My previous experience before garage doors was in leisure, where I’ve always had a keen interest due to my love for sports, namely football and golf. I’m looking forward to my new career ahead with JDUK and helping its growing customer base to maximise new business opportunities.” Liam joined JDUK Doors Systems in February this year, shortly after welcoming his first child. He’s been busy meeting existing customers to present the new competitively priced sectional garage door, Pro Plus, introduced earlier this year, as well as presenting the full portfolio of garage door and entrance door products, including side-hinged garage doors, to potential new clients. If you would like to know more about the products now offered by JDUK, please visit www.jdukltd.co.uk, call 01924 472924, or email sales@jdukltd .co.uk . New MD to Support Product Growth for JDUK & Alunet JDUK Door Systems and Alunet Systems have announced of the appointment Steve Kendrick as Managing Director, to allow Steve Hudson, Group CEO, to spend more time across the other businesses in the group, as it nears an annual turnover of £50m. Steve Kendrick is already well-known in the aluminium industry through his previous roles and has a wealth of experience in sales, marketing and product development. His remit will be to improve processes and efficiencies, expand customer bases and ensure new products are launched effectively. JDUK and Alunet rebranded last year to allow them to focus on sourcing topquality products from the best manufacturers around the world. This in turn highlighted new products and areas of opportunity for both businesses, such as pergolas and awnings and a new competitively priced sectional garage door. Over the coming months, Steve Kendrick will be instrumental in bringing these and other planned launches to market, working with new suppliers to improve lead times. Steve Kendrick said: “I’m really excited to join Steve Hudson and his team and looking forward to growing the businesses with the teams here at JDUK and Alunet. We’ve got so many exciting product launches and I hope my experience and my background will benefit how we grow and develop within the market. We’ve got a fantastic set-up in terms of people, and we’re just scratching the surface in terms of our customer base.” Steve Hudson said: “We’ve had our challenges over the last 12 months, and it’s a great testament to the hard work and dedication of my team that we’ve come out the other side in a strong position. It is perfect timing now for Steve Kendrick to bring some new ideas, experience, energy and humility to the companies to drive them faster than I would have been able to do. My future role will be to focus on the development of all companies in the group, however, I will always have a soft spot for JDUK and Alunet.” You can watch Steve Kendrick’s full interview at https://youtu.be/_Tu6baAVryQ. If you would like to know more about the products now offered by JDUK, please visit www.jdukltd.co.uk, call 01924 472924, or email sales@jdukltd .co.uk .
Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 14 THE door industry journal spring 2023 Industry News Hörmann UK Launch New Products and a Loyalty Promotion at FIT 2023 Hörmann UK will be exhibiting their full range of entrance doors at the FIT Show in May and will for the first-time feature composite doors, manufactured by its sister company IG Doors, alongside its established steel and aluminium product range. An exciting ‘Hörmann Rewards Fitters’ loyalty programme will also be showcased, with the show offering fitters the exclusive opportunity to be the first to sign up for the scheme. In an important move designed to develop a ‘one-stop shop’, Hörmann UK will now supply the Truedor range through its own sales organisation, enabling the company to offer a solution for each sector of the market; Hörmann Truedor a competitive composite door, Thermo 45/65 a midrange series of steel doors and a premium positioned aluminium option. The recognised Truedor range offers installers a comprehensive selection of composite doors now backed by the Hörmann brand and support. With over 30 years of experience in the manufacture of composite doors, IG Doors produce the Truedor range from a high-tech facility in Blackwood, South Wales and are the only supplier of GRP composite doors in the UK to manufacture their door slabs in-house. Selling under the Hörmann Truedor brand, installers will have access to a range of high-quality entrance doors, available in an extensive choice of designs, styles, colours, glazing options and accessories. Featured on the stand will be a selection of doors representing some of the most popular styles and colours in the market. Hörmann’s high-performance range of Thermo45/65 steel and aluminium entrance doors offer good looks and exceptional security, alongside impressive U-values as low as 0.87 W/m2k. Manufactured from high-grade components and featuring high-security locking systems, the range features an extensive choice of styles, accessories and finishes for the discerning end consumer. New on the stand will be the ThermoSafe Decoral door a new addition to their range of aluminium doors. Thermosafe Decoral offers the combination of a high-quality, secure aluminium door together with a selection of new modern décor finishes and door styles. The Decoral finish is applied to the powdercoated surfaces of the ThermoSafe door using a patented coating method which results in a beautiful, colour-fast and detailed appearance. The range offers five new innovative finishes – Cement, Rusty Pantina, Wild Oak, Barnwood and Barnwood Grey, together with eighteen exclusive door styles. Supplied with a standard frame in Jet black the ThermoSafe Decoral door is also available with the exterior handles and embellishments in Jet black or in one of the Decoral colour options to match or contrast. Automated garage doors will also be on display featuring RenoMatic sectional doors and the RollMatic 2 roller door. Designed to incorporate innovative anti-scratch technology, the RollMatic 2 will be displayed in Chartwell green.
The RenoMatic sectional doors will be, for the first time, displayed in a Planar Jet black finish alongside a Turquoise blue Slategrain door panel. Hörmann automated sectional garage doors are supplied with Secured by Design as standard, with the doors obtaining the accreditation with no modifications or additions required across the full range of sizes available. For the accreditation to be valid the doors should be installed behind the brickwork and not include any glazing options or external handles. Once fitted the installation will need to be registered with Hörmann to obtain the SBD certification. Operation of all of the doors on the stand will be via remote control hand transmitters and Bluetooth technology using a mobile phone or tablet. David O’Mara, Marketing Manager of Hörmann UK comments: “The FIT show is a really exciting time for Hörmann as it provides us with the ideal opportunity to announce our entry into the composite door market. The Hörmann Truedor range complements our existing range of products, meaning that we can now offer a door for each price point in the market, all backed by the Hörmann guarantee of choice, quality and service. It also allows us to talk garage doors, show our range of the most ‘fitter friendly’ entrance and garage door products available on the market and encourage more installers to expand their product portfolios. “Our new loyalty scheme ‘Hörmann Rewards Fitters’ is a fantastic promotion to reward fitters for installing both our garage doors and entrance doors. It’s basically ‘points make prizes’, the more installations carried out, the more points collected. These can then be redeemed against a selection of tools and accessories – power tools, Makita radios and much more. I would encourage fitters to visit the Hörmann stand to find out more about our fantastic product range and be amongst the first to sign onto our Rewards programme.” To find out more about Hörmann visit www.hormann.co.uk or call 01530 516868. 15 THE door industry journal spring 2023 Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk Do you want your company to feature in the Door Industry Journal but don’t know what to write? Don’t worry, help is at hand… Martin Sayers at MSCopy is the copywriting partner for the DIJ and is available to write your editorial, marketing and advertising copy. It is his job to write words that drive customers to your door. Martin has over a decade of experience and can produce copy for you based on a simple written brief or telephone interview. If words are failing you then contact Martin Sayers today – call 01223 476286 or email mail@mscopy.co.uk www.mscopy.co.uk Martin Sayers Are you lost for words? This column intends to give you advice on how to improve your marketing communications – websites, emails, brochures etc. As a copywriter, it’s my job to sell with words and I hope you can benefit from my experience. Here’s my latest tip: Ever heard the phrase ‘The proof is in the pudding’? It’s actually a shortened form of an Old English saying, ‘The proof of the pudding is in the eating’, meaning you’ve got to experience something to discover if it’s good or not. And that’s the main reason why marketing is so hard. As, for the most part, you’re asking people to buy something they haven’t experienced before. But there is a way around this. That’s to tell your prospects what others thought about your product or service, as people are more likely to choose something that is popular. So, whenever you get a glowing review – share it, as seeing what others think can make all the difference to a potential buyer. Martin on Marketing
17 THE door industry journal spring 2023 Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk Industry News dhf Launches Best Practice Guide to CEN/TS 17814:2022, ‘Master Key System Data Protection’ Door & Hardware Federation (dhf) has announced the launch of a new eight-page publication: Master Key System Data Protection’, a Best Practice Guide to CEN/TS 17814:2022. The new technical specification relates to mechanical key systems only; requirements relating to the security of information of key-based and non-key-based electronic cylinders are not covered. The data used to design, manufacture and maintain a Master Key System can be complex. “TS 17814 has been issued by the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) and provides guidance relating to data that is used in the design and manufacture of new mechanical Master Key Systems and how best to keep that data safe and secure,” explains dhf’s Head of Commercial Operations, Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens. “TS 17814 is a voluntary specification that interested parties may wish to implement. Some Master Key Systems are provided with the main focus being convenience rather than security and, as such, may not require the further levels of security provided by TS 17814. However, where the security of master key system data is important, TS 17814 provides focus on the process involved to achieve this.” The content for the best practice guide to CEN’s latest technical specification was compiled by the Managing Director of Access2, and Vice-Chair of the dhf Building Hardware Group, Neil Rule, and is supported by the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI), the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) and Secured by Design (SBD). “For the first time we have a document that specifically relates to Master Key Systems, and as the document has been produced by CEN, it provides an independent, unbiased view of the correct process required to supply a Master Key System securely,” says Neil Rule. “Not only does the specification cover the correct handling of the data involved, but also the correct handling of the Master Key System itself, from design right through to manufacture, supply, installation and, finally, the ongoing maintenance. “EN1303:2015 deals with the requirements and test methods for a Cylinder Lock. But the security of a Master Key System starts long before a cylinder is constructed, and long after a key is cut. CEN/TS 17814 provides an essential, additional layer of security to EN 1303:2015 and end-user clients can be confident that the data and products used to construct, supply and maintain their unique Master Key System, meet the very highest levels available. It is entirely true to say that this publication acts as a ‘cradle-to-grave’ guide.” Douglas Masterson, Technical Manager of the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers, added: “Any standard or technical schedule which promotes increased security of data in relation to master keying is of great importance to the ironmongery industry. The GAI is delighted to support this new TS for Master Key System Data Protection in addition to the best practice guide which summarises its key elements.” Alfie Hosker, Technical Manager from Secured By Design said: “This is an excellent document, providing a robust process in the secure handling of data and the actual life cycle process of the key system itself. This Best Practice Guide to TS 17814, can reduce the potential of a master key system being compromised.” “The MLA is in support of TS 17814, and we are pleased this new best practice guide has been created to provide guidance on how to keep data used in the design and manufacture of new mechanical Master Key Systems safe and secure,” says Justin Freeman, Technical Manager of Master Locksmiths Association. “Data and data security are becoming increasingly important and end-user clients that are conscious of the security of their data may instruct suppliers to provide a Master Key System that is designed, manufactured, and supplied in accordance with TS 17814,” concludes Patricia. “Likewise, manufacturers and distributors - once given the nature and understanding of a project - may advise an end-user client to consider the provision of a Master Key System supplied to the specification of TS 17814. We are delighted to be able to launch this best practice guide, a comprehensive guide for those seeking clarity in a complicated area.” www.dhfonline.org.uk
14 THE door industry journal spring 2023 Industry News Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk
OPEN DOORS Another year rattles by ……… As I write this article, we are finishing another successful trading year. But, what does success mean for a not-for-profit business like dhf as we don’t pay dividends and all money earned goes back into the organisation? Certainly, in order to maintain financial stability, we normally aim to break even or make a small surplus each year, but that is not really how we at dhf measure success. It is measured more by how good we have been in meeting the requirements of our 500 plus members. Recently, we completed a 5-Year Strategy and Business Plan. As you can imagine, it was quite detailed but I would just like to share with you one area which is the VISION: • To make the UK and Ireland built environment a safer and more secure place • Thereby providing market opportunities and commercial advantage for our members So, against our Vision, how do we judge whether dhf has had a successful year and met members’ requirements? Well, listed below are a few of dhf’s achievements for the year 2022/23: • Over 5000 queries handled by our technical team • 100 meetings attended on behalf of members • 22 webinars reaching 523 members • 933 people trained, making nearly 5000 since training was introduced in 2013 • 37 press releases That’s how we measure success at dhf. Can we do better? Of course we can …… watch this space! A regular comment column, brought to you by Bob Perry, CEO, Door and Hardware Federation For more information, please visit www.dhfonline.org.uk THE door industry journal spring 2023 Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk Bob Perry, dhf CEO RapidSpec Move Premises to Accommodate Growing Team of ‘Movers and Shakers’ It’s been a great start to 2023 for door-scheduling software developer, RapidSpec. Due to the expansion of the team, they have now moved into new offices at Blythe Valley Innovation Park, just off junction 4 of the M42, ideally located near Birmingham International airport and easily accessible for visits to, and by, UK and overseas customers. Derek Brown, MD and founder of the business, says: “It’s an exciting time for us all: I’m working with a great team of forward-looking ‘movers’ and ‘shakers’ and we’re providing fantastic software products for door manufacturers, which are making a real and positive impact on their productivity and profit”. The award-winning software automatically prices doors and doorsets, produces doorset drawings automatically and creates cutting lists and buying lists for all the materials needed for any project instantly. Carol Cole, Marketing Director, says “It’s just a monthly fee with no requirement to sign a long-term contract. That’s the level of confidence that we have in our products!” New and latest versions of the product include the most amazing ‘Flash Quote’ and ‘RapidRout’ and there are more developments on the horizon soon. Ian Selby, IT Director, says “We’re working flat out to bring even more features that benefit our customers: it’s an exciting time. Door manufacturers as well as architects and contractors will immediately see how the products can make their jobs a whole lot easier!” If you’d like to learn more about RapidSpec and how it can help your Organisation, please contact a member of the RapidSpec team at +44 121 506 9020 or visit the website www.rapidspec.co.uk
Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 20 THE door industry journal spring 2023 Industry News Platinum Celebration for Doorfit For most people 1953 is a period in time that they will only know from the television – a year that saw Queen Elizabeth II crowned in Westminster Abbey, Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tensing become the first people to summit Mount Everest and when the rationing of sugar was finally ended after the War. However, for the team at Doorfit 1953 represents a very special time in history, as that was the year that the company started trading from a Victorian house based in the centre of the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham. Founded by brothers John and George Neil, Doorfit started life selling Architectural Hardware, a division of the company that still exists today. Its introduction to the world of garage doors came in 1956 when it was approached by Henderson to provide contract care to Bryant Homes, a local company who were instrumental in the building of new homes in and around Birmingham after the War. As both the Architectural Hardware and garage door sides of the business grew, additional storage was needed, 1978 saw Doorfit move out of the Jewellery Quarter to purpose-built premises in Heaton Street, Central Birmingham. The company continued to expand and by the mid-’80s even more space was required, meaning that Doorfit built a new facility on the opposite side of the road, with both sites still being operational today. Now 70 years after it was first founded, 2023 sees Doorfit still growing and enjoying considerable success. They are now one of the largest independent garage and entrance door suppliers within the UK market, supplying the supply and fit, trade and commercial markets. Importantly Doorfit is still a family-owned and run business, currently being led by the sons of John Neil, Robert and Philip who are fully involved in the business and instrumental in its day-to-day operation.
Expansion continues at Heaton Street, with building work currently underway to add further storage space to meet increased demand and the completion of a refurbishment of their 3000 sq foot showroom. Priding themselves on supplying only the highest quality products, Doorfit has enjoyed a long and successful relationship with Hörmann having been a supplier of their garage doors since the early ’90s. Initially selling up-andover canopy doors, Doorfit now offers the whole range of Hörmann products including steel and aluminium entrance doors. “Doorfit and Hörmann are similar in many ways. Both are still family owned and run businesses, that place great emphasis on their reputation and operating honestly and ethically”, comments Dave Close, Director of the garage door division at Doorfit. “The past 70 years have seen Doorfit build a strong and successful business, part of which has been creating close and durable relationships with both suppliers and customers. With Hörmann as a major supplier, we have access to a well-recognised brand that Doorfit is proud to be associated with, and as a company, we aim to supply only the very best in terms of product and service. Not only do Hörmann provide a second-to-none product range but they also offer support in several ways that help grow our business. For example, Doorfit is a founder member of their Partner Standard programme, and we use this fully to help provide reassurance to the end consumer that they are choosing the best product in the market, supplied by a recognised specialist garage door company.” With almost 50 employees, a major part of the longevity and success of Doorfit has been the people who work for the company. It is not unusual for members of staff to have several decades of service with the company and Doorfit still upholds the tradition of awarding long service awards. Dave Close comments “It’s certainly true that people make companies, and Doorfit is an excellent example of that - from the founding Neil family right through to the newest member of staff. At Doorfit we can offer customers a wealth of skills and experience, with our long-service employees being a testament to the fact that Doorfit is an exceptional company. I am happy to include myself as a long-serving member of the team having just clocked up 30 years. Everyone employed by Doorfit works hard to reinforce our strong values and helps to ensure that our reputation within the market remains high. The past 70 years have seen the company constantly adapt and evolve to get it to its successful position today and as a team, we all look forward to achieving our next major anniversary – only another 30 years to go!” 21 THE door industry journal spring 2023 Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk Industry News 80% of our Advertisers choose our VIP Advertising Packages Our best-selling advertising option - aimed at regular advertisers in return for a minimum three issue commitment - offering inclusive editorial space and a fixed budget-friendly price. These 12month all-inclusive advertising packages cover our printed and digital issues, social media, blog postings and our weekly e-newsletter for little more than the price of a series booking of three adverts, plus the option to pay in 12 easy cash-flow friendly monthly payments. Pricing for our most popular packages is shown below: • Full Page VIP Package - £1,495 per issue or £375 per month • Half Page VIP Package - £1025 per issue or £255 per month • One Third Page VIP Package - £795 per issue or £200 per month • Three issues are published each year. Monthly payments are based over 12 months. For full details of everything that is included in each package - see pages 7 and 8 of our media pack at www.dijonline.co.uk . All prices exclude VAT. Industrial Doors & Shutters Automated Gates & Barriers Industry News Domestic Garage Doors Access Control & Smart Security Entrance, Sliding & Bi-folding Doors Fire Doors, Safety & Security Timber, Metal & Composite Doorsets Locks & Building Hardware The Dawn of a New Era for JDUK The Voice of the UK Door & Gate Industry | Summer 2022
Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 22 THE door industry journal spring 2023 Industry News Colin Reoch Returns as SWS UK’s Managing Director At the start of the year, Lancashire manufacturer, SWS UK welcomed the return of Colin Reoch into his former role as Managing Director. Colin accepted the opportunity to step into his old shoes after SWS UK’s previous Managing Director, Kevin Lindeque, made the carefully considered decision to return to his passion for commercial business and his earlier role as Commercial Director. Back to his Roots It’s undeniable that SWS UK is in good hands as Colin boasts a rich heritage within the shutter industry. Beginning his career with SWS UK back in 1994, the fresh-faced 21-year-old started in internal sales before progressing to National Sales Manager in 2000. Five short years later, Colin’s expertise and commitment to the business were recognised and earned him the title of Commercial Director. In 2008, SWS UK entered a new era of ownership under the FTSE 100 company CRH, and 12 months later, Colin succeeded SWS UK’s founder, Andrew Dootson as Managing Director. During his years in Sales and Commercial roles, Colin was fundamental in many of the business’ major milestones, including the launch of the hugely popular SeceuroGlide Garage Door in 1997 and the introduction of SeceuroDoor Industrial Shutters in 2003. After accepting the role of Managing Director, Colin propelled the business even further. Beginning with a fresh rebrand, he then went on to lead the company into a digital future with an online ordering system that later progressed to SWS Online. Developed to support SWS UK’s nationwide customers, SWS Online has evolved year-on-year and is still considered to be one of the best online ordering platforms in the industry. In 2017, Colin embarked on the next leg of his career with a move to Germany. Firstly, as Managing Director of one of SWS UK’s biggest suppliers, Alulux. Then in 2019, taking on dual responsibilities for Alulux and SWS UK’s new parent company StellaGroup. Toward the end of 2022, structural changes within StellaGroup allowed Colin the opportunity to support Kevin in his decision to move direction, by returning to SWS UK as Managing Director. Speaking of his return to the business, Colin said: “Returning to my position as SWS UK’s MD is a true privilege. I’ve followed the success of the business during my years away, and I’m excited to be continuing the achievements made by Kevin and the team. The experience and knowledge I’ve gained in the wider industry will be used to lead SWS UK into delivering next-level products and even higher levels of customer service. On a personal note, I’m also looking forward to re-establishing relationships with SWS UK’s distributors, many of whom have been in the industry almost as long as me!”. Ellard Moves Toward’s a New Fleet of Sustainable Forklifts Ellard has partnered with Runcorn-based, family-owned, Powerlift Material Handling for the supply of new forklift trucks. These will be phased in over the next 2 years and will replace the current fleet. The partnership offers a far more sustainable option with state-of-the-art batteries with zero maintenance and zero emissions. It will provide a safer fleet of assets that offer safety features designed to protect pedestrians in high-volume traffic areas. In addition to this Powerlift can offer in-depth forklift training for all necessary staff. Steve Routledge, Powerlift MD, adds: “All of the team at Powerlift Materials Handling Ltd are extremely grateful to have secured a contract to replace all warehouse equipment at Ellard’s Head Depot in Manchester. This will be done over 36 months to bring all the contracts in line. The new equipment will include several benefits and upgrades to operation and safety throughout Ellard’s Warehouse. Our in-house driver trainer has also implemented a training schedule to ensure all driver’s licenses are up to date before expiry. Being a family-owned local business a high level of service and personal relationship allowed us to work closely during the quotation stage to discuss features and benefits to help improve efficiency and safety.” Ellard’s warehouse staff and management look forward to further developing the partnership with Powerlift Material Handling.
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