Door Industry Journal - Summer 2013

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk THE door industry journal summer 2013 industry news NEW DHF WEBSITE IS ESSENTIAL POINT OF ENTRY INTO THE DOOR, GATE AND HARDWARE SECTOR The Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) has marked its increasing growth and influence by launching a new website: www.dhfonline.org.uk . The site has been designed as a “must visit” destination for trade and building professionals seeking information on industrial and commercial doors, shutters, garage doors, powered gates, metal and timber doorsets and manufacturers of locks, building hardware and architectural ironmongery. And, for the first time, the DHF website sets out to attract home owners looking for door security solutions and guidance on choosing garage doors and powered residential gates. The website has been designed as a rich online resource that will provide professionals in all sectors of the building industry and consumers with comprehensive technical expertise, information, knowledge, advice and practical help. Trade and consumer visitors can easily locate and download advisory documents and guides that provide detailed technical advice and expert guidance on the correct choice of DHF members’ products and services. With the ultimate aim of maintaining and raising quality standards throughout the industry, the site details how all DHF members must meet Quality Assured Standards of competence and customer service. The code of conduct governing members’ standards of workmanship, quality, training, safety, business integrity and CE marking compliance is also available on the site. The DHF has been consistently driving up the standards of quality and technical excellence, training and expertise of its members. The new website has an easy to use search tool that makes it simple for visitors to identify member companies by their product and service offering. Visitors seeking members companies that install, repair or maintain products can additionally search for providers by postcode. There is a huge library of technical guides and support information that enables DHF member companies to ensure their products are compliant with latest legislation and meet all up to date health and safety standards. This exclusive content is only available on the members-only part of the site. Said Bob Perry, executive chairman of the DHF: “Customers, specifiers and end users - whether trade or consumer - choose the online route to gather information about the products and services they require and to identify and make contact with quality assured suppliers. Our new website is their essential entry point into the door, gate and hardware sectors. “It is also a must visit destination for non member companies in those sectors to learn about the benefits of applying for membership of the DHF so they can take advantage of the commercial benefits that DHF membership can bring.” 8 ALL CHANGE AT HÖRMANN Following the retirement of Richard Warom after over 24 years with the company, David Newcombe has taken over the role of managing director at Coalville based, Hörmann (UK) Ltd. This planned takeover was first announced in June last year as part of a strategic restructuring of the UK division’s experienced management team. Further changes within the company have seen Alan Jenkins, Hörmann’s commercial director, make the transition to UK sales director, whilst Shirley Dixon takes on the new role of commercial manager. Shirley’s role will now involve overseeing product services and sales for both the domestic and industrial divisions, and will unite customer service and product support to improve the service experience to both customers and consumers. Additionally, David O’Mara, has taken up the position of marketing manager, and Sarah French has been promoted to sales team leader. Amy Fisher has also been promoted to head up the newly created estimating department. This role provides direct support to key accounts and the sales teams to ensure a more streamlined service is provided to all customers. These scheduled changes are part of Hörmann’s ongoing strategic vision for the future as the company adapts and rises to challenges whilst maintaining the high levels of efficiency, innovation and quality for which it has become known. Picture shows from Left to Right: Amy Fisher, Shirley Dixon, David Newcombe, David O’Mara, Sarah French, Alan Jenkins