Door Industry Journal - Summer 2017

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 24 THE door industry journal summer 2017 industry news MLA Expo 17 Practically Sold Out! The Master Locksmiths Association are delighted to say that MLA Expo 17 is practically sold out with only a very limited number of stands left. Existing exhibitors have also been keen to maximise their presence at the show with a number of them having increased the size of the stands they had originally booked, in some cases quite significantly. MLA Managing Director Dr Steffan George said: “It’s great to see the 2 halls that the show will take place in this year already full, cementing MLA Expo’s position as the leading locksmith show in Europe. Add to this the fact that the European Locksmiths Federation have chosen to host their board meeting at the show, the approximately 60 planned training courses and the fact that a number of manufacturers will be premiering new products as well as having exciting new features on their stands we’re looking forward to a fantastic event”. Sponsored by Brisant Secure, MLA Expo will feature a variety of exhibitors, as well as product launches, seminars and technical training. All areas of the wider Locksmithing industry will be covered from tools, to key machines, all forms of door hardware, padlocks, alarms, CCTV, security doors, safes, post boxes, access control, van security etc., as well as associated aspects, such as van racking systems, insurance, electronic point of sale systems and tracking systems. Training will include topics such as lock picking, abrasive wheel certification, social media for locksmiths, improving surveying skills (learning to think like a burglar), UPVC, Furniture Locks, Door Closers, Panic Hardware, auto gates, Composite Doors etc. The show will also feature The Garage for the first time, an area dedicated to auto Locksmithing that is being run in collaboration with the Auto Locksmiths Association (ALA) and is sponsored by Silca. This area will see all the major players in this highly technical area exhibiting, with the latest in auto locksmith technology on show and its own training programme covering topics such as vehicle lock picking, generating new keys (car and commercial vehicles), transponders (both introductory and advanced levels) etc. A Gala Dinner has been arranged for the Saturday night, which alongside a 3-course meal and entertainment, will also see the prestigious Chubb Award and the Nigel Rose Bowl being presented, along with prizes for best stands at the show. MLA Expo takes place at the Telford International Centre from the 6th to the 8th of October 2017 and there is free parking for visitors. For a full list of exhibitors or to register your attendance visit: www.locksmiths.co.uk/mla-expo/ ONE WAY TRIP FOR 500 CYCLISTS Over 500 bike riders taking part in the recent Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge in south west England only had to make the trip one way…thanks to the generosity of Garador. Leading garage door manufacturer Garador provided their giant 18 tonne delivery vehicles and drivers for the day, helping to get all of the riders and their bikes up to the right place for the start. The Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge involves cycling from the small picturesque town of Watchet on the North coast of Somerset to seaside town of West Bay on the South coast of Dorset, all to help raise funds for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. With so many participants, the logistics of making sure everyone started and ended safely with their bikes was enormous. Bill Sivewright, Chief Executive of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, said Garador’s support for the day was a critical part of its success. “We are very grateful to Garador for once again providing the vital cycle transport between the start and finish areas of the event,” he said. “Their support is also really appreciated by riders who would struggle otherwise to even enter. “We have received some fantastic comments from participants who have all agreed how well the event was organised and run on the day,” he added. www.garador.co.uk