Door Industry Journal - Summer 2018

THE door industry journal summer 2018 Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk OPEN DOORS dhf makes significant addition to its membership benefits Never has it been a better time to join dhf . I’m not the only one who thinks that because in the last 12 months we have had a record 62 companies join us and dhf membership is now approaching 450. With significant growth comes a greater requirement to maintain high standards, something as a trade federation we uphold, and after all, our mantra is raising standards, safety assured. We want to ensure that both new and existing members uphold those standards for which dhf is respected. So we are introducing a Company Compliance Assessment (CCA) which will automatically be part of the procedure for new companies applying for dhf membership and will also be rolled out to existing members upon request. There may be circumstances when we ourselves initiate a CCA visit to an existing member if we think it appropriate to do so. The CCA will normally involve a member of the dhf Training and Compliancy team visiting the company and/or an installation. The purpose of the CCA is to assist companies in offering safe and compliant products and installations, meeting the machinery directive and the various standards as applicable We cannot be complacent about safety and compliancy issues and therefore we see this as a major addition to the benefits of becoming a dhf member. We must do everything possible to improve the standards in the industries that dhf represents whether that be by training, telephone helpline or CCA visits. Bob Perry, dhf CEO A regular comment column, brought to you by Bob Perry, CEO, Door and Hardware Federation For more information, please visit www.dhfonline.org.uk Hörmann sponsors mental health expedition to Sri Lanka To help raise awareness for mental health, Hörmann UK has offered Psychology graduate Lorna Shaw sponsorship to cover the full costs of a placement working in mental health units across Sri Lanka. Starting in October, Lorna will embark on a number of projects to boost the self-esteem, confidence and life skills of individuals in rural communities. The funding from Hörmann UK will subsidise Lorna’s training, accommodation, meals, and supplies required for the activities. Living with a Sri Lankan family, Lorna will spend eight weeks working in mental health clinics, children development centres, and psychiatric facilities. Lorna will also spend time in a number of schools for children with specific needs and learning difficulties, such as autism or brain injuries. Commenting on the sponsorship from Hörmann UK, Lorna said: “I am overwhelmed by Hörmann’s generosity; I never imagined that they would offer to pay the total cost. The placement will allow me to use my Psychology degree in a real-life scenario, and more importantly a cross cultural application. It’s also the perfect opportunity to give something back as well as develop my own psychological knowledge. When I return, I hope to integrate this experience into a job within the educational or developmental psychology field.” Managing director at Hörmann UK, Simon Hipgrave, said: “I’m sure Lorna will have a fantastic time and hopefully leave with lasting memories for years to come. Promoting positive mental health is incredibly important, so it was our pleasure to offer Lorna the full amount for her placement. Her work will touch the lives of those in communities that would otherwise not receive this level of care, especially not when it comes to their mental health.” Hörmann UK endeavours to support causes on both a local and global scale and is proud to have helped Lorna by providing £1,700 for the full sponsorship of her placement. For more information on the causes backed by Hörmann UK visit www.hormann.co.uk/news . Lorna Shaw