Door Industry Journal - Winter 2012

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk industry news MASTER LOCKSMITHS ASSOCIATION LAUNCH NEW USER-FRIENDLY WEBSITE Dr Steffan George, development director of the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) comments on the launch of a new user-friendly website: “Burglary rates are falling, with 677,000 burglaries reported in 2011/12 compared to 743,000 in 2010/11. However, the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) emphasises that this is no cause for complacency. 677,000 burglaries is 677,000 too many. It’s vital that as an industry we continue to promote the importance of security. “To promote public security and make it easier than ever to contact an MLA licensed, vetted and inspected locksmith, we have launched a newly redesigned and upgraded website. “The lack of a Government-backed licensing process for locksmiths has been an increasing concern within the industry. Unscrupulous traders and scam operators can charge high prices for substandard work and leave properties vulnerable. “To counter this, the MLA has produced a user-friendly website where individuals and businesses can find a wealth of security advice and source MLA approved companies who can be relied upon to provide high quality services with skill and integrity. “The website boasts an enhanced search function which allows users to search both geographically and by area of specialism for their local MLA locksmith. The facility to search by postcode gives an immediate indication of the MLA approved companies in the area and a ‘click on a region’ mapping device provides a visual tool. Lists of member locksmiths by region are also provided, ensuring that MLA member companies are given high visibility on the site as well as enhancing SEO. “The upgraded website reflects our mission to promote MLA licensed companies to the public and make professional security advice accessible to all. MLA Member Locksmiths are already gaining a significant amount of enquiries through the new website and we expect this to grow into 2013.” For further information or to find an approved MLA company please visit www.locksmiths.co.uk 9 THE door industry journal winter 2012 NEWS UPDATE FROM NOVOFERM AND CARDALE We announced back in April that Novoferm and Cardale had merged their UK based businesses. Novoferm UK being part of Sanwa, The World’s Largest Manufacturer of Garage Doors combined with Cardale through a joint venture to offer the ideal combination of British bespoke manufacturing and European volume production of all types of garage doors. Volume Success A direct result of their combined manufacturing strength has resulted in Novoferm UK being selected to be the sole supplier of Garage Doors to the UK’s largest House Builder, Barratt Homes. Commenting on the recent deal Steve Hobbs MD of Novoferm UK said: “We are delighted with the success of the JV; the company goes from strength to strength. To be sole supplier to Barratt’s has involved factory visits and commitment to further logistics. Barratt’s set the bar high and we look forward to a long mutually beneficial trading relationship. Novoferm offers a real alternative according to the largest house builder in the UK”. New Faces Continuing the theme of strength, Novoferm UK has strengthened their senior management team with the appointment of both Ian Hetherington and Peter McCarthy who are not only well known, but also well experienced in the industry. Ian’s expertise, more recently in roller doors, brings Novoferm and Cardale’s insulated Roller Doors, Novorol and Thermaglide into the next generation. Both are proving to be increasingly popular. Peter’s numerous years in the industry on the operational side of the business are turning out to be invaluable to Novoferm’s continuous programme of development. Watch out for new products in the New Year as Novoferm UK are to launch some very well known industry designs during 2013. Across Europe, Novoferm is strengthening its market position and in the UK, Novoferm UK continues to succeed and invest in the UK. To be part of that success phone the sales team on 01582 563 777 or email sales@novoferm.co.uk