Door Industry Journal - Winter 2017

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 20 THE door industry journal winter 2017 industry news STAFF DEVELOPMENT REACHES NEW HEIGHTS! Partnering with The National Business College JD (UK) Ltd. have invested in developing new talent within their business by putting faith in the potential of young people to meet the challenges of their fast-paced national garage door distribution business. This injection of enthusiastic and ambitious young people has proven a fantastic addition to the experienced team at JD (UK) Ltd. The future of the Garage Door Industry relies on attracting talented, bright young people to start a career in the industry. A forward thinking business can’t simply rely on continually recruiting only from a limited pool of talent within the industry. However to motivate, reward and retain good people requires a well thought out and structured training and development programme. Providing all the technical and product knowledge necessary to win the trust of customers is only one part of this. Perhaps more important is building a workplace culture within which all team members feel valued and respected. JD (UK) Ltd. have achieved a level of sales growth and expansion which has taken many in the industry by surprise. Being regularly commended for their first class service, JD (UK) Ltd take great pride in their staff recruitment, retention and development. So when a recent installation at Burn Gliding Club, of Selby near York, generated some excellent feedback, as well as the kind offer of a complimentary Glider Flight for one of the team, it seemed only natural to reward one of their “high fliers” with this fantastic experience (even if that does produce a very bad pun!). Jordan Bentley of Mirfield has been with JD (UK) Ltd. since January 2017 and, for customers he is a familiar voice, answering customer queries and assisting with the placement of Alutech sectional garage door orders. Jordan, who is studying for an NVQ III in Business Administration explained: “Working for JD has been a great opportunity for me, I get involved with lots of different areas of the business and everyone has been really supportive. I really enjoy my job and think this will be a great stepping stone for my future career.” After an Alutech sectional door was installed at Burn Gliding Club by Graham Higgins of Halifax Garage Doors the club got in touch to express their thanks. Burn Gliding Club, originally established as Doncaster Gliding Club at Doncaster Aerodrome in 1960, have been based at their current home, a former WW11 RAF Bomber Command base, since 1983. With 117 members launching up to 100 flights every weekend Burn Gliding Club operate a fleet of modern Gliders such as German Schleicher ASK21’s and ASK13 gliders and Janus Training Glider’s or single seat versions for more experienced members, qualified to fly solo. The 40mm insulated sectional door installed at the club has proven to be a great benefit for the club, and its members. Ian Styles, site manager, commented: “Although the door has only recently been installed in our workshop at Burn Gliding Club, the door is proving very convenient. It seems to be very robust and glides nicely up and down faultlessly as you would expect. We expect we will see many years of service from it.” The visit by JD (UK) Ltd. staff to Burn Gliding Club was a great day for all concerned and Jordan really seemed to enjoy the great opportunity to get out of the office and try something new. Jordan recommended anybody with a head for heights and an interest in aviation to consider giving gliding a try. Lots more information, including how to book your own experience voucher can be found online at www.burnglidingclub.co.uk . JD (UK) Ltd are confident their customers will continue to enjoy first class service, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the whole team at JD’s head office in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire. With JD’s commitment to staff development, and the talents of bright young apprentices like Jordan, no doubt this recipe for success will continue for a long time to come! To learn more about Alutech sectional doors please call JD (UK) Ltd.’s customer service team on 01924 472924 or e-mail sales@jdukltd.co.uk . ©2017 Burn Gliding Club