Industrial Doors & Shutters Automated Gates & Barriers Industry News Domestic Garage Doors Access Control & Smart Security Entrance, Internal, Sliding & Bi-folding Doors Doorsets, Fire Doors, Safety & Security Locks & Building Hardware Jewers Doors Celebrates 40 Years in Business The Voice of the UK Door & Gate Industry | Winter 2023
THE door industry journal winter 2023 Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk Advertising and Editorial The Door Industry Journal PO Box 508 Warninglid Haywards Heath West Sussex RH17 5GY T: 01444 464147 F: 01444 464148 E: mail@doorindustryjournal.co.uk Design Agency Freelance Design & Graphics PO Box 508 Warninglid Haywards Heath West Sussex RH17 5GY T: 01444 461796 F: 01444 461596 E: info@freelance-design.co.uk Advisory Partner The Door & Hardware Federation The Barn Shuttington Fields Farm Main Road Shuttington Tamworth B79 0HA T: 01827 52337 F: 01827 310827 Printed Circulation: Door Industry Journal is a controlled free circulation publication and is available free of charge only to personnel who fall within our defined criteria. Copies are available on subscription to persons or companies who do not qualify. Our current printed circulation is just under 5000 copies. Digital Circulation: Our current digital circulation reaches around 12,500 readers. Annual Subscription Rates: £17.95 (UK), £29.95 (EU), £38.95 (Rest of World) To subscribe visit: www.doorindustryjournal.co.uk 3 Follow us on Twitter @DoorIndustryJnl The Door Industry Journal is an independently produced and edited trade publication, published by Avalon Innovations LLP on behalf of the door, security, lock, ironmongery and automated gate industries, with support and guidance provided by our advisory partner The Door and Hardware Federation (dhf) and other carefully selected industry bodies. Companies selling to the any of the above industry sectors wishing to find out more about advertising or having articles published in the Door Industry Journal should visit our website at www.doorindustryjournal.co.uk or download our media pack at www.dijonline.co.uk . Alternatively, to obtain further information, discuss your advertising requirements or to enquire about special features and advertorials, please call us on 01444 464147 or send an email to advertising@doorindustryjournal.co.uk . Door Industry Journal is a trading style of Avalon Innovations LLP. Company No. OC364751 Derek Hibbart, Editor, Door Industry Journal welcome With Christmas nearly upon us, that can only mean one thing…The winter edition of the DIJ is here! I’ve spent the last four weeks preparing the content for this issue and, as we go to press, I think this is one of the few days recently without any rain! That’s a stark contrast to the hot and dry conditions when working on the summer issue. As for the outlook in our industry, I would say it’s looking reasonably bright. Despite uncertainty in the building industry the sector is, generally speaking, holding up quite well. There is plenty of growth and activity, certainly if this issue is anything to go by. To find out what’s going on, take a look inside at the plethora of stories from across the sector. Here are a few highlights: • Jewers Doors celebrates 40 years in business (p6) • Celebrating the life of Roy Chamberlain – of Chamberlain Doors – who has sadly passed (p8) • All the information you need on the Secured by Design initiative (p24) • Ellard’s journey towards de-carbonisation (p28) • ThermoSecure is raising its production game thanks to new investment (p60) • Alucorb is travelling the country to spread the word about its partnership with gate manufacturer HorizAL (p90) • IN2 Access announces a distribution partnership with Sweden’s Comlink (p94) • Kirk Smith, of Allegion UK, explains how a door becomes a fire door (p104) • Squire launches a new smart security system for remote control access (p116) • Some holiday fun (p121) That lot - and everything else packed inside - should keep you going over the festive break! As ever, thank you to all our readers, advertisers and contributors for your support throughout 2023. I wish you all a merry Christmas and a prosperous and happy New Year.
Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk contents 5 42 The Importance of Avoiding Finger - Crushing Incidents Painful finger-trapping accidents are far more common than you might think. A staggering 30,000 people trap and seriously crush their fingers in doors every year and over 1,500 of these alarming incidents, particularly involving children, will require surgery. 70 Not Just Another Sectional Door! Back in January, Novoferm officially released an improved version of the ISO45 sectional door. 80 Alliance Door Engineering’s Customer Portal Ready for Launch A key supplier to the door industry, they are not just keeping up with the latest trends; they are committed to setting new standards for customer service within the industry. 88 A Top Year for Training at BFT Automation Training more than 100 people in the first six months of 2023, in a year that has also seen the appointment of James Downey as its new UK Training Manager. 94 IN2 Access Announces Partnership with Swedish Company Comlink Shropshire-based IN2 Access becomes UK distribution partner for Swedish firm. 98 Exquisite European Oak Entrance, as seen on Grand Designs Corinne Rowe, has just been featured on series 23 of Grand Designs, to learn more about the inspiration – and vision – for this intriguing space. 106 Knowledge Is Key: How To Ensure Fire Door Compliance Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, recent years have seen an influx of new statutory guidelines relating to fire safety as part of the Home Office’s fire safety reform programme. 118 The Right Door Hardware for Easy Escape Here, Roland Etheridge at IronmongeryDirect outlines what is available when it comes to escape door hardware, what to look for when selecting products and how to ensure security. 121 Measure Twice, Cut Once... Industry News Industrial Doors & Shutters Domestic Garage Doors Access Control & Smart Security 6 72 Automated Gates & Barriers 86 49 94 Entrance, Internal, Sliding & Bi-folding Doors Doorsets, Fire Doors, Safety & Security 96 103 Locks & Building Hardware Take a Break Services 114 121 123 6-7 Jewers Doors Celebrates 40 Years in Business! Jewers Doors - the UK’s leading supplier of world-class hangar doors and industrial sliding / folding doors - celebrates a milestone birthday this year, with 2023 marking 40 years since the firm first opened for business. THE door industry journal winter 2023
Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 6 THE door industry journal winter 2023 Industry News Jewers Doors Celebrates 40 Years in Business! Jewers Doors - the UK’s leading supplier of world-class hangar doors and industrial sliding / folding doors - celebrates a milestone birthday this year, with 2023 marking 40 years since the firm first opened for business. Founder Nigel Jewers started Jewers Doors after working for the Educational Supply Association (ESA) in the 1970s and early 1980s, which at the time was the UK’s leading school furniture supplier. He initially worked for the Esavian division whose specialty was a folding door for classroom partitions, which they also developed for use in aircraft hangars. Nigel left to start his own firm – originally called Nigel Jewers Associates – in November 1983, before acquiring the Esavian name a few years later, after his former employer started to struggle. The company’s first product was an insulated folding industrial door designed specifically for bus garages, fire stations, and small hangars. This versatile door would go on to become the Jewers’ Phoenix range, which is thriving today and comprises three different products - Swift, Osprey, and Kingfisher – that are designed to cater to a wide range of use, all with a maximum opening height of between 6 and 8 metres. They are constructed using Jewers’ unique rigid composite panel system and meet the harshest of industrial applications while maintaining strong architectural appeal. From the outset, the company partnered with major UK industrial door manufacturer Henderson Doors to sell the Phoenix range exclusively under the Henderson brand. This partnership gave Jewers national reach and helped drive the fledgling company’s early growth. The other part of the Jewers business was, and still is, the Esavian range of hangar doors. This product has undergone
Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 7 THE door industry journal winter 2023 Industry News considerable development and is now renowned worldwide as a bespoke door for large aircraft hangars. Fast forward to 1998, and Jewers split from Henderson following the latter’s acquisition by a new parent company. Jewers Doors Phoenix Director Mark Jewers says this proved a pivotal moment: “Splitting from Henderson gave us the impetus we needed to go our own way and accelerate our national and international expansion. We started to focus on direct sales of the Phoenix range to other UK door companies, as well as exports and business growth in the Middle East.” This strategy proved successful and by 2005 Jewers had an office in Dubai, where local sales, installation, and service teams are now based to handle booming demand for both Phoenix and Esavian door ranges. Major projects followed, including a commission of 12 hangar doors to house Emirates’ new fleet of Airbus A380s along Dubai’s new airport runway, and a mammoth 560 metre-wide x 26 metre-high hangar door system for the Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s, private hangar, which cemented the firm’s reputation in the region. Over the years, Jewers has continued growing its overseas business, including securing its first North American partner and establishing a presence across Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australasia. The domestic market has also proved profitable, with major projects over the years including a huge project to manufacture and install over 350 folding door sets for a British Army garrison complex in Colchester. Jewers continues to grow both domestically and globally and is backing this growth with continued investment in its manufacturing base. During COVID they built a brand new state-of-the-art, 60,000 sq. ft. factory in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire to help drive the next generation of product design, efficiency, and quality. Mark believes consistent innovation has been critical to Jewers’ longevity in a competitive sector: “We’ve retained our traditional engineering and craftsmanship but capabilities have never stood still on product development. Adapting to market needs is an essential part of our business strategy, so we will always look to give our clients what they want.” Throughout its evolution, Jewers has remained a tight-knit family affair. Founder Nigel Jewers formally retired in 2002 but, according to Mark, “still works most weeks” to see the business he built reach new heights. Today, the firm continues under the direction of Nigel’s three sons Christopher, Mark, and Jonathan. “Customers value working with the same family through the generations,” explains Mark. “And for us, it’s about more than just business - it’s part of our family legacy.” In summary, Mark says Jewers’ 40th anniversary is a testament to “getting the basics right”. He concludes, “Our business is built on engineering ingenuity and quality, responding to customers, and caring for our staff. We uphold these core tenets. The rest has grown from that. We’ll retain our focus on specialist doors where we can add value through engineering excellence and customisation.” With such strong foundations in place, the future looks bright for Jewers as it embarks on its next 40 years as a specialist UK manufacturer and family-run global brand. To find out more about Jewers Doors, go to www.jewersdoors.co.uk, call 01767 317090, or email postroom@jewersdoors.co.uk
Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 8 THE door industry journal winter 2023 Industry News Celebration of Life Roy Chamberlain 25th November 1950 - 4th October 2023 It is never easy to say goodbye to someone who has been part of our lives. When that person has gone there is a void where they used to be in your life whether it be Family, Friend or Work Colleague. It’s a void that cannot be filled with a garage door! However, when an individual has lived the fullest of lives and has influenced and touched the lives of so many, memories flood back and when the mould is broken they leave their mark in so many ways. Roy Chamberlain, husband to Madge, father to Kelly & Lindsay and grandad to Isobel, Jack & Olivia sadly passed away in October after a period of ill health. Many of you reading this (Friends & Associates) will have known Roy from Chamberlain Doors, an extensive business based in Bolton which will be celebrating 50 years in 2024. Starting his working life at Bolton Gate Company, Roy was promoted to production manager before he was 20, so it is not surprising that during the last 50 years since Roy established Chamberlain Doors, he rose to be at the forefront of the garage door industry not only building a robust and successful business but also working with other leading garage door specialists to found the AGDS (Association of Garage Door Specialists) and serving as it’s first chair. Roy spent his working life driving improvements & change to the benefit of the industry, challenging and changing what he felt was wrong, leading by example and developing a ‘We Can and We Do’ culture. He was an honest businessman, integrity was his watchword and he has inspired many. In business, Roy could be hard but always with a soft centre. He always treated everyone with the utmost respect and recognised the contribution of even the most junior cog in the wheel. On a Saturday morning, he was often to be found in the warehouse facility at Chamberlain Doors with a bag of bacon butties or pasties and chatting with the drivers, installers and warehouse staff. Tributes flowed at Roy’s funeral at which many industry members were present and many a word has been shared about Roy since his passing, describing Roy as a ‘Legend’ and ‘Irreplaceable’, ‘Garage Door Royalty’, ‘a Colossal’, ‘a Garage Door God’, ‘a lovely man’, ‘a loyal friend’. Whilst many of Roy’s achievements are well known it was little known that Roy introduced roller doors to the UK following a memorable trip to Australia when he secured an arrangement to ship containers of doors across the world on the strength of a handshake. Robert Thompson of B & D in Australia who remained friends with Roy over the years wrote shortly after his death “Roy was a giant in our lives and we will all have our wonderful, sometimes outrageous stories to share. In many ways, Roy was a quiet achiever, with humility, but then you will see him astounding people with his clever business strategies and dogged
9 THE door industry journal winter 2023 Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk Industry News determination. His legacy will live on in our hearts. His cheeky laugh, that huge smile and that twinkle in his eye as an idea popped into his sharp mind.” Many of Roy’s friends from the world of garage doors have shared their memories and their ‘outrageous stories’ and here are some of them. Fred Wing from Essex Garage Doors writes: “Before or after AGDS meetings in Leicester, but sometimes in Glasgow, Exeter or Birmingham, we would have time to chat and sometimes reminisce. “Roy firstly allowed me to join and as was his way, then brought me in closer. We spoke about everything but always his main concern was for families, first his and then everyone else’s, including mine and that of his workforce. “One item that stood out, was when my father took Roy to London with a bunch of Henderson guys and other Garage Door people they landed up in a Club of some sort and everyone was drinking G&T’s but Roy being a young Bolton lad asked for a Pint....but they only had half-pint glasses, so my father went to the pub next door and bought a pint glass and got the club to fill it for him. Amazing what you remember! “Another time on a Henderson trip to Las Vegas with a group of 30, most of the guys decided to go off and explore, for want of a better word, the nightlife!!!! I waved them off and came back into the lobby and Roy was sitting there alone, he asked why I was not going with the group and after a brief discussion we decided that we had both seen enough of the nightlife in question and did not need to see more and we headed off to the tables. “On the return flight, he noticed that I had two suitcases rather than the one I came with and remarked, “was the second case for my winnings!” I explained to him in one way it was, as I used my winnings from the nightlife night to buy many clothes for my young children as they were so much cheaper in the US. He just smiled warmly. “In later life, Roy became a pilot, something that, just like his work life he enjoyed passionately, whether it was business or pleasure, taking to the skies was memorable!! especially for Karen Diggle”, writes Fred. “Once Roy came to our farm in Somerset for a business meeting!! And to visit our pigs. A country day out for the Bolton lad and Karen, his face was a delight when Karen was in with the piglets in the field and she got splattered...He liked the bacon as well.” His family was his epicentre, all he worked for, “Well, along with the odd curry and a pint!!!” Derek Hibbart (now the editor of this magazine) recalls: “I remember visiting the Sonoran Desert Museum in Tucson, Arizona during a trade supplier (Liftmaster) visit to America and Mexico in the 1990s. What I remember, in particular, is Roy standing close to some huge cactuses (or should that be cacti) in his usual attire (suit, collar and tie) out in the baking heat. “Another memorable occasion I will never forget is being with Roy and the rest of the AGDS (Association of Garage Doors Specialists) committee at a meeting at the Hilton Hotel in Leicester in September 2011 when he took a call from his daughter telling him to check the news that was breaking – the event was 9 /11.” An old associate – Gordon Bettany remembers a day of Clay Pigeon Shooting when Roy was just about to shout “pull” when an RAF Chinook came belly up over the hill – What a noise and what a narrow escape. Gordon also remembers Roy preferring fish and chips out of the paper to a gourmet meal at Le Manoir – but that was Roy all over! Roy and Graham Barber, Ex FD at Cardale remained friends and kept very much in touch even when their business connections were over, often speaking and putting the world to rights – They usually agreed that the country would be in much better shape if Roy was PM and Graham was Chancellor. Graham shared this memory – “I was born and bred in Moss Side, Manchester and as a child enjoyed occasional days out to Blackpool. As a result of the outings I looked upon the place with much nostalgia and one of the great experiences of my life was travelling with Roy in a two-seater light aircraft straight and level at around 500 feet along the promenade and Golden Mile. It was a breath-taking experience the memory of which will live with me forever.” Roy loved work as much as he loved life. He never lost his enthusiasm for the industry and for Chamberlain Doors and he made a massive contribution to our industry not only in the UK but across the world and the Garage Door Industry could not have asked for a better ambassador. Thank You Roy.
Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk Industry News Out of the Blue – ADSA Firms up Competency with New Guide The third Monday of January is known as ‘Blue Monday’. Around the same time, the Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) will be launching its Blue Book – a ‘go to’ reference guide that promises to put a smile on everyone’s face. It is a one-stop reference source for technicians and the wider industry, a code of practice that brings together details of legislation and standards, competency and compliance for technicians and the wider industry. It is being produced within an A5 folder which will be presented to newly qualified technicians who successfully undertake the EN 16005 training course and examination. It is therefore intended to consolidate learning and become a fact-checker for access and use on site, if required.
The publication further boosts ADSA’s bid to increase levels of competence and professionalism and keep industry standards high explains ADSA MD Ken Price. “It is the first time that ADSA has collated all this key information in one place and we have decided to produce it as a robust physical document that can be updated if legislation or standards change. By producing this in a ring binder format, sections can be removed and replaced as needed. “We hope that it will become part of a technician’s day-to-day toolkit, that will accompany them to jobs and be shown to customers if required. It will also be published online but we were mindful that technicians often visit some remote places, so being able to have a physical copy, should make it easily available.” The publication is part of ADSA’s ongoing commitment to maintain high industry standards through its people. The organisation is part of the Joint Competency Initiative (JCI) which was formed as a response to the Hackett Report and subsequent Building Safety Act. It is intended to achieve coordinated levels of competence across the construction industry. The JCI recently put in place ‘super sector’ groups to provide focus and deliver work streams needed to make this a reality. Ken Price is leading the super sector group for the door industry, working with Helen Hewitt, Chief Executive of the British Woodworking Federation and Bob Perry, Chief Executive of the Door & Hardware Federation. Terms of reference for the sector group have been created and a qualifications questionnaire and gap analysis undertaken. Initial findings indicate a need for formal educational accreditation to ensure parity across the industry and transparency around the process of attainment. Says Ken: “One of the key findings of the Hackett Report was an acknowledgement of skills, knowledge and behaviours as a model for competence but the industry has also highlighted the importance of experience within this mix, and moving forward we are applying a SKEB approach to all our learning and development.” Alongside this, ADSA has undertaken a review of its Standards Renewal training to include new and improved content and greater rigour around final testing. It promises to be more interactive and dynamic – with video content involving those across the industry. It includes a refreshed Powered Pedestrian Door (PPD) and the Law module to support a greater understanding of legislation and the requirements of the Supply of Machinery Safety Regulations (SMR08) along with more detail on safeguarding, identifying key hazards and methods of protection. Adds Ken: “We have identified key areas of learning and worked hard to make the course more interactive and engaging.” The final test will be more rigorous – with a longer and automatically randomised test. Each candidate will be presented with 30 from a possible 150 questions, providing a 2.5 million to 1 chance that candidates will get the same multiple choice or multiple response questions. This will launch in January, together with The Blue Book – heralding a new chapter in the quest for competence. For more information on ADSA visit: www.adsa.org.uk or call: 01827 216136. Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 11 THE door industry journal winter 2023 Industry News Have you liked our Facebook and Twitter pages yet? We post news everyday! www.facebook.com/DoorIndustryJournal www.twitter.com/DoorIndustryJnl
Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk THE door industry journal winter 2023 Industry News 12 The Homebuilding and Renovating Show 2023 Second Year of Success for SWS UK Leading manufacturer SWS UK, along with Access Garage Doors and Somfy UK, returned to the Homebuilding and Renovating Show at the ExCel London for the second year running. The Homebuilding and Renovating Show attracts more than 70,000 visitors during events held at 7 locations across the UK. This year, the London leg of the event saw visitor numbers return to pre-COVID levels, with a 3% rise compared to last year. Collectively, it remains the biggest event of its kind and provides the perfect opportunity for suppliers and manufacturers to exhibit their products to potential selfbuilders, custom-builders, architects, and renovators. Following the success of the 2022 show, SWS UK once again collaborated with its distributor Access Garage Doors and home automation expert Somfy UK. The event, which ran from 22nd – 24th September provided the ideal platform for SWS UK to professionally display its range of SeceuroGlide Roller and Sectional Garage Doors, using life-size, working models. Everything was powered by Somfy, who also took the opportunity to showcase the innovative TaHoma Home Automation System. Live demonstrations on how homeowners could use their phones to control their garage door proved popular, particularly with homeowners embracing the trend for full home automation. Giving the stand the wow factor was SWS UK’s newest product, SeceuroStyle Plantation Shutters. The aluminium bi-fold shutter is an exciting alternative to traditional roller shutters and wooden plantation shutters, and its stylish design is proving to be markedly appealing within the domestic market. To maximise their presence at the event, SWS UK constructed a professionally designed display. The 48m2 stand housed two custom-built frames that effectively showcased each of its products. This allowed visitors to see the quality behind SWS UK’s leading designs whilst getting hands-on with testing out the controls and automation. Eye-catching graphics and informative signage were used to draw visitors to the stand and highlight the companies’ individual brands. Commenting on the exhibition, Marketing Manager, Chloe Wiggins said: “The Homebuilding & Renovating Show is an important date on many builders’ and home renovators’ calendars. Up to 79% of visitors are working on a live project, so it’s an event we didn’t want to miss! “Joining forces with Access Garage Doors and Somfy UK was a huge success last year, so we were delighted to be able to do it again. We were able to collaborate with SWS UK’s product knowledge and their commercial understanding of the domestic market. This allowed us to effectively demonstrate our products, whilst giving each of our brands recognition in the building industry.” For further information on any of SWS UK’s products visit www.sws.co.uk Interested in appearing in the Spring Edition? SAVE THESE DEADLINE DATES: Features Editorial Advert Artwork 15th February 25th February 5th March
Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 14 THE door industry journal winter 2023 Industry News Alunet Systems’ Double Success: Showcasing Innovation and Industry Leadership in Two Open Day Events Alunet Systems, a leading systems supplier in the window and door industry, recently concluded a highly successful open-day event on the 4th of October. This event not only unveiled their latest innovations but also highlighted their continued growth and dedication to staying at the forefront of market trends and customer demands. The event was such as success, that they held another exciting open day on the 22nd of November. The October open day brought together industry professionals and showcased Alunet Systems’ impressive strides in product development and expansion. The spotlight was on two groundbreaking creations: the ALUNA Rooflight and the innovative clip-in bead design for the versatile BF73 system. The ALUNA Rooflight, a game-changer for interior spaces, offers modern design aesthetics and advanced functionality while enhancing natural light. The clip-in bead design, on the other hand, addresses both aesthetics and functionality, making it a valuable addition to their product lineup. Steve Kendrick, the Managing Director of Alunet Systems, emphasised their commitment to delivering top-tier products that meet the evolving needs of customers. The open day served as a platform not only to showcase innovations but also to connect with industry leaders and partners who share their passion for excellence. The event also featured other popular products from the range launched earlier in the year, including the contemporary and energy-efficient ACW81 and ESS47 systems. One attendee of the October event, Chris from Neu-Era Ltd, commented on the open day, saying: “It was a good day, and I was impressed by how everything needed for a residential dwelling is provided in one place, from garage doors to roof lights. The sliding doors and roof lights were especially interesting, they seem well thought out and incredibly fitter friendly.” Due to the resounding success of their October open day, Alunet Systems held a second event on the 22nd of November. Known for its innovative designs and stylish yet practical solutions, the company continues to lead the industry with its latest product offerings and is always eager to demonstrate them. Alunet Systems’ open days have become much-anticipated opportunities for industry professionals to witness groundbreaking achievements and gain industry insights. The October event provided an ideal platform for networking and offered attendees an up-close look at the company’s exciting product innovations and informative demonstrations. The positive feedback and high praise received from the October event have fuelled Alunet’s enthusiasm for continued innovation, motivating the team to respond to this feedback by holding the second open day in November. The November open day was another informative and collaborative event, that provided the team at Alunet Systems a fantastic opportunity to share their passion for innovation and design with fellow industry professionals. Providing attendees with the chance to see firsthand the industry’s latest advancements and witness Alunet Systems’ commitment to excellence and innovation, the event proved to be an incredibly valuable day. www.alunetsystems.co.uk Have you liked our Facebook and Twitter pages yet? We post news everyday! www.twitter.com/DoorIndustryJnl
Garador Back Yeovil Town Leading garage door manufacturer Garador has announced it is to renew its sponsorship for Yeovil Town Football Club Garador will be a key sponsor for The Glovers, Yeovil town’s main men’s football team, for the coming season where the team will be competing in the National League South. Yeovil Town Football Club has a record of exciting wins, including an historic game against Manchester United in front of 81,000 spectators. In recent years the club has been encountering some changes and reorganisation but now the team is once again well set for future success. Jon Watson, managing director of Garador, said: “Our head office and garage door manufacturing plant are based here in Yeovil, and so we are especially delighted to be able to sponsor our local team. Many of our employees are keen supporters and knowing we are now assisting the team will give them extra reason to cheer for success during the next season’s games.” www.garador.co.uk 15 THE door industry journal winter 2023 Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk Do you want your company to feature in the Door Industry Journal but don’t know what to write? Don’t worry, help is at hand… Martin Sayers at MSCopy is the copywriting partner for the DIJ and is available to write your editorial, marketing and advertising copy. It is his job to write words that drive customers to your door. Martin has over a decade of experience and can produce copy for you based on a simple written brief or telephone interview. If words are failing you then contact Martin Sayers today – call 01223 476286 or email mail@mscopy.co.uk www.mscopy.co.uk Martin Sayers Are you lost for words? This column intends to give you advice on how to improve your marketing communications – websites, emails, brochures etc. As a copywriter, it’s my job to sell with words and I hope you can benefit from my experience. It’s a universal truth of marketing that if you provide helpful advice to people, they are more inclined to buy from you. As an example: A gardening firm near me posts out a newsletter that gives advice to the greenfingered - how to protect grass seed, when to plant out roses etc. Then, when my garden needed the professional touch, this company was first on my list to call. I hired them, as they’d already proven their expertise and I felt confident they’d do a good job (which they did). I know you’re not a gardener, but this principle works for you whatever you’re selling. If you provide advice your potential customers find useful, then you are more likely to sell to them – it’s as simple as that. Martin on Marketing
Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 16 THE door industry journal winter 2023 Industry News CSCS Cards: Ensuring Safety and Competency in the Construction Industry Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens, dhf Commercial Director advises getting it right when “Navigating the Changing Landscape of Qualifications and Grandfather Rights”. The construction industry has had a wakeup call, with the launch of the revised standards and regulations, it places an increasing emphasis on safety, competency, and qualifications. At the heart of this drive are CSCS cards, or Construction Skills Certification Scheme cards, which have become a hallmark of professionalism in the sector. In this article, we delve into the critical aspects surrounding CSCS cards, their significance, and the evolving landscape of qualifications in the construction industry. The construction industry is diverse, with a wide array of job roles and specialisms. To reflect this diversity, CSCS offers a range of cards, each tailored to specific roles and skill levels. Among these, the coveted Blue Skilled Worker card stands out, signifying a higher level of competency and qualifications. Since the Grenfell tragedy, there has been a notable shift in the industry, with Tier 1 contractors increasingly prioritising competency and evidence thereof. This shift aims to ensure that installations are carried out by trained specialists who are experts in their field, ultimately raising the bar for work standards. The so-called ‘grandfather rights,’ a system that previously allowed some individuals to work without formal qualifications, are set to become obsolete by 31st December 2024 and the clock has started ticking for replacement cards. This shift underscores the industry’s commitment to promoting a safer and more qualified workforce. The construction industry features a variety of CSCS cards, including the Green Co-Worker card and the coveted Blue Skilled Worker card. The specific card you need depends on your qualifications and the level of independence you seek while working on construction sites. Additionally, the correct endorsements should be a focal point to match your skill set and job role accurately. Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens, dhf Commercial Director stated: “To obtain a CSCS card, one typically needs to complete a relevant National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) that aligns with their specific job role and is fit for purpose. Selecting the right NVQ that matches your work within the construction industry is of paramount importance. It’s essential to be cautious about specialised NVQs offered by various organisations. Some may not align directly with your job role, potentially causing complications in obtaining the correct CSCS card and ultimately getting on-site. Ensuring your NVQ is specific to your field of work is crucial.” “Likewise, there is a need to ensure that you obtain your industry-relevant CSCS card from a bona fide provider and not one that sort of ‘fits the bill’ for an additional fee!” She concludes. In the quest for qualifications and CSCS cards that match industry requirements, dhf and its sister company ESA, formed with the Automatic Door Suppliers Association, ADSA, offer specialised NVQs and cards specific to the Door, Gate and Loading Bay Equipment industries. These resources ensure that individuals have the right qualifications to gain access to construction sites and work independently. In conclusion, the significance of CSCS cards cannot be overstated in the construction industry. These cards serve as a testament to an individual’s qualifications, competency, and commitment to safety. As the industry undergoes changes and upgrades in standards, it’s essential to stay informed and ensure that your qualifications, NVQ, and CSCS card are tailored to your role in the field. With the right qualifications, you can gain access to construction sites and work independently, contributing to a safer and more professional construction industry. For further information and to apply for a CSCS card visit or scan the QR code: https://bit.ly/3yYa44a For further information regarding obtaining an NVQ visit: www.esa.uk.com or scan the QR code.
14 THE door industry journal winter 2023 Industry News Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk
OPEN DOORS It’s all about communication… In the bustling realm of today’s information age, the pivotal role of communication cannot be overstated. For the dhf, with a diverse and growing membership exceeding 500 members, the essence of communication serves as the linchpin of effective interaction. This extensive membership base ranges from small family-run businesses to multi-million-pound companies, with a significant amount by organisations abroad, mainly in Europe. No matter the size or structure, dhf’s foremost duty is keeping its members well informed, primarily concerning the raft of industry standards and evolving legislation. The avenues of communication used by dhf are as diverse as their membership, ensuring that all remain well-versed in the latest industry developments. These channels include a series of regular Product Group meetings, the informative monthly newsletter named ‘Dashboard,’ and an exclusive members-only area on the dhf website to name a few. Beyond these internal channels, dhf’s unwavering commitment to knowledgesharing extends to its affiliation with esteemed bodies such as the Construction Products Association (CPA) and Build UK, ensuring that members receive pertinent information from these sources. Still, dhf’s horizon extends further. We actively reach out to companies within the industry, not just confining our outreach to our membership base. This is done by way of press releases and articles disseminated through revered trade publications like DIJ. And of course, we are fortunate to have very knowledgeable technical and commercial teams who are happy to offer advice and guidance. However, in a world inundated with data and a constant deluge of regulatory changes resulting from The Building Safety Act, a singular challenge looms large – the challenge of Information Overload. In response, dhf is adopting a proactive approach to streamline information dissemination. The objective is simple: to make this abundance of information as accessible and comprehensible as possible, with a determined focus on the heart of the matter. For dhf members, the question couldn’t be clearer: “How and when does this affect my business?”, whether you’re a sole trader or lead a multinational corporation. A regular comment column, brought to you by Bob Perry, CEO, Door and Hardware Federation For more information, please visit www.dhfonline.org.uk THE door industry journal winter 2023 Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk Bob Perry, dhf CEO GEZE UK Celebrates 160 Years with Bubbles, Bunting and Balloons GEZE, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of innovative and modern door, window and safety technology has been celebrating 160 years in business across all of its subsidiaries around the world throughout 2023. At GEZE UK we invited all colleagues across our 8 offices nationwide to join in the celebration and have some fun. Each office was decorated with bunting and balloons and staff were sent cakes and biscuits iced with GEZE 160 years as well as bubbles to blow and other goodies. Under the motto hundred + sixty years young GEZE has been celebrating across the globe. In addition, a microsite www.160years.geze.com has been created detailing the company’s history. Founded in 1863, in Germany, the business remains in the same family and has grown to employ over 3,000 people globally, with 37 subsidiaries in 22 countries. Kaz Spiewakowski, MD for GEZE UK said: “It’s fantastic to see so many of our GEZE UK colleagues joining in the fun to mark our company’s 160th anniversary. It is an incredible achievement that at 160 years old the company is still family-owned and continues to grow and develop innovative products”. For more information about GEZE UK’s comprehensive range of automatic and manual door and window control products visit www.geze.co.uk
Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 20 THE door industry journal winter 2023 Industry News BigChange Drives Growth at Building & Facilities Access Company Crucial Engineering The cloud-based system is used across the company to provide end-to-end automated workflows from initial enquiry through to job completion reporting, invoicing, and customer care follow-ups. Having seen business growth of 800 per cent since implementing the cloud-based system, Crucial Engineering now plans to increase its geographical coverage using the BigChange Collaboration Network. The Network allows Crucial to connect with sub-contractors nationwide who also use BigChange, ensuring consistent procedures, reporting, performance and service KPIs. “I knew right from the start how I wanted the business to run so I adopted BigChange after just three months of trading,” commented Paul Van Heeswyk, Managing Director and founder of Crucial Engineering. “I was literally loading jobs onto the system in the morning, doing the work during the day, and completing reports and invoicing while I ate my dinner. Despite being mocked for creating more work for myself, I was adamant, that if I wanted the company to succeed and flourish, I needed to put in place the correct working practices, that would allow managed expansion, underpinned by the highest levels of efficiency and service. Crucial Engineering is underpinning a UKwide expansion of its aluminium fabrication and automated access business with the BigChange job management system which live links field engineers to backoffice support staff using a mobile app.
“BigChange has given me this and more,” he continued. “Using BigChange we have had the working practices and management structure of a much bigger company from the start. This has mitigated many of the growing pains that companies like ours have to go through.” Crucial Engineering was established in 2016 specialising in automated access systems including industrial doors, automated gates and barriers and loading bay solutions. Working with blue chip clients such as Audi, Arnold Clark, CBRE, and Travis Perkins, Crucial has added an aluminium fabrication division and a glazing production division, which includes manufacturing and installing aluminium curtain walling, shopfronts, windows, and doors. Using the BigChange job management system, which incorporates a mobile workforce app, customer relationship management (CRM), job scheduling, live tracking, resource management, job finance and business intelligence, has meant that Crucial has been virtually paper-free for more than 6 years. The BigChange Collaboration Network has also allowed Crucial to identify and engage with other BigChange users. With Crucial, its new partners, and existing contractors, all using the same reporting platform, the customer receives a seamless service and management has total visibility of the mobile operation. By sharing existing and proven digital workflows Crucial can also maintain its first-class customer service levels and performance targets, regardless of who is actually delivering the work package. “Like us BigChange continues to evolve and adapt,” he concluded. “During the last few years, we have had to diversify our product and service offering and BigChange has continued to deliver. “Using BigChange we have proven, that in spite of difficult or challenging circumstances, we can provide the highest levels of choice, quality and service, and we are confident that we can build on our growth profile and achieve our ambitions for a UK-wide operation.” For more information: email: info@bigchange.com, +44 (0)113 457 1000, www.bigchange.com 21 THE door industry journal winter 2023 Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk Industry News Have you liked our Facebook page yet? We post news everyday! www.facebook.com/DoorIndustryJournal
Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 22 THE door industry journal winter 2023 Industry News Supporting Employee Development Throughout the Business At Ellard, career development is more important than ever, and they want to ensure that their employees are constantly growing and progressing in their careers. With the right training and support, employees can feel confident taking on new roles and responsibilities, which can ultimately benefit the business as a whole. This article shines a spotlight on Sara Smith and Ryan Nixon, who have recently started a new journey and progressed into some exciting new roles! Meet Sara Smith: Account Manager (Export) We had the opportunity to catch up with Sara recently as she has taken on an exciting new role at Ellard as an Internal Account Manager with a focus on export. Working alongside Paul Lindsay to support customers in Scotland and Ireland, Sara is thrilled about this new adventure and is eager to take on new challenges in her career. We asked her about her thoughts on the recent changes and she expressed her enthusiasm for the new role and the opportunities it presents. “I will be looking after our Scottish, Irish, and Export customers and aim to provide a seamless link between the external and internal Account Managers for Ellard. My goal is to ensure all customers have a central point of contact for any quotations, orders, technical inquiries, or anything else they may need help with on a day-to-day basis. “I am most looking forward to the challenge of the new role as this is something I haven’t done before, and I always want to push myself and increase my knowledge. “I have worked for Ellard since 2019 and have varying roles in Customer Services and Export, and because of this, I believe I have the experience to provide a high standard of service to our customers to build stronger, long-term working partnerships.” Meet Ryan Nixon: Production Engineer We can also announce that Ryan will soon begin his new role as Production Engineer at Ellard. In this position, he will be responsible for managing the manufacturing process and ensuring that everything runs smoothly and efficiently. Ryan started with Ellard as an Electrical Engineer Apprentice, and it has been truly exciting to learn of his growth and development over the years. Ellard’s management feel confident that he will excel in his new role and continue to make valuable contributions to the company. Ryan shared his thoughts on this new career chapter: “I am looking forward to being part of, and leading this dynamic team, I am confident that my skills and experience will be a valuable asset to the team, and I am eager to contribute to the success of Ellard.” A spokesperson from Ellard said: “It has been truly wonderful to witness the growth and development of these two individuals during their time at Ellard. We take great pride in supporting our employees’ professional development and are grateful for the opportunities through a range of valuable courses, including First Line Managers, empowerment courses, and professional development qualifications, we strive to enhance our knowledge base and maintain exceptional standards of service”. www.ellard.co.uk
Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 24 THE door industry journal winter 2023 Industry News The Importance of the Police Preferred Specification Standard for Security Products Secured by Design is a police initiative to guide and encourage those engaged within the specification, design and build of new homes, and those undertaking major or minor property refurbishment, to adopt crime prevention measures to reduce the opportunity for crime and the fear of crime, creating safer, more secure and sustainable environments. Secured by Design (SBD) was created in 1989 following the housing boom of the 1960s-1980s when there was a huge and urgent demand for housing, with estates being built quickly and often cheaply without any basic security. This resulted in a significant rise in burglary and it was clear that criminals were taking easy advantage of several factors, including the lack of effective physical security standards associated with homes at the time. It was of no surprise that by 1996 UK burglary figures peaked at 1.8 million offences a year. It was obvious that something needed to be done to reduce burglary, hence the creation of SBD. It is a not-for-profit organisation, self-funded through its prevention activities, which is owned by the UK Police Service and is supported by the Home Office. SBD work closely with builders, developers, local authorities and registered housing associations to incorporate its police crime prevention standards and products - such as doors and windows – which meet SBD’s security requirements into all types of developments, from initial concept and design, through to construction and completion. The experience gained by the UK police service over the past 34 years in the subject area of designing out crime has led to the provision of a physical security requirement considered to be more consistent than that set out within UK Building Regulations; specifically the recognition of products that have been tested to the relevant security standards but crucially are also fully certificated by an independent third party, accredited by a United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) Notified Body. The Police Preferred Specification Standard for security products Knowing that a product is fit for purpose is critical. SBD operates an accreditation scheme on behalf of the UK Police Service for products or services that have met recognised security standards. These products or services – which must be capable of deterring or preventing crime - are known as being of a ‘Police Preferred Specification’. This accreditation scheme has been operating for nearly 25 years and provides a recognised standard for all security products that are sufficiently robust to resist physical attack by casual and opportunistic burglars. It is the only way for companies to obtain police recognition for security-related products in the UK. The SBD focus is on the critical factors that combine to deliver a product’s performance - design, use, quality control and the ability to deter or prevent crime – and these products or services are known as being of a ‘Police Preferred Specification’. The Police Preferred Specification ensures that products have been independently tested to a relevant security standard and fully certificated by an independent third party, accredited by a United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) Notified Body. In addition, the Police Preferred Specification requires regular re-testing and annual inspection of the manufacturing facility
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