“Over the past few years, we have seen companies offering low-cost, low-quality roller doors dominate the consumer market. I think the market is reaching a stage in its life where very cheap garage doors have had their day, with the seeming addiction to the instant high of cheap doors declining. At the end of the day, quality and value for money will always win out. “With our direct communications to the end consumer, we have consistently highlighted the difference between the cheap doors being offered and a Hörmann RollMatic T door, and we have achieved some pretty amazing results. These are now starting to feed through the market and creating extra sales for our dealer network. At the same time, we have backed up this activity with a process of listening to what the market wants and introducing product improvements where necessary. “2025 will see us move forward with further product enhancements - most importantly, a gamechanging announcement regarding home security, all in line with our policy of having standard products accredited. Continued investment in the creative promotion of RollMatic is also planned. So, as they say – ‘watch this space’” To see the Door Secure Team in action, scan the QR code provided or click THE DOOR SECURE TEAM | HÖRMANN ROLLMATIC T. For further information on Hörmann UK’s RollMatic T Roller garage door visit the Roller Garage Doors section on the Hörmann website or call 01530 516868. Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk Industry News 19 THE door industry journal winter 2024 Grenfell Final Report Released: A Landmark Conclusion to Seven Years of Investigations Early September saw the release of the final Grenfell Report, concluding seven years of extensive investigations into the 2017 tragedy at Grenfell Tower in which 72 people died. The landmark report represents a significant milestone for the construction industry, the regulatory landscape, and all those affected by the Grenfell tragedy. It highlights the need for continued progress and reforms in building safety, a mission to which the Door & Hardware Federation (dhf) remains deeply committed. “The report notes that the safety of people in the built environment ultimately depends on the skill, knowledge and experience of those engaged in the construction industry”, explains dhf’s General Manager & Secretary, Michael Skelding. “The Inquiry identified serious deficiencies in all three at Grenfell Tower. However, there has recently been progress in this area, including the creation of the Industry Competence Steering Group, responsibility for which has now moved from the Construction Leadership Council to the Building Safety Regulator. This work, beginning in 2018, was aimed at enhancing the skills, knowledge, and accountability of professionals across the construction sector.” The inquiry’s recommendations will enable further measures to be taken to address the industry’s failings. The fact that the inquiry is now complete also clears the way for the law to take its course regarding the culpability of individuals and companies involved in the disaster. “The failures in specifying, installing and maintaining the fire and smoke resisting flat entrance doorsets at Grenfell are spelled out in the Grenfell Report; lack of competence was clearly the major issue,” continues Michael, “and it is here where dhf sees its principal role, with its continuing development of training and support for specialists in door technology, including fire-resisting and emergency escape doors.” Training for installers and maintainers will remain the mainstay of dhf’s contribution to building safety. Courses are developed to assist in creating a competent workforce, and awareness training for clients can also be offered. “The release of the Grenfell Report is not the end, but a vital step forward in the journey to ensure that a tragedy like Grenfell never happens again,” concludes Michael. “dhf remains committed to working alongside industry partners, regulators, and the government to implement the necessary reforms and continue driving improvements in building safety, and eagerly awaits the government’s response to the report in the coming weeks. “As we reflect on the findings of the Grenfell Report, our thoughts are with the families and communities affected by the Grenfell Tower tragedy. dhf stands firm in its pledge to advancing fire safety, advocating robust standards, and ensuring that the lessons learned from this tragedy lead to impactful, lasting change.” www.dhfonline.org.uk
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