Thursday, 19 March 2026

Announcing the Launch of the Garage Door Installers Podcast


The garage door industry is evolving faster than ever. New products, changing regulations, rising customer expectations, and increasing competition mean installers need more than just technical skills to stay ahead; they need insight, strategy, and a strong professional network.

That’s why we’re excited to announce the launch of the Garage Door Installers Podcast, a new industry-focused show designed specifically for installers, business owners, and professionals working across the garage door and roller shutter systems sector.

Why We’ve Launched the Podcast

The garage door trade has traditionally relied on suppliers, trade shows, and peer-to-peer conversations for knowledge sharing. While these remain vital, there has been a growing gap in accessible, installer-focused content that covers both the technical and commercial realities of running a modern garage door business.

The Garage Door Installers Podcast was created to fill that gap. Our goal is simple: to provide real-world insights from people who understand the industry; manufacturers, suppliers, installers, and business experts. So listeners can make smarter decisions, improve operations, and grow their businesses with confidence. This isn’t a generic business podcast repurposed for the trade. It’s built by people in the industry, for people in the industry.

What Listeners Can Expect

Each episode will focus on topics that matter to garage door professionals, blending practical advice with honest industry discussion.

Planned content includes:

Industry Insights and Trends

We’ll explore developments in products, technology, and regulations, including automation, smart home integration, security standards, and evolving customer expectations. Listeners will gain clarity on where the market is heading and how to prepare for it.

Installer and Supplier Interviews

Expect in-depth conversations with installers, manufacturers, distributors, and sales leaders. These interviews will go beyond surface-level promotion, offering genuine insights into challenges, opportunities, and lessons learned across the trade.

Business Growth and Operations

Running a garage door company is about more than installations. Episodes will cover pricing strategies, marketing, sales processes, customer experience, team management, and scaling operations. These are topics often overlooked in technical training but critical to long-term success.

Real-World Case Studies

We’ll share stories from businesses at different stages; from startups to established firms, highlighting what worked, what didn’t, and what they’d do differently. These practical examples will help listeners apply ideas directly to their own companies.

Tooling, Systems, and Technology

From field service management software to CRM systems and workflow automation, we’ll break down tools that can streamline operations and improve profitability, with honest discussions about implementation and ROI.

Who the Podcast Is For

The Garage Door Installers Podcast is aimed at:

● Independent installers and fitting teams

● Garage door and roller shutter business owners

● Sales and operations managers

● Manufacturers and suppliers wanting deeper trade insight

● Anyone involved in the specification, supply, or installation of garage doors systems

Whether you run a small local operation or a multi-crew regional business, the podcast is designed to deliver actionable value.

Our Commitment to the Industry

This podcast is part of a broader commitment to professionalising and supporting the garage door trade. As the industry grows, installers face increasing pressure to operate more efficiently, maintain high standards, and differentiate themselves in a competitive market.

By sharing knowledge openly and spotlighting voices from across the sector, we aim to strengthen the community and help elevate standards across the trade. We also invite installers, suppliers, and industry experts to get involved; whether through interviews, topic suggestions, or sharing their experiences.

The podcast is intended to be a collaborative platform that reflects the realities of the industry, not just a one-way broadcast.

Where to Listen

The Garage Door Installers Podcast will be available on all major platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts, with new episodes released regularly.

Listeners can also find episode updates, show notes, and additional resources through the Garage Door Installers Network and associated trade channels.

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Wednesday, 18 March 2026

SECURE YOUR HOME WITH A GARADOR DOOR


Security is key in modern homes, and British company Garador offers some of the most secure doors available.

Garador was one of the first manufacturers to achieve full Secured by Design police accreditation and the company continues to prioritise security at every level.

Their popular Carlton, Horizon and Salisbury up-and-over garage doors, for instance, include enhanced reinforcement locks, anti-snap cylinders, 8 high-security braces, and additional steel plates to guard against forced entry.

Insulation: In today’s energy-conscious world, insulation also plays a vital role. A well-insulated garage not only keeps stored items warm and dry but can also contribute to reduced household heating costs. Garador’s premium sectional garage doors feature 42 mm thick double-skin steel sections filled with 100% CFC-free PU rigid foam, achieving outstanding insulation with U-values as low as 1.30 W/m²K.

New on the market: Garador has recently launched Portal by Garador. This premium range of front doors combines contemporary design, advanced security and high thermal performance, offering a complete entrance solution for homeowners and developers alike.

Find out more about Garador’s exceptional doors by talking to your local dealer, builder or merchant or contact Garador’s friendly sales team at 01935 443 700.

www.garador.co.uk

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Tuesday, 17 March 2026

Protecting Performance Through Evidence: Fire Safety and the Golden Thread


In the wake of the Building Safety Act 2022, fire safety is no longer just a technical consideration for the fenestration sector – it is a matter of demonstrable competence and documented accountability. For manufacturers, fabricators and installers of architectural ironmongery, the focus has shifted firmly towards traceability, compliance and evidence.

At HOPPE (UK), those themes are central to conversations with customers. Andy Syms, National Sales Manager, has 35 years’ experience in the industry, including 14 with HOPPE (UK). Holding Diplomas in Architectural Ironmongery, Fire Door Inspection and Door Systems, and registered in both AI and DS, he is well placed to explain what the new regime means in practical terms for the supply chain.

Understanding the new framework

The Building Safety Act 2022 introduced clearer duties for those involved in the design, construction and maintenance of buildings. By amending the Building Act 1984, it created a more stringent regulatory environment and established the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) as the building control authority for higher-risk buildings in England.

Following a two-year transition period, the new regime became fully operational on 6 April 2024. Building control professionals must now register with the BSR and work within a defined competence framework. For higher-risk buildings, the Gateway 2 process requires regulatory approval before work can commence on site.

These changes have implications well beyond the principal contractor. For those specifying, manufacturing or installing door hardware, they reinforce the need for clear documentation, proven performance and robust change control.

The Golden Thread and hardware specification

A central concept introduced by the Act is the Golden Thread: a digital record of building information that must be created and maintained throughout the building’s lifecycle. Critical safety information – including product specifications and supporting test evidence – must be stored digitally and kept up to date.

Once a specification is agreed and incorporated into the building plans, it should not be altered without approval from the Building Safety Regulator. The intention is to prevent late-stage substitutions that undermine performance – a practice often described as “value engineering”.

For architectural ironmongery, this places renewed emphasis on correct specification from the outset. Fire doors and escape routes depend on the performance of individual components working together as a tested system. Hinges, closers, handles and locking devices must be suitable for the relevant door type and application, and supported by appropriate certification.

In this context, the ability to provide accurate, accessible documentation is as important as the product itself.

Competence across the supply chain

HOPPE (UK) assembles and distributes architectural ironmongery for timber, metal, composite and PVC-U doors. Its routes to market include physical and online retail, distribution partners, OEM customers and export markets. That breadth means engagement at multiple points in the supply chain.

Under the new regulatory framework, accountability runs through each of those links. Fabricators must ensure that the hardware they fit aligns with the approved specification. Installers must understand that substitutions, however minor they may seem, can have compliance implications. Specifiers must be confident that the products named in a schedule are backed by appropriate evidence.

Andy’s background in fire door inspection and door systems informs how these discussions are approached. Rather than focusing solely on product features, conversations increasingly centre on application, compatibility and documentation. Questions around test evidence, scope of certification and configuration are now routine – and rightly so.

Moving from assumption to evidence

The Golden Thread demands that decisions are documented and retained, not simply understood. That shift affects day-to-day processes: how specifications are written, how product data is stored, and how changes are managed on site. It also underlines the value of working with suppliers who understand both the regulatory framework and the practical realities of door manufacture and installation.

In a more tightly regulated environment, the role of the hardware supplier extends beyond supply. It includes supporting customers with clear product information, up-to-date certification and informed guidance.

The Building Safety Act has raised expectations across the industry. For those involved in fenestration and architectural ironmongery, meeting those expectations depends on competence, transparency and careful record-keeping at every stage.

www.hoppe.com

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Monday, 16 March 2026

BSI to publish revised BS 8214 fire door standard


BSI will shortly publish a revised version of BS 8214, a standard long associated with timber fire doors. The new edition will extend the scope of the standard to cover fire resisting doors of all materials, reflecting how fire doors are now designed, supplied and installed across the construction sector.

The publication of BS 8214:2026 marks an important step forward in fire door guidance. It replaces BS 8214:2016 and introduces a broader and more practical approach to fire door safety, performance and compliance. The revised standard has been developed to better support those responsible for specifying, supplying, installing, inspecting and maintaining fire doors throughout their service life.

One of the most significant changes is the move away from a narrow focus on fire door assemblies. The revised standard treats fire doors as a complete, coordinated system, regardless of how they are supplied to site, whether as door assemblies, doorsets or door kits. This reflects modern construction practices and provides greater clarity for manufacturers, installers, specifiers and duty holders.

For the first time, BS 8214 applies to fire doors made from all materials, including timber, steel, aluminium and composite systems. New annexes have been introduced to provide material specific guidance, recognising the different design, manufacture and installation considerations involved. The standard also addresses a long standing gap in the industry by introducing a formal code of practice for metal and composite fire doors, covering manufacture, installation and maintenance in a consistent and structured way.

BS 8214:2026 also includes a number of important technical updates. These include clearer explanations of fire door classifications and the supporting evidence required to demonstrate compliance. Installation requirements have been clarified, particularly in Section 9.4, to reduce the risk of misunderstanding and non-compliant installation on site. Smoke control guidance has been updated to align with recent changes to BS 9991, including best practice for sealing under door gaps. The revised standard also provides improved guidance on sealing the interface between fire door frames and the surrounding structure, with clarification on acceptable evidence for materials such as stone wool, mastic and foam sealants.

In addition, the revised standard aligns with current UK regulatory requirements, including UKCA and CE marking, and reflects duties introduced through the Building Safety Act, the Fire Safety Act and associated legislation. This helps duty holders understand how fire door standards fit within the wider building safety and regulatory framework.

Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) has been actively involved throughout the extensive revision process, ensuring that the experience and practical knowledge of the doors and hardware sector were fully represented. This involvement has helped shape guidance that is clearer, more consistent and better suited to real world application.

As a result of this contribution, DHF’s Senior Training & Compliance Officer, Steve Hill, has been invited to take part in a BSI hosted webinar on 20th April, alongside other industry experts. The webinar will introduce BS 8214:2026, explain the key changes, and outline the practical impact of the revisions for manufacturers, installers, specifiers and building owners. It will last approximately 90 minutes and include a live question and answer session, giving attendees the opportunity to seek clarification directly from those involved in the development of the standard.

“We are inviting members to get involved by registering for the webinar and helping shape the discussion,” explains Steve. “If you have a question you would like addressed, please submit it in advance and I will be happy to raise it on your behalf.”

Further details on how to register for the webinar will be circulated to members shortly.

www.dhfonline.org.uk
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Sunday, 15 March 2026

Caterham unveils limited-edition Seven HWM Edition, inspired by the 1951 HWM-Alta racer


Caterham and sports car dealership HWM have launched a limited-edition model, the Seven HWM Edition, inspired by the legendary 1951 HWM-Alta grand prix car.

HWM (Hersham and Walton Motors) was founded in 1938 and boasts a rich motorsport heritage that includes becoming the first British team to score a Grand Prix victory in the post war era. However, it was the 1951 HWM-Alta that cemented the outfit’s legacy, notching up seven wins, seven seconds and ten thirds in international events with a driver line-up that included racing legend Sir Stirling Moss.

Only 19 examples of the HWM Edition will be made available to customers in the UK, with prices starting from £57,990.

Each one of the 19 will be finished in HWM Green as standard, with the colour being scanned from the 1951 HWM-Alta racer. Additional similarities include HWM-Alta race car-inspired side panel louvres, bespoke nosecone grille, suspension wishbones, anti-roll bar, and headlight brackets finished in Retro Grey. There’s also a bespoke HWM Caterham nosecone badge and a centrally-mounted chrome fuel filler cap.

Trevor Steel, Senior Vice President of Operations & CFO, Caterham Cars said: “It’s been a real privilege to work with HWM on this special limited edition. Drawing inspiration from the legendary HWM-Alta racer, this car pays tribute to Walton-on-Thames’ rich racing heritage while celebrating the lightweight, driver-focused ethos that defines what Caterham is today.

“Bringing together two iconically British brands with deep roots in motorsport made this project especially meaningful. It reflects a shared commitment to engineering purity, performance and craftsmanship - values that have shaped both our histories and continue to drive us forward. We’re proud to honour that with a car created for true enthusiasts.”   

The historic homage continues throughout the interior, with the SuperSprint dashboard being a hand-turned aluminium design, complete with SMITHS chrome dials, solid metal master cut-off switch, and a polished wooden quick-release Moto-Lita steering wheel. The gear knob and handbrake are also finished in chrome and are set on a body-coloured transmission tunnel top. A choice of leather or composite race seats featuring the HWM logo complete the cabin.

Beyond the bespoke elements unique to the HWM Edition, this limited-edition Seven is based on the 420, which features the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre Duratec four-cylinder engine boasting 210 bhp at 7600 rpm, which delivers a power-to-weight ratio of 375 bhp-per-tonne. Mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, it accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 136 mph.

As a final touch, each car is finished with a ‘1 of 19’ plaque located on the passenger side of the dashboard, noting the exclusivity of this Seven.

Based in Walton-on-Thames in Surrey, HWM is now better known as a luxury sports car business, appointed as the Caterham retailer for the South East in 2023, supporting customers with both road and race cars.

HWM’s history as a manufacturer of race cars, combined with working with Caterham’s engineering team, have helped create this special edition Seven, with a plethora of unique features.

Guy Jenner, CEO at HWM said: “We are immensely proud to celebrate HWM’s remarkable history as a works team and grand prix car constructor. This project has given us a unique opportunity to tell the story of how a small outfit from Walton-on-Thames took on the greatest teams in European grand prix racing during one of motor racing’s most inspiring eras.

“Our sincere thanks go to Caterham for being such an enthusiastic and committed partner. Each of the 19 hand-built cars showcases exquisite detailing, with an outstanding sense of quality and craftsmanship.”

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Saturday, 14 March 2026

Partner Standard Awards Ceremony 2026


Hörmann UK proudly celebrated excellence across its Partner Standard dealer network at the inaugural in-person Partner Standard Awards Ceremony, held on Thursday 26th February 2026 at the Leicester Marriott Hotel. 

Taking over the entire venue for the evening, the event marked a significant milestone in the Hörmann UK calendar. Bringing together partners from across the UK, the ceremony recognised outstanding performance, innovation, and collaboration within the network, while creating valuable opportunities for networking and celebration.

Adding star quality and plenty of entertainment to the occasion, the evening was hosted by Martin Bayfield, former England rugby international, broadcaster, actor, and stunt performer - who ensured an engaging and memorable awards presentation.

The ceremony featured 12 individual award categories, created to ensure broad recognition across the network. The awards celebrated dealers of all sizes and specialisms, promoting inclusivity while providing opportunities to highlight both individual and team achievements.

The evening commenced with a drinks and canapés reception, followed by a formal dinner during which the awards were presented.


Celebrating the 2026 Winners

Twelve awards were presented on the night, recognising exceptional achievements across the Partner Standard network. The 2026 winners were:

· Rising Star – Horizons Group Ltd

· Business Growth – Essex Garage Doors

· Most Installations – Glynn Foster BFCC Garage Doors

· Customer Choice – ZAP Garage Doors

· Installation Composite Doors – Pro-Door Ltd

· Installation RollMatic T – Garage Door Secure

· Showroom Excellence – Garage Doors Northern

· Team of the Year – Doorfit

· Digital Engagement – Cambrian Garage Doors

· Customer Experience – Moar Doors

· Innovation – A S Doors

· Social Impact – Cooks Doors


Each award highlighted the dedication, professionalism and commitment to excellence demonstrated throughout the year by Hörmann UK’s valued partners.

The celebrations continued late into the night with an after-party, where guests enjoyed dancing to live band The 1984, a casino-style experience and a photo booth that added an extra element of fun to the proceedings.

Wolfgang Gorner, MD at Hormann UK commented, “I would like to extend my congratulations to all winners and finalists of the awards. To see so many of our partners come together under one roof was incredibly rewarding. 

"The Partner Standard awards are about far more than trophies - it is about recognising the dedication, professionalism and entrepreneurial spirit that drives our network forward every day. Our partners are the face of the Hörmann brand across the UK, and their commitment to quality installation, customer service and innovation plays a vital role in our shared success.

"We are proud of what has been accomplished together, and we look forward to continuing to invest in our Partner Standard network — building stronger relationships, driving innovation, and achieving even greater success in the years ahead.”

www.hormann.co.uk

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Friday, 13 March 2026

Competency, compliance and fire door training


Nicola John, Managing Director of FDM – Training & Development  

For years, fire door competence has been built in fragments: a classroom course here, an on-the-job briefing there, documents to read and sign. The result is often a well-intentioned but under-supported workforce, where compliance becomes a tick-box exercise and knowledge is siloed across a supply chain that does not always speak the same technical language.

The Grenfell Inquiry reinforced how dangerous this fragmentation can be. Fire doors, the last line of defence in compartmentation, can be compromised by small decisions that seem minor in isolation: a closer that is not adjusted correctly, or a hinge changed without understanding the test evidence behind the door set. None of these look like non-compliance in the moment but in a fire they can be the difference between containment and catastrophe.

Why theory is not enough

Much of the industry’s training has historically been weighted towards theory rather than practical application. People may understand regulations in principle yet lack confidence when standing in front of a live fire door, with real tolerances, real frames, real hardware and the pressure to complete work quickly.

If standards are to rise, the way competence is built must evolve. Not just through information and attendance, but through practice, decision-making and assessment. Hands-on training environments that reflect real building contexts allow competence to be developed in conditions that mirror on-site risk. At FDM, this thinking informed the creation of a purpose-built Training Academy, and now a second training centre in partnership with the FPA, designed to make competence practical - because the risk is practical.


Competence across the whole lifecycle

A fire door’s performance is shaped by multiple decisions: specification, procurement, installation, inspection, repair, replacement and record-keeping. When roles are trained in isolation, the industry may achieve pockets of competence but remains systemically vulnerable.

One of the most persistent weaknesses remains maintenance. There is still a tendency towards “we can fix anything”, even when repair compromises certification and performance. Too often, fire doors fail not because the product is wrong, but because they are not installed, inspected or maintained correctly over time. Maintaining performance requires specialist knowledge, yet this remains one of the most under-resourced parts of the lifecycle.

A more robust model is holistic. Compliance is not owned by a single individual or solved by one “golden” product. It is achieved when every link in the chain understands what good looks like and why. Assessment must sit at the heart of competence-building, providing consistency and a clearer basis for accountability.

The Golden Thread is a competence issue

As the sector moves towards traceable, accessible information under the “Golden Thread” of building safety, the challenge is often framed as digital. In reality, it is also a competence issue. A perfect record of poor decisions is not progress. The value lies in understanding which evidence matters, how to avoid inappropriate substitutions and how to maintain performance over time, and then being able to record that work in a way that stands up to scrutiny.

This also changes the profile of skills the industry needs. Paperwork is no longer an afterthought and the ability to evidence work is now part of what it means to be competent.

Confidence as the new compliance

Encouragingly, momentum is building. Over the past 18 months, more than 1,200 professionals from across the fire door supply chain have been trained through FDM programmes, including those influencing product choice, managing estates, certifying work and carrying legal responsibility. Yet the sector still faces a shortage of trained installers, inspectors and maintenance professionals, and scaling capability will take time.

What is clear is that people do not resist higher standards, they resist uncertainty. There is a strong appetite to do the right thing, but it must be supported by training that reflects real-world conditions and provides clarity about what competence looks like for different roles.

www.fdmltd.com

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Thursday, 12 March 2026

Jewers opens doors in India


Jewers Doors, the British engineering specialist in aircraft hangar door systems, has announced the establishment of its wholly owned subsidiary in India.

The strategic move directly aligns with the Government of India’s flagship initiatives of Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, reinforcing Jewers Doors’ long-term commitment to localisation, skills development, and sustained engagement across India’s civil and defence aviation sectors. The new subsidiary also positions India as a regional centre of excellence for South Asia and neighbouring markets, supporting the country’s ambition to emerge as a global aviation and MRO hub.

India represents one of the fastest-growing aviation markets globally, driven by unprecedented aircraft induction, airport expansion, and the emergence of a strong domestic MRO ecosystem. Jewers Doors’ decision to establish a wholly owned Indian entity reflects its confidence in the country’s long-term aviation trajectory and its intent to play a meaningful role in supporting next-generation aviation infrastructure.

Chris Jewers, Managing Director of Jewers Doors, said: “India represents one of the most important aviation growth markets globally, and our decision to establish a wholly owned subsidiary reflects our confidence in the country’s long-term trajectory. This is not a short-term market entry; it is a strategic commitment to India, underpinned by localisation, engineering excellence, and long-term partnership. We see India not just as a market, but as a centre of excellence for South Asia and beyond.”

He added that the company’s growing experience delivering mission-critical aviation infrastructure in India has been instrumental in shaping this decision, and that Jewers Doors looks forward to contributing meaningfully to the country’s next phase of aviation and MRO capability development.

The announcement has also been welcomed by the British High Commission in India, highlighting the strengthening industrial and aviation ties between the two countries.

Jaya Choraria, Deputy Trade Commissioner for South Asia at the British High Commission in India, said: “I congratulate Jewers Doors on the establishment of their wholly owned subsidiary in India. This investment underscores the ever-strengthening partnership between our two countries and the growing appetite amongst British businesses to invest in India’s dynamic aviation and infrastructure sectors. Jewers Doors’ commitment to localisation, skills development, and long-term engagement aligns with our shared ambition to build resilient, future-ready industrial collaboration, which will be further boosted by the landmark UK–India Free Trade Agreement signed in July 2025.”

This landmark project for the INDIA 1 VVIP Squadron stands as a defining reference, demonstrating Jewers Doors’ ability to deliver mission-critical aviation infrastructure where security, precision, reliability, and national importance converge. Among the most sensitive and demanding aviation infrastructure assignments anywhere in the world, the project reflects the company’s engineering capability, security compliance, and execution discipline.

Jewers Doors offers one of the most comprehensive and technically advanced portfolios of engineered door systems globally, including:

Esavian Aircraft Hangar Doors – Featuring the renowned 126-SBR and 400 Series systems, offering unlimited width and height capability, advanced safety architecture, superior weather sealing, and integration with proprietary Hangar Door Management Systems (HDMS).

Phoenix Industrial Doors – Including the Swift, Osprey, and Kingfisher ranges, designed for aviation support facilities, MRO workshops, logistics centres, and ancillary infrastructure.

High-Performance & Specialist Doors – Acoustic, blast-resistant, and high-security doors engineered for defence aviation, engine test cells, and sensitive installations.

Every solution is bespoke by design, engineered to site-specific wind loads, climatic conditions, security requirements, and architectural intent, an approach particularly critical for India’s diverse and challenging environmental conditions.

With India poised to become one of the world’s largest aviation and MRO markets over the next decade, Jewers Doors views the country as a strategic cornerstone of its Asia-Pacific growth strategy. By combining British engineering heritage, global project execution expertise, and a growing local footprint, the company is positioning itself to support India’s next generation of aviation infrastructure, securely, sustainably, and at scale.

The establishment of the Indian subsidiary marks not just an expansion of operations but a long-term partnership with India’s aviation ecosystem, reinforcing Jewers Doors’ role as a trusted infrastructure enabler for both civil and defence aviation across the region.

www.jewersdoors.co.uk

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Wednesday, 11 March 2026

Maison Cadiou: French craftsmanship, engineered for excellence


Maison Cadiou is a French manufacturer specialising in premium gates, fencing, pergolas and carports. From our workshops in Brittany, we design and produce our full range in-house, combining heritage craftsmanship with modern industrial expertise.

Our story begins in Locronan, a historic Breton village close to the Atlantic coast. This is where our products are designed and manufactured, and where our identity is firmly grounded.

What started as a local woodworking business has grown into an international network of trusted installation partners across the UK, Belgium, Spain, Portugal and France.

A family business since 1973

The company was founded in 1973, when Ronan Cadiou took over his father’s workshop. Initially focused on agricultural fencing, the business evolved into garden gates, launching its first PVC models before moving into aluminium in the early 1990s.

In 2007, Emmanuelle Cadiou took over the leadership of the company. Since then, Maison Cadiou has continued to grow, bringing together traditional craftsmanship and efficient industrial processes. Today, we employ over 700 people and are recognised as France’s leading aluminium gate manufacturer.

Bespoke manufacturing

Every project is different. That is why we offer tailored solutions supported by our in-house design office. From sloping ground to complex layouts and architectural constraints, we provide technical guidance to help deliver a precise and reliable installation.

Calling all gates & fences installation Pros
Ready to grow your business with a premium partner? Join the KOSTUM Installer Network and gain access to exclusive products, expert support, and qualified leads.
 
📩 Leave us your details. Our Export Sales Manager will get in touch to kick things off.

Corentin Legault
📞 +44 74888 12868
✉️ clegault@maison-cadiou.fr

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Tuesday, 10 March 2026

DHF clarifies Fire Shutter Compliance for servery applications

For some time now, uncertainty has been building across the door and shutter sector about how fire-resisting roller shutters should be treated when they are used in specialist applications such as servery hatches. These are the shutters often seen closing down over counters or serving openings, where the curtain does not run all the way to the floor. While common in practice, they sit awkwardly within the current fire testing and certification framework.

In response, DHF (Door & Hardware Federation) has published a new guidance document, DHF Guidance on Servery Fire Shutters, to bring clarity to an issue that has become increasingly difficult for manufacturers, installers and maintenance providers to navigate. 

At the heart of the problem is the way fire roller shutters are regulated. In the UK, they are covered by harmonised product standards that sit under the Construction Product Regulation. This places clear legal responsibility on manufacturers to ensure their products are correctly tested, certified and marked before being placed on the market. 

 Fire shutters must carry CE marking in the EU and UKCA marking in the UK, supported by a Declaration of Performance. Currently, CE marking continues to be accepted in the UK following recent Government guidance.

Since November 2019, manufacturers of fire doors, including roller shutters, have been required to obtain certification for fire resistance through an approved certification body, in line with EN 16034. For roller shutters specifically, this certification can only apply where the product is also covered by the main door standard, EN 13241. The process is detailed and ongoing, involving factory audits, fire testing, classification reports and continued surveillance of production systems.

The difficulty arises when these rules are applied to servery shutters. The main fire test standard assumes that a door closes fully to the floor. There is currently no recognised provision within the relevant extended application rules that enables certification to be issued for a shutter that stops at counter height if the fire test was carried out on a shutter that closed to the floor. As certification bodies have reviewed their schemes more closely, some have concluded that their existing certificates simply do not cover this type of installation. This has created real challenges across the supply chain. Manufacturers may find that, without additional testing and separate certification, they are unable to legally CE or UKCA mark a fire shutter intended to close onto a counter. Installers, meanwhile, are left questioning whether a product is genuinely certified for the way it is being used, and whether an alternative design, such as a shutter that closes to the floor in front of the servery, may be required.

For maintenance providers, the position is slightly different. Their role is to assess what is installed on site, checking for evidence of fire performance, reviewing the condition of the shutter and surrounding structure, and observing how the door operates. If no fire performance evidence exists, they can report on condition and operation, but they are not responsible for judging whether the product was legally placed on the market under the Construction Product Regulation.

Recognising how complex and uncomfortable this situation has become, DHF has stepped in to provide clear, plain-language guidance. The document explains what the standards currently say, why servery shutters fall into a grey area, and what each party in the supply chain should reasonably be expected to do.

“There has been a clear need to simplify and clarify this issue for the industry," explains DHF’s Senior Training & Compliance Officer, Steve Hill. “Servery fire shutters present a very specific challenge because the current standards were not written with this type of installation in mind. Our guidance sets out the facts and helps members understand their responsibilities while we await changes to the standards.”

The federation has also raised the issue with the Office for Product Safety and Standards, seeking interim clarity while the relevant European standards are reviewed and updated. Until that happens, the guidance is intended to act as a steady reference point, helping companies make informed decisions, manage risk responsibly, and have open, informed conversations with their clients.

The guidance is now available from the DHF website and forms part of the federation’s wider commitment to supporting professionalism, improving understanding and raising standards across the door and shutter industry.

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