The Door Industry Journal

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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Monday, 9 March 2026

Hörmann Enhances Coastal Protection with LPU 42

With approximately 17% of the UK population living in coastal areas*, homeowners are looking for solutions to withstand the challenges posed by high salt content, moisture levels, and extreme weather conditions. In response, Hörmann UK has introduced the LPU 42 PremiumPlus sectional garage door – a high-performance upgrade engineered specifically for maritime environments.

Building on the trusted durability of the Hörmann LPU 42 range, the PremiumPlus option features enhanced corrosion protection and long-term weather resistance.

Each door leaf has a high-quality protective coating with cut edge sealing, while a premium frame includes door hardware, tracks, and connection rails finished in Grey white (RAL 9002) powder coating for increased protection.

To further improve performance, doors with S, M, and D-ribbing benefit from additional ribbed filler profiles to enhance sealing between section transitions and ribbing areas.

A recent installation in Dundonald, Kilmarnock featured two LPU 42 PremiumPlus doors, replacing the property’s previous garage doors that had suffered visible wear due to the proximity of the coast.

Hörmann replaced them with two smart matching Anthracite grey (RAL 7016) M-rib Silkgrain sectional doors, each measuring 2286 x 2125mm. One was fully automated for frequent use, while the second was manually operated, both being equipped with matching handles to maintain a consistent aesthetic.

The PremiumPlus upgrade is available for LPU 42 sectional garage doors in both Woodgrain and Silkgrain surface finishes, offering homeowners a blend of good looks combined with superior coastal durability.

www.hormann.co.uk

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Sunday, 8 March 2026

M Performance Track Kit for BMW M2 and new M Performance exhaust system for M2 CS

BMW M Performance Parts have always made a clear statement about future-forward technology, sporty, dynamic looks and uncompromising quality. The entry-level vehicle to the world of high-performance BMW M automobiles, the BMW M2, will as of 07/2026 benefit from the availability of an M Performance Track Kit that is specifically geared towards use on track days.

The BMW M2 CS (WLTP combined (EnVKV): fuel consumption: 10.0 l/100 km; CO2 emissions: 226 g/km, CO2 class: G)* is the exclusive special model from BMW M in this class, marked by even sharper handling and unique design characteristics. Using the M Performance exhaust system, the looks and sound of this specific model can now be taken to a new level.

M Performance Track Kit: road-legal top performance

Track days are becoming an increasingly popular pastime for drivers with sporting ambitions. They relish the chance to enhance their performance on a closed track and to explore the dynamic capabilities of their BMW M. Track days are all about the thrill of driving, about vehicle control and the experience of performance. In addition, track days promote a sense of community by bringing like-minded people together to share their passion for motorsport and BMW M automobiles.

To push the boundaries even further towards pro racing at these sporting events, an M Performance Track Kit will become available for the BMW M2. It enables the base vehicle to deliver even sharper handling and performance on the race track. The M Performance Track Kit includes a manually adjustable front splitter that can be deployed for use on the track. It forms a single unit with the front diffuser. This feature is complemented by wheel arch diffusers, which are not adjustable, and a scoop under the upstream engine oil cooler.

The front splitter/diffuser significantly increases downforce, with aero flicks adding even more grip. Added to this is a manually adjustable swan neck rear wing, as used on the BMW M4 GT4 and BMW M4 GT3 customer sport models. It features a unique “Race Mode” in which the rear wing is moved by 50 millimetres toward the rear, significantly increasing the wing’s aerodynamic effectiveness.

When retracted in “Street Mode”, its position complies with the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulation (StVZO), as the vehicle limits are not exceeded. The rear wing’s angle of attack can also be varied, with two settings available to maximise downforce on the rear axle depending on the characteristics of the track. Another eye-catching, unique feature is the brake light integrated into the rear wing.

Other elements include a threaded chassis with 4-way adjustable rebound and compression damping, adjustable support bearings and the first special motorsport damper system to also be road-legal. In addition, the chassis can be lowered by up to 20 millimetres at the front and rear.

The height adjustment is infinitely variable. The Track Kit’s components were developed in collaboration with BMW M specialists, who can draw on expertise built up in the course of countless races and victories. All components were aerodynamically optimised in the BMW wind tunnel. Jörg Weidinger – who is both a record driver and BMW M test engineer responsible for chassis development – was in charge of overall fine-tuning. The components all interact in a unique way, especially when combined with the optional ultra-track tyres. It’s a truly special achievement that requires the exceptional know-how of a carmaker like BMW.

The M Performance Track Kit will be available from July 2026 and cost 23,500 euros plus tax (in Germany). All prices exclude installation.

Acoustics and visuals: from the race track to the road

The M Performance exhaust system for the new BMW M2 CS is now available as an additional, particularly appealing customisation option. Its optimised exhaust gas routing enhances the distinctive sound of the 390 kW/530 hp six-cylinder in-line engine with BMW M TwinPower Turbo technology. Setup provides access to several modes that fine-tune the exhaust system’s performance.

All of them generate an exhilarating, exceptionally sporty engine sound. Visually, too, the new exhaust system reflects the expertise BMW M has gathered over five decades of motorsport involvement. The optional M Performance tailpipe trims are made of carbon and titanium, two materials that have proven themselves in motor racing.

They lend the rear of the BMW M2 CS a distinctive, unmistakeable look. Motorsport affinity is also demonstrated by the consistent application of lightweight construction principles. The M Performance exhaust system is around 8 kilograms lighter than the standard component and is priced from 8,343.50 euros (in Germany), excluding installation.

* Consumption and emissions data: The figures for fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, energy consumption and range are for vehicles as offered on the German market. All data are based on the new WLTP test cycle. Energy consumption and emissions data refer to the German Passenger Car Energy Labelling Regulation (EnVKV)

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Saturday, 7 March 2026

Doors close on Adlor – or do they?

After 44 years of trading, the doors finally closed on our family business at the end of February…

In 1981, the year left school, my father, John McConnel started the business with two partners, one of which was bought out for £100 with a year. My father and his other partner (Keith Adams) continued the business for several years until Keith decided to leave. My Mum, Brother and I then became partners, with dad still holding 51% of the company. (shrewd) and has continued as such.

Over the years we have seen manufacturers come and go, including Westland Engineers, Catnic Garador, management buyouts and finally the Germans arrived and took over, but we survived it all and carried on regardless with a typical stiff upper lip.

There have been some funny moments along the way, particularly with customers, one example was, when we asked a homeowner how old the operator was? The lady was then heard saying to her husband. How old are you Bill?

There is so much more I could write but hopefully this gives you a small insight into an old fashioned, successful family run business in the true sense of the word and not a computer in sight.

Dad is not nearly 89, he would like to carry on with his hobby and was working up ‘til eight weeks ago, but I'm afraid age has finally caught up with him. Although he is still giving out instructions from his bedside.

We would like to thank our wonderful and not so wonderful staff over the years for helping us along the way. In particular a special mention to Lee Shepherd who has been our right-hand man for more than 20 years, Lee is staying in the garage door industry. and l am sure will be very successful in his own right. Also, a special mention to all of our customers, past and present, who without none of this could of happened.

Moving forward the business has been sold to another local garage door company; whose hands we feel confident in leaving it to. We wish Jon May of 1* Choice Garage Doors continued success for the future, that I know we have enjoyed for so long.

www.adloruk.com

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Friday, 6 March 2026

Can I rely on risk assessments for doors, gates, and barriers?

The Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) technical team are often asked whether carrying out a risk assessment is enough to demonstrate compliance for powered doors, gates, and barrier systems. With several sets of UK regulations referencing risk assessment, it can be unclear where legal responsibilities begin and end. In this article, DHF’s technical experts explain how the regulations apply and why recognised safety standards remain central to ensuring compliance and protecting users.

When looking at the safety of doors, gates, and barrier systems, three sets of UK regulations are often referred to, The Supply of Machinery Safety Regulations 2008, The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, and The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998.

All three place importance on risk assessment as a method of identifying hazards and protecting people. Because of this, it is sometimes assumed that completing a general risk assessment is enough to demonstrate legal compliance for entrance systems.

In practice however, the position is more specific and depends on which regulations apply and how they interact with recognised safety standards. This article explains how each set of regulations applies to doors, gates, and barriers, and whether risk assessment alone can be relied upon.

Supply of Machinery Safety Regulations 2008

The Supply of Machinery Safety Regulations applies to powered doors, gates, and barriers that are placed on the market or put into service. These regulations implement the requirements of the Machinery Directive into UK law and require manufacturers and installers to ensure that machinery is safe. Risk assessment forms part of these regulations. Manufacturers are required to identify hazards and reduce risks so far as possible.

However, powered entrance systems are also covered by harmonised European standards and UK designated standards, which describe specific safety measures and performance requirements. These standards represent what is commonly referred to as the ‘state-of-the-art’, and define the minimum level of safety expected for compliance. Where a harmonised standard exists, any risk assessment used as an alternative approach must achieve a level of safety that is equal to or better than that provided by the standard.

In theory, this allows for alternative solutions. In practice, the standards already provide detailed, well-established methods for addressing known risks such as crushing, impact, and trapping. Because of this, it is difficult to see how a different risk assessment approach could realistically offer the same level of protection without following the standards themselves. For this reason, compliance with the appropriate standard remains the normal and most reliable route to meeting the requirements of these regulations.

Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) apply to a wide range of equipment used at work. This often leads to the assumption that they apply to all powered doors, gates, and barriers in workplaces. However, for entrance doors, gates, and barriers that are part of the building structure, the Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations take precedence.

PUWER specifically address the safety of workplace doors and traffic routes. As a result, normal entrance systems in and around workplaces do not fall under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations. Their safety is instead assessed by reference to relevant standards, which define what is reasonably practicable. Enforcement authorities and courts have previously accepted that where a recognised standard exists, it is reasonable to expect it to be followed. This means that risk assessments under PUWER are not required for entrance systems.

There is an important exception, however. Where a door, gate, or barrier forms part of a machine, production line, or industrial process, and not a building entrance, it may fall within the scope of these regulations. In such cases, risk assessment would be required.

Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)

The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) apply to equipment used for lifting or lowering loads. Doors, gates, and barriers do not lift loads but simply move their own structure between open and closed positions. Because of this, these regulations do not apply to entrance systems.

This position is supported by HSE guidance, which explains that equipment which only moves itself is outside the scope of LOLER. As with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations, entrance systems in workplaces are instead covered by the Workplace Regulations and the relevant safety standards. Risk assessments under these regulations are therefore not required for doors, gates, and barriers.

The role of standards and risk assessment

Recognised standards for powered doors, gates, and barriers describe known hazards and the measures needed to control them. They are based on many years of technical development, accident data, and industry experience. Risk assessment can play a supporting role, particularly where site conditions are unusual or where additional control measures are needed.

However, a risk assessment cannot be used to justify safety measures that fall below the level set out in the standards. In simple terms, risk assessment does not replace the standards. It must work alongside them and cannot reduce the level of protection they require.

Summary

In summary, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations and the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations do not apply to entrance doors, gates, and barrier systems used as part of buildings. The Supply of Machinery Safety Regulations do apply to powered entrance systems, but any risk assessment carried out under these regulations must deliver a level of safety that is at least equal to that set out in the recognised standards. Because the standards already define current good practice and minimum safety levels, they remain the primary reference for legal compliance and for protecting people using doors, gates, and barriers.

www.dhfonline.org.uk

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Thursday, 5 March 2026

Fire Stopping Ventilation: The Role of Fire Block Louvre Systems

Allegion UK, a leading name in fire safety hardware with a trusted reputation for keeping people safe where they live, learn, work, and connect, discusses the importance of adequate ventilation and combining air movement with fire protection when both are needed.

Supplier of the Zero FBLS Fire Block Louvre System, Allegion UK offers an extensive range of innovative fire door hardware designed to improve the effectiveness of fire doors in containing the spread of fire, smoke and heat.

Why Ventilation Matters

Buildings that don’t breathe properly can become health hazards. Poor indoor air quality, from elevated CO2 to VOCs emitted by everyday materials, contributes to headaches, respiratory irritation and dips in concentration and productivity. Inadequate ventilation is a particular concern in offices, classrooms, plant rooms and other enclosed spaces where people spend long periods of time.

Door louvres are a straightforward, effective way to improve air circulation, helping to reduce moisture, dispersing pollutants and supporting temperature control. But where air can pass, so can smoke and flame. That’s why a conventional louvre is not suitable for fire-rated doors.

Iain Banks, Product Marketing Manager at Allegion UK, commented: “When you need airflow and fire protection in the same opening, a fire block louvre is the sensible and compliant option for your steel fire doors. Metal louvres will provide the ventilation you need in offices, classrooms, plant rooms, stores and other areas, but the Zero FBLS Fire Block Louvre System assures that ventilation doesn’t become a route for smoke or fire.”

Balancing Air Movement & Fire Safety

The ideal solution for both factory-fitting and retrofit applications, the FBLS Fire Block Louvre System accommodates door thicknesses from 29 mm upwards and provides a 40% free area for effective airflow. At the centre of the FBLS is an intumescent fire block, which, under high temperatures, expands to seal the opening, choking off the passage of fire and cold smoke, while the louvre remains unobtrusive in everyday use. The result is a practical, compliant solution for fire-rated doors that also require ventilation.

Iain continues: “Our fire block louvre systems are expertly manufactured in our workshop and are suitable for steel fire doors, providing up to 240 minutes of fire integrity. We have over 20 standard sizes available from stock and any size available to order from a minimum cut-out of 152 x 152mm.”

To learn more about the Zero FBLS Fire Block Louvre System, visit zeroplus.co.uk or call 01785 282 910.

www.allegion.com

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Wednesday, 4 March 2026

Hörmann SPU F42 Door Delivers Reliability and Performance for RNLI Lifeboat Station

Hörmann UK industrial trade partner, Norwich-based Cooks Doors, has successfully completed the installation of a Hörmann SPU F42 sectional door at the RNLI Lifeboat Station in Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire. Designed to perform in some of the UK’s most demanding environments, the new door provides the RNLI with a robust, reliable, and highly efficient solution to support its vital operations.

Measuring an impressive 7500 x 3650mm, the SPU F42 sectional door was specified for its strength, durability, and consistent performance in what is a challenging coastal setting. Manufactured from galvanised steel with a solid, double-skinned construction and a high-grade polyurethane foam core, the door offers excellent thermal efficiency, helping to maintain a stable internal environment within the lifeboat station. With a thermal insulation value of 1.2 W/m²K, the door helps reduce heat loss, supporting energy efficiency and creating a more comfortable working space for the RNLI crew.

Given the exposed coastal location, resistance to the elements was a key consideration. The SPU F42 achieves Class 3 performance for both wind load and water tightness, helping to protect the station interior, equipment, and lifeboats from harsh weather conditions. Additional corrosion protection has been applied to the door fittings to further enhance longevity, ensuring reliable operation despite constant exposure to salty sea air.

The door is finished externally in Gentian blue (RAL 5010), complementing the lifeboat station’s appearance, while the off-white interior finish (RAL 9002) helps to brighten the internal space. Two rows of vision panels were incorporated into the design, allowing increased natural light into the building and improving visibility without compromising strength or security.

Operational reliability is critical for the RNLI, where rapid response times are essential. The SPU F42 is powered by a 400v three-phase operator, providing smooth, dependable day-to-day operation. In the event of a power failure, a manual hand chain ensures the door can be operated, maintaining access at all times. Safety has also been prioritised, with an integrated safety edge that automatically stops the door if an obstruction is detected, helping to protect personnel, vehicles, and equipment.

The installation of the Hörmann SPU F42 sectional door will help ensure that RNLI Mablethorpe are able to launch quickly and effectively in all conditions, ultimately helping them continue their lifesaving work along the Lincolnshire coast.

www.hormann.co.uk

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Tuesday, 3 March 2026

Premier-Line: How One Sectional Garage Door Range Quietly Defined a Market Shift

In an industry often swayed by passing trends and aesthetic gimmicks, it is the quietly consistent performers that tend to leave the most lasting impact. Premier-Line, the sectional garage door range supplied exclusively by JDUK Door Systems, is one such example.

Launched just over 18 months ago, the range has steadily gained traction not by chasing trends, but by embodying the core principles that trade professionals have always valued: efficiency, reliability, and real-world performance. As conversations around home improvement increasingly shift towards longevity, practicality, and aesthetic consistency, Premier-Line has found itself perfectly aligned with these changing expectations. It may not have been designed in response to this shift, but it now stands as a benchmark for it.

"Premier-Line was developed with a clear focus on what really matters to the installer," explains Jason Wade, Sales & Marketing Director at JDUK. "We wanted to create a door that simplifies the job on site, reduces installation time, and consistently delivers a premium result. What we’re seeing now is that homeowners are beginning to value these same traits just as much."

The range features a suite of installer-first innovations. Pre-assembled vertical tracks, pre-tensioned springs, and pre-drilled fixing holes come as standard. For wider openings, doors up to 5500mm can be fitted with side tension springs, eliminating the need for overhead torsion systems and simplifying installation in a wider variety of spaces. Each feature is carefully considered, not just to make the fitter’s job easier, but to ensure repeatable, reliable performance.

This focus on practicality has led to enthusiastic adoption by many in the trade. The time savings delivered on site have helped businesses boost productivity, reduce complexity, and deliver a high-spec finish with fewer headaches. For busy installers balancing multiple jobs, the difference is tangible. But the appeal of Premier-Line extends well beyond ease of installation.

Its insulated panel construction offers strong thermal performance and structural durability, making it a solid choice for garages used as workshops, storage spaces, or as part of the home itself. Meanwhile, a broad palette of over 45 standard RAL colours, custom colour-matching options, and multiple panel styles give homeowners the visual flexibility they increasingly expect.

Jason explains, “We’re seeing more and more requests from customers who want a garage door that matches their front door, or their window frames, or the overall character of their home. Premier-Line makes that easy, without adding complication for the installer."

Premier-Line’s powder-coated finishes, available in both matte and textured options, offer high levels of resistance to UV, corrosion, and everyday wear. Even the hardware can be powder-coated to match, adding a final visual touch that contributes to the product’s growing reputation for design-led practicality.

JDUK has backed the range with its full-service support model, including technical help, pricing tools, colour swatches, and dedicated trade assistance. The company continues to refine Premier-Line based on installer feedback, making incremental improvements where needed and ensuring the range remains competitive without compromising on its core strengths.

"This isn’t a range that makes big promises and chases flashy features," says Jason. "It’s one that shows up, fits easily, performs well, and looks great doing it. That’s what installers respect. And increasingly, it’s what homeowners want too."

In a market that often celebrates the new and the novel, Premier-Line represents something more enduring: a sectional garage door range built on the fundamentals, which continues to earn trust through consistent delivery. As the industry continues to evolve, it may well be the quiet benchmarks like Premier-Line that set the tone for what the next generation of garage doors will look like.

For more information or to request a trade brochure, contact JDUK Door Systems at sales@jdukltd.co.uk or call 01924 472 924.

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Monday, 2 March 2026

DHF launches Core Competence in Building Hardware training courses

On 4th February 2025, DHF (Door & Hardware Federation) unveiled the UK’s first Ofqual-regulated and ABBE-accredited qualifications dedicated to the building hardware industry. The launch event was held at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon exclusively for DHF members of the Building Hardware Group, manufacturers from the Timber and Metal Doorset Groups, and invited industry guests. It marked an important milestone for the sector.

“This launch represented more than the introduction of a new training programme,” explains DHF’s Commercial Director, Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens. “Rather, it signalled a significant change in how competence in the building hardware industry is developed, measured and recognised. The qualification has been created by building hardware manufacturers, for manufacturers, and with a clear focus on quality, credibility and regulatory compliance.”

As the first Ofqual regulated qualification of its kind, and accredited by ABBE, the programme sets a new standard for professional competence in building hardware. It has been developed using more than 500 years of combined industry experience and reflects real working practice, current legislation, and growing expectations for proven competence across the built environment. DHF members and guests were the first to see this important development, marking not just the launch of a qualification but the start of a new approach to competence within the sector.

The event included presentations from Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens, DHF’s Commercial Director and Paul Johnson, DHF’s Project Manager who guided attendees through the journey of developing the training programme. Richard Bromley, Chair of the Building Hardware Group, Paul Browne, Chair of DHF, and Sam Howard of ABBE each spoke about the importance of regulated qualifications and their role in supporting higher industry standards. A live question and answer session followed, focusing on the development and future impact of the qualification, with the Q&A panel comprising DHF’s Paul Johnson, Kevin O’Reilly of Rutland UK, Neil Rule of Access2, and Richard Bromley. The discussion highlighted the collaborative effort across the industry to bring the programme to life.

“We were particularly pleased to welcome representatives from a wide range of organisations, including the Construction Products Association, Master Locksmiths Association, Police CPI, the Office for Product Safety and Standards, CITB, Nottinghamshire County Council Trading Standards, Clearview Group, and BRE,” concludes Patricia. “Their attendance demonstrated strong support for improving competence and meeting changing regulatory requirements.”

The qualification aligns with the Construction Product Competence Standard set out in the Construction Products Association White Paper and this places the programme at the forefront of wider competence reform, reinforcing DHF’s leadership in supporting a safer and more accountable built environment. DHF members will have exclusive access to the Core Competence in Building Hardware training courses for the first six months, with the programme due to launch in Spring 2026.

To register your interest in the Core Competence in Building Hardware training courses, please email training@dhfonline.org.uk

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