The Door Industry Journal

Wednesday, 20 May 2026

DHF Sponsors Gate & Barrier Contractor of the Year at 2026 AFI UK Fencing Awards

Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) is proud to sponsor the Gate & Barrier Contractor of the Year category at the 2026 Association of Fencing Industries (AFI) UK Fencing Awards. The awards celebrate excellence, innovation and commitment across the fencing industry, and recognise companies and individuals who continue to raise standards across the sector.

The Gate & Barrier Contractor of the Year category gives contractors the opportunity to showcase the quality of their work across all sectors, with entries judged on standards of precision, attention to detail, innovation, creativity and overall workmanship.

As part of the entry requirements, companies must also submit key safety and compliance documentation including a Risk Assessment Method Statement (RAMS), a Compliance & Residual Risk Assessment and a Declaration of Conformity. These documents are essential in demonstrating that installations are safe, compliant and professionally delivered.

All finalists will be invited to attend the awards ceremony, which will take place at Old Trafford in Manchester on 12th November 2026.

As part of its continued work across the industry, DHF remains committed to promoting gate safety and compliance. Powered gates and barriers are now a key part of many modern installations, making it increasingly important that systems are installed, maintained and operated safely. Training and competence continue to play an important role in supporting these standards. Through recognised training programmes, DHF helps industry professionals understand current legislation, risk assessment requirements and safe installation practices.

“This award recognises the high standards of workmanship, safety and professionalism that exist across the gate and barrier sector,” explains Steve Hill, Senior Training & Compliance Officer at DHF and judge for the category. “It is important that the industry continues to focus not only on the quality and performance of installations, but also on safety, compliance and ongoing competence. We look forward to seeing the entries for this year’s awards.”

The awards are open to the entire industry and companies do not need to be AFI members to enter. Businesses are invited to submit details of their best installations completed within the past 12 months with entries closing on 14th August 2026.

For further information about the AFI UK Fencing Awards and how to enter, please visit the AFI website https://bit.ly/49cdZMw

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Tuesday, 19 May 2026

ADSA Leads on Industry Standards Changes

The Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) is playing a central role in informing and influencing a series of significant changes to standards and regulations affecting the powered pedestrian door industry across the UK.

With multiple frameworks under review, ADSA is actively involved in the development of standards amendments in four key areas:

· new machinery regulation for powered doors and turnstiles

· a long‑term overhaul of construction products to define how doors and other openings are tested and classified

· updates to BS 8214 to bring powered fire doors clearly into scope

· a complete refresh of BS 7036‑0 to BS 7036 to give clearer, more consistent guidance on risk assessment and safety for powered door systems, speed lanes, turnstiles and manual revolving doors.

This stems from ADSA’s involvement on national and European committees such as BSI and CEN which directly contribute to the evolution of standards and their alignment to the EU requirements. This work will define how products are designed, specified, installed and maintained in the years ahead.

ADSA Technical, Standards and Regulation Manager Darren Hyde said: “Our job on these committees is to make sure what’s written into the standards properly represents our industry. But all of this work ultimately comes back to one thing: improving the safety of the end user by making sure powered doors and access systems are properly risk‑assessed, secure against misuse and specified to consistent standards.”

One of the most immediate areas of change is the transition from the EU Machinery Directive to the new Machinery Regulation, which introduces enhanced requirements around safety, traceability and protection against malicious interference - reflecting the growing connectivity of modern building systems.

ADSA has been closely involved in shaping the associated standards, ensuring they align with real-world industry practices while addressing emerging risks linked to smart technologies.

Alongside this, the EU Construction Product Regulation is undergoing a major overhaul, introducing a more consistent approach to how product performance is measured and declared. While this represents a longer-term shift, ADSA is already engaged in early-stage discussions to help shape a framework that will ultimately apply to a wide range of construction products, including doors and access systems. The UK Government intends to align with the new EU regulations - outlined in a recent White Paper.

ADSA is also contributing to updates in fire safety standards BS 8214, including the integration of powered pedestrian doors into fire door design guidance for the first time. Additionally, ADSA is leading the forthcoming revision of BS 7036, which will provide enhanced guidance on risk assessment and risk reduction, helping to create greater consistency in safety decisions across the sector.

Added ADSA Managing Director Ken Price: “We are at the hub of all of this work. We’re directly involved in shaping the standards and we’re working for our industry and our members to make sure their interests are represented fairly and accurately.”

As these changes progress, ADSA is committed to keeping its members informed and prepared through technical bulletins, CPD sessions and collaboration with manufacturers and suppliers.

By acting as a conduit between regulators, standard setting bodies, manufacturers and installers, the Association is ensuring that information is shared accurately and at the right time - not only helping the industry respond to change but actively shaping it, ensuring the powered pedestrian door and automated entrance control industries remain safe, compliant and fit for the future.

www.adsa.org.uk

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Monday, 18 May 2026

Supporting Architects and Inspiring Bespoke Projects

Consort Architectural Hardware will unveil a unique combination of digital innovation and hands-on craftsmanship at this year’s Clerkenwell Design Week.

The relationship between architectural design and hardware specification has traditionally been a fragmented one. Today, a greater number of projects require collaborative design tools, and professionals need innovation in this space. Consort Architectural Hardware aims to meet these modern architectural demands with the launch of its intelligent Revit integration software.

With its new Revit integration system, Consort is introducing a connected workflow between architectural models and door scheduling. The advanced digital platform enables architects to upload and analyse Revit models directly within the application, supporting an efficient data-led approach, where door data is interpreted, structured and prepared for hardware scheduling.

Through secure access and a purpose-built Revit plugin, users can establish direct communication between their model and Consort’s platform. With a unique project ID, architects can initiate a structured data extraction process that captures valuable information including door parameters, attributes and key project information straight from the model. Once complete, both the architect and Consort’s team receive confirmation, ensuring transparency and design alignment from the outset.

Following analysis, the workflow can transition seamlessly into the technical stage. A mapping interface aligns Revit parameters with the internal scheduling structure, ensuring critical data - such as room locations, door types, performance requirements and dimensional attributes - is translated accurately. The system then generates a comprehensive door schedule, with minimal manual input required, significantly reducing the risk of errors in the process.

A standout feature of Consort’s new platform is its interactive visual interface, which includes linked 2D and 3D models. With a suite of visuals, users can navigate the project intuitively, selecting doors within the schedule and instantly locating them within the model, or vice versa. This bi-directional functionality further enhances coordination, particularly on complex schemes, and allows for rapid validation of information.

With the door schedule in place, estimators can prepare detailed hardware sets tailored to each door, using Consort’s product data to ensure consistency and compliance throughout. Once finalised, door schedules, specifications, updated parameters and BIM objects are exported back into the Revit model. Each door is also embedded with a hardware set reference and a smart link, providing immediate access to detailed product information, imagery and technical documentation.

Consort is complementing this new digital innovation by showcasing its bespoke product capabilities and material expertise at Clerkenwell Design Week. In partnership with Material Source, Consort’s team of experts are inviting visitors to stand MSS7 between 19th - 21st May 2026, where they can explore products up close and take away samples of finishes and materials. Between metals, stone, leather and specialist finishes, complete freedom will be offered in material selection, with expanded finishing capabilities ensuring colour and surface quality align with project intent.

For more information on Consort’s bespoke capabilities and Revit integration, visit: www.consort-hw.com or email marketing@consort-hw.com

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Sunday, 17 May 2026

McLaren and Garage 59 celebrate World Endurance Championship success

Garage 59 secured McLaren’s second FIA World Endurance Championship victory in five races after showing impressive speed at Spa-Francorchamps.

The team was in the mix throughout all three free practice sessions, where the focus was on following up the season opening pole position at Imola while getting the Bronze-rated drivers comfortable with the McLaren GT3 EVO around the demanding seven-kilometre Grand Prix venue.

“Huge congratulations to the whole Garage 59 team on an excellent race and our first WEC win of the season! The drivers all performed flawlessly, and the team executed the pitstops superbly. This sets us up nicely for Le Mans where, as Mclaren Motorsport, we will continue to work closely with Garage 59 towards another strong performance,” commented Giorgio Sanna, Head of Motorsport, McLaren Automotive.

Qualifying 11th (#58) and 15th (#10) on the grid, the drivers made impressive progress in the race. Antares Au quickly began moving forward, gaining six places across his two stints which included a number of decisive overtakes.

Silver-ranked driver Tom Fleming took over for the middle two hours and climbed from ninth to second place, ending his stint less than a second behind the leading car. Marvin Kirchhöfer then brought the car home over the final two hours, applying relentless pressure to the leading Ferrari.

In the end, the decisive moment came during the final pit stop. The Garage 59 crew produced an exceptional stop to get the car out and force an error from the race-leading team, which was subsequently handed a drive-through penalty for an unsafe release. That left Marvin needing only to manage the gap to bring the McLaren GT3 EVO home for Garage 59’s first WEC victory.

“After Imola, everyone has worked so hard to make sure we could bounce back quickly. The pit stops were perfect; the drivers did a fantastic job – every member of the team was on it today. It has been a challenging week leading up to today as we have had a few issues with the car, so this win is a great reward for all of that work. I also want to mention Benji’s final stint – that was the best driving I have ever seen from him!” added Andrew Kirkaldy, Team Principal, Garage 59.

The sister car had to overcome track-limits penalties in the opening hours, but once they had been served, Finn Gehrsitz and Benji Goethe delivered an excellent recovery drive, climbing from 15th to finish fifth and securing a valuable haul of championship points.

“I want to credit my team mates who did an outstanding job, especially to keep us away from penalties, which was a big deciding factor is getting us up to the front. About 15-20 minutes into my stint the team told me that the lead Ferrari had received a penalty for an unsafe release so that meant I had to stay within five seconds of the Ferrari but also make sure nobody passed me. We could only dream of bouncing back this quickly after Imola so this win feels great and the team very much deserves it,” concluded Marvin Kirchhöfer, Driver #10 McLaren GT3 EVO.

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Saturday, 16 May 2026

ROBUST UK APPOINTS HEAD OF PRODUCT AND COMPLIANCE

Robust UK, a leading manufacturer of steel door solutions, has appointed Rob Mottram as Head of Product and Compliance to support growth and innovation across its range.

Rob brings over 10 years of industry experience and has previously worked as Technical Manager for the ARRONE range at HOPPE (UK), where he gained in-depth knowledge of door hardware and testing and certification processes that underpin product performance and compliance.

Having previously worked at Robust UK as a Design Engineer, Production Supervisor and Research and Development Manager, Rob returns to drive product innovation and strengthen compliance.

Emily Mathews, General Manager at Robust, says: “We’re thrilled to welcome Rob to the Product and Compliance team. His extensive experience, time spent at HOPPE, technical expertise and strong understanding of our business and culture from his previous time with us will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our range of fully certified and compliant products.”

As Head of Product and Compliance, Rob will be responsible for leading the Research and Development and Drawing teams, playing a key role in driving innovation, ensuring compliance and supporting the continued development of Robust’s product portfolio.

Rob says: “I’m delighted to be back at Robust to contribute to the continued growth and innovation of its extensive product portfolio. It is a proud moment to be leading two teams that I have previously been part of, helping to make a real impact on product innovation and compliance.”

Rob is a qualified Certificated Standards & Regulations Advisor (CertSRA) and also holds Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) Diplomas in Door Systems (RegDS) and Access Control (RegAC), bringing a depth of expertise that will be invaluable in this new role.

As an active member of the GAI Education Committee, Rob’s dedication to the industry extends beyond his role, as he contributes to the development of industry training, delivers educational sessions and supports examination processes. He is also further expanding his expertise by completing a Diploma in Principles of Firestopping, deepening his knowledge of the critical role doors play in passive fire protection.

Rob’s appointment is a strategic move for Robust UK and shows a commitment to advancing product development and driving innovation.

For more information on steel door solutions, visit: https://www.robust-uk.com/

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Friday, 15 May 2026

Accurate Installation and Fire Door Compliance

Karen Trigg of Allegion UK explores the critical relationship between hardware installation and fire door compliance and why competence remains essential in ensuring lives aren’t put at risk.

Functional fire doors are a cornerstone of passive fire protection and are recognised as a legal requirement in non-domestic properties and houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). For a building to be considered fire safe, its fire doors must be operational, and as such, careful attention is frequently placed on standardised testing, specification and ongoing maintenance.

Perhaps less understood is the link between accurate door hardware installation and fire safety compliance, explains Karen Trigg of Allegion UK: “Certified fire doors are tested with - and are reliant on - a range of hardware components, including hinges, locks, latches and door closers. Whilst ironmongery products must be CE or UKCA marked, Certifire accredited and tested under separate standards, there is less regulatory emphasis placed on the installation process.

“Should hardware be improperly or inaccurately fitted to a door, its fire resistant capabilities become compromised, leaving a building and its occupants at risk. Yet, installation remains a pain point for the fire safety industry. Evidence suggests that incorrect installation is one of the leading causes of fire door failure, and despite a wave of regulatory framework updates in other areas, there remains a level of ambiguity towards the proficiency required for fitting fire door hardware.

“As per the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022: fire door guidance, it is assumed that responsible persons must possess evidence that the design, specification and installation of a fire door is adequate for its location. The guidance also states that upon inspection, if there is any doubt that a fire-resistant flat entrance door has been replaced, the resident may be asked to confirm that the new fire door has been ‘installed by a competent person’.

“It’s clear then that fire door installation is significant to fire door performance and a critical aspect of our built environment. Yet, there remains no legal requirement for installers to possess a mandatory qualification or accreditation when performing installation. This presents a misconception that fire doors and their hardware can be installed by anyone - after all, how is ‘competence’ defined? In reality, duty holders are risking compliance, with unskilled individuals using incorrect fixing methods and stripping certified fire doors of their FD rating in the process.”

Reducing the gaps

The introduction and ongoing implementation of phase 3 of the Building Safety Act 2022 has strengthened the ability of enforcement authorities to act against non-compliance. With greater emphasis placed on meeting standards throughout the lifecycle of fire doors, responsible persons are urged to seek trusted, professional help when unsure about hardware installation. Karen expands:

“Duty holders should seek professional support when installing fire door hardware, in the same way they would rely on qualified persons to assess and install a gas boiler for example. Certified professionals can demonstrate the right skills, knowledge and experience when installing fire door systems, effectively removing any questions surrounding competence and compliance.

“During installation, it is also best practice to follow manufacturer guidelines and fitting instructions. Door hardware products are often unique to the manufacturer, with distinctive components, fittings and fixing points, and as a result should never be approached as like for like installation projects. Fire door integrity is frequently compromised by alignment issues and improper installation methods as a result of this knowledge gap.

“In many cases, an appropriately specified and perfectly operational fire door closer can be found ineffective, solely as a result of poor installation. Consequently, a fire door may not be able to latch or close fully from its standing position, leaving gaps large enough for smoke and fire to pass through in an emergency situation. It’s important to plan ahead and appreciate that door hardware installation is a specialised task.

“To improve the accuracy of installations, there’s a wealth of information and detailed walkthroughs made available from conscious manufacturers in the form of fitting templates, product datasheets and video guides. Guidance can usually be found online, with product packaging, or can be requested directly and is designed to support installers throughout a project whilst reducing installation time and enhancing the life of the installed hardware. Product information and installation guidance can also be useful post-installation. Where a responsible person is required to perform ongoing checks and regular maintenance periods as part of their obligations, some fixing instruction may assist in scenarios when hardware adjustments are required.

“Fire door hardware installation is neither the first nor final step of fire door safety, but it is a fundamental one. As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, we’re seeing a cultural shift in fire safety accountability, and responsible persons would be remiss to undervalue the significance of accurate hardware installation. Ultimately, when it comes to fire door safety compliance, a combination of competence and education is essential.”

The support that Allegion UK can provide

Allegion UK works closely with reputable bodies such as the GAI, BWF-FDA and DHF and as a conscious member of the supply chain is committed to supporting customers throughout product specification and the necessary installation and maintenance procedures thereafter. Allegion has a wealth of customer support resources, including its newly downloadable ‘Fire Door Hardware Maintenance and Installation Logbook’ which has been designed to address common issues in these areas whilst offering accessible installation guidance and comprehensive maintenance walkthroughs for each critical element of fire door hardware.

www.allegion.com

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Thursday, 14 May 2026

Entrance Systems Alliance launches Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Occupational Work Supervision (Construction)

Entrance Systems Alliance (ESA) formed by two well-known and established trade organisations, the Automatic Doors Suppliers Association (ADSA) and the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF), has announced the launch of a new Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Occupational Work Supervision (Construction). It is designed to support the development of skilled supervisors across the construction sector.

The qualification is a workplace-based programme that enables learners to demonstrate their competence in a real construction environment. Built around National Occupational Standards, it assesses practical ability through evidence gathered on site, rather than through classroom-based examinations.

Learners complete a structured portfolio of evidence, supported and assessed by a qualified assessor, with the qualification graded on a pass or fail basis. Candidates must be employed in a relevant role, ensuring that assessment reflects genuine workplace responsibilities. The course is aimed at individuals currently working in construction who are supervising teams or preparing to move into supervisory positions. It is also suitable for those with existing industry experience, or those who have already achieved a Level 2 qualification or equivalent occupational competence.

To achieve the diploma, learners must successfully complete the six mandatory units and two optional units from a selection of four, covering the core responsibilities expected of a construction supervisor. These include monitoring progress against work schedules, maintaining health, safety and environmental standards, co-ordinating work operations, confirming work activities and resources, and developing effective working relationships on site.

Optional units enable learners to tailor the qualification to their role, with areas such as team performance, quality standards, dimensional control, and the use of plant and equipment.

The qualification has been developed to reflect the realities of modern construction sites, ensuring that learners gain relevant, practical skills that can be applied immediately in their roles. It also provides a clear pathway for progression into more senior supervisory or management positions.

“Our Work with the CITB super sector groups has highlighted the need for a route to professional competence; this level 3 qualification offers an opportunity for supervisors in the door, gate and shutter systems industry to demonstrate their competence and gives them a clearly defined pathway towards future management positions”, says Ken Price, Managing Director at ADSA. “We are delighted to be working with NOCN to be offering this qualification."

From an employer perspective, the qualification offers a structured way to support workforce development and confirm the capability of supervisory staff. By aligning with recognised standards, it provides assurance that individuals are operating at the expected level within their role.

“Developing competent, confident supervisors is critical to the future of our industry,” explains DHF’s Deputy CEO, Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens. “This qualification provides a practical, accessible route for individuals to demonstrate their ability in a real working environment, while giving employers confidence in the skills and standards of their teams. It reflects the realities of the construction sector and supports progression at a time when strong leadership on site has never been more important. Through this launch, ESA continues its commitment to raising standards across the industry by supporting skills development, improving competence, and strengthening the pipeline of future construction leaders.”

www.dhfonline.org.uk

www.adsa.org.uk

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Wednesday, 13 May 2026

BFT launches EasyAXS: A smart connectivity solution for automated gates

BFT Automation, the specialists in access automation systems and part of the SOMFY Group, has officially launched EasyAXS, an innovative smart connectivity system designed for automated gates.

EasyAXS delivers a seamless end-to-end solution for installers, simplifying installation and setup, with comprehensive after-sales support.

Easy to install and quick to commission, the compact module is plugged directly into the gate system control panel and connects via a dedicated app with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing installers to configure and activate it directly from a smartphone even without an internet connection.

Wi-Fi or Mobile (4G with a 1GB SIM) connectivity modules are available, offering flexibility tailored to customer needs and project requirements. Users can control their gates through the TaHoma by Somfy app on their smartphones. Those already using TaHoma for home automation can seamlessly add their gate system, making it more convenient to manage gates and other connected devices in one place.

Commenting on the launch of the EasyAXS, Steven Montgomery, Managing Director for Somfy/BFT, said: “Launching EasyAXS is an exciting time for us here at BFT. The solution is made with the installer in mind – simple to install, set up and easy to hand over to the end user. The app is intuitive and designed so that no training is needed to install and use. No additional products are needed for smart phone control either.

“The 4G GSM solution is also very reliable and required for projects where the gate control panel is located out of range of the local WiFi signal. The TaHoma end user app, from Somfy, is easy to use while at home or away and can be linked to a smart speaker for voice activated control.

“We are also looking forward to introducing remote servicing in the near future, which will include remote diagnostics and aftersales support that can take place off site. For the installer, this will mean time saved on travelling to and from locations to resolve issues that can now be identified remotely."

EasyAXS is currently compatible with the Thalia BT A80/160 and Deimos sliding gate operators, with a continued phased roll-out planned for connectivity to other BFT products in the future.

For further information on the EasyAXS, contact BFT Automation on 0161 456 0456 (North Office), or 01477 674 750 (South Office) or visit www.bftautomationuk.com

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Tuesday, 12 May 2026

Consort Case Study: The Cape Grace Hotel, Cape Town

Consort Architectural Hardware was tasked with delivering the full ironmongery package for the multi award-winning hospitality landmark in Cape Town, The Cape Grace Hotel.

The Cape Grace Hotel has long been celebrated for its timeless style and exceptional guest experiences, earning prestigious accolades such as Africa’s leading Hotel of the Year and Design Hotel of the Year.

Following the most extensive refurbishment in its history, the hotel reopened its doors to guests in April 2024, marking a significant moment for one of South Africa’s most celebrated hospitality destinations. The fresh look represents a technical, multifaceted upgrade and has firmly positioned Cape Grace as a modern classic rooted in its iconic V&A waterfront setting.

Consort Architectural Hardware, commissioned by 1508 London’s Dubai Studio, was well placed to supply a complete ironmongery package capable of meeting the project’s ambitious design vision together with essential fire and life safety compliance requirements.

An environment reimagined

During an eight-month renovation, every corner of the hotel was reinvented, from the grand foyer experience to its 112 luxury guestrooms, suites and signature hospitality spaces including the spa, swimming pool area and its famous Bascule Bar. The design - profoundly inspired by Cape Town’s tranquil landscape and cultural identity - incorporates layered materials and delicate details, designed to guide guests through a cohesive and immersive journey of relaxation and exploration.

Ironmongery played a critical role in the narrative, achieving both the operational performance of the building and the architectural clarity between its interior spaces. In line with the demands of a high-traffic hotel environment, durability, compliance and long-term performance were central to hardware specification. Consort supplied premium EN 1906 Grade 4 lever handle sets suited to heavy-duty applications, with all components Certifire approved and paired with high-specification lock cases to ensure fire door integrity across the scheme.

A bespoke multi-profile lock cylinder system was also developed to align with the hotel’s operational hierarchy requirements, supporting efficient access control without compromising security. To maintain the refined architectural language of the project, concealed hinges and door closers were consistently aligned with flush door detailing in order to preserve clean lines and reduce the visual interruption on each guestroom doorset. The result: a coordinated hardware solution designed to balance the demands of guest comfort, safety and long term performance.

“Early on, it was clear the brief demanded hardware solutions that could balance reliability with a refined guest experience. Our chosen products had to seamlessly blend with a naturally aesthetic-led environment whilst also ensuring they were robust enough for intensive use,” said David May, Consort Architectural Hardware.

Clean design, heightened style

The ironmongery palette was carefully developed to complement the hotel’s renewed identity – refined, tactile and deeply connected to its regional context. Satin PVD Gold and Brass tones were selected to harmonise with the surrounding material scheme, sitting alongside textured timber veneers and layered interior finishes whilst complementing local artwork and exterior views of the famous flat-topped Table Mountain.

Knurled textures and grained cast pad pull handles were used to emphasise depth and tactility, reinforcing the handcrafted essence of the interior design and accentuating the waxed and polished grain door veneers. Hinges and closers were also concealed from view, highlighting clean lines and allowing the visible hardware elements to take on a dual role, with bespoke ironmongery handles functioning as both practical components and sculptural design features within each space.

Greater lifecycle performance

Sustainability considerations formed a key part of the specification strategy for The Cape Grace Hotel. All hardware components used throughout the project were selected for proven longevity - determined by testing performance - with an aim of reducing replacement cycles and minimising the environmental impact over the building’s lifespan.

Consort’s in-house PVD finishing technology provided a highly durable surface treatment, removing hazardous solvents and volatile organic compounds to significantly extend product life when compared to traditional plated finishes. The manufacturer’s Premium Range was also supplied in plastic-free packaging, with recyclable materials used throughout. Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) were accessible across key product lines, supporting transparency and informed material selection throughout the project’s specification.

In addition, Consort’s ‘Buy Back’ scheme encourages the recovery and reuse of architectural hardware at the end of a product’s service life. This further reinforced the commitment to a more sustainable and circular approach to architectural ironmongery.

The Cape Grace Hotel project is a shortlisted finalist for the GAI Specification Awards 2026. Results for the International Award are to be announced during the awards ceremony on Friday 15th May at IET London, Savoy Place.

www.consort-hw.com

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Monday, 11 May 2026

ADSA leads industry-wide initiative to ensure safe automation of fire-rated doors

The Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) has launched a collaborative industry initiative to address a growing technical challenge: how to safely automate existing fire-rated doors without compromising their fire performance.

Automation is increasingly used across healthcare, education, transport and commercial buildings to improve accessibility, manage footfall and support safer movement. However, retrofitting automation to manual fire doors is not always a simple upgrade. Modifications such as installing operators, routing cables or replacing closing devices can alter the door’s construction and potentially affect its integrity as a fire-resisting system.

In response, ADSA has brought together a cross-industry steering group including leading manufacturers: record UK, dormakaba and GEZE UK, alongside the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers, the British Woodworking Federation and a leading fire test house.

Controlled testing will be carried out to replicate common retrofit scenarios - initially focusing on timber fire doors. The aim is to understand how typical modifications, such as drilling for cabling or changing hardware, influence fire performance and to build a robust evidence base for the industry.

Darren Hyde, Technical and Training Manager at ADSA, said: “Many of the questions we receive now relate to automating existing fire doors. When you retrofit automation, you’re potentially changing the construction of the door. What we want to do as an industry is understand exactly how those modifications affect fire performance.”

While new-build projects benefit from tested, fully specified door systems, retrofit environments are far less predictable.

“In new-build, manufacturers can provide clear test evidence for complete systems,” Darren added. “In retrofit situations, that level of certainty doesn’t always exist. We want to close that gap in understanding.”

Findings from the programme will inform new guidance for engineers, specifiers and building owners, expected later this year. Rather than prescribing a single solution, the guidance will help professionals assess the impact of common modifications and apply practical measures - such as appropriate cable routing, fire-stopping and installation methods - to maintain door integrity.

The initiative also reinforces the need to consider accessibility and fire safety together. While automation delivers clear benefits, it must be implemented with a full understanding of its impact. At the same time, ADSA recognises that full door replacement is not always necessary; with the right technical approach, many existing fire doors can be adapted safely and responsibly.

By bringing together industry expertise, testing and practical guidance, ADSA and its partners aim to close the knowledge gap around retrofit automation and support safer, more informed decision-making across the built environment.

www.adsa.org.uk

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