The Door Industry Journal

Sunday, 15 June 2025

PILOTI FERRARI 296 SPECIALE: AN EXCLUSIVE CONFIGURATION RESERVED FOR FERRARI CLIENT-RACING DRIVERS

On the eve of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Ferrari unveiled the 296 Speciale with the Piloti Ferrari configuration, the latest expression of the Tailor Made programme. This exclusive configuration was designed to celebrate the successes achieved in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and to honour Ferrari client-racing drivers.

The official debut fittingly took place at the Circuit de la Sarthe, home of the legendary French endurance race scheduled for this weekend. The unique specification, reserved for clients involved in Ferrari’s official sporting activities — both competitive and non-competitive — is inspired by the 499P, overall winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2023 and 2024 in the Hypercar category. Designed for those who live the track firsthand, this special livery and finish reflects the identity of a community of client-racing drivers who actively contribute to Ferrari’s racing legacy.

The Piloti Ferrari 296 Speciale is offered in four racing-inspired colours: Rosso Scuderia, Blu Tour De France, Nero Daytona, and Argento Nürburgring. The exterior livery, inspired by that of the 499P and finished in Giallo Modena, features a hand-painted WEC logo, the Italian flag on the front bumper, and a customizable number chosen by the client. The model unveiled at Le Mans bears the number 51, with which Alessandro Pier Guidi, James Calado, and Antonio Giovinazzi claimed victory in 2023 — the year of Ferrari’s official return to top-tier endurance racing and the French race’s centenary.

The cabin features racing seats upholstered in thermoformed black Alcantara®, with inserts made from the same fireproof fabric used for the official drivers’ suits. The livery number is also reproduced on the interior carbon fibre, while the technical metal footwell surface can be customized upon request. Every detail is designed to reflect the driving experience and sense of belonging shared by those passionate about competition. The personalisation is completed by a carbon identification plaque and a carbon-fibre door sill with an exclusive customisable dedication.

296 speciale

The 296 Speciale is a special version of Ferrari’s mid-rear-engined berlinetta that represents the extreme evolution of the 296 GTB, setting a benchmark in driving enjoyment. The plug-in hybrid powertrain combines a 120-degree twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor, delivering a total output of 880 cv.

The ICE has been lightened and reinforced with components also derived from Formula 1, while the 8-speed DCT transmission has been optimized with the Ferrari fast shift strategy to maximize electric torque and make gear changes even quicker and more engaging. Weight has been reduced and aerodynamic downforce increased by 20% compared to the 296 GTB.

The chassis has been revised for even more responsive and precise track behaviour; the new extra boost software strategy delivers full power during high-performance laps. Its compact dimensions and design integrate radical technical solutions—such as rear gamma wings, suspended splitters, and an enlarged diffuser evoking a racing aesthetic.

499p

The 499P is the Hypercar with which Ferrari returned to the top class of the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2023, after a 50-year absence. Designed according to LMH regulations, it features a carbon-fibre monocoque chassis and double wishbone suspension. The hybrid powertrain combines a structural, load-bearing 3-litre twin-turbo V6 with a front electric motor, delivering around 680 cv and active all-wheel drive above 190 km/h.

The electric unit also contributes to regenerative braking. Aerodynamics are optimized for efficiency and stability on all types of circuits. The 499P won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2023 and 2024 with cars #51 and #50 from the official Ferrari – AF Corse team, marking a triumphant return to the most prestigious endurance race.

FERRARI TAILOR MADE

Ferrari Tailor Made is the exclusive programme for clients who wish to personalise every element of their Ferrari, creating a car that truly reflects their character and tastes. Clients are assisted by a team of experts led by a personal designer who interprets their desires while respecting Ferrari’s aesthetic standards. The range of choices is virtually limitless, with the three collections — Classica, Inedita, and Scuderia — guiding clients through a world of exclusivity, elegance, and uniqueness.

www.ferrari.com

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Saturday, 14 June 2025

10 questions with HOPPE (UK) Product Engineer, Dan Savage

Dan Savage has worked as Product Engineer for HOPPE (UK) for seven years. His product design credentials span 25 years, having designed cordless vacuum cleaners as project leader at Gtech, as well as homewares for Next Home and washrooms for Venesta.

Tell us about about how you got into your career…

I hold a degree in Industrial Design from Teesside University, Middlesbrough. It’s a hugely well-regarded course with many students going on to product design roles.

I’ve always been passionate about blending art and engineering and was interested in drawing and sketching from a young age, as well as understanding how things worked. I studied art and design at both GCSE and A level.

At the same time, I was intrigued by engineering and being able to make things from scratch. My dad was an engineer and owned a sheet metal business, so I got to know about processes and machinery at an early age.

What is your role at HOPPE (UK) and ARRONE, a HOPPE Group brand?

First and foremost, I look after product design and innovation. I design solutions to problems. This is a mix of new products and innovations to existing products, with a split of around 50/50.

I have big projects each year that we are looking at for marketplace entry, and design and deliver those. This incorporates innovation not only in design but also user experience, packaging and factory assembly. The ARRONE brand is strong and technically complex, and my work allows us to remain at the forefront of competitors.

I also control mechanical auditing with test houses to make sure CE and Certifire certification evidence is up to date and look after FPCs (production processes). I control the tooling register and handle new design inspection work, producing sample inspection reports (SIRs).

I deliver our PIM CAD drawings for catalogues and work with sales when they require the latest dimensioned drawings for customers.

What have been your big projects over the last twelve months?

My main focuses have been our new ARRONE AR227 Split Spindle for AR915 Apartment Locks, as well as PAS 24 panic hardware.

We needed a new split spindle to help overcome a problem of overtightening during installation. Split spindles have two halves that allow independent movement on each side of the lock. The door needs to lock securely from the outside, but offer quick egress on the inside, in case of a fire alarm, fire or need for escape.

My job has been about eliminating potential for assembly error. I have designed a solution to prevent overtightening with the clip-fix mechanism. It’s going to make the fitting a lot faster so it’s an exciting addition for us.

Tell us more about designing the split spindle…

Apartment blocks, hotels, or building with separate flats – typically anywhere where there are multiple doors in a building – require security so they can be locked from the outside and exited from the inside. This is done using a split spindle with a screw fixing.

To fit these, customers tend to use power tools. However, occasionally they are overtightened and this can mean the emergency side becomes more difficult to use.

Although the products contain full instructions it became clear we needed a better product to overcome this issue.

I designed a locking split spindle in two halves where part A is installed through the lock follower, and part B clips onto it with a sprung clip. It cannot be overtightened, it’s five times quicker to install and uses less components.

This was the product of a eureka moment. I had the idea quite early on when I was looking at a luggage case with castor wheels. Some of them have wheels that can clip and unclip for storage and that give a reassuring ‘click’ sound when attached. I thought this could be used with doors, so it then became about developing and perfecting it.

The product has been tested and is available to purchase.

How would you summarise the favourite parts of your role?

It’s all about making the user experience better and breathing new life into existing designs. The interplay of functionality and form across both residential and commercial is important to me.

Crucially, I design for the problem or to a cost, not necessarily for the sector or use. Design is also there to support the maintenance of a product – extending its use and lifespan rather than replacement.

The main job satisfaction comes when I arrive at a solution to a problem and have managed to really answer an issue end users have. I get great satisfaction from keeping customers happy.

What’s your process for designing brand new products?

First, the team will get together and identify a set of products for design the following year. These will go through shortlisting where projects are prioritised. We respond to customer requests or concentrate on areas we are keen to develop. For 2023/2024 our products to design were the split spindle and PAS 24 panic hardware, which are both at launch stage now.

As part of this process, I run a significant research and development phase to explore what’s on the market and new ways to innovate. This involves brainstorming for improvements and testing their feasibility through prototyping while ensuring designs are suitable for manufacture.

In this role, you are constantly looking for improvement, taking on customer feedback, and working closely with door manufacturers and other key partners.

I work with door manufacturers as they know what they want – to speed up the process, make things easier, and promote more ease in installation. This is because lots of products are placed on the door at source, so we must work together to meet their needs.

This is especially true of fire doors where everything needs to be tested together.

When it comes to architectural ironmongery, my focus is on creating new things in the market that they’ll want to sell. Innovation is a big focus.

Is the process different when you’re innovating from existing products?

We innovate from existing products if a feature or look and feel needs refreshing. The aesthetic might be a bit tired, or features need to be made more present or relevant for today’s market.

Value engineering is also a big part of this, where I look for ways to make more margin. This can mean reducing material weight, taking out parts, or making assembly simpler. At the same time the challenge is to retain the same product with the same function and quality, while taking money and complication out of it. A CE marked product, for example, needs to retain standards.

It’s an iterative process. You innovate to continually improve.

Sometimes we also partner with other manufacturers to carry out fire testing in a group to create an economy of scale.

Looking back, what have been some of the biggest changes in the sector in five years?

The speed of being able to design and bring a product to life has been key. Rapid prototyping is a part of this and at HOPPE/ARRONE we are putting this to use with a 3D printer. It means I can expedite the feasibility stage by designing in CAD and printing in one day, to move to testing very quickly.

It helps to understand fit and function, cuts cost and time as involves no external supplier, and also produces a better product by allowing for much more time to test and adjust.

Looking ahead, what major changes do you see for the next five years?

Now our metal prototype production takes two weeks but in the next five years I can see much more in the way of affordable 3D printing with metal to speed up the feasibility and testing process.

Aside from that, with the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report: Government response published in February, alongside a new Construction Products Reform Green Paper 2025, the focus is really growing around product testing and improving fire safety.

What are the opportunities for the business on the horizon?

For us, it’s all about growing our range with more exciting products.

The level of software innovation will also be key for growth, especially when it comes to producing renders of designs. There is software out there that are game changers when it comes to making photorealistic renderings and animations of what you’ve designed. Products can be brought to life when it comes to proposals for Board. They provide the ability to communicate a design in the early stages.

www.hoppe.co.uk

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Friday, 13 June 2025

Making an entrance at FIT

Returning for the fourth consecutive time, Hörmann UK made a huge impact at the FIT Show – with its now-famous blue and orange flair; drawing in a record-breaking 150% increase in registered enquiries compared to 2023. The Hörmann stand saw significantly higher footfall throughout the entire show, made up of a healthy mix of returning customers and new prospective installers.

As always, Hörmann UK brought together innovation, entertainment, and tradition in equal measure. With an eye-catching corner ‘plot’, the full residential door range was proudly on display, offering a comprehensive view of the company’s expansive portfolio. From the competitively priced Truedor composite doors and Thermo46/65 steel doors to sleek aluminium models and the ever-popular RollMatic T roller garage doors, the message was clear: Hörmann is a one-stop shop for stylish, secure, and sustainable entrance solutions.

The show also marked the UK debut of Hörmann’s ‘Entrance Gate’ option, a compact roller door designed for use at property boundaries. Its IP65 weather rating ensures durability and protection from the elements; meeting increasing demand for practical yet elegant access solutions.

Stand visitors were treated to live demos with all entrance and garage doors operable via traditional methods and also remote control and Bluetooth; showcasing the integration of smart technology into everyday products. This modern touch added to the strong sense of quality and innovation the brand consistently upholds.

Another highlight of Hörmann’s 2025 FIT Show presence was the expanded ‘Hörmann Rewards Fitters’ loyalty programme. Designed to reward installers for their continued support, the scheme garnered a lot of interest from professionals looking to align with a manufacturer that values and incentivises long-term collaboration.

Hörmann brought an element of fun, and something different for visitors to get their claws into – literally… The arcade-style claw machine proved a huge draw, offering attendees the chance to win a composite door by retrieving the elusive ‘golden’ ball. Four lucky winners claimed their prize over the course of the show, adding a competitive and memorable twist to the stand experience.

And, of course there was the stand’s special guest: Wolf, the original Gladiator from the iconic 90s TV series; attracting crowds of attendees eager to snap a photo with the larger-than-life legend (and much nicer in person than his TV character used to appear!)

The energy carried into the evening with Hörmann’s much-anticipated ‘Germanfest’ event on Wednesday night. True to the brand’s heritage, the celebration was an all-out Bavarian bash complete with an Oompah band, flowing German beer served in Hörmann-branded steins, traditional fare, and an abundance of Bavarian hats.

Marketing Manager David O’Mara commented: “The FIT Show is the perfect platform for us to showcase the breadth of our offering and connect with our growing installer network. The surge in interest this year is a real testament to our investment in product development and customer support, particularly with the success of the Truedor range."

As the show wrapped up, Hörmann confirmed they’ll be back for FIT Show 2027; a move that comes as no surprise given the success of this year’s event. With high-performance, sustainable products, a strong installer focus, and a flair for showmanship, Hörmann UK has once again proven it knows how to make a lasting impression.

www.hormanntruedoor.co.uk

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Thursday, 12 June 2025

Why Synergy Matters in Door Security

Door manufacturers often “Pick & Mix” hardware from different suppliers, leading to compatibility issues, operational inefficiencies, and reduced security performance. Winkhaus is redefining the market with Crafted Synergy™, a fully integrated range of door security products, engineered to work in harmony to create a smart security ecosystem that boasts simplified fabrication and installation, with fewer callbacks and reliable performance under real-world conditions, and compliance with the newly enhanced security regulations and test methodology.

Leading door and window locking solutions manufacturer, and fire door systems house Winkhaus, launched a host of new integrated innovations at this year’s FIT Show.

Mike Rushen – Sales Director Winkhaus UK shares: “Crafted Synergy™ is the culmination of years of work understanding challenges faced by fabricators, installers, and their customers. I am so excited to see the reaction to this new smart security ecosystem and the low force efficiencies it provides.”

Polaris: Smart design and simple set up

Mike Rushen explains: “Everything about our new Polaris™ Smart turner is synergised only for Winkhaus products. It’s sleek and functional design, seamless integration with our precision XR6 cylinder, ability to adapt how it operates with the Winkhaus autoLock AV4 and lever operated Thunderbolt, low force to operate door locks.

"Polaris™ knows and shares its status with the Polaris Smart™ phone app, including confirmation that the door is not just locked, but locked and closed when paired with the Polaris™ smart keep sensor. Around the world and at the door, locking and unlocking is achieved by smart phone and key fobs, the choice is yours.

"The product will of course be IASME and IOT security tested, and SBD approved at launch. You would not expect anything less from Winkhaus.

“With autoLock AV4, our customers have already seen the benefits low operation force provides in reducing call outs, increasing productivity, profitability, and customer satisfaction. The introduction of Crafted Synergy™ further enhances this ethos, with further low force efficiencies now available by pairing autoLock AV4 or Thunderbolt with the XR6 cylinder and Polaris, lowering wear on motors, leading to quieter operation and longer battery life.

"The Crafted Synergy range of products are designed to work in perfect harmony, ensure compliance with changing legislation and provide fabricators and installers with a competitive edge in challenging market conditions."

3-Star Equation

Pairing a 1-star cylinder, which has never failed a security test, with 2-star cylinder protection is the perfect and proven solution to address the evolving enhanced security standards and deliver a future ready 3-star security solution. Winkhaus will introduce its expanded range of 3-star solutions with new 2-star Handle, 2-Star Escutcheon with optional pull, alongside the 2-star armorShield and 1-star XR6 cylinder range.

Added Value Support Services

To support fabricators and installers through this transition, our technical, laboratory, and product management teams are expanding their services. Our UKAS accredited laboratory will be among the first to offer testing to the PAS24 2024 addendum, with our teams of experts ready to guide customers with their compliance journeys, including consultation, product development days and bespoke test programs, helping them adapt their designs efficiently and effectively.

For further information and to learn more about the added value products, services, and solutions Winkhaus UK showcased at FIT Show 2025, visit www.winkhaus.co.uk or contact marketing@winkhaus.co.uk

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Wednesday, 11 June 2025

Yale launches Dual Lock for smart and secure window locking

Yale has officially launched the Yale Dual Lock – a next-generation window locking solution that combines superior mechanical strength, streamlined installation, and full smart home integration. Developed with fabricators, installers, and homeowners in mind, the Dual Lock range delivers high-performance security with modern convenience.

Offering compatibility with PVC, aluminium, and timber window systems and designed for efficiency on the factory floor and on-site, the Dual Lock system features minimal routing preparation, reducing both installation time and complexity with its comprehensive range:

· Three backsets: 20mm, 22mm, 26mm

· Three cam heights: 7.7mm, 9.0mm, 10.5mm

· Eleven standard lengths and nine low-handle-height lengths

· Croppable and extendable Shootbolt options covering sash sizes from 312mm to 1,572mm

Fully compatible with Yale SensCheck™ smart sensors, the Dual Lock range enables real-time monitoring through the Yale Smart Living Alarm App. Homeowners receive instant alerts if a window is left unlocked or tampered with, integrating seamlessly into smart home ecosystems and providing reassurance wherever they are.

The bi-directional twin cam operation increases resistance to intruders by engaging locking points in opposite directions simultaneously, making it significantly harder to manipulate compared to traditional single-direction systems. Adjustable cams allow for precise compression adjustment, improving weather sealing and maintaining a consistent, secure fit over time.

The upcoming Flush Fit variants will be specifically tailored for modern flush window systems, ensuring a clean, seamless aesthetic without compromising strength or security.

The Twin Cam Espagnolette is available with a durable Quadcoat finish. Tested to BS EN 1670 Grade 5 (480 hours) and independently verified to withstand 1000 hours of neutral salt spray (NSS), it offers exceptional corrosion resistance and long-lasting performance, even in the harshest environments.

The entire range has been rigorously tested to PAS24:2022, withstanding 50,000 operational cycles, and is backed by a 10-year mechanical guarantee. All products in the range are Secured by Design accredited and are covered by the Yale Lifetime Security Guarantee, ensuring total confidence in durability and performance.

Grant Stratford, Yale’s Senior Fenestration Technical Director – ASSA ABLOY, Residential, commented: “With the Yale Dual Lock, we set out to redefine what fabricators and installers can expect from a modern window locking system. By combining advanced mechanical security with seamless smart home integration and simplified installation, we’ve created a solution that meets the needs of today’s market – without compromise.”

To learn more about the Yale Dual Lock range, visit https://www.yaledws.co.uk/uk/en/products/window-hinges/duallock-window-lock

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Tuesday, 10 June 2025

New GQA Level 3 Diploma in Inspection of Fire Resistant Doorsets

Fire Door Maintenance (FDM) has launched an industry-first GQA Level 3 Diploma in Inspection of Fire Resistant Doorsets.

The 65-credit diploma, which certifies individuals as having the necessary levels of skills and knowledge to carry out non-invasive inspections, has been developed with awarding body GQA Qualifications and construction training provider National Skills Centre. It comprises 12 units and 313 guided learning hours — eight additional units and 305 more guided learning hours than its closest competitor.

Martin Sadler, External Quality Advisor and Technical Officer at GQA Qualifications, commented: “The Level 3 Diploma in Inspection of Fire Resistant Doorsets is a new approach to how qualifications are delivered and assessed in the market, and it’s just what the industry needs. We’re filling in the skills gap and creating a new generation of fire door, which in turn makes buildings safer for everyone.”

The diploma focuses on the required practical skills and knowledge for fire-resistant door inspection, as well as legislative compliance. Assessment content includes identifying types of fire-resistant doors and components, the roles and responsibilities of a fire-resistant door inspector, and the importance of Continuing Professional Development for fire door inspectors.

Candidates acquire relevant skills and gain experience, inspecting six different fire-resistant door types in FDM’s practical training centre — the first of its kind in the UK. They are then assessed on site, or via practical and video evidence, to demonstrate practical implementation of this training and ongoing competence in a workplace environment.

Debra Green, Business Owner of National Skills Centre, noted: “This is the comprehensive qualification the construction industry was missing. With this diploma, we’re changing the culture around how we demonstrate competence for inspectors, which will create a safer, more knowledgeable construction workforce.”

FDM celebrated the launch of the diploma at its Bury headquarters, where guests toured its practical training centre and learned about the courses and qualifications it offers. Through its training centre, FDM has taught more than 700 industry professionals in its first 13 months of operation, offering hands-on, GQA-accredited education that bridges industry gaps in fire safety knowledge.

Nicola John, Managing Director of Fire Door Maintenance, said: “By collaborating with the construction industry to create our new diploma, we’re providing holistic training and assessments that include all the topics fire door inspectors need to know — including legislation, which other courses and qualifications don’t cover. It’s very robust for two reasons: it needs to satisfy the 2022 Building Safety Act, and we need to raise industry safety standards. We’re extremely proud to be spearheading this widespread change.”

Register for the Level 3 Diploma in Inspection of Fire Resistant Doorsets and FDM’s other accredited qualifications and courses at www.fdmltd.co.uk

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Monday, 9 June 2025

Draig 30 - Fire Protection from Hörmann Truedor

The range of Draig 30 composite fire doors from Hörmann Truedor provide uncompromising protection against fire and smoke for both external and internal installations. Designed to meet the highest standards and certification, the range offers a robust solution that is built to last without compromising on style and performance.

Proven to keep fire at bay for more than 30 minutes, the Draig range of doors have been bi-directionally tested in accordance with EN1634-1 for fire and EN1643-3 for smoke control.

Constructed from premium materials the doors are built for durability and are tested to PAS 24:2022 for impact resistance. They offer outstanding performance with exceptional weather resistance, sound insulation, and thermal efficiency.

Security is a key feature, with advanced multi-point locking systems and 'Secured by Design' accreditation provided as standard. Additionally, each door unit holds third-party accreditation under the BM Trada Q-Mark scheme.

Draig fire doors are available in four external and two internal styles, with the external doors being offered in both solid and glazed options, with or without a fixed fanlight. A comprehensive range of hardware and accessories is also offered, alongside the choice of six popular colours.

David O’Mara, Marketing Manager at Hörmann Truedor comments:

“Our Draig fire door has been developed to provide installers with a focused range of fire doors that will fulfil the majority of installations where protection against fire and smoke is required.

"The range sits alongside the other specialist products offered by Hörmann Truedor - Clima63 a high-performance thermal door and Platinum44, a high quality, cost-effective steel door, all developed to provide installers with added sales opportunities."

All Hörmann Truedor composite doors are CO2 neutral as standard and are manufactured in the UK at IG Doors’ state of the art, sustainable manufacturing facility.

www.hormanntruedor.co.uk

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Sunday, 8 June 2025

The Secret’s Out: Supercar Driver’s 2025 Secret Meet Roars Back to Silverstone on June 17th

Supercar Driver has announced that its flagship event, the Secret Meet, will return to the Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit on Tuesday, 17th June 2025.

While the event remains private and invitation-only, 2025 marks the first time in its history that the entire day’s track action will be livestreamed, offering fans around the world unprecedented real-time access to one of the most exclusive automotive gatherings.

“Secret Meet has always been a unique celebration of performance, engineering, and community - brought to life by our members and partners,” said Adam Thorby, Founder of Supercar Driver. “This year, by livestreaming the entire event, we are opening a window to the experience for the first time.”

This year’s event promises an unparalleled celebration of automotive excellence, including:

15 Years of Supercar Driver: Marking a decade and a half of community, passion, and performance - this will be the largest and most dynamic Secret Meet to date.
20 Years of the Bugatti Veyron: Commemorating two decades of one of the most important hypercars ever built.
Big Activations from Lamborghini and Aston Martin: With immersive displays and the latest models on show.
£100 Million Hypercar Showcase: Including two Mercedes-AMG ONEs, the dramatic return of the TVR Speed 12, a never-before-seen-in-the-UK Zonda 760 Roadster, and the Tuthill GT ONE – alongside an extraordinary gathering of Ferrari F40s.
Constant Track Action: Held at Silverstone’s Grand Prix circuit with no noise limits.
Over 3,500 Supercar Driver Members: Representing one of the UK’s most exclusive and engaged communities of supercar owners and enthusiasts.

Over 40 Automotive Brands Exhibiting: Featuring major manufacturers, premium dealers, and lifestyle partners showcasing their latest and greatest.
Motorsport Legends on Track: Honouring Jochen Mass, with his Porsche 962 and Sauber C9 - both of which he raced in period - set to take to the track in tribute.
Historic GT3 Cars in Action: In collaboration with Motor Racing Legends, the event will feature 10-12 iconic GT3 machines, representing the golden era of GT competition.
Full-Day Livestream Coverage: For the first time ever, all track sessions will be broadcast live, allowing enthusiasts worldwide to experience the action as it happens.
VIP Appearances: Including Carl Cox, Dizzee Rascal, Shmee150, Jonny Smith, Izzy Hammond, and Ben Collins.

“For the Supercar Driver team, this is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of our shared passion for extraordinary cars and the community that brings them to life.” said Adam Thorby. “As we mark 20 years of the Veyron and 15 years of Supercar Driver, this year’s gathering at Silverstone promises to be our most exhilarating yet.”

Supercar Driver would like to express sincere thanks to this year’s sponsors: RM Sotheby’s, JBR Capital, Pirelli, First Point, and Global Telemetrics. Their continued support helps make the Secret Meet an unforgettable experience.

Don’t miss a moment of the action. Follow us on our social media channels for live updates, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive coverage of the 2025 Secret Meet.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/scdsecretmeet

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@supercar.driver

To attend future events like this one, join Supercar Driver: www.supercar-driver.com

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Saturday, 7 June 2025

Watchdog Secure Locks join Secured by Design

Watchdog Secure Locks is proud to announce its official membership with Secured by Design (SBD), the UK police initiative dedicated to improving the security of buildings and reducing crime.

Based in Greenford, London, Watchdog Secure Locks is a team of highly skilled and experienced locksmiths, offering a full range of professional services for doors, windows, and vehicles. With over 10 years of experience, they have developed deep industry expertise, serving both residential and commercial customers across London and the Home Counties.

In addition to their locksmithing services, Watchdog Secure Locks is the manufacturer of the Watchdog Lock Cylinder, a high-security product that holds Secured by Design and Sold Secure Diamond 2024 accreditations. The Watchdog Lock is engineered to resist all known methods of forced entry, including bumping, picking, drilling, and modern snapping techniques.

Ruari Robertson, Secured by Design, commented:

“I am delighted to welcome Watchdog Secure Locks to the SBD family, and look forward to working with them in building a positive and fruitful relationship during their membership.”

You can find out more about Watchdog Secure Locks and their Secured by Design accredited products on their dedicated member page.

Secured by Design (SBD) is owned by the UK Police Service with the specific aim of reducing crime and increasing safety for businesses and individuals.

SBD seeks to improve the physical security of buildings and the surrounding area using products such as doors, windows, locks and walling systems along with fencing systems that meet the SBD Police Preferred Specification security requirements.

SBD have many partner organisations, ranging from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government through to local authorities, housing associations, developers and manufacturers and work closely with standards and certification bodies.

SBD is the only way for companies to obtain police recognition for security-related products in the UK, through the Police Preferred Specification - a product-based accreditation scheme developed 25 years ago, which provides a recognised standard for all security products that effectively deter and reduce crime. SBD work with manufacturers and standards authorities to ensure that security standards are current and updated to keep pace with emerging crime trends.

Learn more about Secured by Design and our member companies at: https://www.securedbydesign.com/

Watchdog Secure Locks
397-399 Greenford Road
Greenford
Greater London
UB6 8RF
United Kingdom

T: 0800 3899725

W: watchdog.secure-locks.co.uk

E: info@wfas.co.uk

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Friday, 6 June 2025

Abloy Academy breaks attendance records amid rising demand for standards focused training

Abloy UK has achieved record breaking attendance at its Academy, with more professionals than ever attending its training courses to enhance their knowledge of access control standards and compliance.

Between January and April 2025 alone, the Academy welcomed 188 attendees to its Foundations course, which is more than the 161 attendees trained during the whole of 2024. Compared to the same period last year, attendance in 2025 has more than doubled, rising from 72 to 188, an increase of 261%.

In response to growing demand, Abloy has added additional course dates to its training schedule. This increase in participation demonstrates industry awareness of the importance of access control compliance, and the need for ongoing training to stay up to date with developments in standards.

The Academy offers a range of training options, with the Foundations course providing insight into current legislation and standards including EN 179, EN 1125, EN 13637 and BS 7273. Its sessions are tailored for a range of professionals including security installers, specifiers, architects, facilities managers, and end users.

The Abloy Academy has a rich history, and began in 2009, with the company advocating for the use of compliant electronic locking systems in place of the widely adopted and often non-compliant electromagnetic solutions.

Over time, a series of legislative developments, including the publication of the Construction Products Regulation in 2013 and its UK counterpart post-Brexit, have helped align the market with Abloy’s long held standards driven message.

Pat Jefferies, Commercial Director at Abloy UK, was the original pioneer of the Academy, and serves as the UK’s technical expert for electric locking with the British Standards Institution (BSI) and the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). His involvement in shaping industry standards has been important in ensuring the continued development of best practices and safety protocols across Europe.

He said: “The market has finally caught up with the message we’ve been delivering for nearly two decades. Many in the industry now recognise that they can be held liable for non-compliance. Whether it’s a specifier, installer, architect or end user, understanding standards is essential to what they do on a day-to-day basis, and is essential to ensure life safety.

“As regulatory awareness grows, particularly around the implications of installing non-compliant fire and escape doors, training at the Academy is becoming a vital resource. Evolving standards and issues like dynamic lockdown and Martyn’s Law have highlighted compliance and competence further.

“The Academy now regularly hosts groups of 40 to 50 attendees - far beyond the original 20 person sessions we hosted in the beginning - with interest continuing to grow. Our message has always been clear: Abloy for Trust. We’re recognised as the authority on standards and compliance and the Academy is the vehicle for delivering that message across the industry.

To learn more the Abloy Academy and to view upcoming course dates, go to https://bit.ly/4mp4RcA.

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