The Door Industry Journal

Monday, 24 August 2026

Polar NE secure NHS contract on ‘completely unique’ £65m hospital project

A window and door specialist has secured a major new contract to help construct a £65m NHS mental health hospital.

Middlesbrough-based Polar NE will install more than 150 reduced-ligature windows and doors at Bradford's Lynfield Mount Hospital.

Yet incredibly, the team won't initially step foot in Yorkshire.

Instead, Polar NE will install the windows over 300 miles away at a factory in Lisburn, near Belfast - before each 'living room-sized' unit is carefully shipped across the Irish Sea.

It is another example of this unique style of construction - known as modular - being used to build an NHS mental health hospital.

"We have worked on modular builds for traditional hospitals, but this is a complete unique mental health space, and we hope it will act as the blueprint for other projects going forward," said Polar NE's Partnership Manager, Nick Sutton.

"Many trusts will want to see the result, because there is so much belief in the modular approach. It is safer, quicker and provides a much more controlled environment throughout the build.

"Securing another key NHS contract shows the trust repeatedly placed in Polar NE on projects like this, where innovation is so crucial."

The project - headed up by main contractor McAvoy Group - will see the current central building refurbished, with en-suite facilities added across two wards, while an extra two-storey ward will be added to the existing site.

Outdoor garden spaces and recreational areas are also set to be added as part of the redevelopment, which is expected to be complete in 2028.

According to Polar NE's Operations Manager Rob Lofthouse, the work will see the award-winning company "use a bit of everything" from its innovative range of unique products.

These include Polar’s secure window and door products, developed specifically for demanding healthcare environments.

"This is exactly the type of project where our experience and product range come together," added Rob.

"Time and time again, we find solutions that meet the very specific needs of mental health environments, and if we don't have them, we are uniquely skilled in that we can create them from scratch.

"Additionally, Lynfield Mount Hospital marks the latest collaboration between Polar NE, P+HS Architects and Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, and it shows the confidence and trust repeatedly placed in us when it comes to delivering complex projects.

"These projects require close collaboration, innovation, and a genuine understanding of what healthcare providers need - it is a sector we've pushed the envelope in for over 25 years - and we are thrilled to once again be doing that at Lynfield Mount Hospital."

www.polarne.co.uk

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Sunday, 23 August 2026

Gordon Murray Reveals the S1, a Highly Exclusive V12 Manual Supercar

Gordon Murray Special Vehicles has revealed the new ‘S1’ supercar at The Quail during Monterey Car Week, a touring-focused evolution of the S1 LM that exudes timeless confidence and celebrates a unique approach to Driving Perfection.

The naturally aspirated, V12-powered, manual supercar is an evolution of the S1 LM platform, which is optimised for mechanical grip, rather than high downforce, to offer a distinctive driving experience. The revised suspension adds comfort and refinement for long distance journeys, while retaining Gordon Murray’s signature Driving Perfection philosophy. The S1 commission is the latest model from Gordon Murray Special Vehicles, where all seven design principles are pushed to their most extreme expression.

While the S1 shares its family DNA with the S1 LM (the Special One), its character and purpose are distinctly different. The S1 LM was conceived as the most intense, road-legal, race-inspired celebration of Gordon Murray’s 1995 Le Mans 24 Hours victory. The S1 evolves the elegant design language of the S1 LM, while reframing the set-up for fast, engaging, long-distance road driving.

Professor Gordon Murray, CBE, Group Executive Chairman said: “With the S1, we wanted to show how much beauty and purity there is in this design when the more extreme aerodynamic elements of the S1 LM are stripped away. It has the same intensity, response, and engineering integrity, but has been tuned for a different purpose. This is a car you could drive along the coast from Los Angeles to Monterey in real comfort, still enjoying every gearshift, every corner, and every note of the V12 when the road opens up. It is exclusive, analogue, and deeply driver focused, but also more elegant, more refined, and more usable over distance.”

The S1 removes the S1 LM’s large, fixed rear wing, long front splitter, and deep side skirts; every exterior body panel is new. The result is a cleaner silhouette inspired by classic proportions.

A new active rear aero system is integrated into the bodywork, adapting to the demands of high-speed stability and braking. The focus moves away from extreme downforce and towards mechanical grip, balance, and confidence on the road.

At the heart of the S1 is a bespoke 4.2-litre naturally aspirated Cosworth V12 producing up to 690 PS. Derived from the same lineage as the S1 LM engine, the 4.2-litre unit has been developed to deliver exceptional response, while retaining the sound, immediacy, and character expected from a Gordon Murray engine. The low-inertia, high-revving engine features a suite of competition-spec components such as silicon carbide-coated lightweight pistons, titanium valves, titanium connecting rods, and a dry-sump lubrication system. With effortless touring in mind the S1 features a broader torque range, delivering 80% of torque from just 2,500 RPM and around 500 Nm at 7,000 RPM.

The engine is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, featuring a touring sixth gear as standard. New straighter gearbox cable routing helps deliver the precise, rifle-bolt shift feel that remains central to the car’s physical connection between driver and machine.

The S1 retains the S1 LM’s width, track, lightweight suspension architecture, and wider tyres, but ride height is increased by 10 mm and the damping is retuned for greater compliance while preserving steering precision, agility, and feedback.

Lightweight engineering remains fundamental. Ultra-lightweight carbon fibre body panels, lightweight suspension components, and Gordon Murray’s obsession with weight reduction contribute to an overall target weight below that of the T.50, despite the S1’s more luxurious cabin trim, enhanced sound system, and additional acoustic refinement.

The S1 features bespoke front and rear lighting, with daytime running lamps integrated into the light cluster, differentiating the headlight signature from the S1 LM, where the running lights sit in a narrow blade below the headlight. Unique main beam auxiliary lights sit low within the air intake at the nose of the car – a nod to the 1992 Monaco show car design by Murray, which featured similar lower lights, an element that never saw production.

Further unique features include distinctive A-pillar-mounted mirrors that integrate a discrete rear-view camera system; and all-new lightweight wheels, inspired by the iconic Monaco 1992 show car. The engine bay presents the V12 as a centrepiece, with the polished Inconel exhaust and 24-carat gold-plated heat shield. A bespoke and exclusive V12 by Cosworth with an increased displacement of 4.2 litres. The new unit develops 690 PS and a shrieking 12,100 RPM. With 500 Nm of torque, 81 percent of which is, astonishingly, available as low as 2,500 RPM.

Inside, the S1 retains the central driving position and low scuttle height that define Gordon Murray’s driver focus, while introducing a more refined and luxurious interpretation of the S1 LM cockpit. Premium leather, bespoke fabrics, tailored trim, touring-level seat comfort, enhanced acoustic insulation, revised infotainment screens, and a bespoke lightweight audio system make the three-seat cabin more suited to long-distance use.

The driver can tailor the car’s feel through switchable, selectable power steering, choosing assistance for relaxed cruising or a more unfiltered connection on dynamic roads.

The new dihedral doors with integrated drop-down glass replace the Lexan race-inspired ticket window from the S1 LM. These doors allow a wider opening to allow greater ingress and egress, further underlining the S1’s shift towards everyday usability.

Production of the S1 will be exclusively limited to 64 units worldwide. Each car will be individually commissioned and specified by its owner, pricing remains undisclosed.

Since unveiling the T.50 supercar in 2020, Gordon Murray has established a family of ultra-exclusive, lightweight, driver-focused supercars that celebrate naturally aspirated engines, mated to manual transmissions, and uncompromising attention to the relationship between driver and machine, on road and track. Now, the S1 carries that philosophy into a more refined, usable, touring-focused form.

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Saturday, 22 August 2026

Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens appointed Chief Executive Officer of DHF

Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) has announced the appointment of Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens as its new Chief Executive Officer, following the retirement of Bob Perry. Patricia takes up the role after more than ten years with the federation, during which she has played a leading role in its growth and development.

Since joining DHF in 2015 as UK Marketing Manager, she has progressed through a number of senior leadership positions, including Commercial Manager, Head of Commercial Operations, Commercial Director and, most recently, Deputy CEO.

A Chartered Marketer and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Patricia has helped shape many of DHF's most significant achievements over the past decade. She has led the federation's rebrand, expanded its industry-leading training and qualifications, introduced CSCS card schemes and played a key role in developing industry competence frameworks. Her work has strengthened DHF's position as the leading trade association representing the UK's door, gate, shutter and building hardware industries.

As CEO, Patricia will lead the federation's strategic direction, working closely with the Board, Executive Committee, members and industry partners to continue raising standards across the sector through technical guidance, training, advocacy and member support.

"I am absolutely delighted to be taking on the role of CEO at DHF,” says Patricia. “Having been part of the federation for more than a decade, I know first-hand the difference we make to our members and to the industries we represent. It is a real privilege to lead such a knowledgeable and dedicated team.

"Our purpose remains clear; to help businesses succeed while raising standards across the industry. We will continue to champion competence, professionalism and compliance, expanding our training and qualifications to meet the changing needs of the sector. We already deliver training that aligns with BS 8670-1 and the National Occupational Standards, and I look forward to building on that work as we support the development of BS 8670-2 and continue helping both individuals and businesses demonstrate the highest standards of competence.

"The industry is changing rapidly, with increasing expectations around safety, compliance and professional standards. DHF is well placed to support our members through those changes, and I am excited about the opportunities ahead. I look forward to working closely with our Board, our members, our partners and the wider industry as we continue to strengthen the federation and build on the excellent foundations already in place."

Under Patricia's leadership, DHF will continue its commitment to supporting members through trusted technical advice, accredited training, industry guidance and advocacy, while helping drive higher standards of competence, safety and professionalism across the UK's door, gate, shutter and building hardware sectors.

"Whilst we are very sorry that Bob Perry is standing down as the DHF CEO, we are delighted to appoint a very capable successor,” explains Chairman of DHF, Paul Browne. “Patricia has played a central role in the development of DHF over the past few years in terms of the growth of our membership and the range of services and benefits that the DHF offers its members. Given her outstanding track record and knowledge of DHF she is very well placed to lead the growth and development of DHF in the future. We wish Patricia every success in her new role, which she so deserves."

www.dhfonline.org.uk

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Friday, 21 August 2026

Zoo Hardware Launches New RT070 Idro Lever

Zoo Hardware has launched the RT070 Idro lever, its latest addition to the premium Rosso Tecnica range of architectural hardware.

A modern interpretation of the ever-popular RT060 Orta lever, the RT070 Idro introduces a precisely machined linear knurled pattern on the grip. This delivers a more subtle and refined decorative aesthetic compared to the Orta’s more industrial diamond knurling. The linear detailing perfectly complements the clean, minimal lines of the modern T-bar silhouette, resulting in a sleek and contemporary design.

Available in seven colours; powder coated black or white, PVD satin brass, bronze or black, antique brass, and satin stainless steel, the Idro levers will instantly elevate any space with a smart and stylish aesthetic.

Made with SS304 cast stainless steel rose, the lever has a 4-point fixing into rose and screw on rose cover to elevate its look. It comes supplied with bolt-through and wood screw fixings and an improved allen key for improved installation. It is suitable for 35-54mm doors in both domestic and commercial applications.

In addition to looking the part, the Idro lever provides peace of mind with its BS EN 1906 Grade 3 rating, performing robustly in high-traffic settings. It is also BS EN 1634-1 30/60 rated to ensure it works reliably in the event of a fire.

Andy Hullock, Product Support Manager at Zoo Hardware, said: “Our new RT070 Idro lever reflects the continued evolution of the Rosso Tecnica range, combining refined aesthetics with high-performance engineering.

“We’ve taken the strong foundations of the RT060 Orta and introduced a more precisely machined knurled detail to create a cleaner, more contemporary look, without compromising on durability.

“With a wide choice of premium finishes and robust certifications including BS EN 1906 Grade 3 and 30/60-minute fire rating, the Idro lever is designed to meet the demands of both commercial and residential environments while delivering a truly elevated design statement.”

www.zoohardware.co.uk

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Thursday, 20 August 2026

Contemporary door demand drives modern range expansion

Now available to order, the new range of composite doors from Door-Stop is designed to give installers a straightforward option for more contemporary door styles.

The Modern Collection focuses on clean ladder designs that work across a range of properties. It is suitable for both new-build homes and refurbishment projects, giving customers more choice without added complexity.

Featuring sleek, contemporary cassettes with a subtle grained finish, the new doors are available in a wide selection of Door-Stop colours – including Grey and Chartwell Green as standard – allowing customers to match current design trends.

The collection is available with top boxes and glazed side panels to bring more natural light into the home. It also includes Aurora and Tahoe glass designs, created specifically for the Modern Collection, giving installers additional glazing options across different property styles.

Drew Pearson, sales director at Door-Stop, says: “The Modern Collection is a strong addition to Door-Stop’s portfolio while maintaining the quality installers have come to rely on. It is built with the same quality construction and attention to detail, delivering a secure, long-lasting and energy-efficient solution.

“With this launch, we are offering our customers more versatile styles that reflect what homeowners are asking for, while providing the same level of service: easy online ordering, reliable 10-day lead times and products that are simple to install.”

www.door-stop.co.uk

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Wednesday, 19 August 2026

Safeguarding Starts at the Door

In nursery and early years settings, door hardware plays a critical role in safeguarding. Beyond basic security, doors must prevent children from leaving unnoticed, restrict unauthorised access from outside and maintain fully compliant emergency escape at all times.

FUHR’s autosafe 833 and 835 KiGa multipoint locking systems have been developed specifically for these sensitive environments, providing a certified, application-led solution that removes the need for adapted or improvised hardware.

The multipoint locking system incorporates two interconnected lock cases linked via a drive rod, enabling independent operation of two lever handles positioned at different heights. The lower handle, set at 850mm, is accessible to children, while the upper lever at 1570mm allows staff to retain controlled access at all times.

In an emergency, the secured lower lever - or integrated GfS e-Bar® - can be activated, triggering an alarm and alerting supervisory personnel immediately. This configuration ensures compliant escape while supporting safeguarding protocols during day-to-day operation.

Suitable for aluminium, steel, timber and PVC-U doors, the 833 and 835 KiGa locks meet the requirements of EN 179 and EN 1125 for emergency and panic escape routes, with panic function B or E options available to suit project specifications. These function types determine how the door can be accessed from the outside, allowing controlled entry for authorised adults while maintaining free and compliant escape from the inside in an emergency, which can be specified depending on the application. This balance between access management and life safety is essential in childcare buildings.

For fabricators and installers, the system operates mechanically as standard, requiring no electrical installation. Where enhanced monitoring or access control integration is required, an autotronic motor can be fitted, enabling connection to wider building management systems.

Paul Balfe, Business Development Manager at FUHR UK, commented: “Childcare environments demand purpose-designed solutions. The FUHR solution was developed specifically to support safeguarding requirements while maintaining full regulatory compliance. For fabricators and installers, that means confidence that the door will perform exactly as intended from day one, without relying on site adaptations or compromising on certification.”

www.fuhr.de

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Tuesday, 18 August 2026

Novoferm Insulated Roller Door Achieves SBD Accreditation

Security is an increasingly important consideration in residential design, particularly when it comes to garage doors. Often used to store valuable items, and in many cases providing direct access into the home, garage doors can represent a potential point of vulnerability if not properly secured.

To address this, Novoferm’s Novorol 77 insulated roller garage door has now been added to the company’s range of Secured by Design (SBD) accredited products. The roller garage door incorporates 77mm insulated slats, providing enhanced strength and durability compared with standard roller door systems. The door is suitable for openings up to 3 metres wide and is designed and accredited for behind fit installation, while still offering flexibility for a wide range of garage structures.

Novoferm’s Novorol 77mm roller garage door has been tested to STS222 and achieved BR1 classification, demonstrating resistance to realistic intrusion attempts. Certification is independently verified through Element, a UKAS-recognised certification body, ensuring the product meets recognised industry security standards.

As part of the SBD accreditation process, the product is subject to regular re-testing and factory inspections, helping ensure that manufacturing standards and security performance remain consistent over time. This ongoing verification provides reassurance to installers, specifiers and end users that the door continues to meet the required security criteria.

For trade professionals, specifying an SBD accredited garage door can provide additional reassurance for clients, particularly where security is a key consideration. It also helps demonstrate that reasonable security measures have been implemented, which can support insurance requirements and compliance with local authority guidance in certain developments.

By combining independent security testing and police-recognised accreditation, the new SBD Novorol 77 Roller garage door offers a solution designed to meet the demands of modern residential security, while still maintaining the convenience and aesthetic appeal expected from a roller garage door system.

www.securedbydesign.com

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Monday, 17 August 2026

Aluminium’s 45-year lifespan is changing the fenestration conversation

While price will always be a big part of the conversation when selling windows and doors, according to Endurance® Aluminium, the long lifespan of aluminium is helping to shift the focus.

Consumers are becoming increasingly motivated to save money on their energy bills in the short term and do the right thing by the environment and their purse strings in the long-term.

“Homeowners are becoming more aware of the long-term impact of their buying-decisions,” says Scott Foster, sales and marketing director of the Endurance Group.

“Yes, they want immediate savings, but when offered products that will last longer, cost less to maintain, and have a lower environmental impact over time, they understand that premium aluminium windows and doors are a stronger long-term investment.”

Aluminium systems can last between 40 and 50 years, which compares to the typical lifespan of PVC-U which is 25 to 35 years.

When it comes to recyclability and reuse, aluminium scores well too because it is infinitely recyclable without any loss of quality. It is estimated that approximately 75% of all aluminium ever produced is still in use today, thanks to its infinite recyclability, and most modern systems now contain high levels of recycled content ensuring they deliver a lower environmental impact over time.

“Aluminium is a future-proof choice in a sustainability-driven market which means aluminium installers have a clear, usable message for homeowners,” continues Scott.

“The material is ideal for eco-conscious consumers because the long lifespan of aluminium reduces the amount of waste created. Its recyclability also supports greener building practices. And the material maintains its inherent benefits for its lifetime ensuring durability and thermal efficiency for years to come.

Installers that are equipped with simple, compelling sustainability talking points like these can sell premium aluminium windows and doors with confidence. They can move the conversation away from price and onto performance, sustainability, and long-term value.

“Endurance® Aluminium is pleased to be able to support installers who are looking for a future-focused solution.”

www.endurance.co.uk

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Sunday, 16 August 2026

Q by Aston Martin and Aston Martin Newport Beach's Heritage Edition

Aston Martin Newport Beach, in collaboration with Aston Martin’s bespoke service, Q by Aston Martin, has unveiled an exclusive collection of five bespoke ‘Heritage Edition’ sports cars that celebrate some of the marque's most memorable paint colours from the 1960s and 1970s.

Each one-of-one commission pairs an iconic heritage exterior paint finish – remastered for the collection with the brand’s latest paint technology – with handcrafted Q by Aston Martin details, creating a modern interpretation of Aston Martin's rich design legacy.

Available exclusively through Aston Martin Newport Beach, the ‘Heritage Edition’ collection showcases five current 2027 model-year sportscars finished in newly revived heritage paint colours selected by the Q by Aston Martin design team.

Beyond the exterior colours, each interior includes bespoke Q perforated fluted seats, used for the first time in the new Vantage and new Vanquish; Q Heritage Aston Martin logo embroidery on the center armrest, and exclusive ‘Heritage Edition’ sill plaques. The Heritage Edition DB12 coupe, DB12 Volante and Vanquish feature Dark Walnut Open Pore Wood Inlays.

"Every Aston Martin tells a story, and these Heritage Edition commissions celebrate some of the colours that helped define the marque during one of its most celebrated eras," said Jeff West, General Manager, Aston Martin Newport Beach. "Working alongside Q by Aston Martin allowed us to honour these historic finishes while pairing them with today's most advanced sports cars, creating a collection that bridges Aston Martin's extraordinary heritage with its uncompromising future."

DB12 Volante – Pale Primrose

Finished in Pale Primrose, this DB12 Volante revives one of Aston Martin's most recognisable historic paint finishes. The shade was immortalised on the cover of the 1958 DB4 sales brochure before being selected by Corgi for its celebrated Aston Martin model, which later became the inspiration for the iconic James Bond DB5 toy of the mid-1960s.

As the world's first Super Tourer convertible, the DB12 Volante combines a hand-built 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 671 horsepower with exceptional refinement, delivering effortless performance alongside open-air driving exhilaration.

DB12 coupe – Pacific Blue

The Heritage Edition DB12 coupe wears Pacific Blue, a colour first offered on the DB4 before appearing on both the DB5 and DB6. Q by Aston Martin revived the finish after studying an original Pacific Blue sample from the historic DB6 colour configuration brochure, faithfully bringing the classic hue into the modern era.

The DB12 is a true Super Tourer and is powered by Aston Martin's 671-horsepower twin-turbocharged V8, the DB12 coupe blends exhilarating acceleration, precision handling and class-leading dynamic capability while redefining the grand touring segment.

Vanquish coupe – Tudor Green

The flagship Vanquish coupe is presented in Tudor Green, a metallic finish closely associated with Aston Martin models of the 1970s. The colour complements the muscular proportions of today's halo sports car while recalling the elegance and grandeur suggested by England's historic Tudor era.

As Aston Martin's flagship front-engine sports car, the Vanquish is powered by a new 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12 producing 824 horsepower, delivering breathtaking performance, exceptional driver engagement and a top speed of 214 mph.

Vantage coupe – Winchester Blue

Named after the historic cathedral city of Winchester in Hampshire, Winchester Blue was one of several British town-inspired colours offered by Aston Martin during the 1970s. It became particularly well known on the legendary V8 Vantage, making it a fitting choice for today's performance-focused Vantage Coupe.

With a 656-horsepower twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, the latest Vantage delivers sharper responses, greater agility and exceptional driver confidence, embodying Aston Martin's vision for the next generation of front-engine sports cars.

Vantage Roadster – Mink Silver

The collection is completed by a Vantage Roadster finished in Mink Silver, inspired by the elegant pale metallic shades that became popular on DB6 models throughout the 1960s. More than 100 DB6 examples were finished in Mink, a colour celebrated for complementing the graceful lines of what remained Aston Martin's best-selling model until the arrival of the DB7.

The Vantage Roadster combines its 656-horsepower twin-turbo V8 with an electrically operated folding roof, providing uncompromising sports car performance and dynamic capability while delivering an exhilarating open-air driving experience.

The Heritage Edition collection demonstrates the limitless possibilities available through Q by Aston Martin, the marque's bespoke personalisation service. Working collaboratively with clients, Q by Aston Martin transforms individual inspiration into unique automotive commissions, combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design and engineering excellence.

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Saturday, 15 August 2026

The value of partnership

In the door and hardware sector, the most effective solutions rarely come from a catalogue alone. They come from conversation and a clear understanding of what a customer is wanting to achieve. There also needs to be willingness to work through challenges that are faced by the customer together.

Karen Nelson, business development manager at HOPPE (UK), details the company’s approach to customer collaboration, with insight from Robust’s commercial director Paul Williams.

For HOPPE, success is not simply about supplying hardware. It is about listening to customer needs, applying technical expertise and helping customers reach the right outcome for their market.

Its long-standing relationship with steel door manufacturer Robust UK is a strong example of that approach in action.

Over the past decade, the conventional supplier relationship has developed into something deeper. It is a prime example of a working partnership built on trust, continuity and a detailed understanding of a customer’s business.

Learning through collaboration

That depth of knowledge matters when a new requirement emerges. Robust recently identified a need for a cost-effective PAS 24-compliant panic exit hardware solution for its single and double steel security doors, bridging the gap between a basic low-cost offering and significantly more expensive higher security options.

The collaborative process began with exploratory testing using standard panic hardware from ARRONE, a HOPPE brand, and a typical door from Robust. This provided a benchmark and helped the team better understand the test itself. The early result provided valuable insight and was a crucial stage in development to help shape the solution required.

That first stage gave both businesses a clearer picture of what needed to change. Robust gained a better understanding of what was needed from the door, while HOPPE used the findings to refine and develop a more appropriate hardware solution. It was a process rooted in openness and problem solving.

As Paul Williams, commercial director at Robust, explains: “Both sides needed a clear understanding of the project goals and the flexibility to adapt their part of the solution to achieve them.”

Engineering support that adds value

Dan Savage, product engineer at HOPPE, played a central role in that development journey.

His involvement spanned research, design and testing, giving the project a more streamlined path from concept to refinement. The company invested in additional test equipment so it could build its own testing capability further, carry out more indicative work in-house and go into third-party testing with greater confidence.

From Robust’s perspective, that practical support was important. Paul added: “HOPPE took the lead in arranging early test fitting and indicative testing of the new SECUR-DOR 2.1, helping to prove the approach before Robust committed it to a full-scale test programme.”

All of that speaks to one of the biggest strengths HOPPE brings to customer relationships, which is practical support backed by technical expertise. Huge investment is made in training to help staff achieve the widely respected qualifications from the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI).

A relationship built to last

In the case of Robust, the relationship already had strong foundations. Years of liaison with the same team had created familiarity, responsiveness and mutual confidence.

Paul said: “HOPPE has demonstrated over time that it understands the Robust business, its product requirements and where value can be engineered into a solution without compromising quality.”

The wider benefits of partnership working are clear. There is the pooling of resources, with each side contributing what it knows and what it can do. Shared knowledge and learning help to improve the final outcome.

There is also the longer-term value that comes from the process including the confidence, capability and insight that can be taken into future projects.

“This strengthened partnership sets the scene for future collaboration and a better understanding of how to define the initial specification at the outset of a development project,” adds Paul.

Partnerships like this bolster HOPPE’s position, not just as a supplier, but as a responsive, solution-led partner with the engineering flexibility to tackle new challenges.

The relationship with Robust reflects a mindset that HOPPE wants to bring to customer partnerships more broadly.

It is a mindset built around listening first, staying engaged and being open to new ideas. Not every project follows a straight line. But when both sides are prepared to share expertise, work through obstacles and keep sight of the end goal, the result is often better than either could achieve alone.

Why partnership matters

In a market shaped by regulation, performance demands and commercial pressure, that kind of partnership has real value. The relationship between HOPPE and Robust shows that finding the right solution is not about forcing a standard answer. It is about understanding the challenge, bringing the right knowledge to the table, and working together to achieve the best possible outcome.

www.hoppe.co.uk

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