The Door Industry Journal: February 2013

Thursday, 28 February 2013

Citation Employment Law Survey on the Parental Leave Changes

Under rules brought in by the European Parliament, from March this year UK employers will have to allow parents to take 18 weeks’ parental leave per child instead of the current 13 weeks.

Currently, parental leave is available to employees on completion of one year’s service, is unpaid and has to be taken before the child’s fifth birthday.

Almost half of SME’s are unaware of the changes coming in and the effect it may have on their business according to a nationwide survey by employment law specialists Citation.

As the start date of the new legislation looms, Citation, based in Wilmslow, Cheshire, contacted SME business owners across the UK to understand their awareness of this important new change to employment law.

They were asked to answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’ regarding their knowledge of the new legislation and when it comes in. And also share their opinions on the involvement of the EU in the UK’s employment law.

Andrea O’ Hare, Head of Personnel and Employment Law said:

”This additional five weeks of parental leave per parent per child, to be taken before the child’s fifth birthday, means that every working parent of a child under five will be entitled to take an additional week off work each year.

Our survey showed that 45% of businesses asked stated they didn’t know about the new legislation. This is surprising considering the impact it is likely to have, on SMEs in particular.

55% think the new legislation will have an impact on their business; including 1 in 10 who believe it will have a major impact.

The survey also reveals the worrying number of business owners concerned by the EU’s increasing involvement in the UK’s employment laws; 63% rated the EU as having too much involvement.”

Operating throughout the UK since 1995, Citation provides professional advice and compliance packages to over 7,500 clients, mainly SMEs with between six and 200 employees. Independently endorsed at the highest level, its market leading services provide guaranteed protection in the high risk areas of employment law and health and safety regulations.

www.citation.co.uk

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PAYE is changing soon. Are you ready?

With the biggest overhaul to the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) system in almost 70 years it is time for employers to get ready. HMRC’s Jane Brothwood* explains how Real Time Information (RTI) will revolutionise PAYE.

From April, employers will be required to move to a new way of reporting PAYE. For the vast majority of employers, the first ‘real time’ return will be the first employee payday on or after 6 April 2013.

Reporting PAYE in real time will be quicker, easier and more accurate for employers.

Your payroll software will need to calculate your PAYE and send the PAYE information to HMRC as part of a routine payroll operation. You should also look carefully at your payroll practices as - although the way PAYE is calculated is not changing - some of the practices that you use may not work for real time reporting.

What does it mean in practice?

Reporting PAYE does not change how or when people are paid, or when employers pay income tax and national insurance to HMRC.

Instead of sending in the P14 and P35 forms at the end of year you (or your agent, bookkeeper or payroll bureau) will:

send a Full Payment Submission (FPS) each time, or before you pay employees

send an Employer Payment Summary each month, which shows any adjustments to the amount you owesend an Earlier Year Update to correct errors or make adjustments to earlier years. It’s also worth noting that the FPS is not available through HMRC Online – you will need to use RTI-enabled payroll software to generate your return.

send an Employer Payment Summary each month, which shows any adjustments to the amount you owe

It’s also worth noting that the FPS is not available through HMRC Online – you wil need to use RTI-enabled payroll software to generate your return.

What you need to do

If you haven’t already, you need to start getting ready from today. First, speak to your payroll software provider, if you have one, to make sure your software will allow you to meet your obligations from April 2013.

If you do not use a payroll service provider or have software, there is a wide range of commercial payroll software products available – including some free/low cost products. A list of HMRC-recognised products can be found on our website.

HMRC’s free basic software, Basic PAYE Tools, will also be available for the smallest employers (with nine or fewer employees).

It is also vital that you check the employee information you hold is accurate and up-to-date. It is particularly important that surname, forename, gender, address, date of birth and National Insurance Number are correct and in the right format.

We want to help and support all businesses to make the change so we will therefore not be imposing any penalties for in-year late reporting until 2014.

Further information

This will be a year of transition and HMRC will be doing all it can to help business make the change. In addition to our website, further support is available through YouTube and via live and recorded webinars (online seminars).

For more help and advice about reporting in real time on HMRC’s website

*Jane Brothwood is HMRC’s head of Real Time Information Communications at HMRC

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Wednesday, 27 February 2013

Squire's New Garage Guard™ Provides Visible Deterrent Against Theft

Garage Guard™ for securing ‘up and over’ garage doors
with T-handle locks

Premium lock manufacturer Henry Squire & Sons Ltd has unveiled its new Garage Guard™, purpose designed for securing ‘up and over’ garage doors with T-handle locks.

Totally unique to the security market, Garage Guard™ offers homeowners both a modern and visible deterrent against would-be thieves.

Designed to fit most standard T-handles, Garage Guard™ secures T-handle locks even if broken, damaged or not locked.

It prevents the opening of garage doors by forcing the T-handle and rotates freely if attacked, resisting levering and forcing off the lock.

Easy to use and install, homeowners require no DIY skills and can fit the product within seconds by simply lining up the garage door T-handle with the Garage Guard™ and turning the key supplied.

“Securing garage doors with T-handle locks has never been so convenient,” said John Squire, managing director of Squire.

He commented: “Most homeowners do not recognise the risks unprotected T-handle locks pose on garage doors until it is too late. Increasingly, homeowners are becoming victims of opportunist thieves just by making the simple mistake of leaving garage doors unlocked.

“Garage Guard™ is much more than an excellent deterrent against opportunist thieves, it also acts as peace of mind for homeowners who often forget or fail to lock their garage doors.”

See Garage Guard™ in action on Squire’s YouTube channel

A dedicated video highlighting the key features of this new and unique product is also available via Squire’s YouTube channel

Squire Garage Guard™

Available now, RRP £30 Exc. VAT

Garage Guard™ carries the Squire 10-year guarantee.

For further information contact Henry Squire & Sons Ltd on 01902 308050, visit www.squirelocks.co.uk or email info@henry-squire.co.uk.

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Tuesday, 26 February 2013

Don't Miss Out on your Chance to Attend one of the SWS SeceuroSchool Training Sessions

Make sure you don't miss out on the opportunity to receive hands on training on the new SeceuroSense system by booking on to one of the remaining schools today.

Fitters who have already attended have given the training an average of 4.8 out of 5 for effectiveness and all have commented on our easy it will now be when out in the field.

All attendees will gain approved installer status and be presented with a certificate.

At each location there will be a choice of two seminars per day one in the morning and one in the afternoon, they will last approximately two-three hours.

Locations & Dates

Wednesday 27th February Newcastle Upon Tyne & Exeter

Thursday 28th February Reading

Thursday 28th February Lancaster

Friday 1st March Milton Keynes

Friday 1st March Edinburgh

Monday 4th March Bridgend

Monday 4th March Watford

Wednesday 6th March Stafford

Places are limited to so please book today to ensure your fitters don't miss out on this opportunity.

To secure your AM or PM slot and choice of location please email marketing@swsuk.co.uk or call 01524-772413. Venue details and times will follow once your place(s) have been confirmed.

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MUL-T-LOCK SECURES RESIDENTS AT FIRTH HOMES

Mul-T-Lock’s patented security solutions have been installed by local Locksmiths H Harrold & Sons in properties belonging to Firth Homes.

Firth Homes is a registered charity providing homes in Sheffield for older people, offering an onsite warden, laundry facilities and a community hall

With the onsite security installed when the development was built over 40 years ago, residents were at risk of failing products and latest trends in crime, including a rise in cylinder manipulation attack.

H Harrold & Sons was contacted to specify a suitable solution, to ensure residents safety and security. After trialling Mul-T-Lock’s specialist Break Secure XP cylinder with a high security sash lock, positive resident feedback ensured a successful installation throughout the 28 properties on site.

A spokesperson for Firth Homes said:

“We have a duty of care to our elderly residents. The average age at our homes continues to rise and this presents added considerations. We wanted a lock that offered us the highest security and would be easy to use and simple to maintain. And the resident feedback to Mul-T-Lock’s solution is unanimously positive.

“It has been a big project and the result is very reassuring for the Trustees. Not only does it make our residents feel more safe in their own home, but they found the design of the key and its orientation in the lock much easier to use and now every resident can now locate the key correctly at the first attempt compared with other locks.

“This is important because most of our residents will at some time become visually impaired and some will suffer with stiff or painful fingers or knuckles. We’re confident that properties will remain secure for years to come without compromising ease of access.”

Mul-T-Lock’s Break Secure XP cylinder is purpose designed so that the front of the cylinder deliberately snaps under attack at a particular breaking point, leaving the main portion of the cylinder intact and fully functioning. It is supplied with Mul-T-Lock’s double-sided key that can be used either way to open the lock.

Robert Campbell of H Harrold & Sons added:

“For all properties, we replaced existing locks with Mul-T-Lock’s Euro sash lock cases and Break Secure XP cylinders to form a very high level of security. In addition, we supplied keys with colour coded pip identification as a part of the key control system.”

Break Secure XP offers a high security solution, being one of just a few cylinders that has been awarded the coveted BSi Kitemark TS007 3* accreditation, without the need for a security handle or escutcheon to be used

Steve Ross, Managing Director of Mul-T-Lock concluded:

“Survey after survey has shown the elderly tend to have the highest “fear factor” of burglary. Here, H Harrold & Sons has presented a Mul-T-Lock solution that ticks all the boxes for the social housing provider, in delivering the latest industry lock cylinder standards, whilst remaining easy to operate for residents, and still protecting their homes against crime.”

For more information on Mul-T-Lock’s Break Secure XP cylinder range, please visit www.breaksecurexp.co.uk.

For all other enquiries, please visit www.mul-t-lock.co.uk.

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Monday, 25 February 2013

DORMA PROVIDES CLIMATE BARRIER AT WINDY ALLERTON HIGH SCHOOL

Making a good first impression is crucial at new educational buildings, so the specification of entrance doors is absolutely vital. However, entrance doors are about far more than just aesthetics – with functionality and performance minimum requirements to ensure safety, security and comfort for students, teachers and staff alike.

At Allerton High School in West Yorkshire, the original design specification of automatic doors on the main entrance did not accommodate the site’s excessively windy conditions.

DORMA’s extensive experience in door manufacture meant that they were approached for help. As part of its energy saving product features to reduce environmental impact, the DORMA ED250A is the only automatic swing door operator with integrated wind-load capabilities; it automatically recognises and compensates for wind loads up to 150 N – making it the ideal solution for Allerton High School.

A lesson in specification

The new-build Allerton High School included a sports hall, fitness, activity and drama studios, wireless connectivity enabling ICT provision in every classroom and the first BSF school purpose-built multi-faith centre.

DORMA makes the grade

The ED250A has a long life cycle, (tested to 1,000,0000 cycles), and a low noise electromechanical operator – important in a building with a heavy traffic flow, while the Wind Load Control is integral to the door’s correct functioning on external doors. Suitable for doors with a weight of up to 250kg and a width of 1600mm, DORMA also provides an easy-to-install integrated door coordinator for double leaf doors.

Wind load is a real problem for exterior swing doors, as the wind can act against them and affect performance, especially in the case of electro hydraulic operators, which have an inflexible closing force tied to their current spring force adjustment. This lack of a wind load control leads to the costly loss of precious energy from the building and can lead to unauthorised access – especially concerning in the case of Allerton High School and its 1,000+ students.

With safety and security paramount, the DORMA ED250A’s Wind Load Control feature automatically compensates for wind loads with a force of up to 150N by tailoring the door’s driving behaviour appropriately to the prevailing weather conditions, while the adjustable electronic latching action helps the door to close properly, eliminating wind load problems and helping to reduce the building’s carbon footprint.

The design features of the ED250’s and their suitability for the job were immediately apparent.

The DORMA ED250A doors are now fully operational, reducing heat loss and draughts, and most importantly, the school is secure and safe.

Fully tested and compliant

The ED250A can also withstand extreme cold weather with its integrated Initial Drive Control, which detects and compensates for weather-related irregularities in the door’s performance, allowing its operation to remain smooth at all times. In addition, the DORMA ED250 is CE marked, and fully tested and compliant with multiple UK and International standards.

Providing secure and reliable operation in line with the client’s demands and legal responsibilities, they also offer ease of access for all building users in line with Approved Document M.

With environmental impact also a major concern, the DORMA ED250A once again proved ideal. The contemporary design reduced the material required during its production by almost 40% compared to the previous generation of DORMA electro hydraulic door operators. Consequently, its lower weight and features such as the Energy Saving Mode function and the integrated Wind Load Control system make positive impact on the reduction of unnecessary CO2 emissions.

The success of the DORMA ED250A installation at Allerton High School is further proof that when it comes to automatic door entrances, selecting the correct product is essential With the highest quality products, architects and contractors can create learning environments which are built to last – and will continue to deliver outstanding performance for generations.

www.dorma-show.com

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Sunday, 24 February 2013

FairFuelUK – "Chancellor Needs to Take Decisive Action in March Budget as Petrol/Diesel Prices Soar"

FairFuelUK has reacted to news that petrol & diesel prices are likely to reach new record highs within days by urging the Chancellor to take decisive action in his March Budget and cut Fuel Duty.

Spokesman Quentin Willson said,

'Fuel prices are out of control and are now the biggest financial issue faced by UK consumers. Proof that the UK road fuel market is truly dysfunctional was confirmed in shock news today the fuel sales are at their lowest for 23 years. In January consumers bought 100 million litres less than they did in December 2012 costing the Treasury £60 million a month in lost revenue.

Yet despite this slump in petrol and diesel sales, pump prices have risen 6p in the last 30 days. Regional price variations can now be as much as 20p a litre with some rural drivers paying £1.59 for a litre of diesel. We are urging the Chancellor to decisively cut Fuel Duty’.

Peter Carroll of FairFuelUK added,

‘Fuel Duty is the most ‘toxic’ of taxes. It hurts the poorest the hardest and is holding back growth. Drivers and businesses are paying an eyewatering 80p per litre in combined VAT and Fuel Duty. All our research shows that cutting Fuel Duty will give the Chancellor the thing he needs most – growth in the UK economy’.

FairFuelUK is supported by over 350,000 members of the public, the RAC with its 7 million members, the 20,000 haulage businesses in the RHA, FTA, the British Bank Aldermore, the Association of Pallet Networks and the Fuelcard Company

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RARE EXAMPLE OF FINAL SPORTS CAR PRODUCED BY MG ROVER TO FEATURE IN BONHAMS OXFORD SALE

Eclectic auction will offer a 2004 MG X-Power SV Coupé, together with everything from a Ferrari to a Buick with royal connections

A rare example of the last sports car produced by Birmingham-based MG-Rover will be among the highlights of the Bonhams sale in Oxford, UK, on Saturday 2nd March.

Following the success of last year’s auction, which recorded an outstanding 100 per cent sale rate, the Bonhams Motor Car and Automobilia departments return to the regional Oxford salerooms for the first sale of the UK auction calendar.

Among motor cars consigned to the sale is a 2004 MG X-Power SV Coupé (estimate £22,000 - £26,000).

One of the many unfortunate consequences of the group's demise was the curtailment of an ambitious competitions programme that had re-established MG as a major force in international touring and sports car racing. The basis of this resurgence was a series of high-performance road models, at the pinnacle of which was the MG X-Power SV Coupé.

The finished design was conceived by the renowned Peter Stevens, who was responsible for such cars as the McLaren F1, and won Autocar Designer of the Year in 2002. Constructed from lightweight carbon fibre, the SV is capable of 0 to 60mph in 5.3 seconds, and has a top speed of 165mph.

First owned by MG-Rover, this car was sold to the current owner as a prototype and appeared on ITV’s ‘Tonight with Trevor MacDonald' shortly after the group collapsed.

Also in the sale is a single-owner collection of Canadian-built Buick motor cars, including one used by a future King of England. The 1928 model year McLaughlin-Buick 496 Tourer is one of only two built and used on the royal tour of Canada in 1927 (estimate £40,000 - £45,000). The custom-built cars were the only vehicles built by the motor company during that year which comfortably seated seven people, and were designed and detailed with class and elegance in mind. They were used extensively by the then Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII), his brother Prince George (later the Duke of Kent) and their entourage carrying out their civic duties, and were shipped from province to province by train.

Other Buicks in the collection include a 1927 Buick X54 Roadster with coachwork by Fisher (estimate £18,000 - £22,000) and a 1927 Buick 48 Opera Coupé (estimate £13,000 - £15,000).

Another motor car of particular note on offer at the auction is a 1927 example of one of the first Morris Oxfords with coach-built bodywork. The vehicle will go under the hammer in the same month the model celebrates its centenary, and is expected to realise between £18,000 and £22,000.

Leading consignments is a 1968 Ferrari 365/250 GT Short Wheel Base Recreation that is estimated at £200,000 to £250,000.

Automobilia lots on offer include a Kingsbury tinplate Golden Arrow world speed car model made in 1929 and finished in gold (estimate £500 - £700), a Morris Trucks enamel sign from the 1930s in the form of a Morris Trucks radiator (estimate £500 - £700), and a Raymond Groves painting entitled ‘First British Grand Prix Silverstone Oct 2nd 1948', depicting Sam Gilbey driving his 1½-litre supercharged Maserati (estimate £700 - £900).

Tim Schofield, Director of the UK Motor Car department, said:

“Once again our annual spring Oxford sale will offer a wide variety of different motor cars. We hope to be able to match the incredible success of last year’s auction, in which every item sold.”

The saleroom will be open for viewing from 1pm until 5pm on Friday 1 March, and from 9am on Saturday 2 March. The sale will begin at 11am with automobilia, and continue with motor cars starting at 2pm.

For enquiries call +44 (0) 20 7468 5901 or email ukcars@bonhams.com. To bid in the sale call +44 (0) 20 7447 7448 or email bids@bonhams.com.

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Saturday, 23 February 2013

YALE DOOR AND WINDOW SOLUTIONS INVESTS IN UK PRODUCTION

Yale Door and Window Solutions is ready to commission a new £800k machine to increase production capacity of its high security Lockmaster multipoint locks.

Following the recent formation of Yale Door and Window Solutions, this investment in new machinery demonstrates the commitment to build products in house, bringing greater flexibility and job creation to the ASSA ABLOY UK factory in Portobello works, Willenhall.

The new ‘Dimenco Allibert’ automatic press line will significantly increase in house manufacturing capacity of one piece keeps for the prestigious Lockmaster brand of multipoint door locks, benefiting fabricators and installers across the UK.

Kevin Hill, Managing Director for Yale Door and Window Solutions commented:

“As a marketing leading supplier to the sector, Yale Door and Window Solutions has brought together the world’s favourite Yale, Lockmaster and Millenco brands to create the UK’s largest supplier of multipoint locks.

“True to our objectives is the significant investment in our UK factory facilities, to take responsibility for insourcing and to bring production back in house. This way, we can take greater control of servicing our fabricator and installer customers and delivering products exactly as and when required, to make sure they stay ahead of competition in a continuingly difficult economic climate.”

For more information on the investment or the Lockmaster multipoint lock range, please visit www.yaledws.co.uk.

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Thursday, 21 February 2013

SWS UK - Optical Edge Update

With the introduction of the Optical Edge on SWS garage doors, they have developed a range of two rubber seals and three optical spacer blocks.

These new parts will be supplied on all garage doors manufactured from Monday 25th February.

The seals feature a hardened ‘T’ piece for a secure location in the bottom of the slat and a twin skirt for improved weather sealing on the floor and improved safety edge performance.

The Optical Spacer Blocks protect the ends of the seal and the sensor from damage and have been recessed to accommodate the heads of the optical cells.

For further information please contact your SWS UK account manager

on 01524 772400

www.sws.co.uk

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Wednesday, 20 February 2013

Laidlaw Offers Real Insight for Specifiers

Laidlaw is now able to offer four RIBA approved CPD presentations to help provide greater insight into the specification of architectural ironmongery, access control, doorsets and handrail & balustrading components.

Covering a variety of topics, which are commonly encountered by specifiers, Laidlaw’s approved CPD materials look at the key points to consider before selecting a product or system. Laidlaw’s ‘Helping to Specify Architectural Ironmongery’ CPD for example, is designed to help architects understand why ironmongery is such an important component of a building. The CPD looks closely at the different components that help doors function in the required manner whilst touching on the reasons why legislation and standards play an important part in specification – in turn, this will help raise awareness of specification procedures.

Specification of Internal Timber Doorsets

Similarly, the ‘Specification of Internal Timber Doorsets with Particular Reference to Parts M and E of the Building Regulations’ CPD looks at how the building regulations have changed significantly over the past 18 months and the impact this now has on the specification of doorsets. The presentation will endeavour to educate those as to how best to comply going forward.

Equality Act 2010

The ‘Equality Act 2010 - Access to Goods, Services and Facilities’ presentation aims to address the major access issues raised by part III DDA in a clear and concise manner and relates specifically to the areas that architects will be made aware of coupled with the extent of their duties. The CPD also touches on access control situations, door opening/closing forces and light reflectance value information.

Handrails and Balustrades

Finally, the ‘Handrails and Balustrades: Adding Flair to your Stairs’ CPD looks at the importance of adhering to safety requirements but how this should not restrict creativity in the design of staircases, handrails, balustrades and modular handrailing systems which can be tailored to suit both aesthetic and practical requirements.

Shafiq Sharif, Marketing Manager from Laidlaw commented:

“Not only are Laidlaw part of RIBA’s core curriculum, but our four RIBA approved CPD’s have been put together to provide an additional tool which architects and specifiers can call upon when looking for further clarification on the specification of certain components.”

He continued:

“Having provided unrivalled standards in service for the design, specification and supply of doorsets, architectural hardware, access control products and handrail and balustrade solutions for more than 130 years, Laidlaw are well placed to offer such a wide scope of specialist CPD presentations.”