The Door Industry Journal: May 2016

Tuesday, 31 May 2016

The Master Locksmith Association warn schools to lockdown on security over holidays

When school ceases for the summer holidays, security diligence should not, say the Master Locksmith Association.

Theft, vandalism and arson attacks are common occurrences in school buildings during the holidays, but with adequate planning and security measures in place, risks can easily be minimised. It’s also a great time to check over security and safety, and indeed get security upgraded in preparation for pupils returning. Dr Steffan George, Development Director of the Master Locksmith Association gives his advice on the subject.

Firstly, assess damage to the building and put any necessary work into action well before the end of term. Things to look out for in terms of deterioration and breakage include doors, windows, roofs (missing tiles, slates and broken roof lights), wall cladding (vertical tiling and timber boarding etc.), alarms, locks and exterior skirts to the base of temporary classrooms.

Secondly, consider whether the building needs extra alarms and security, and where. It’s a good idea to place alarms within areas where expensive IT equipment is located and for additional peace of mind, secure the equipment to desks. If new equipment is being installed or delivered it should not be visible from the outside and empty packaging must be discretely disposed of so it doesn’t entice opportunist criminals. Specific secure storage can be created for high value IT equipment for example.

Site boundaries are also important. While checking that gates are fitted with suitable locks may be an obvious step, you must check the full perimeter of the site. Fencing should be fully intact with no bolts, hinges, handles or damaged sections which could work as footholds for easy access. A professional MLA-approved locksmith can carry out a security and safety assessment on all locks and access routes, advising you on suitable fittings. It’s important to ensure that they not only provide a good level of security, but also meet insurance requirements.

Steffan George, Development Director
of the Master Locksmith Association

Planting is another aspect which is often overlooked in terms of security. Large or overgrown trees or shrubbery can provide unnecessary areas of cover for intruders and lead to blind spots on CCTV coverage. It’s especially important to check that this greenery does not cover security fencing as this would provide an easy access route for a potential intruder.

If part of the building is being used over the summer holidays by clubs, staff or community groups, it’s important to ensure this poses as minimal a risk as possible to the security of the building. A holiday access policy is a good idea, with clear security instructions covering alarms, access routes and times, and the management of keys. The use of master key systems can help ensure that only access to the designated areas is allowed with the keys provided.

The summer holidays are the ideal time for maintenance work, both to the building itself and to security installations, but having workers present unavoidably poses extra risks to security. If work is being done to security products such as alarms, it’s important to consider how long they will be out of action and put a contingency plan in place. It’s also a good idea to have these workers wear security badges as opportunist thieves could pose as contractors to gain access.

Security shutters and grilles are another great way of boosting security. If they are already installed, it’s important to ensure they are operating correctly and fitted with suitable locking devices. A lot of MLA-approved locksmiths can advise on this and recommend the most suitable grilles and shutters.

Finally, while security is an important consideration in any school, safety is the primary concern when the school reopens. Checks should include verifying the functionality of fire doors, checking emergency exit doors have the correct escape hardware, are working correctly and are not compromised, checking all signage and fire risk assessments are in place and, where necessary, updating fire risk assessments. A person within a school will be responsible for safety and an MLA approved locksmith can assist them in making sure a building is safe as well as secure in accordance with existing fire regulation wherever possible.

A list of approved MLA companies can be found on the MLA website. For further information please visit www.locksmiths.co.uk.

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Monday, 30 May 2016

GEZE UK creates uplifting entrance for Spitfire-shaped building

The Wing, an eye-catching building designed to echo the shape and uplift of a Spitfire’s wings, features an expansive curved glass viewing platform on the first floor. So, it naturally needed an entrance that would reflect the style of the building and GEZE UK, renowned for its curved automatic sliding door systems, was top of the list.

To echo the lines of the viewing platform, GEZE installed two of its popular Slimdrive SCR all-glass circular lobbies to create two impressive entrances to the Wing, which houses a new visitor and education centre for the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust at Capel-le-Ferne in Kent. The first provides access from the car park to the building and the second, directly opposite, provides access to the memorial outside.

Situated on top of the white cliffs, between Dover and Folkestone, the award-winning building is truly open to the elements. It was therefore important to choose the right automatic door system because prevailing winds can affect the operation of some doors. Furthermore, the creation of a lobby helps to limit heat loss contributing to a building’s environmental credentials and prevents blasts of hot or cold air which are uncomfortable for staff and visitors.

Each circular lobby features two sets of automatic bi-parting curved sliding glass doors to create an accessible, draught-free entrance. The doors are powered by GEZE’s Slimdrive SCR drive which has an operating height of just 7cm, making the installation almost invisible and enhancing the all-glass effect. Installing curved doors can increase the size of the entrance by up to 40 per cent compared to sliding doors, making them ideal for lobbies that experience high levels of footfall.

The Wing is home to The Scramble Experience, a hands-on attraction that allows visitors to learn more about what it was like for ‘the Few’ during the summer and early autumn of 1940. It has already received more than 55,000 visitors since it was opened by Her Majesty the Queen accompanied by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh in March 2015.

“The Wing is an eye-catching, high quality building that was designed to make a statement while at the same time respecting its surroundings and not detracting from the Memorial itself. The Trust is delighted with the design, the quality of the building and the reaction from visitors,” said Battle of Britain Memorial Trust, Richard Hunting CBE.

Andy Howland, sales director of GEZE UK, said:

“It’s often said that a building’s design is unique, but in the case of the Wing, which has been designed to remind visitors of WWII’s most iconic aircraft, the Spitfire, it truly is.

“We are always delighted to have the opportunity to work on such high profile projects and the Wing is no exception. The circular lobby created by the Slimdrive SCR, reflects the cockpit-style viewing platform and has been designed to allow the building’s many visitors to enter quickly and easily".

The Slimdrive SCR is simple to operate and like all of GEZE’s Slimdrive range, it has been designed and tested to meet the requirements of all relevant standards and regulations, including Building Bulletin 93, Approved Documents B and M. It also assists with the vigorous demands of the Equality Act.

The Wing is just the latest in a long line of high profile tourist attractions that GEZE UK has created entrance solutions for. Other projects include the Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre, Blenheim Palace and the Theatre Royal Glasgow, to name but a few.

For more information about GEZE UK’s comprehensive range of automatic operators, manual door closers and window technology products call 01543 443000 or visit www.geze.co.uk.

For more information about the Battle of Britain Memorial, see www.battleofbritainmemorial.org.

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Sunday, 29 May 2016

Iconic Escort named Britain’s favourite classic Ford

1975 Escort RS1800

Launched in 1968, the Escort was sold in six generations and enjoyed an impressive 32-year production run, with the final hatchback model rolling off the production line at Halewood, Liverpool, in July 2000, although the Escort van remained on sale until 2002.

In total, over three million Escorts were sold in Britain, making it one of the country’s best selling cars of all-time.

It spawned several performance models, including the RS1600, the Mexico, the RS2000, The XR3, RS Turbo and RS Cosworth, all of which enjoyed astonishing motorsport success.

1970 Escort Mexico

The Escort scored 36 per cent of the vote in a survey organised by The Classic Ford Show, beating the Capri to a close second in terms of legendary status.

Both of the icons, along with other fine names from Ford’s past, such as the Anglia, Cortina, Mustang and Granada, along with more modern icons such as the Fiesta and Focus, will be in abundance at the Show, which takes place at Santa Pod, Beds, on Sunday June 5.

1969 MK1 Escort 5door GT

The Classic Ford Show, in association with Admiral, will play host to thousands of the best Fords in Britain, from both club exhibitors and individual entrants.

There will be a wide variety of standard, tuned and modified cars on display at the show, which is supported by Classic Ford, the UK’s leading publication for fans of the Blue Oval’s most iconic models.

1978 Escort RS2000

It will feature an exclusive Ford-only Run What Ya Brung on the drag strip, open to show visitors and their cars. The quarter-mile contest will give guests the chance to pit their own Fords against each other, and drivers will receive a full performance print out showing reaction time, terminal speed and the time it took to complete the sprint.

1985 RS Turbo

Another major highlight of the show will be a series of Ford Drag Car demos, featuring some of Santa Pod’s most famous Ford-based dragsters, which are always a huge hit at the show. The hotted-up Capris, Sierras, Anglias, Fiestas and more will be available to view in the pit area, where showgoers can get up close to the cars and their drivers.

Santa Pod will also be doing a few runs with the strip’s famous FireForce Jet Car. Powered by the engine from a Skycrane helicopter and putting out approximately 10,000bhp and 5,000lbs of thrust, FireForce has the fastest terminal speed of any Jet Car in the world – it’s an impressive beast to look at, and even more awe-inspiring to hear.

1988 XR3i Cabriolet

In addition, there will be dramatic live stunt displays, drift trikes and the opportunity for showgoers to win a Ford Focus ST, which is currently being transformed by Classic Ford’s sister title, Fast Ford.

This year, the show is backed by Admiral, which has introduced a range of classic car insurance products including policies aimed at owners of multiple vehicles.

Those wanting to make a weekend of it will be able to take advantage of on-site camping, available from midday on Saturday June 4, complete with a bar and live entertainment.

Camping is priced at £10 per person on the gate, although early bird tickets are available including show entry and camping at £25 per person – a saving of £8. Early bird tickets are also available for the show alone, priced at £18 - £5 less than the gate price.

Advance tickets and more show information are available from www.classicfordshow.co.uk

Show Opening Times: Sunday June 5, 2016, from 08:30 – 17:00. The drag strip will also be open from 17.30 to 20.00 on Saturday June 4.

Run What Ya Brung Tickets: RWYB on the Saturday evening is £10 for unlimited runs up the drag strip. Sunday is £20 for a maximum of four runs up the drag strip. Tickets are available to purchase on the day only.

Venue Address: Santa Pod Raceway, Podington, Beds, Airfield Road, NN29 7XA

www.santapod.co.uk

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Saturday, 28 May 2016

Allegion Announces New Area Sales Manager for Southern UK

Allegion, specialist safety and security manufacturer, has appointed a new area sales manager to join its sales team to deliver superior customer experience to customers in the UK hospitality sector.

Trevor Ball joins Allegion in this role and will oversee sales efforts in the southern UK. He will be responsible for raising awareness of Allegion’s CISA eSIGNO and eGO brands, as well as increasing sales of Allegion’s growing portfolio of hotel locking systems.

Trevor joins Allegion from ESP Leisure Ltd, where he looked after business development and sales to the hospitality and leisure sector; prior to this, he worked within the golf and leisure industry.

The hospitality and leisure sectors are two of Allegion’s key markets, and Trevor’s experience within both of these sectors allows him to bring new, invaluable skills and knowledge to the role.

At Allegion, Trevor will be working closely with independent hotels, small and large hotel groups and hotel management companies to provide a bespoke, innovative security technology solution that fits their specific requirements.

Peter Romanov, EMEIA commercial director at Allegion, commented on the new appointment:

“Trevor will be working closely with our customers to provide them with specification support of door hardware in their buildings and will be focusing on accelerating growth in new accounts, while also developing relationships with our existing accounts. It’s an exciting time to join Allegion, and we are pleased to have Trevor on our team.”

The CISA eSIGNO and CISA eGO product ranges combine superior Italian design with practical features and technology that integrate with the day-to-day running of modern hotels. The extensive portfolio includes hotel locking systems, contactless locks, electronic cylinders, energy savers, safes and mini bars.

For more information on Allegion’s CISA hotel locking systems, visit www.cisahotels.com.

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Friday, 27 May 2016

EasyGates Exhibiting at IFSEC

Easygates, Nationwide electric gate & garage door automation, access control and safety supplier have secured a stand at the upcoming IFSEC Exhibition 21-23 June.

The exhibition focusses on the latest in security products, technology and innovation. The stand will be positioned in the DHF Pavilion, an area of the show dedicated to the door, garage, shutter and hardware sector.

The 3m x 3m stand – D1876 will be used to promote the wide range of products that EasyGates supply and to showcase the new SENTIR Safety Edges 15.25 & 35.85, part of the ASO KS 4 Plug ‘N’ Sense range.

There will also be an opportunity for visitors to register to the upgraded EasyGates Direct website and make great savings and earn access points.

Managing Director of Easygates, Tony Daniels-Gooding said:

‘As a large independent supplier of specialised products, IFSEC is a worthwhile show for us to have a presence at. We welcome any opportunity to engage with our customers from the South/South East of the country and educate and promote the hi-tech electronics and radio controls that are now available in the marketplace.

‘As multiple brand suppliers, we strive to offer the best products available. We already offer advanced electronics as perimeter security specialists including GSM & Radio Systems and see the security sector as a growing area for us.’

The stand will include safety products from ASO, keypads, remotes, photocells and much more from the 2,000 product range.

www.easygatesdirect.co.uk

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Thursday, 26 May 2016

Hörmann’s new internal door operator, PortaMatic, awarded top marks

The UK’s leading door manufacturer, Hörmann, has been awarded top marks for its new door operator, PortaMatic.

The system allows people to open and close internal doors automatically via a hand transmitter or button, making it ideal for the elderly or disabled, or the workplace.

The PortaMatic was put to the test by international aging specialists in Germany this week and was awarded the highest mark ever given to a door operator. It has a wide variety of functions, including hands free technology, an integrated LED illumination to light the way in the dark and an acoustic signal which provides a warning before and/or during door movement.

The PortaMatic is also ideal for hospitals and office buildings, as its non-contact switch means it’s one of the most hygienic door operators on the market.

The PortaMatic also has a reverse function that ensures no one is caught accidentally during closing, If the door lightly impacts anything, it immediately opens again.

David O’Mara, marketing manager at Hörmann (UK) Ltd. commented:

“At Hörmann, safety and convenience go hand in hand. The PortaMatic operator is incredibly versatile, offering both accessibility and security, and it takes convenient living to the next level.”

Visit www.hormann.co.uk for more information, or call 01530 516 888.

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Wednesday, 25 May 2016

Overhead Door Celebrates 95th Anniversary

As Henry Ford was mass-producing automobiles and barns were being transformed to house a new form of transportation, a man took an idea and turned it into a legacy.

In 1921, C.G. Johnson invented the upward lifting garage door and started The Overhead Door Company. Ninety-five years later, Overhead Door is keeping the legacy alive with more than 400 distributors in the United States and Canada who proudly display the Red Ribbon logo.

"Of all the American businesses that were founded in 1921, how many had the drive, the discipline and the adaptability to allow it to thrive today?" asked Vice President of Sales, Jamie Byrne. "We did, and ninety-five years later we're still living the legacy and standing strong, thanks to the incredible commitment and hard work of our family of ribbon distributors."

At a time when cars were replacing horses as modes of transportation, Johnson was a true innovator, creating a solution that homeowners everywhere needed with the upward- lifting garage door. A few years later, he came up with another convenient solution for homeowners with the invention of the electric garage door opener. These inventions were developed into a business and a brand that have stood the test of time. While the company has evolved and grown over the years, Overhead Door is still known for its identity of quality, service and integrity.

"Our Red Ribbon logo represents everything the Overhead Door brand stands for," continued Byrne. "Superior products. Expert service. Excellent distributors. I want to thank our employees and distributors for their hard work and dedication over the past 95 years. We are who we are today because of the legacy that was created in 1921."

Throughout the year Overhead Door will be celebrating with employees, customers and distributors. A national distributor meeting has already been held in Palm Springs, California and local celebrations are upcoming.

Overhead Door has garage doors for every type of consumer or builder including residential, commercial and high-speed applications.

About Overhead Door Corporation

Overhead Door Corporation, based in Dallas, Texas, is a leading manufacturer of doors and openers for residential, commercial, industrial and transportation applications.

The company has five divisions: Access Systems Division (ASD), which features the Overhead Door and Wayne Dalton brands; The Genie Company, manufacturer of remote-controlled garage door opening systems; Horton Automatics, a manufacturer of automatic entrance systems; TODCO, the largest producer of truck doors for the transportation industry; and Creative Door Services, western Canada's leader in providing door products and services to the residential, commercial and industrial markets.

Overhead Door Corporation created the original overhead garage door in 1921 and the first electric garage door opener in 1926. Overhead Door now employs more than 3,500 people, has 22 manufacturing facilities, 78 regional sales and service and installation centers and more than 5,000 distributors and dealers that service national builders, national accounts, architects, general contractors and homeowners, as well as major retailers in the U.S. and Canada. Overhead Door Corporation is a subsidiary of Sanwa Holdings Corporation of Tokyo, Japan.

For more information on Overhead Door garage doors and openers visit www.OverheadDoor.com

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Tuesday, 24 May 2016

New 3* Security Cylinder Package from Securefast

Securefast Security Cylinder and Escutcheon

Renowned for delivering high quality, high performance security solutions, the latest Euro Profile Security Cylinder and Escutcheon package from Securefast sets a new benchmark by delivering the perfect 3 star rated security combination that has been fully tested to TS007:2014.

The superb 3 star package from Securefast incorporates a one star rated security cylinder providing protection from drilling, picking, bumping and plug extraction, in combination with a two star rated escutcheon that ensures anti-snap protection and prevents easy access to the cylinder.

The precision manufactured escutcheon is hardened to ensure extra drilling protection and has been cleverly designed with a window for the key, which will spin if a drilling attempt is made.

Securefast cylinders are available in a range of popular sizes and are suitable for all euro profile lock cases, in addition the three star package provides the ideally security package for use on Timber and Steel doors, when used in conjunction with 72mm centre mortice locks.

For complete details on the Securefast 3* security package, including full testing and compliance information, please contact the sales hotline 01543 501600 or visit the company web site at www.securefast.co.uk

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Monday, 23 May 2016

Pegasus Developments Really Fly with DAD Mailboxes

Banks of stylish DAD mailboxes with programmable digital locks and special RAL colour finishes are providing residents of Pegasus Life retirement apartments with a secure, easy-to-use and chic mail retrieval and postage system.

The DAD 2030-series secure mailboxes were specified for the Pegasus Life developments at Bude in Cornwall and Woodbridge in Suffolk. They were chosen by the interior design firm, Woods Bagot, for their stylish looks to fit in with the complexes’ modern, comfortable lobby design schemes.

The architectural ironmongers on the projects, Aspex UK, have worked closely with Pegasus Life and the designers on a number of projects and built the mailboxes into banks on site to suit the lobby configuration. A deeper box with a red letter flap was also incorporated for residents to post outgoing mail.

Residents at Pegasus Life developments place great emphasis on the security and safety of their surroundings so the DAD mailboxes were selected for their robust build and built-in security features. The Digilock digital locks were chosen for ease-of-use and the ability to reconfigure the locks for new users.

The 2030 mailbox from DAD is its best-selling free-standing box with a front delivery and retrieval mechanism for mail up to A4 size. Manufactured by DAD at their own factory in electro-galvanized steel, the 2030 mailboxes are a secure option with integrated access control, anti-arson device, and high quality security locks. Little touches like a letter flap with a sound reducing device make the 2030 DAD mailbox a safe, high quality and practical option. They comply with Secured by Design and Royal Mail requirements.

DAD has been designing and manufacturing steel security products since 1872 and was the first letterboxes and post boxes manufacturer in Europe, now with over 1.5 million units produced every year at its factories in France and Germany. With 700 employees worldwide and a turnover of over £60 million, they manufacture an extensive range which includes fire-rated and anti-arson postboxes, free standing post boxes, wall-mounted and through-the-wall boxes for residential and commercial applications. DAD opened its offices in the UK in 1996.

www.dadgroup.co.uk

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Sunday, 22 May 2016

‘Time-warp’ Love Bug ready for new owner after 42 years

A 42 year old Volkswagen Beetle, that has covered just 90 km, has been discovered in time warp condition and will be sold at Silverstone Auctions’ Classic Race Aarhus Auction in Denmark on 28th and 29th May.

Unique is a word often used incorrectly, but in the case of this 1974 Beetle, it is not inaccurate. With just one owner from new and only 90 kilometres on the clock, this little car must be one of the lowest mileage examples in existence still in its original condition.

Supplied new by G. Terragni Volkswagen, Genoa, Italy, on the 23rd January 1974, its first and only proud owner was an elderly gentleman by the name of Armando Sgroi. He had never owned a motorcar before and did not particularly want this one. However, he was a deeply religious man and walked every Sunday from his house in the hills to his local church. This was only a short distance, but it had become a struggle as he became more and more frail with age.

The car was used less and less as his church-going became more infrequent, up until the last outing in 1978, when the car was retired to a barn where it has remained for almost four decades. This little Beetle has recently been rediscovered, has been lightly recommissioned and will now be offered at auction. For sale for only the second time in its life, it will head to auction with an estimate of €35,000 to €40,000.

Speaking ahead of the sale, Nick Whale, managing director of Silverstone Auctions commented:

“The VW Beetle is one of the most successful and loved cars worldwide, and we’re no strangers to them at Silverstone Auctions, but this one is a very special example and something we rarely see. With such an incredibly low mileage it is in virtually new condition, 42 years after it was first bought.”

Finished in blue with a black leather interior and all its original features, this left-hand drive, manual example still holds the original oil in the engine and is shod with its first set of tyres. The original books and invoice, along with its unwrapped tool kit, are also supplied with the car.

The car features as part of the Classic Race Aarhus Auction hosted by Silverstone Auctions and Lauritz.com at the prestigious motorsport festival in Denmark.

To find out more about this 1974 Volkswagen Beetle and the Classic Race Aarhus Auction visit www.silverstoneauctions.com.

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Saturday, 21 May 2016

Credibility Check- Local Traders Need a Landline on their Mobiles!

For small local businesses supplying services such as garage door repairs and installations, replacement windows, plastering, emergency plumbing, roof repairs or anything that requires a fast response to telephone enquiries, the last thing needed is a potential customer ringing a business landline and having to leave a message on an answerphone.

Quite simply, the vast majority won’t leave a message. In fact, over 67% of people looking for a local service will hang up when asked to leave a message on an answerphone. Worse, a staggering 84% of 20-29 year olds hang up straight away when they get voicemail. The 50-64 age group are most likely to leave a message ... although only 37% of them would bother.

Voicemail is a failing service, most customers feel uncomfortable leaving a message, regardless of their age. They want to talk to a human, not a machine.

Market research shows that companies with local landline numbers receive more customer enquiries. Not only do local calls cost customers less, but their perception is that traders with local landlines as the first point of contact are more trustworthy, and that the business is established.

So, what’s the solution?

A Bristol company called IG-Consulting might be about to put the final nail in the office answerphone coffin with its new app-based Biznu service for local tradesmen. The app allows traders to place a local landline number on their mobile phones, so customers can call that number at their national call rates.

What’s more, when a trader dials out, they call customers using a business landline … from a mobile.

Gone are the days of losing customers that call a landline and get asked to leave a message simply because a trader is out on a job. They’ll call a landline on a mobile. Traders have an office telephone system with all the benefits that come with it sitting in their pockets.

The Biznu app service has many other compelling features like voicemail, auto attendant, call transfer, call forwarding and call recording. Existing numbers can also be transferred to Biznu quickly and the system is scalable enabling new contacts to be added into the mobile office system with a few clicks.

The ingenuity behind Biznu is an international telecommunications software company called RIPTec.

FREE - 30 minutes of calls using promo code biznu30

Visit biznu.co.uk to download the Biznu app and get your first 30 minutes of calls.

Finally, a word of advice based on our own experiences testing this app. To get the best results from setting this up on your phone we strongly advise you to download a quickstart guide for Android here or one for iOS here .

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Friday, 20 May 2016

DHF’s expanded training scheme puts safety centre stage

More than 700 people have now successfully completed safety training since the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) first set up its Safety Diploma scheme.

This number is set to rise significantly following the expansion of the scheme to cover a wider range of industry sectors. The DHF pioneered the Safety Diploma scheme with the introduction of training for those responsible for the safety of automatically controlled powered gates.

At the start of this year, the training scheme was broadened to provide safety training for personnel employed by industrial door companies and garage door companies.

The DHF, which represents the key players in industrial, commercial and garage doors and automated gates, says its Safety Diploma scheme is a key part of its ambitious plan to significantly raise safety standards within the industry.

The industrial door Safety Diploma is a two-day course. It is designed for personnel responsible for legal compliance within industrial door companies and ensures they work in full compliance with applicable legislation.

It provides delegates with a greater understanding of legislation affecting the supply, installation, testing, inspection, risk assessment, documentation, maintenance and repair of industrial doors. The courses cover all aspects of door safety from initial risk assessment through to testing and commissioning.

The start of the year also saw the introduction of the DHF’s Safety Diploma course for garage door company personnel. It covers garage door installation activities including automation of manual garage doors, installation of manual and powered doors supplied by a single manufacturer, and the installation of powered doors where the door and drive comes from different manufacturers.

The garage door training course is available to DHF members only. However, the industrial door Safety Diploma course is open to employees of DHF members and non members.

The courses are delivered at venues around the UK by the DHF’s own training team. Each successful candidate receives a DHF Safety Diploma certificate. DHF member companies whose personnel attend the training courses can display the DHF Safety Assured logo.

For more information on the DHF Safety Diploma scheme, visit www.dhfonline.org.uk/training.aspx .

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Thursday, 19 May 2016

LiftMaster® strengthens its presence in Europe expecting further growth in the UK

World leader in garage door operators, LiftMaster, the brand for the professional, made by the US based Chamberlain group, Inc, wants to increase market share on the European market and be among the top players in the long term.

LiftMaster is the number one manufacturer of garage door operators worldwide having sold more units to date than all of its competitors combined. With more than 45 years expertise on automatic opening systems for individuals and professionals alike, LiftMaster is well recognised for its innovative technology, connected products, design quality and high performance systems.

Already leading the industry in the US, LiftMaster aims to grow its European product range over the coming months and sees UK growth for both commercial and residential units as a key target.

LiftMaster is well ahead of the field of connected products and with increased interest in the Smart home and the ever booming Internet of Things, LiftMaster is firmly positioned to drive innovation through its myQ® technology.

From anywhere in the world, LiftMaster already offers its users the capability of opening and closing garage doors and gates remotely whenever they choose.

LiftMaster’s myQ is one of the first technologies to partner with Google Nest®, allowing users to control garage doors, Nest Cam™ and “Nest Learning Thermostat™ from anywhere within one app. Following this partnership, a second partnership is due to be launched in 2017 with Home Kit, the connected homes solution from Cupertino based technology giant Apple.

Katja von Raven, President of Chamberlain EMEAA explains in more detail:

"Over the past two years, we achieved single-digit growth and the first quarter of 2016 is looking very positive, with double-digit growth compared to the same period in 2015. In the short term, we want to strengthen our already strong position in UK and cement our presence in Europe, among the top suppliers".

To build on this, LiftMaster® has strengthened its sales and marketing teams adding experienced leaders in the field in key positions across Europe.

Present in the UK for more than 30 years, one of the largest markets in Europe for garages and gates, the brand often works alongside manufacturers including the likes of Garage Door Systems, North Valley Forge and Easy Gates.

Find out more by visiting www.liftmaster.eu

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Wednesday, 18 May 2016

Assa Abloy Security Doors Supplies Oxford University

ASSA ABLOY Security Doors, a UK division of ASSA ABLOY has supplied metal doorsets to a state-of-the-art Oxford University building.

The Blavatnik School of Government, located on the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, accommodates up to 550 people. The internationally renowned Swiss architects Herzog and De Meuron, who are well known for the originality and boldness of their projects, designed the six-storey building.

ASSA ABLOY Security Doors provided over 200 doorsets to the project, including high security doorsets, with varying levels of tested security, which included ASSA ABLOY tested and approved ironmongery, as well as glazed, acoustic and double swing disabled toilet doorsets to the project.

Chris Cole, Area Sales Manager at ASSA ABLOY Security Doors, said:

“The impact of the building on the local environment and considerations such as sustainability were hugely important in the design of the Blavatnik School of Government.

“Sustainability is a key driver throughout ASSA ABLOY's value chain; at ASSA ABLOY Security Doors we have recently made a significant investment in a new manufacturing process, introducing new machinery and utilising modern production methods, which has enabled our engineers to design and produce a high quality, fit for purpose product more efficiently, while reducing environmental impact.

“We are pleased that we have been able to deliver on what was one of the most challenging and complex jobs we have undertaken at ASSA ABLOY Security Doors.”

For further information, please visit www.assaabloy.co.uk

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