The Door Industry Journal: December 2016

Thursday, 22 December 2016

Door Industry Journal Office Closure Dates

After successfully publishing our Winter Issue earlier this month, the team will be rewarding themselves with a well earned break over the Christmas and New Year holiday period.

Our offices will be closed from 5pm on Thursday 22nd December until 9am on Monday 9th January 2017.

Limited office cover will be provided from Wednesday 4th January 2017 via email and voicemail only.

Our daily blog posts will cease until Monday 2nd January 2017 and our weekly newsletter will recommence on Tuesday 10th January 2017.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our readers, advertisers and contributors for their support throughout 2016.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

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Wednesday, 21 December 2016

Service Engineer (Nationwide) required for rapidly growing Gate Automation Specialists

Gatecare are one of the leading solar gate automation specialists and the UK stockist of Centurion systems.

Our division is growing rapidly and we need a first rate Automated Gate Engineer with minimum of 3 years’ experience of working within the gate automation industry including:

• Previous knowledge and experience with gates, barriers, bollards and access control is essential.

• System fault finding.

• Experience of welding

• Preferred to have mechanical and electrical background

• Mechanical/Engineering skills

• Full driving licence

The field based role will be demanding and working to strict deadlines. You will have the responsibility of installing and commissioning automated systems and undertaking service and maintenance of existing systems working individually or as part of a team.

Work will be located nationwide; our offices are based in Corby, Northamptonshire where you will be expected to travel to our office to collect stock and attend training and meetings.

Good written and communication skills are essential as you will be dealing with customers and delivering detailed reports to the office and line manager.

Working hours will be 40hrs per week Monday – Friday 8.30am – 5.30pm

(Occasional weekend work may be required)

You will be provided with:

• company vehicle

• fuel card

• mobile phone

• uniform

• Pension

• 20 days holiday

• In-house training.

To apply, please forward your CV to libby.bowness@gatecare.co.uk

Find out more about Gatecare by visiting www.gatecare.co.uk

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Tuesday, 20 December 2016

Locker security just got Smarter

The innovative ASL1100 Smartlock locker locks from industry leading provider Securefast plc offers a completely new level of easy to use, contactless security, across a wide range of public access environments.

The stylish and easy to operate Smartlock Locker Lock delivers maximum security using MIFARE proximity RIFD, instead of relying on the traditional mechanical key operation, thereby removing the inconvenience of key holder security for both the user and management team.

Designed for locker rooms anywhere, the ASL1100 Smartlock is the Ideal answer for sports and fitness centres, resorts, golf clubs, saunas, sports centres, hotel lockers, shopping collection points, in fact anywhere that locker security is an important consideration.

For the ultimate protection solution for lockers in all public access areas, the Securefast’s Smartlock Locker Locks provides state of the art design together with a truly effective and simple to operate security barrier.

For further information on the Securefast ASL1100 Smartlock Locker Lock and find out how the product can work for you, please contact the sales team on 01543 501600, email sales@securefast.co.uk or visit the web site www.securefast.co.uk

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Monday, 19 December 2016

GEZE UK Makes a Dramatic Entrance

It used to be quite a performance accessing one of Birmingham’s premier theatres until GEZE UK stepped into the spotlight and took a starring role.

The Birmingham Repertory Theatre previously shared an entrance with its neighbour, the Library of Birmingham, an iconic building which was created as part a £188 million redevelopment and completed in 2013.

However, over the last couple of years, The Rep’s growing audiences to its three auditoriums, required direct access from Centenary Square. The solution needed to combine accessibility with a welcoming front of house appearance that would add to the theatre’s star attraction.

The Rep’s operations manager Nigel Cairns commissioned GEZE UK to identify the best options for the venue which draws approximately 170,000 customers to over 500 performances every year. In turn, GEZE UK hired Glassolutions as its ‘co-star’ to undertake all the glazing work required for the venture.

The result was a circular sliding door – cheerily etched ‘hello’ and ‘cheerio’ to herald entrance and exit – which used a Slimdrive SCR automatic operator with a 360° drive mechanism.

The entrance – measuring 3800mm – makes a grand statement but is actually a real space saver, allowing a large number of people to flow through the lobby at any one time while maintaining a feeling of space and airiness within a contemporary setting. It also creates an effective draught lobby, minimising heat loss or gain.

Second entrance to the theatre’s Bistro and Bar

GEZE UK also created a second entrance to the theatre’s Marmalade Bistro and Bar which is situated to the west side of the building, within its famed arched facade. This has provided standalone access to the restaurant with a pair of automatic swing doors operated by Slimdrive EMD-f’s installed street side, and a single sliding door powered by GEZE’s Slimdrive SL NT automatic operator, inside which creates a further draught lobby.

Due to their slim design and a drive unit height of just 7cm, all of the Slimdrive range can be discretely installed so they are barely noticeable to customers and as with all GEZE’s automatic operators, they assist with the demands of the Equality Act and are BS 8300 compliant.

Said Andy Howland, sales director of GEZE UK:

“The Rep is at the heart of Birmingham’s transformation plans and the redevelopment of Centenary Square coincided with The Rep’s own centenary. However, as an outward-looking arts and entertainment venue, it is always looking to evolve and develop and the addition of a new 300-seat auditorium, alongside its main stage and studio, has placed new demands on the building. Creating entrances to access these wonderful facilities is a real honour and will help The Rep receive its audiences in the years to come.”

Nigel Cairns, Theatre Operations Manager of the Rep, said:

“The creation of a new main doorway by GEZE UK has given us a stylish, practical and welcoming entrance allowing visitors direct and clear access to our box office, auditoria and conference and banqueting suites. As we prepare for a busy autumn season of shows ahead we look forward to the new doors being put to good use by thousands of theatre goers.”

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.

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Sunday, 18 December 2016

Ford ‘Hangover Suit’ Highlights The Risks Of Driving The Morning After

Drink driving is now one of society’s biggest taboos – but driving the morning after can be just as dangerous.

With many people drinking more than usual over the festive period, it is a peak time for drivers to take a risk that could be fatal – both for themselves and other road users.

In Europe, research shows alcohol is a factor in one in six road accident fatalities *. And in the UK, one in 10 drink driving arrests take place between 06:00 and 08:00 **. Ford commissioned the ‘Hangover Suit’ from the renowned Meyer Hentschel Institute, in Germany, to highlight the dangers.

Weighing more than 17 kg, the ‘Hangover Suit’ consists of a special vest, wrist and ankle weights, cap and goggles, and headphones. Together, these simulate the classic hangover symptoms of fatigue, dizziness, a throbbing head and difficulty concentrating.

“There is a lot of social pressure to prevent those who may be tempted to drink drive after a night out. But many times those who drive the morning after are travelling alone,” said Ford Driving Skills for Life Manager Jim Graham ***. “The ‘Hangover Suit’ shows how debilitating a hangover can be and the risk that driving in that condition can present to all road users.”

Even when drivers are no longer over the legal alcohol limit they still present a risk that can be as high as for those who are drink driving, with drivers likely to be sleep deprived and their reaction times are affected. ****

Through its Ford Driving Skills for Life programme, Ford offers free training for young drivers. By the end of 2016, this programme will have trained more than 20,000 drivers across 13 countries in Europe. Previously, for the programme, Ford worked with the Meyer Hentschel Institute to produce a tailor-made “Drink Driving Suit” and “Drug Driving Suit” – as featured recently on “Jay Leno’s Garage”. The “Hangover Suit” presented different challenges.

“We did a lot of research – including analysing our own abilities after an evening of social drinking,” said Gundolf Meyer-Hentschel, CEO of the Meyer-Hentschel Institute. “For the ‘Hangover Suit’ we have introduced the headphones that replicate the particular increased sensitivity to sound as well as the typical acoustic experiences of a migraine. In addition, a weighted headset, together with the goggles, simulates dizziness and a blinding headache.”

Among those who have already experienced the suit first hand is Dr Richard Stephens, a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Keele University, in the UK, and an alcohol researcher with expertise in hangover.

“People often do not realise the degree to which a hangover impacts your core ability to do anything,” said Prof. Stephens. “The ‘Hangover Suit’ brings that point home loud and clear.”

Find out more about Ford Driving Skills for Life at: www.forddsfl.co.uk

Information sources key:

* www.allianz.com

** www.dailymail.co.uk

*** www.psychologicalscience.org

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Saturday, 17 December 2016

Amourelle Products sold to EasyGates Direct

After 27 years in the garage door industry, Nick Goldring, the founder of Reading based Amourelle Products, has sold up and retired.

Nick will be missed by many people in the industry as he is legendary for his in-depth knowledge of troubleshooting garage door and gate automation products.

Amourelle Products have specialised in garage door spares & automation since 1988, selling from stock spare parts for most UK makes of garage door in addition to replacement remote control transmitters to suit numerous makes of electric garage door and gate operators.

On Tuesday 6th December, Tony Daniels-Gooding, Managing Director of EasyGates Direct concluded the purchase of the Amourelle website and the stock and goodwill of the business.

EasyGates Direct will continue to run the Amourelle mail order garage door spares business and supply the Securi-Dor automatic locking system as a division of their successful gate automation distribution company based in Halesowen, West Midlands.

Nick Goldring commented:

“I'm looking forward to my retirement, but to keep me busy (and out of mischief) I will offer a service to existing local customers in my spare time, but as I only intend to carry a few tools in the trunk of my Tesla electric car, I will only undertake very small maintenance jobs. I anticipate this service will be largely restricted to small jobs on Seip electric operators that Amourelle have installed over the years”.

“It is very reassuring to know our customers will be in safe hands with EasyGates Direct.”

Derek Hibbart, Editor of this Blog said:

“Having been both a customer and supplier to Nick at Amourelle in a previous life, I would like to personally thank him for his support and efficient service during that time and wish him a long and well deserved retirement”.

The new contact details for the business are:

Amourelle Products,
Unit 16 James Scott Rd,
Halesowen,
West Midlands
B63 2QT.

Phone: 01384 900 264
Email: email@amourelle.co.uk
Web: www.amourelle.co.uk

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Friday, 16 December 2016

ADSA accreditation opens new doors for VWS

Lindsay Wilson, Operations Manager VWS Ltd.

VWS, the innovative technology based security company – recently awarded a six figure contract by Aberdeen City Council to provide an Internet Protocol (IP) enabled, networked CCTV system to monitor traffic throughout the city – has achieved Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) accreditation.

ADSA, the voice of the automatic door industry, is responsible for awarding the official British Standard accreditation, known as BS EN 16005. Formed in 1985, its members now supply 75% of all automatic doors in the UK.

One of Scotland’s most innovative suppliers of high tech security systems, Cumbernauld- based VWS sought accreditation when bidding for the contract to supply Falkirk Council with automatic doors in April 2015.

Lindsay Wilson, Operations Manager, said:

“Achieving the British Standard adds another string to our bow and has already proved its worth during the tendering process. We have been supplying and servicing automatic doors for several years as an add-on service for some of our major clients and decided it was time to formalise the service by attaining the relevant accreditation.

“It is yet another step along the journey towards VWS becoming the go-to business for every aspect of high technology security in Scotland. I think it’s even going to open a lot of new doors for us.”

Two members of the VWS Ltd team were selected to receive the rigorous training necessary to come up to the BS EN 16005 standard of installation and maintenance of automatic doors.

Technical Manager Chris Scott, 29, joined VWS as an engineer ten years ago, and despite rising to managerial rank, he still enjoys keeping his hand in on the installation and engineering side.

Joining him was Installation Technician Liam Munro, 21. Both are now fully qualified, and expect to see more contracts for automatic doors in VWS’s future.

Mr Scott said: “We have a culture of continuous learning here. The security environment moves on so quickly that we always need to be training, learning and developing our people if we want to stay at the forefront of what can be done.”

For further information about VWS Ltd. call 01236 727 233 or visit www.vwsip.co.uk.

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Thursday, 15 December 2016

Securefast Ireland launches the SCLAK Access Control System

A major growth area for Securefast is in the supply of Access Control equipment for both domestic and commercial applications. One of the latest products introduced by the company to meet this growing demand is the innovative SCLAK Bluetooth Access Control System, which simply uses a smartphone application instead of requiring a key operation to open doors and gates.

Suitable for any application from domestic premises to industrial units SCLAK is straightforward to install, simply fit the unit between the power supply unit and the electrical locking device such as an electrical release on the safe side of the door. SCLAK does not require an internet connection and can be operated by any device equipped with Bluetooth 4.0 or later, simply access the phone app to unlock the door.

Since opening its new service and distribution centre six months ago, John Power General Manager of Securefast Ireland together with Distribution Manager Damian Gunning, have proudly announced that the company has experienced substantial sales growth from day one.

Based just off the main Ballymount Road in Dublin, the well-stocked trade centre backed by a highly experienced and enthusiastic sales team have now firmly established Securefast as a key point of contact for all locks, hardware and a wide variety of security solutions.

In addition to providing same day collection on a wide range of Securefast, Assa Abloy, ACT and Deedlock, the company also carries extensive stocks of mechanical and electronic locking products together with fire, safety and DDA solutions.

For further information on SCLAK Access Control or any of the wide range of Securefast Fire, Safety, Security and Access Control products why not visit them at Securefast Ireland, Unit 6, Ballymount Court, Ballymount Road, Dublin 12.

T: +353 (1) 4568257/8

W: www.securefast.co.uk

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Wednesday, 14 December 2016

Garador Introduces New GaraRoll Lite Roller Garage Door

Garage door manufacturer, Garador, have now introduced a brand new roller door called the GaraRoll Lite. With a tubular motor driven design, built in optical sensor and low-low price, it’s one of the best value roller garage doors currently available on the market.

The GaraRoll Lite has an automatic tubular motor, which provides a smooth travel motion and is supplied with a handle crank in the event of a power cut. Unlike many other roller garage doors currently on the market, the GaraRoll Lite incorporates a sturdy cover box at the head of the garage door opening. This provides additional protection for the roller door curtain and ensures nothing gets caught or trapped as the door rolls up around the spindle.

Garador’s Managing Director Simon Hipgrave comments:

‘We are delighted with the new GaraRoll Lite, it offers all the benefits of a domestic roller door and even includes a cover box to go inside the garage at the top of the door opening; meeting European safety standards.’

The GaraRoll Lite also has an optical sensor system built into the rubber seal at the bottom of the door. The optical sensor uses a light beam, so when the door touches anything obstructing its path downwards, it will stop and reverse upwards.

Simon continues: ‘Safety is paramount in the design of our products and the optical sensor on the GaraRoll Lite is a great safety feature that ensures the door will stop when it meets an obstruction’

It also comes with a handy-belt system, making the door quicker to fit as the belts enable you to fit the roller door curtain to the spindle much quicker.

An internal courtesy light which is built into the control box, has a 2 minute delay feature giving you time to get into the garage to park your car or put away some tools when its dark outside.

The GaraRoll Lite is operated using a hand transmitter with 433MHz frequency and rolling code technology for an extra secure design. It can open up to two different doors and with a choice of three different colour options, including Traffic White (RAL 9016), Anthracite Grey (RAL 7016) and Golden Oak, you are sure to find a door that complements your home.

Visit www.garador.co.uk to view the GaraRoll Lite and all the available options and accessories.

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Tuesday, 13 December 2016

Never miss a Christmas parcel delivery again

The DAD Parcel Dropbox is a must-have for all those Christmas packages due to arrive over the festive period as it will ensure that homeowners never miss a delivery again.

The galvanised steel box can be concreted into the ground outside the property or simply bolted with the four fixing holes on the base, making it easy to install.

Homeowners can be reassured that any parcels placed in the box will be extremely safe due to the product’s anti-theft device, designed to stop people from attempting to fish out items via the parcel drawer. And with a robust five-pin cylinder lock, it further prevents unauthorised people from breaking in and retrieving the parcels.

For more information, please visit: www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk

IronmongeryDirect
Scimitar Park
Basildon
Essex
SS13 1ND
W: www.IronmongeryDirect.co.uk
T: 0808 168 28 28
E: sales@IronmongeryDirect.co.uk

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Monday, 12 December 2016

A War on Winter - Security and Safety Issues for Buildings

With winter approaching fast, facilities managers and building owners need to think long and hard about what this season brings in terms of security and safety issues for their buildings and occupants, explains Simon Osborne, Commercial Leader UK & Ireland at Allegion UK.

When winter approaches the UK, there are some common and recurring talking points that come with it. For instance, you might hear around the office the talk of crisp, cold, refreshing morning air, time off around Christmas, winter warming beverages and comfort foods.

What isn’t normally discussed around the watercooler is securing the office for long nights, protecting your building’s occupants from potential attacks, checking your external openings are secured against would-be burglars and not losing heat from the building through draughty gaps in doors. These discussions are normally reserved for the facilities managers and building owners.

Why is this? Well, these issues are not so visible and known – not everybody knows how cold temperatures can affect doors and their furniture. They are also obviously not so popular. Lastly, topics such as break-ins are almost talked about in hushed voices – nobody wants to think about what could happen, and people tend to think it’ll never happen anyway.

However, that is a dangerous mindset to take, as the winter brings many dangers. These topics should be at the top of the agenda for any person responsible for the building when the cold season strikes, not just to secure your building’s valuables, but to ensure the health and safety of occupants inside.

With that in mind, here are five common scenarios in winter and what you can do to avoid the problems they bring.

Low occupancy at closing time

By 5pm in December, the night has drawn in and darkness has enveloped the building. Normally around this time, most office workers are leaving or will have already left for home. The last to leave is given the task of locking up the building.

Of course, if you work in a densely populated urban area, attacks might seem less likely; however, if your place of work is on a business park or estate where it may not be as well-lit and protection from footfall is not as great, then you are more susceptible to becoming a victim.

To deter or prevent would-be attackers, use of timed access control systems can automate the process of locking up. This also means that you can lock down entrances to the building from a single tap of a button on your smartphone or desktop computer and make sure that, should access be needed during the night, only those authorised and known to the person responsible for the building can gain entry.

Use of exit devices that have been tested above and beyond the standard security grading can also protect your building and its contents. Installing floodlights and CCTV is a good way of keeping your building from becoming a target.

Door swelling and contracting

Door swelling is a major problem to external doors, frames and even windows. Just as the summer heat will cause doors to expand, the cold of the winter can shrink doors back down and cause doors to swell as they absorb moisture, causing problems for both the door and the operating components.

For example, a swollen or bowed door can cause door locks to move out of line and jam against the strike plate, or can also bend the arm of a door closer. This is problematic for a number of reasons.

If users with reduced upper body strength need to open these doors, they might be unable to do so. Or, if the door doesn’t latch to the frame, particularly if it is an external door, then there’s a huge problem with regards to security. In addition, for a certificated fire door, it may be illegal to have more than a 3mm gap between seal and frame, and if it doesn’t latch, then it’s not performing its fire-resistance duties.

To prevent against unwanted access, operation difficulties and legality problems, facility managers should put in place a maintenance schedule to check over these doors regularly, both before winter begins and during the course of the season.

Use of latchbolt monitor switches can also be a smarter way of checking whether doors are latched properly. These products work by sending a signal to a central monitoring station, giving confirmation of when the door is shut and secure.

Heavy duty cast iron door closers are also advised. Their all-weather fluid maintains viscosity and stability to assure maintenance-free performance, while double heat treated oversized pinions withstand wear and tear.

Air pressure changes in winter

A common misconception is that, in summer, doors slam due to the oil in the closers becoming more viscous. However, it is actually sometimes due to air pressure changes with windows being opened within the building. Whilst this is true when a vacuum is created in residential homes where no door closers are used, it is not correct for buildings where closers are in effect.

What actually happens is that when winter arrives, doors and windows are closed up to retain heat, meaning no air gets into the building. This change in air pressure causes closers to shut doors incorrectly – either not latch or shut too quickly. This is particularly prevalent for care homes and student accommodations. Air pressure can make doors harder to open as well.

For care homes, employing door closers that have a free-swing or swing-free feature, which can turn a door into a free swinging operation, can be especially useful in these situations. The door becomes easier to open for these users who may have lessened upper body strength.

Use of door closers with adjustable closing force and backcheck functionality is advised in student accommodations. The former allows students to overcome air pressure forces, while the latter prevents the door from being ‘thrown’ open and thus protects the door, door hardware and the wall behind the door from damage.

Maintenance misconceptions

Winter inherently brings cold weather, and maintenance staff or cleaners may unwittingly assume that spraying door closers and locks with antifreeze solutions to prevent any sticking or freezing is the correct thing to do.

That’s a common misconception, and one that should be avoided. While moisture in the air can get into locks and joints and subsequently freeze and misalign your door hardware, preventative measures can be taken to prevent this.

Using a water repellent spray to stop any moisture from sticking to hardware is the best way to stop water ingress. Using antifreeze solutions is highly hazardous as the chemicals are not tested against door hardware and they will corrode the hardware materials.

Residential burglary rising

Extended dark nights mean more opportunities for burglars to be on the prowl, particularly in residential areas. The obvious reason is that lower lighting means less visibility and better chances to attack without getting caught. Older properties are more vulnerable as attackers know these buildings may have older residents and the door components are likely to be of a less secure nature.

To stop attackers getting through your doors, look at your current locks and faceplates. If they don’t have the BSI Kitemark standard, then it may be worth changing to ones that have. Locks baring this symbol means they have passed the British Standards Institution test and will have completed intrusion attacks.

Door viewers, visible alarm systems and lighting are also advisable to ward off any opportunists.

Allegion is a leading safety and security solutions provider, with experts in door hardware. If you have any questions pertaining to doors and door components, please call us on 0121 380 2400.

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Sunday, 11 December 2016

New Transit Custom Vans Look the Business: Ford Reveals Exclusive Colour Edition and Sports Series Models

Ford has revealed exclusive new variants of the Transit Custom one-tonne commercial vehicle that provide stylish and functional transportation for independent businesses and artisans who want to stand out from the crowd.

The new Transit Custom Colour Edition van offers four eye-catching colour schemes that feature contrasting roof, mirror caps, skid plate and side stripes, along with unique black 17 inch alloy wheels.

The Transit Custom Sport series van with its signature twin bonnet stripes is also now available in a much wider choice of bodystyles. Sport series customers can now select van and double-cab-in-van models in both short and long wheelbase versions; in addition, the latest Tourneo Custom people mover can be specified with the same Sport package.

“Many of our retail customers are no longer satisfied with a standard white van, and these stunning new vehicles provide the perfect solution,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe. “The new Transit Custom makes a really positive statement about their business, and looks great on the driveway at the weekend.”

The demand for sporting and distinctive Transit models has continued to build since the original Sport Van was introduced by Ford in 2007. During the first 10 months of 2016, sales of the current Transit Custom Sport are up by 52 per cent in the UK compared to the same period the previous year.

New Colour Edition – bold contrasts, sports style

Available for delivery in spring 2017, the Transit Custom Colour Edition provides van customers with an exclusive new appearance option with just 400 units available in the UK.

Inspired by the bold contrasting colours of Ford’s successful passenger cars like the Fiesta and Focus Red and Black Editions, the new model can be specified in Race Red, Deep Impact Blue and Frozen White with Jet Black contrasts, and Shadow Black with Race Red contrasts.

All Transit Custom Colour Edition vehicles have a short-wheelbase, standard roof van bodystyle, and are based on the 290 Trend series model featuring the powerful all-new 170PS 2.0-litre Ford EcoBlue diesel engine with 6-speed manual transmission, with the enhanced chassis settings from the Sport series van.

Transit Custom Sport series with expanded appeal

Responding to customer demand for a wider choice of body and seating options, the Transit Custom Sport series is now available in six different variants – a significant expansion from the single short-wheelbase van version offered previously.

As before, the range-topping Sport series features a muscular body kit and a fully colour-coded exterior, with body-colour bumpers, side mirrors and door handles, along with body-side mouldings and wheelarch extensions that have been redesigned for the latest model. The bold appearance is finished off with new 17-inch alloy wheels in a two-tone silver and black design – with optional silver 18-inch alloy wheels – and twin bonnet stripes in a contrasting colour.

The sporting style also features partial leather interior trim combining Pewter seat fabric with charcoal black leather bolsters, including second or third seat rows where fitted, and the latest interior technologies such as the Ford SYNC connectivity package.

The standard powertrain combines the 170PS Ford EcoBlue diesel engine with a 6-speed manual, but customers can also specify the new 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission option on three of the Sport series variants.

All Sport models are based on the 290 series Transit Custom, with driving dynamics further optimised with a unique chassis specification delivering enhanced steering, handling and ride, and a more responsive and agile feel.

Compared to a standard vehicle, roll control is improved by a thicker front anti-roll bar and the addition of a rear anti-roll bar. On the van model, this is combined with softer rear springs for increased comfort when lightly laden, along with unique damper tuning, with firmer settings on the rear, for enhanced ride and steering control. Double-cab-in-van models have different spring and damper settings optimised for both handling and rear passenger comfort.

The expanded Transit Custom Sport series is available to order at the end of the year for customer delivery in spring 2017.

Sophisticated new driver assistance technologies include:

• Pre-Collision Assist emergency braking system – the first in the segment to feature Pedestrian Detection technology – that reduces the severity of some frontal collisions involving vehicles and pedestrians, or helps drivers avoid some impacts altogether.

• An upgraded Electronic Stability Control system that provides an enhanced suite of functions to improve vehicle stability in extreme driving situations including Side Wind Stabilisation – a new system that applies the brakes on one side of the vehicle to reduce the effect of a sudden side wind gust on the vehicle’s path.

www.ford.co.uk/CommercialVehicles/TransitCentre

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Saturday, 10 December 2016

Ironmongerydirect launches Bespoke Graduate Scheme as growth continues

IronmongeryDirect, the UK’s largest online and mail order supplier of ironmongery products, is on the hunt for budding young graduates to join its unique Graduate Management Scheme, as expansion across the business continues.

As part of the bespoke programme, graduates will spend time working across all departments within the company, helping to develop their leadership skills and business expertise in a range of areas, such as product management, operations, sales, marketing, ecommerce, IT, and finance and HR.

Designed to shape future leaders within the business, the year-and-a-half long placement will provide talented young people with personalised leadership and technical training, giving them the skills needed to kick-start their careers straight after leaving university.

During the training, new recruits will be teamed up with a mentor, a line manager and a buddy who will all help guide, support and challenge them throughout the programme. After completing the course, graduates will also be in with a greater chance of securing a permanent leadership role within the firm.

To support the search for talented individuals, IronmongeryDirect has also created a dedicated careers website, making it easier for candidates to see the roles available and then submit their applications.

Dimitra Koutsochera, who completed the course and is now a supply chain and inventory planning manager at the company, believes her time on the Graduate Management Scheme has been incremental in helping her to achieve her career goals.

Dimitra said: “During my time on the Graduate Management Scheme I learnt a great deal – not just when it came to improving my skills and business knowledge, but also in terms of my personal development and people management skills. I was able to gain a better understanding of my own talents and interests, which helped me to follow a career path that was personal and right for me.

“By completing the course, I have been fast-tracked into a successful and rewarding role and have been given some amazing opportunities to progress my career – opportunities I wouldn’t have otherwise had. I would definitely recommend the programme to anyone looking to take that first step along their career journey.”

Wayne Lysaght-Mason, managing director at IronmongeryDirect, said:

“For many graduates leaving university, it can be tough to land the first job that will see them on their way to a successful career. It’s particularly difficult finding opportunities that will allow them to progress up the ranks quickly, with many having to start from the very bottom.

“We have created our bespoke Graduate Management Scheme to make this process easier for those driven, hardworking individuals who are looking to find the right career path for them. We are looking for enthusiastic, motivated and creative young people who can become future leaders and help us drive forward our continued success.”

For more information, visit www.IronmongeryDirect.co.uk

IronmongeryDirect
Scimitar Park
Basildon
Essex
SS13 1ND
T: 0808 168 28 28
E: sales@IronmongeryDirect.co.uk

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