The Door Industry Journal: April 2021

Friday, 30 April 2021

Distinction Doors leads the way with SBD seal of approval

Distinction Doors is proud to announce that it is the first stockist and distributor of glass reinforced polyester (GRP) door blanks in the UK to be granted prestigious Secured by Design (SBD) status.

The company has gained approval for both standard and fire entrance door blanks. Its 44.5mm nxt-gen blank range, 44.5mm Signature blank range and 45mm FD30 GRP composite door blank have proven specification requirements to meet the certification of PAS 24: 2016.

Secured by Design (SBD) is the police security initiative operated by the UK Police Service and provides a recognised standard for all security products that deter and reduce crime – the Police Preferred Specification. All the products listed have been subject to rigorous testing and are certificated by an independent, third-party certification body accredited by UKAS.

Dave Walker, Technical Director for Distinction Doors comments:

“We were the first to introduce volume stocking and distribution GRP composite doors to the UK. Ever since, we have upheld a reputation for leading the way, our new SBD status is another example of that.

In providing door blanks which meet the Police Preferred Specification, we are supporting SBD approved door fabricators in manufacturing the ultimate enhanced security doorset and helping to keep residents safer and reduce the likelihood of opportunist crime.”

Distinction Doors believes that its new SBD status will generate greater opportunities in the new build sector and widen appeal in the replacement door market as specifiers and homeowners seek high performance security solutions for both standard entrance and fire doorsets.

With PAS 24: 2016 certification the 44.5mm nxt-gen blank range, 44.5mm Signature blank range and 45mm FD30 GRP composite door blank are compliant with Approved Document Q – security in new dwellings.

Secured by Design Technical Manager Alfie Hosker said:

“I am delighted that Distinction Doors has become a SBD member, particularly in the light of them being the first door blank manufacturer / supplier to attain SBD membership. This is supported with an exacting testing regime and underpinned with system specifications for enhanced security and fire performance that the door blank meets. It should also be noted that they supply a number of existing Secured by Design door fabricators. I look forward to this being a successful partnership.”

Specification and certification details for each Secured By Design approved Distinction product are available on the Distinction Doors SBD members page .

Established in 2004, Distinction Doors is the UK’s largest supplier of composite doors and was the first to launch to the UK market.

As the UK’s leading entrance door supplier for over 10 years, Distinction Doors has formed an unrivalled pedigree for providing premium quality products, thanks to its renowned GRP composite door slab, complementary glazing cassette system and triple glazed, laminated as standard Distinction Glass range.

Today Distinction Doors operates from two distribution centres in South Yorkshire. An increased portfolio of superior products and continued business investment will ensure customers’ growth plans are fully supported and that Distinction Doors continues to lead the way. 

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Thursday, 29 April 2021

ADSA Welcomes New Members

The Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) has seen an increase in membership of more than 15 per cent – welcoming more members in 2020 than ever before.

The figures, published as part of a video highlighting the achievements of the trade association, demonstrates the value which membership has provided during uncertain times, said its head.

ADSA’s Managing Director Ken Price said:

“Our industry has been incredibly resilient through these troubling times, Throughout the pandemic we have tried to be responsive and flexible to the needs of our members and provide them with the support, advice and guidance.

“We have had to find alternative ways of doing things, delivering training, raising awareness to changes in law, standards and new processes that have been instigated by a shifting landscape of Brexit and COVID-19. This has prompted new ways of working that our members have found supported and we have actively reached out to encourage more companies and individuals to join us.”

In addition to the 15 per cent uplift during 2020, ADSA membership has continued to grow during the first quarter of 2021 – increasing membership by a further 2.6 per cent.

It has moved much of its ‘offer’ to digital platforms – introducing live stream training, assessments, online and email bulletins, free webinars and a member academy platform which offers more than a 100 e-learning courses. But it also prides itself in delivering the human touch – it has kept its head office operating throughout the year ensuring that there is always an expert voice at the end of the phone.

The membership increase comes at a time when many industries are attempting to professionalise their services, provide defined routes for entry and early training and opportunities for continuous professional development.

A recent study, the Membership Marketing Benchmarking Report found that in these challenging times, people are seeking a sense of community, a desire to connect and have more time to invest in their own professional development.

Successful trade and professional membership organisations have met this desire by demonstrating value to its membership, it states.

Ken said:

“We have shown that we are willing to innovate and do things differently and will continue to listen to our members to identify their needs going forward and ensure that ADSA remains their ‘go to’ organisation for support, guidance and training,”

The video featuring ADSA’s highlights can be seen at www.adsa.org.uk/membership/

For more information on how to become an ADSA member or how to renew membership visit: www.adsa.org.uk/membership or email: rachel@adsa.org.uk

ADSA membership is available for companies and sole traders in installation, maintenance and service, manufacturing, distribution and component supply.

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Wednesday, 28 April 2021

Education programme continues to expand its global reach

The number of international students enrolled in the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers’ (GAI) Diploma programme has surpassed those in the UK for the first time in its history.

Almost 60% of students enrolled in last year’s Diploma programme were located outside the UK. 54 students passed the stage three exam to become GAI Diploma holders (DipGAI), of which 28 were international students and 26 were based in the UK.

Half of the international students were based in the Middle East and, for the first time, this cohort of Diploma successes also included learners from New Zealand and Cyprus.

The core of the GAI education portfolio is separated into two qualifications: the Certificate in Architectural Hardware (CiAH) and the GAI Diploma. In total, exams across all stages were sat in 22 different countries by over 300 learners.

This year also saw 90% of students pass their CiAH stage one exam, one of the highest pass rates to date, and 80% of students passed stage two.

Rachel Tipton, manager of the GAI education programme, said:

“The past year has been particularly tough for learners, with many being furloughed, so everyone who has progressed through the education programme should be incredibly proud of the resilience and dedication they’ve shown.

“The GAI has been providing a unique education, qualification and CPD programme for door hardware professionals since 1961. It’s the only recognised programme in the world that leads to a qualification in architectural ironmongery to British and European standards, and can be used to demonstrate a commitment to professional development and to competence in the wider construction industry.”

The CiAH consists of two stages with 24 education modules covering everything an architectural ironmonger is required to know, supported by eight block assessments to test the students’ understanding.

Once learners have gained their CiAH, they can continue their studies to achieve the GAI Diploma.

This stage three exam focuses entirely on the skills and learning needed for scheduling the architectural ironmongery, electric hardware and key control for a project, and is of particular importance to those architectural ironmongers working on projects being built to UK and European standards across the globe.

Once they have completed the diploma, they can use the designation DipGAI, an industry recognised designation of professionalism.

To find out more about the GAI education programme, visit: www.gai.org.uk/Education

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Tuesday, 27 April 2021

Demand Increases for Traffic Light Solutions

In this extended article and case study, IN2 Access & Control discusses popular traffic light systems requested during COVID restrictions.

Traffic lights have always been a popular product for IN2 Access. Even before current restrictions, various traffic light models featured regularly on the website’s top sellers.

The introduction of social distancing rules last year has seen demand skyrocket not only for lights, but for complete systems to help businesses control the flow of people into and out of businesses.

Derek Foreman, Sales & Marketing Director for IN2 Access says:

“Traffic light systems tend to fall into two categories. Customers either want a fully automatic system that can switch the lights on their own, or a manually-controlled option where the operator can control the flow of people themselves. We’ve received lots of enquiries for both kinds, and have provided customised solutions of both based on each business’ unique layout or application.”

Automatic Traffic Light Solutions

Pros: No need for staff to monitor traffic flow, system can open and close automatic doors when connected to control panel

Cons: More expensive than manual control systems, may require professional installation

On one end of the spectrum are fully automated systems that switch the traffic light via sensors or cameras. People-Counting systems are popular for entrances with high footfall areas. IN2 Access’ set up involves connecting an LED red/green traffic light to a bespoke control panel. Customers can then program the maximum number of people allowed into the space. Two sets of photocells mounted on either side of the door monitor when people are entering or exiting, turning the light red or green to indicate if the space has reached maximum capacity.

Derek explains:

“This system can work independently or in conjunction with automatic doors. It’s ideal for both smaller places (like office canteens) or larger places such as supermarkets or shops. It’s such a flexible solution allowing you to program the number of people you want to enter. Multiple lights and sensors can be set up in cases where there are multiple entrances or one entrance and one exit door.”

A People-Counting system that uses a camera instead of photocells to detect people is another popular option. The camera is attached to a computer which then powers a monitor mounted outside the door. The monitor displays how many people are currently in the room as well as maximum capacity. Additionally, a custom message such as “please wait here until someone exits” can be programmed.

Derek says:

“Strictly speaking, this system doesn’t use a traffic light. But the display monitor gives more information and bespoke messaging – although that limits it’s use to places that are not as exposed to the elements. On the other hand, since a computer powers the system, logging and programming is easier.”

Manually-Controlled Traffic Light Solutions

Pros: Less expensive, the ability for plug-and-play installation

Cons: requires staff to monitor the number of people and control light

Derek explains:

“These systems are very popular and amongst our top sellers. Their appeal lies in their flexibility, plug-n-play nature, and lower cost than automatic systems.”

IN2 Access’ manually-controlled systems share a common architecture: customer chooses the traffic light, the type of manual controller, wired or wireless options, and connecting cable length.

For wireless control options, the traffic light is connected to a wireless receiver which in turn is connected to a 24v AC adaptor.

The manual controller is the transmitter that can take the form of a physical switch box, simple push-button, or remote control. Wired options can be physical switches or button panels. Semi-wireless options include non-contact switches that operate the light wirelessly, but need to be plugged into a power source.

Case Study: No. 1 Wendover, Buckinghamshire

Derek said:

“We’ve provided many of these manually controlled traffic systems and each one is slightly tailored to the specific business.”

A recent example is a gift shop in Buckinghamshire called No. 1 Wendover. Owner Claire Randall wanted a cost-effective solution to allow only a certain number of customers into the shop at any given time. As the shop was in a grade listed building, they couldn’t mount the light externally. There are windows on either side of the entrance, but as customers come from both directions, a single light wouldn’t do the trick.

Derek continues:

“Since mounting the traffic light in a window or outside on the building was not an option, a bespoke portable stand was the way to go. We do UV printing as well, so we thought a customised sign around the traffic light with the No 1 logo and message for customers to wait for green added a nice touch.”

The traffic light was controlled via a wireless switch from inside with the stand placed just outside the door. The system proved successful over the holiday period when the second lockdown ended.

Claire was pleased with the final product.

Claire said:

“It is brilliant! The traffic light system was an excellent way of making it really clear for our customers as to whether or not it is safe to enter the shop; everyone commented on what a good idea it is! Thank you very much… I’m one happy customer.”

The shop is currently closed due to the third national lockdown, but are in a great position when restrictions are eased, but most likely with social distancing rules still in place for the foreseeable future.

Derek concludes:

“I’m glad we were able to find a solution that suited Claire’s specific layout and budget. We all hope for a return to normality but it seems as though restrictions will be eased gradually, so these types of solutions will continue to be popular.”

No 1 Wendover is located at 1 High Street, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, HP22 6DU. Tel: 01296 623150 or visit www.numberonewendover.com

For additional information on traffic light solutions, contact IN2 Access & Control Ltd. via email sales@in2access.co.uk, telephone 01691 655150, or live chat at www.in2access.co.uk . Pre-configured plug-n-play systems are available online.

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Monday, 26 April 2021

Panoramic Doors from Alutech Garage Doors

Alutech’s Panoramic Doors offer maximum visibility while possessing all the benefits of their sectional garage doors. Elegant aluminium construction with maximum glazing complies with modern design requirements, providing good thermal and sound insulation.

Visibility

This series of panoramic doors ensure the highest level of visibility with full glazing. This makes panoramic doors an ideal solution for contemporary residential garages, utilising glazed panels to create a bespoke and modern design while exploiting natural daylight.

Panoramic panels are made of extruded aluminium profiles installed with acrylic translucent insertions. The panoramic panels can be fitted with composite sandwich-panels which consist of two aluminium sheets filled with a polymer material, for maximum thermal performance.

Features

Panoramic panels made of aluminium profiles 40 mm thick.
Components made from galvanised steel.
Basic spring resource up to 25,000 open/close cycles
Extended spring resource up to 100,000 open/close cycles
4 mounting types
Doors maximum size of 6000 x 3000 mm
Any door size with height and width increments of 5mm.
Safety systems are included in a standard set.
Aluminium profile available in any RAL colour

Accessibility

Sectional doors can be completely made of panoramic panels. These panels can be combined with one or more sandwich-panels. For a perfect match of panoramic glazing and sandwich-panels the thickness of the frame is equal to that of JD(UK)’s insulated panels (45mm). The design of the cap shape is specially developed to ensure a sound interconnection, which protects against jamming.

The full range of panoramic doors can be incorporated with a wicket door - giving access to the garage without opening the door itself. This option is a convenient solution for everyday use and allows users the enter the garage without disrupting visibility.

For more information on the Alutech Garage Doors range of panoramic doors, give one of their friendly sales representatives a call on 01924 472924 or email: sales@jdukltd.co.uk .

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Sunday, 25 April 2021

Vauxhall Supplies Mitie with Fleet of 655 New All-Electric Vivaro-e Vans

Vauxhall is to supply Mitie, one of the UK’s leading facilities management and professional services companies, with 655 New all-electric Vivaro-e vans.

The first Vivaro-e has already been delivered and takes Mitie to the landmark of 1,000 electric vehicles on its fleet. The van will be used by a Mitie frontline engineer and has been specially fitted-out to ensure it can carry all the equipment needed while minimising weight, to help maximise the battery’s range.

While Mitie began its electric vehicle transition in mid-2019, this was with a focus on cars and small vans, as there was no viable alternative for its large diesel vans with an adequate range to manage the heavy load often carried by mobile engineering teams.

Mitie ordered the 75kWh battery vans with a split of standard L1 and long L2 wheelbase versions. Capable of up to 205 miles from a single charge, these Vivaro-e vans support up to 100kW rapid charging with an 80 per cent charge taking just 45 minutes.

Payload is best-in-class, up to 1226kg, and, uniquely in the market for all-electric LCVs, Vivaro-e is capable of towing up to one tonne. The vans are also exempt from current congestion and ultra-low emissions charges, and also benefit-in-kind taxation at 60 per cent of the standard van rate.

Simon King, Director of Sustainability and Social Value, Mitie, said:

“When we began our EV journey 18 months ago we thought switching our big vans would be one of our biggest challenges. However, with Vauxhall helping us overcome this hurdle, we’re very pleased to be marking our milestone 1,000th zero emission vehicle with the delivery of this Vivaro-e. With over 600 more set to join our fleet this year, we’re making great progress towards our target of 2,021 EVs in 2021 and helping even more Mitie fleet drivers switch to electric.”

Paul Willcox, Managing Director, Vauxhall, commented:

“Congratulations to Mitie on passing one thousand electric vehicles on its fleet and for being at the forefront of driving Britain to a more sustainable future. At Vauxhall we are proud that they have chosen our award-winning, all-electric Vivaro-e van, and joined a growing number of pioneering firms in Britain who want to have no compromise in the capability of their vehicle fleet but also want to improve their environmental impact and lower their running costs.”

The Vauxhall Vivaro-e was named 2021 International Van of the Year – taking home one of the most coveted awards in the light commercial vehicle sector. This is the first time a fully electric mid-size van has won the overall title. Judges praised its extensive zero emissions range, excellent load capacity and high levels of technology.

The International Van of the Year title is the latest in a long list of awards for the Vivaro-e, with the fully-electric van having won four overall UK van of the year titles from DrivingElectric, What Van?, Parkers and What Car?.

www.vauxhall.co.uk

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Saturday, 24 April 2021

Recruitment: A Boost for Business Plans

SFR Recruitment Solutions explains how the pandemic affected their recruitment business in the fenestration and architectural ironmongery sectors and provides tips on how businesses can ‘pick up where they left off’ with their business plans.

How did the Pandemic Affect Recruitment?

Matthew Robinson and Jamie Smith, Directors at SFR Recruitment explain:

“We were massively affected by the first lockdown, as businesses were either closing or operating on skeleton staff, or furloughing their staff - there wasn’t much need for recruitment, in fact many recruitment plans were instantly put on the backburner. All we could do was support our clients and candidates the best we could during the pandemic, and let them know we are here if they needed us.

Embracing change
At the moment, getting people back to work is the priority and not recruitment for most companies. However, the pandemic has fast-tracked digitalisation and we must plan to embrace this change and hire accordingly.

For example, more people are buying online than ever before, holiday cancellations have led to a massive surge in the home improvement and DIY market. The majority of businesses supplying this trade have already seen a fruitful comeback.

What will happen next? Tips and Advice for Businesses
There will be a period of ‘displacement’ where some employees will decide to move on after furlough or, unfortunately, face redundancy – it is also likely that roles will alter as the full extent of the change the pandemic has brought is realised.

The furlough scheme has given employers and employees the opportunity to train and gain new skills. Businesses should consider how they can take advantage of these new skills when bringing employees back from furlough.

Also consider recruiting for skills they are currently outsourcing such as ecommerce and marketing - we predict a shift in the required skillsets post-pandemic. Businesses may also be considering whether external roles can become internal or perhaps homebased permanently.

Let’s get our business plans firmly back on-track to take full advantage of the continuingly buoyant construction and home improvement market.”

Companies looking to recruit for new roles, or candidates planning their next career move, should get in touch with us at SFR recruitment for advice.

Visit www.sfrrecruitment.co.uk or email: matthew@sfrrecruitment.co.uk

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Friday, 23 April 2021

Classroom training returns at DHF’s academy in Tamworth

Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) has announced that its classroom training will once again resume from the end of April.

The Tamworth-based trade association has, since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, been providing a mix of online training and examinations via its ‘Distance Learning Programme’ (DLP), with delegates able to continue to successfully meet their training obligations, albeit from the safety of their own locations.

From the end of April, learners can once again return to DHF’s training academy, a self-contained building on its own premises, with just eight delegates permitted on each course and social distancing rules strictly adhered to. Ordinarily, the organisation’s spacious academy can accommodate up to 25 people per course, but safety remains a top priority for learners.

Head of Commercial Operations, Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens explains:

“As our courses are fully accredited by Ofqual, we were given the ‘all clear’ for classroom training to resume from 8 March from the Department of Education (DfE). However, we have taken this additional time to ensure that a full risk assessment has been undertaken and a deep clean completed in preparation for opening day.

When our classroom learning returned last June, we ensured delegates remained at a safe two-metre distance from one another, provided hand sanitiser, gloves, face coverings and disposable cups for all attendees, and learners were reassured by the spacious environment, both inside and out. We will once again be implementing these initiatives.

“DHF has worked assiduously to ensure that our members and those attending our training courses have received a continuous and highly effective training provision throughout the past year,”

She continues:

“Feedback on our online provision has been outstanding, but we do understand that, for some, there is no substitute for face-to-face engagement. We are therefore delighted to be able to resume ‘normal service’ shortly and have updated our training calendar accordingly. We look forward to welcoming people back to the academy in Tamworth.”

Door & Hardware Federation

01827 52337

www.dhfonline.org.uk

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Thursday, 22 April 2021

Manufacturer of Premium Quality Timber Doors and Windows joins Secured by Design

Manufacturer of premium quality timber doors and windows George Barnsdale & Sons Ltd is one of the latest companies to join with Secured by Design (SBD), the official police security initiative.

Founded in 1884, George Barnsdale is a family run business manufacturing high-performance timber doors and windows in Donington, Lincolnshire. Leading the way in innovation, craftsmanship and attention to detail, their doors and windows offer superb quality which are highly customisable, suitable for home or businesses.

From the grandest of buildings and the cutest of cottages, to Victorian listed mill projects and contemporary self builds, George Barnsdale have covered all projects types. Manufacturing on the same site in Donington, Lincolnshire since 1884, their humble workshop has grown into a state-of-the-art timber doors and windows joinery manufacturer with computer-controlled laser cutting machines for precision joints, a robotic paint sprayer and an on-site research and development centre.

Combining 21st century technology with good old fashioned customer service, the business is still very much a hands-on family affair run by 5th generation Barnsdale Tom Wright. Sustainability and resilience being at the forefront of everything they do, their commitment to the environment extends beyond the FSC© certified timber they source and their sponsorship of the Woodland Trust.

They have a range of doors and windows that have achieved the Police Preferred Specification.

SBD Development Officer, Hazel Goss, said:

“'It's a pleasure to have George Barnsdale & Sons Limited join as new members of Secured by Design; they offer a selection of timber doors and windows and I am looking forward to working alongside them hopefully for many years to come”.

Tom Wright, Managing Director of George Barnsdale & Sons said:

“Whilst we have already had the test data and wider security accreditations for our range of timber windows and doors, we are pleased to have formalised our registration with the Secured by Design scheme”.

SBD is the official police security initiative that is owned by the UK Police Service with the specific aim to reduce crime and help people live more safely.

SBD seek to improve the physical security of buildings using products, such as doors, windows, locks and walling systems that meet the SBD Police Preferred Specification security requirements.

In addition, SBD work closely with builders, developers, local authorities and registered housing associations to incorporate the police crime prevention standards into developments from initial concept and design, through to construction and completion. Police forces throughout the UK have specially trained Designing Out Crime Officers (DOCOs) who offer police designing out crime and SBD advice free of charge. Over one million homes have been built to SBD standards with reductions in crime of up to 87%.

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

SBD developed a product-based accreditation scheme over 20 years ago – the Police Preferred Specification, which provides a recognised standard for all security products that can deter and reduce crime. SBD work with manufacturers and standards authorities to ensure that security standards are current and updated to keep pace with emerging crime trends.

There are currently many hundreds of companies producing thousands of attack resistant crime prevention products, across over 30 different crime categories, which have achieved Police Preferred Specification.

SBD is the only way for companies to obtain police recognition for security-related products in the UK.

George Barnsdale & Sons Limited

Tel: 01775 823000

Email: sales@bsfgroup.co.uk or contactus@georgebarnsdale.co.uk

Secured by Design

Email: enquiries@police-cpi.co.uk

Web: www.securedbydesign.com

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Wednesday, 21 April 2021

Updated App Launched for Videx IP System

Videx Security has updated the CloudNected Client app for its leading IP intercom system.

The Videx CloudNected Client app enables users to manage their IP video calls remotely via their own mobile phone so they can answer calls from wherever they are whether that’s from home, the workplace or even on holiday.

With the app, users can completely manage entry from their mobile device, creating the most convenient and secure entry. It means users can open a gate without a remote control handset, for example, or receive a video call and authorise entry with a simple touch, whether they’re at the property or not.

James Gray, National Sales Manager at Videx Security, said:

“The Videx IP system is an expandable entry system which can be customised to suit the needs of any building and can utilise a building's existing cable infrastructure. With the new app, there’s no limit to the number of devices a user can manage.

“If required, a user can also link more apartments of the same system or even different systems for example such as a person’s main home and also a holiday home. It means access management is easily available all in one app.

“What’s great about the new CloudNected Client app is that it doesn’t require any configuration. It mirrors the associated videophone, performing all of its functions. You simply need to register your profile and scan the QR code with your smartphone camera which will allow the app to be associated with your videophone and all the functions and settings will be automatically transferred.”

You also don’t need to worry about missing a call because if you can’t answer the phone, you can scroll the call list to catch up with all the calls logged. All notifications are “push” and they will be displayed even if the app is closed or if the screen of the phone is locked. You won’t need to open the app to answer a call.

The Videx CloudNected Client also shows the mode of the devices (online, offline), and the mode of each function (on/off) giving feedback of the services. If you need more privacy and don’t want to be disturbed by any call, or just want to exclude a function, you can disable it through the app and you can enable it again when preferred.

For more information on the Videx CloudNected app and how it works, please visit: www.videxuk.com

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Tuesday, 20 April 2021

Technology Strand leads to Company Launch

Three leading Midlands entrepreneurs have joined together to launch a new venture – Strand Technologies – producing technology-based solutions for safety, security and control which can be used across a range of industries.

Catherine Franks, Paul Ryan and Simon Bowden all run and manage businesses within the door hardware and automatic doors sector and have previously partnered on other projects.

They have now launched Strand Technologies (April) to spearhead a range of products which can be used to monitor and remotely control a variety of operating systems including automated pedestrian entrances, access control systems, industrial doors, gates and shutters as well as road signage and refrigeration.

Catherine Franks is heading the company as Managing Director, overseeing day-to-day operations and aligning Strand Technologies entrance solutions market alongside her existing business, Strand Hardware.

Simon Bowden, who previously worked for GEZE UK, Record and GU Automatic Doors, has taken on the role of Commercial Director, managing sales and new product development, while RTR founder Paul Ryan, is Director for strategic support for business development.

iContact ECO 3

The business, based in Walsall - the home of Strand Hardware, has iContact among its product range. This is a device which can be applied to any electro-mechanical operating system for remote monitoring, control and diagnostic management.

By connecting the ‘black box’ to automatic doors, industrial gates, shutters and barriers, it uses ‘real time’ information to enable remote or on-site diagnostics and operations via a digital user platform.

iContact has a variety of application interfaces including ‘virtual engineer’, safety reporting and diagnostics, ‘Sentry’ for safeguarding public buildings, and WebTAG for commercial and domestic remote management of buildings.

Virtual Usher

Strand Technologies also has the Virtual Usher – a range of products to manage volume and footfall entering buildings using a traffic light management process with a user platform to control occupancy rates.

Said Catherine: “iContact was introduced to the market some years ago and was probably ahead of its time but it’s application has extended well beyond its envisaged initial use. We are continuing to develop the system to ensure that it can be fully integrated against technology standards across the globe.

“The pandemic has taught us that there is a need for technology-led solutions to be applied in real situations to enable efficiencies and cost-effective problem-solving. Strand Technologies gives us opportunities to fully focus and develop these types of products and systems to make life easier for the end user.”

Simon reinforces this view: “There is enormous potential within a product range of this type. It offers a great deal of versatility which means that it can be used across a wide range of industries with very specific needs.”

Added Paul: “We are delighted to finally unveil our plans for Strand Technologies. The demand for smart entrances is only going to increase and by harnessing the power of technology, we can extend our products to meet these needs.”

Over the years, the team have proven that they work well together and that business can also be “fun”.

The Three Amigos Campaign – Catherine, Simon and Paul

In the lead up to the launch, the directors trickled out a social media ‘teaser’ campaign, ‘The Three Amigos’, which features their younger selves overlaid with hand-drawn illustrations of their personality types: angel, devil and joker.

“Although we are involved in a serious business, we are all of the same mind that it’s important to bring something of yourself to the table. We enjoy working within our industry and Strand Technologies creates a bridge to sell our products within a wider range of markets.

“Technology is the enabler – we are the problem-solvers,” she concludes.

Strand Technologies was established in April 2021. It develops and manufactures technology-based solutions for safety, security and control which can be used across a range of industries including: facilities management, public sector building management, traffic management, retail, refrigeration and warehousing.

www.strandtech.co.uk

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Monday, 19 April 2021

Garador adds 4 New Colours to Sectional Garage Door Range

Garador are launching four exciting new colours for their sectional garage doors. These new colours will be available, as part of the standard colour range, across their Georgian and Linear door models.

There are currently 16 colours to choose from in the standard colour range, including 4 new colours which have now been added:

Basalt Grey (RAL 7012).
Quartz Grey (RAL 7039).
Slate Grey (RAL 7015).
Titan Metallic (CH 703).

These new shades of grey are ideal for contemporary residential architecture and designs, which often incorporates more neutral colour palettes.

The Titan Metallic (CH 703) colour in particular, has minute pearlescent looking flecks which are blended into the paint, adding another dimension to the look and feel of the door which moves beyond having a flat colour finish.

On top of these four new colours, Anthracite Metallic (Noir 2100 Sable) has also been added as non-standard colour on sectional garage doors too.

The new colours have been carefully chosen to provide an even wider choice of ones that are more popular for builders, homeowners and specifiers. Plus, if you have a real desire to have your sectional garage door in a colour not in the standard range they can also paint the door in almost any RAL colour.

This extensive selection of colours gives the customer plenty of options when trying to find something that looks great on a property.

To find out more about Garador’s sectional garage doors and the full range of colours available, please visit www.garador.co.uk

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