The Door Industry Journal: July 2023

Monday, 31 July 2023

DOCO International Celebrates 40 Years of Innovation at Anniversary Event

Friday, June 30th, and Saturday, July 1st marked a momentous occasion for DOCO International, as the manufacturer and supplier of components and systems for residential and industrial sectional doors celebrated its 40th-anniversary event.

The event, held at the company's head office in Sittard (NL), was a testament to DOCO's commitment to innovation, as they showcased their latest advancements in sectional door production and introduced exciting new products to their customers and relations.

Joining the celebration, DOCO's parent company, SOMMER, and its subsidiaries Groke, Triebenbacher, and Metaku also showcased their latest products.

This collaboration shows the collective strength of the SOMMER Group and its shared commitment to innovation and excellence.

The event highlighted DOCO's focus on technological advancements, with the introduction of their latest innovations, the roll forming and bending machines.

These cutting-edge machines enable the company to produce track sets and vertical angles in-house, giving them greater control over the production process and ensuring high-quality products for their customers.

In addition to the advanced machinery, DOCO presented its complete residential and industrial door portfolio, offering customers a complete overview of its high-quality product range.

Among the highlights was a sneak peek at DOCO's Flood Barrier prototype.

This innovative solution showcased DOCO's ability to address the evolving needs of its customers and provide reliable protection against adverse weather conditions.

The DOCO Digital booth provided attendees with an interactive experience, allowing them to explore the company's webshop and online door configurator.

Visitors could learn more about the convenience of online ordering and all the new features of the door configurator.

As an added incentive, attendees had the opportunity to place an order through the webshop and receive exciting prizes.

This interactive booth demonstrated DOCO's commitment to leveraging technology to streamline the ordering process and enhance the customer experience.

The event also featured live demonstrations of DOCO's flatbed production, track set production and assembly, hardware box assembly and pre-tensioned springs.

These demonstrations showcased the company's dedication to precision engineering and its ability to deliver high-quality products efficiently.

Visitors were able to witness the production process firsthand, gaining a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and understanding of the expertise that goes into every DOCO product.

As the sun set, the atmosphere transformed into a festive celebration of DOCO's achievements. Various food trucks offered a wide range of different meals, some typical Dutch, adding a touch of culinary delight to the occasion.

Live music filled the air, creating a vibrant and joyful ambience that brought together customers, partners, and DOCO employees in a spirit of camaraderie and shared success.

During the 40th anniversary event, visitors had the opportunity to donate money to KiKa, a foundation supporting children with cancer.

Generous contributions from attendees amounted to €1.652, which DOCO International will donate in full to KiKa, supporting their mission to improve the lives of young cancer patients and their families.

DOCO International's 40th-anniversary event was a great success and a showcase of its commitment to advancing the industry and meeting the diverse needs of its customers.

The event highlighted the company's latest innovations in sectional doors, from cutting-edge machinery to the extensive product portfolio. DOCO continues to solidify its position as a leader in the residential and industrial door industry.

As DOCO International looks toward the future, its unwavering commitment to innovation, product excellence, and customer satisfaction will push them forward in the years to come.

www.doco-international.com

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Sunday, 30 July 2023

The Pearl Collection’s Fritz Burkard announced as ‘The Collector’ at Concours of Elegance 2023

This year’s Concours of Elegance will welcome one of Switzerland’s most prolific classic car aficionados, Fritz Burkard, as ‘The Collector’. Presented by A. Lange & Söhne, the concours will take place at the prestigious Hampton Court Palace near London, UK from September 1st-3rd, 2023.

Burkard’s wonderfully diverse Pearl Collection spans the decades from the dawn of the automotive age to the current day.

The ever-growing, Switzerland-based collection includes everything from historic Grand Prix machinery to idiosyncratic 1960s one-offs and 21st century hypercars.

Burkard is passionate about all his acquisitions, firmly believing that a love of such machinery comes from the heart. In fact, he doesn’t even think of himself as a collector, in the traditional sense:

He told film-maker Luca Pieri Pilotti:

“I see myself more as a custodian, as somebody who has fun for myself and the people around me.”
“I get very emotional around my cars, especially when I can see their history, when I can smell it.”

The Pearl Collection is known for using its vehicles enthusiastically, rather than just leaving them on static display, as Burkard explains:

“Cars combine several passions: history, design, innovation, the feeling when you drive them, the sound… a car has its own aura. You feel it or you don’t.
“We at the Pearl Collection love quirky and unusual models. We show them, we race them and we use them.”

This year, the Concours of Elegance will celebrate such an admirably open-minded approach, by highlighting an eclectic selection of Fritz’s cars dating from 1897 to 2022.

1897 Prinetti & Stucchi Tricycle

Established in Milan in 1883, Italy’s Prinetti & Stucchi was a big name in sewing machines, bicycles and, eventually, by way of production of licenced DeDion tricycles, motorised vehicles. But it was also the starting point for one Ettore Bugatti, a teenaged apprentice destined for automotive excellence.

Exhibiting innovation and mechanical skill beyond his years, at the behest of the Automobile Club of Italy Bugatti developed a two-engined racing version of the tricycle – namely, the inaugural Bugatti Type 1.

In 1899 it won its first race in Reggio Emili against very stiff competition, at a world-record average speed of 64kp/h over 90km. This was a remarkable feat – one that set the tone for many more incredible cars and motor-racing victories to come for Ettore.

1933 Alfa Romeo 8C Monza

Moving forward several decades, the next display car from the Pearl Collection is the 1933 8C 2300 Monza running a 2866cc straight-eight engine.

Designed by the legendary Vittorio Jano, this supercharged, Brianza-bodied competition machine was registered to Scuderia Ferrari.

It was raced in the Monaco Grand Prix by Tazio Nuvolari, and went on to win the Swedish GP in August 1933. It also competed in the Mont Ventoux and San Sebastian hillclimbs.

After mechanical upgrades, and now renamed SF28, it took part in the Mille Miglia and Targa Florio, and at the Circuito di Varese.

Over the succeeding decades the Alfa moved between several owners, and eventually it underwent a full restoration. Since then it has been a regular in historic motor sport, and in 2012 it was driven from Germany to the Goodwood Revival.

It duly won its race, before being driven back to Germany.

1934 Bugatti Type 59

Returning to the Bugatti story is the Pearl Collection’s Type 59, produced in 1934 in answer to increasing competition from Alfa Romeo and Mercedes-Benz.

With its dropped body, lower centre of gravity, longer wheelbase and supercharged straight-eight, it is considered both a technical marvel and a masterpiece of industrial design.

Only six were built, and this example took third at the Monaco GP and overall victory in Belgium.

The T59 was Bugatti’s last GP car, and is considered to be the most elegant of all pre-war competition machines.

This example was then redeveloped for sports car racing, with the supercharger removed, a dry-sump gearbox installed, and heavily revised chassis and bodywork.

Through a series of successes it became France’s fastest sports car. It even had a stint in the ownership of King Leopold III of Belgium.

Endlessly fascinating this historic, singular machine, which is presented in very original condition, embodies the ineffable magic of the Bugatti marque, ‘le pur-sang des automobiles’.

1939 Maserati 4CL Monoposto

While the Maserati marque was still relatively new by the time the 4CL arrived in 1939, it had already built a name for itself in competition circles.

With its four-valves-per-cylinder straight-four engine, the model debuted at the Tripoli GP, and just seven were built before the start of World War Two.

This particular 4CL Monoposto, chassis 1564, was the prototype. It would see ‘Works’ team action at Naples, Abbazia and Livorno, with the likes of Carlo Felice Trossi, Franco Cortese and Luigi Villoresi at the wheel.

It continued to race post-war under the command of such names as ‘Raph’ and Maurice Trintignant, before starting a less frenetic career as, variously, a hillclimber, a VSCC trials machine and a museum exhibit.

At the turn of the millennium it resumed its rightful place on the circuit, and it eventually joined the Pearl Collection in 2019.

1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental

The Phantom II Continental moves the focus of the collection’s display cars from mainland Europe to Britain.

Proving a glorious swan song for Rolls-Royce’s venerable six-cylinder side-valve engine, this Continental boasts unusual wind-tunnel-honed Streamlined Saloon coachwork from Park Ward.

With a boosted compression ratio and high-lift camshaft for its 7,668cc engine, the car could reach a very swift 92mph in period.

After taking pride of place on Park Ward’s stand at the 1934 Olympia Motor Show, the Phantom II had a distinguished ownership career, eventually settling across the Atlantic.

In the early 2000s, after a full restoration, it appeared at both the Pebble Beach and Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance events.

Further Pearl Collection exhibits at the 2023 Concours of Elegance will include the stunning 1936 Bugatti T57S Atalante, along with the super-slippery, Pininfarina-designed Abarth 1000 record car ‘La Principessa’ from the 1960s.

Bringing the collection up to date is the limited-edition 2022 Bugatti Centodieci, built to celebrate 110 years of the marque’s exceptional design and performance.

James Brooks-Ward, Concours of Elegance CEO, said:

“The diversity and quality of the Pearl Collection, along with Fritz Burkard’s clear passion for the subject and enjoyment of ownership, exemplify all that is great about classic cars.
“From Ettore Bugatti’s first-ever racing machine to its 2022 Centodieci spiritual successor, the selection of vehicles Fritz has chosen to exhibit at the Concours of Elegance embodies British and European automotive history both on-road and on-track.
“We are delighted to play host to such a wonderful display for this year’s The Collector feature.
“Britain’s ultimate automotive extravaganza will take place at Hampton Court Palace in September. We look forward to welcoming guests from around the world to the show in just over a month’s time.”

Star exhibits include some of the world’s most revered Ferraris, Le Mans Centenary machinery, 30 Under 30 classics from the next generation of motoring enthusiasts and the all-female Levitt Concours.

Further categories, cars and features will be announced in the coming weeks, as we build towards September’s event.

Away from the automotive displays, Concours of Elegance 2023 will again be an occasion of pure luxury.

With champagne provided by Charles Heidsieck, picnics by Fortnum & Mason, and a collection of art, jewellery and fashion displays. Presenting Partner A. Lange & Söhne will once again showcase some of its most intricate timepieces.

www.concoursofelegance.co.uk

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Saturday, 29 July 2023

JDUK Welcomes Rob Taylor as New Operations Director

JDUK, a leading provider of innovative solutions in the garage door industry, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Rob Taylor as its new Operations Director. With his extensive background in operations across various sectors, Rob is set to spearhead operational excellence and drive strategic growth at JDUK.

As Operations Director, Rob will oversee the entire operational framework of JDUK, ensuring the seamless execution of projects and delivering exceptional results to clients.

He will work closely with cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency, streamline processes, and implement best practices throughout the organisation.

Steve Kendrick, Managing Director at JDUK and Alunet Systems said:

“I am delighted to welcome Rob Taylor to JDUK as our new Operations Director.
“His extensive experience and strategic mindset will be instrumental in driving operational excellence, fostering innovation, and propelling our growth in an increasingly competitive market.”

Rob's expertise lay in delivering successful operations with a real focus on aftercare and service, making him well-equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities within the industry.

His strong analytical abilities and problem-solving skills will play a crucial role in identifying operational bottlenecks, optimising resource allocation, and ensuring that JDUK maintains its reputation as a leading provider of garage door solutions.

Taylor said:

“I am delighted to join JDUK and be part of a dynamic team that is committed to delivering exceptional results.
“I look forward to working closely with the talented professionals at JDUK to further strengthen our operational capabilities and drive sustainable growth.”

With Rob's appointment, JDUK reaffirms its commitment to continuously improving its operational processes, delivering value to clients, and maintaining its position as an industry leader.

The company looks forward to leveraging Rob's expertise to drive innovation and exceed customer expectations.

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Friday, 28 July 2023

Solar Gates UK Launch Two New Temporary Traffic Management Products

Innovation and solar experts Solar Gates UK recently launched two new products at the LCRIG Innovation Festival.

The two innovative temporary traffic control solutions; INSTABOOM Go and INSTABOOM Flagger are both designed for one-person instant deployment, dramatically improving worker safety and helping the UK-wide labour shortage.

Both products are manufactured with the lowest carbon footprint, are green energy operated and one has even been manufactured using bamboo as a main component.

INSTABOOM Go is an automated, remote-controlled, Stop/Go board – effortless traffic control deployed in under a minute. Solar-powered and ready for use straight out of the compact flight case, it’s designed for one-person operation via remote control, allowing the operator to manage traffic control from the safety of their own vehicle.

‘Safety at Street Works and Road Works: A Code of Practice’ states: “Remotely controlled Stop/Go boards should be used where possible." INSTABOOM Go fits the bill and is the perfect solution for saving lives, budget and carbon.

Its hybrid design means even if the sun’s not shining, Instaboom Go will run for two weeks of 10-hour shifts turning every 30 seconds. In bright conditions, it will never need a top-up charge.

Ground-breaking safety control software means it is TOPAS aligned, with many safety backup features, preventing a double Go/Go – only safe operations can be operated.

INSTABOOM Flagger is a single-lane closure barrier in a 24kg flight case with a rotating Chapter 8 chevron barrier manufactured from bamboo and recycled cotton. Simple one-person deployment allows an instant single lane closure in under a minute with remote operation via fob up to 800m, enhancing the safety of work crews, and reducing the increasing risk of incursions.

Even if the sun’s not shining, it will still work for 2 full weeks at 100 times a day. If used on a bright day, it will never need a top-up charge.

Manufactured with not only as low a carbon footprint as possible but also every consideration has been given to the materials used. This includes a bamboo barrier arm and the use of recycled materials wherever possible. Given INSTABOOM Flagger’s low carbon footprint of manufacture and almost zero cost of ownership – it’s an excellent choice to help meet environmental credentials and contribute towards National Highways' route to carbon neutral by 2050.

Solar Gates Managing Director, Neil Sampson, said:

“Every new innovation should, and must, be designed and manufactured with green energy and low carbon footprint of manufacture in mind. There seems to be no plan B for the environment. Everything we do at Solar Gates has this focus up front and central.

“In the Highway’s and Railways sector, there is also growing concern over the safety of the workforce with an increasing number of incursions and near (and not so near) misses being reported every month. Innovations need to be compliant to most exacting standards. But sustainability should not mean a reduction in safety.”

“This is why we are so pleased with these two new products. Built to run on solar power, even in the UK, they have been designed with every milliamp of power consumption carefully considered but without skimping on performance or reliability.”

“The kit is built for the job and to protect the environment, traffic management crews and road users all in one” concludes Sampson.

The portability, solar-powered functionality, and sustainability features make these products an innovative, safety-conscious, cost-effective and responsible choice for any project.”

Further information on the INSTABOOM Go can be found at INSTABOOM | Go | Solar Traffic Management

Further information on the INSTABOOM Flagger can be found at INSTABOOM | Flagger |Solar Traffic Barrier

More information about Solar Gates UK can be found at: www.solargates.co.uk

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Thursday, 27 July 2023

ZEROplus Announce Successful New Fire Testing for the Fire Block Louvre System

Leading door hardware supplier ZEROplus, recently achieved BS EN 1634-1:2014 for their Fire Block Louvre System for steel doors. The new standard ensures an impressive four-hour integrity in a fire.

Although a standard louvre allows for ventilation, it will also permit the passage of flames and toxic smoke.

But the FBLS Fire Block Louvre System enables airflow circulation while maintaining the integrity of fire doors and preventing the spread of flames.

The system is ideal for fire-rated doors to rooms that need ventilation, such as fire doors to plant rooms, stores, computer rooms, changing rooms or manufacturing areas.

Mark Lockley, Managing Director of ZEROplus, explains:

“The Fire Block Louvre System consists of an FB intumescent block grille just 14mm (about 0.55 in) thick and an FDLS two-part steel louvre set.
“The intumescent block fits within the door aperture, with the steel louvre set fixed to each side of the door, sandwiching the FB intumescent block grille.
“The system is designed for doors of a 44mm minimum thickness and no maximum door thickness.”

Manufactured by ZEROplus, the intumescent block grille starts to swell at 160-200°C in the event of a fire, expanding to 40 times its original volume to fill the door void.

This expansion prevents the spread of flames, maintaining the fire door's integrity.

The Fire Block Louvre System is available in over 25 standard sizes from stock and available to order in any size from a 152mm x 152mm minimum cut-out.

Mark continues:

“We're thrilled with the new fire testing standard our FBLS Fire Block Louvre System has achieved.
“Fire safety and fire-rated door products are incredibly important in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings to keep occupants safe.
“We've been independently fire-testing door hardware for over 20 years and are proud to offer an extensive range of fire-tested products.”

To find out more about the FBLS Fire Block Louvre System and the extensive range of fire-rated door hardware products from ZEROplus, please visit: ZEROplus | The UK's Leading Door Hardware Supplier | Next Day Delivery or call: 01785 282 910.

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Wednesday, 26 July 2023

Double-leaf Aluminium Entrance doors now available from Hörmann UK

Hörmann UK have announced the addition of a double-leaf option to their range of aluminium entrance doors. The TopComfort Portal, offers the combination of a modern, high quality, secure door together with the opportunity to create a truly imposing entrance for any style of home.

Constructed using high quality materials featuring a PU foam core within an aluminium skin and an aluminium frame as standard, TopComfort Portal provides long-term, operational stability.

It also features RC3 security as standard, good acoustic insulation, and excellent thermal performance with a U value of 1.2 W/M2K being achievable.

A good-looking door is guaranteed with the solid door leaf being fully flush on both the exterior and interior of the door, together with flush fitting between the traffic and fixed leaf.

Doors can be manufactured in widths up to 2600mm and heights up to 2500mm, with seven different door styles being available.

The ability to create an impressive, custom-designed entrance is further enhanced with an extensive choice of handles and accessories, together with twenty-three preferred colour options including the ever-popular Anthracite grey and on-trend contemporary Black.

The Hörmann group have recently announced that due to their long-term commitment to sustainable manufacturing and green initiatives they are the first and only construction component manufacturer to offer CO2 neutral garage doors, entrance doors and residential internal doors.

With end-consumers continuing to show an interest in CO2 neutral products Hörmann doors continue to set standards in quality and innovation, together with providing the market with a brand that is trusted and has high recognition.

To find out more about Hörmann entrance doors visit TopComfort Portal double-leaf aluminium entrance doors or call 01530 516868.

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Tuesday, 25 July 2023

The Summer Issue of Door Industry Journal is available online now!

We are pleased to announce the launch of the Summer 2023 issue of Door Industry Journal, the Voice of the UK Door and Gate Industry.

As I write, it is drizzling outside and my thoughts are recalling the sweltering July we had last year! Luckily the sun is forecast to shine again soon and we have the summer holidays on the horizon.

Inside this issue, you’ll find all the latest news and views from across the sector. One piece worth reading that caught my eye is the story of the Hörmann family, on page 34, which started out back in 1935 and now runs a multi-million Euro door business.

And there's plenty more inside to keep you busy over the holidays. Here are a few highlights:

Ken Price, MD at the Automatic Door Suppliers Association, gives his take on the year so far (page 8)

Industry stalwart Garador is celebrating 75 years of manufacturing history (page 18)

Read about Robust UK's brand new £6 million facility in Newcastle-under-Lyme (page 32)

The Hörmann story - from humble beginnings to a multi-million success story (page 34)

Roller door specialist Trojon announces new product expansion plans (page 60)

How Ellard is bridging the gap between loading bays and HGVs with its Dock Leveller Control Panels (page 68)

SWS UK marks 10 years of its in-demandSeceuroSchools training days (page 70)

The partnership between Alucorb and gate manufacturer HorizAL is going from strength to strength (page 84)

As you will find, there's even more inside. And I am sure a sun lounger with your name on it awaits, so have a well-deserved rest and enjoy this issue of your favourite industry magazine.

I'll be back with you again in November.

Derek Hibbart

Editor, Door Industry Journal

www.dijonline.co.uk

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Monday, 24 July 2023

Videx launches new Cloud Platform to strengthen GSM management

Videx, the leading door entry and access control manufacturer, has introduced a new cloud platform to help people manage the Videx range of GSM systems more easily.

The browser-based application, available at cloud.videxservices.uk, is a secure, convenient and simple way to remotely manage GSM technology-based systems and products from Videx. It can be accessed from any web browser with an internet connection, offering an instant gateway to a user’s portfolio of GSM systems.

From the platform, it’s possible to manage and program a wide range of GSM features including call button destinations, dial-to-open numbers, coded access codes, proximity fobs and cards and all other settings available on the Videx GSM system.

An unlimited number of devices can be managed by as many different users as required. Additionally, users can be created as administrators, managers or users offering different levels of access to the settings that users are able to view or change.

Rhys McNichol, National Projects Manager at Videx UK, said:

“The new platform makes the management of our GSM products much easier as it means changes to the systems can be made remotely and any issues resolved there and then. This avoids the need for call out charges for routine setting changes as everything can be done online.

“The platform is ideal for local authorities, housing associations and management companies that need to make regular changes to the systems. For example, this includes activity where there are visitors who use dial to open or access control and change regularly.

“The platform can also be used to monitor activity on site at a development and even raise alarms to issue an email should certain activities occur that are deemed unusual such as a gate opening outside normal operating hours, or a user attempting access and being denied.

“Overall, it’s an incredibly easy and pretty much instant way to manage GSM systems remotely whether that’s altering settings, troubleshooting or changing the way a system is set up to enable more convenient entry whilst maintaining a high level of security.”

When users sign up to use the new platform there is a choice of three available tiers, these are:

An occasional use tier for end users or installers where changes to the systems are infrequent.

A moderate tier which could be used by local authorities, housing associations and users who need to make slight changes to a system.

A high-volume tier for users who need to make regular changes to a system such as those managing Air BNB properties, holiday parks or caravan sites for example where there is a high volume of changes that need to accommodate the ever-changing visitors to properties.

Each intercom can be assigned to any of the tiers and it’s possible to mix tiers within the same user account allowing intercoms that are likely to have a low number of programming changes to be on a lower tier than those that would require more changes. It’s also possible to have as many users as required to manage the systems at no additional charge and with different levels of access.

To find out more about cloud.videxservices.uk or to arrange a demo please contact your Videx representative or call 0370 300 1240.

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Sunday, 23 July 2023

2.4 million potholes reported across England and Wales*

New data reveals drivers in England and Wales face pothole potluck as they head to the roads this summer.

New research from Go.Compare car insurance has revealed the areas in the UK where drivers are likely to face the most potholes.

Go.Compare submitted more than 300 Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to councils across England and Wales, to determine which of the UK’s roads needed the most pothole repair work. It found that Derbyshire County Council tops the list, with 215,787 potholes reported between January 2020 and December 2022.*

Both Durham and Lancashire County Councils also reported more than 180,000 potholes in the same three-year period, as four of the five counties to feature in the top five are northern counties.

Councils / Number of reported potholes (2020-2022)

Derbyshire County Council - 215,787

Durham County Council - 189,821

Lancashire County Council - 189,461

Surrey County Council - 142,564

Northumberland Country Council - 132,319

Oxfordshire County Council - 79,795

Kirklees Council - 73,721

Somerset Country Council - 59,185

Staffordshire County Council - 58,689

Kent County Council - 58,284

Derbyshire County Council also topped the list on an annual basis, with the most potholes reported in both 2020 (73,435) and 2021 (75,677). Although Lancashire County Council beat them to the top spot in 2022, reporting 67,439 potholes.

However, it isn’t just motorists in the north of England who are being driven around the bend by potholes – the roads of picturesque Somerset, Surrey, Oxfordshire, and Kent also feature in the top ten.

Ryan Fulthorpe, Go.Compare’s motoring expert commented on the findings:

“It is clear that potholes are a huge concern for motorists, whether because of the potential for accidents, or the risk of costly repairs to their cars. In fact, we conducted a recent survey which found that 48% of motorists name potholes as their biggest worry.** In the Spring Budget, the government even pledged a further £200 million to tackle the potholes plaguing UK roads, highlighting the scale of the problem.***

“As holidaymakers pack up for long, scenic drives this summer, the sheer number of potholes could really dampen spirits on those sunnier days. And while the quality of the roads is out of drivers’ control, there are things we can do to limit the risks to our cars – and our wallets.

“Firstly, make sure you always take caution when driving, particularly on unfamiliar roads. Research your route before you travel and pay close attention to any road warnings. If you are particularly worried about potholes, try avoiding particularly narrow and rural roads, as these may be less frequently maintained.

“If you do hit a pothole, make sure you report it – whether you intend to make a claim or not. Collect evidence to identify the potholes, note its location and take a photo of the pothole (as long as it is safe to do so). Photograph any damage it has caused and save this information to report to the relevant authority.

“As pothole damage to your car can prove expensive, it is important to have the right car insurance policy in place. A fully-comp policy will help protect you if the worst happens, so you can instead focus on getting back to enjoying the open road.”

Learn more about claiming for pothole damage, here: https://www.gocompare.com/car-insurance/guide/potholes/.

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Saturday, 22 July 2023

10 Ways Tradespeople can Reduce their Day-to-Day Business Costs

An expert from MyJobQuote has shared 10 ways that tradespeople can reduce their day-to-day business costs, from fuel expenses to marketing.

The last few years have placed a lot of financial strain on tradespeople, with the cost-of-living crisis adding to the impact of rising material prices and Covid-19.

As a result, many have tried to reduce their outgoings, and recent research by ElectricalDirect, a specialist retailer of electrical products, found that an increasing number of workers are repairing their own tools (16%), keeping kit for longer (27%) and minimising power tool usage (30%).

Having discovered that tradespeople spend an average of £1,110 on tools each year, ElectricalDirect spoke to Thomas Goodman, construction expert at MyJobQuote, to share advice on how to reduce this expense and cut a variety of other day-to-day costs.

1) Opt for quality over quantity

“Invest in good quality tools, particularly those you use regularly. While the initial outlay may be higher, quality products are less likely to fail or break. Ensure you take out tool insurance too.”

2) Buy in bulk

“Materials are expensive but buying in bulk can help you save money. Getting quantity discounts on regularly used materials will keep costs down.”

3) Know your expenses

“Research which expenses you’re allowed to claim back on, so when it comes to filling in your tax return, you can get as many deductions as possible. Keep track of your deductible expenses weekly.”

4) Consider employee fuel cards

“Use fuel cards for you and your employees. You can track how much you’re paying in fuel and all invoices go directly to your business for use when you fill in your tax return."

5) Scout for van insurance

“Shop around for van insurance instead of using the same company every year and accepting an automatic renewal. Get a better deal through research or by negotiating your premium.”

6) Use your vehicle as an advertisement

“Use your van for advertising as an alternative to other potentially expensive marketing options. It’s basically a mobile billboard. Spend some money putting your business name, logo and contact information on your van to attract new customers.”

7) Keep updated with the latest discounts

“Monitor your favourite suppliers to check for offers and discounts on materials that you use regularly. Sign up to receive offers automatically and take advantage of them when they’re available.”

8) Find the best phone and internet packages

“Make sure you also shop around for the best phone and internet deals, as these can make a real difference to your business expenses. Like your insurance, it pays to change providers occasionally to try and secure a better deal.”

9) Automate your administration

“Business management software can greatly increase your efficiency and improve your productivity, by automating parts of your administration, such as invoicing, to save time and money.”

10) Switch to an electric or hybrid vehicle

“Consider switching to an electric or hybrid vehicle, not only to reduce your carbon footprint, but also to save money on fuel costs.”

For more expert advice on how tradespeople can reduce their business costs, visit: www.electricaldirect.co.uk

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