The Door Industry Journal: October 2023

Tuesday 31 October 2023

Two South Yorkshire Former Schoolfriends Launch Successful Glazing Business

Established in September 2021, South Yorkshire-based Trade Window Centre is a glazing business specialising in windows and doors that was launched by two industry veterans and former school friends, Dominic Francis and Ryan Arnold.

With a shared background as window fitters, their journey from frustrated installers to founders of a thriving glazing supplier is a testament to their mutually strong work ethics and sharp business judgement.

Dominic and Ryan started in the industry separately as fitters, accumulating a combined 17 years of experience.

With almost two decades of expertise between them, the two were well-equipped with invaluable knowledge of the sector, as well as a strong understanding of the challenges that both suppliers and installers faced.

It was this shared frustration with the lack of reliable suppliers that offered a blend of quality, affordability, and excellent customer service that was the catalyst that led to the birth of the Trade Window Centre.

Much of TWC’s success so far can be attributed to Dominic and Ryan’s dual expertise. Their years in the industry equipped them with solid foundations for success when beginning their new business venture.

Not only do they have intricate knowledge of window and door installation, but their past experience means they also appreciate the importance of maintaining a satisfied customer base by providing the service they know firsthand the industry is missing.

This unique combination of skills places TWC in a competitive position because they can implement this all-encompassing knowledge of the industry to become successful entrepreneurs.

However, what sets Trade Window Centre apart is the friendship that Dominic and Ryan share.

Their mutual respect, shared values, and genuine desire to see each other succeed have been pivotal in shaping this company’s ethos.

This long-held bond and understanding of one another have produced a cohesive and effective business leadership team.

Their partnership goes beyond profits and executive decisions; it incubates a collaborative and respectful workplace where employees feel valued and motivated to contribute their best.

From its inception, TWC’s dedication to excellence was evident.

They invested in state-of-the-art machinery that streamlined their manufacturing process, ensuring quick turnaround times without compromising quality.

The personal touch that stems from their foundation of friendship resonates throughout their operations, as they prioritise customer relations and implement modern technology to make the ordering process more efficient.

One of the cornerstones of TWC's success lies in their dedication to their staff.

Recognising that a company is only as strong as its employees, Dominic and Ryan invest in thorough, well-trained staff, equipping their team with the skills required to tackle complex projects with quick turnaround times.

Ensuring staff satisfaction increases retention and reduces rates of costly turnover and onboarding.

This not only keeps prices competitive for customers but also fosters an environment of effective collaboration and teamwork.

In an industry often driven solely by profits, Trade Window Centre stands as a testament to the power of friendship, expertise, and a genuine commitment to improving the industry.

Dom and Ryan's journey from former school friends to industry leaders reflects their determination to bridge the gap between quality and affordability.

As TWC continues to thrive, its story reminds us that success is most rewarding when shared with those who understand and support our vision.

www.tradewindowcentre.co.uk/

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Monday 30 October 2023

Challenging Marine Environment Calls for the Toughest Choice: Abus

The Minack Theatre, perched atop Cornish cliffs, is a challenging and dramatic environment for facilities teams to handle in terms of security and access control.

A suited master key system based on the ABUS Zolit cylinder has made life simpler and improved security for the Minack team who now have a single master key to cover the whole site from outbuildings and concession stalls to the main public and staff entrances.

The Minack Theatre is an open-air theatre, balanced on the cliffs high above the Atlantic Ocean in Porthcurno in Cornwall.

Built primarily by actor Rowena Cade and her gardener in the 1930s, the theatre is carved into the granite cliffside offering a panoramic backdrop for theatrical and musical performances throughout the summer months.

Its unique setting and historical significance make it not just a theatre, but an experience that draws performers and audiences from around the world.

The site itself covers not just the stage and seating areas but several cafes, food and souvenir concessions, storage and staff buildings meaning that maintaining security and access control proved to be a headache for the facilities team who were carrying multiple keys from legacy lock installations over the years.

The theatre brought in local architectural ironmonger Jeb Supplies to plan and install a single master keyed system across the whole site including padlocks for gates and outbuildings as well as the main customer-facing areas.

The position of the site – in an exposed coastal location – meant that the system had to be able to withstand a harsh marine environment without loss of function.

Zolit 1000 is a secure and versatile cylinder bespoke cylinder system that offers a perfect all-in-one solution for large master key projects like Minack Theatre.

The Zolit range has a proven track record on prestigious projects across Europe and the 2000 version features technical copy protection, patent protection until 2034, plus trademark protection to ensure it meets tough security requirements.

Jeb Supplies chose the Zollit 1000 system for its reliability and because it offered simplicity matched with sufficient flexibility for this multifaceted project.

Jeb’s Alec McQuay says:

“We chose to work with ABUS on this project because of their excellent reputation for reliable, quality cylinder systems.
“They offered us pinning training and assisted us in designing the master key system so the support we received from ABUS was second to none.
“The products we installed are specifically designed to withstand marine environments so we are confident that they will continue giving reliable service for years to come.”

The ABUS master key system installed by Jeb Supplies includes Submariner 83WPIB/53 Padlocks, a range of products designed specifically for challenging environments where the highest security level is required.

So resilient is the Submariner that it is regularly used on North Sea wind farms, a harsh environment that would render conventional padlocks useless within days.

Manufactured in an all-stainless, it features a ball-bearing locking mechanism, providing a marked advantage over traditional spring-loaded systems in terms of weather resilience.

The Submariner's design incorporates a sealed body, a key guard, and ultra-tight shim guards on the shackle to minimise exposure to the corrosive elements.

Engineered for scenarios where rust prevention is critical like the Minack Theatre, this padlock is the go-to choice for environments subjected to salt water and other corrosive conditions.

ABUS is a global manufacturer of high-quality, innovative security, access & safety solutions with a nearly 100-year history of innovation.

ABUS UK is part of a worldwide group of companies that supplies and distributes a huge range of both electronic and mechanical security products and systems for home, mobile security and commercial security.

https://mobil.abus.com/uk

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Sunday 29 October 2023

Alan Mann Racing Accelerates into Electrification Era with Exciting New ‘Electro-Mod’ Mustang Classic

Alan Mann Racing (AMR) is building on its global reputation for classic car restoration and race car preparation, with the launch of a classic 1960s Ford Mustang – but with a powerful new cutting-edge electric powertrain and modern chassis.

Made famous by its race and championship-winning cars in the 1960s, AMR is expanding its existing business with a move into a new generation of engineering, beginning with the development and integration of electric powertrains into the familiar shape of the 1960s Ford Mustang – in either coupe or fastback styles.

Henry Mann, son of founder Alan Mann, and director of AMR said:

“We’ve seen cherished cars that owners want to improve and we’ve seen those that owners want to future-proof, and we believe our new 1960s Mustang Coupe meets both needs.

“We have been watching the incredible growth of so-called resto-mods with interest.”

He added:

“This particular model played a large part in the history of our company and is close to our hearts.

“It was the first racing Mustang to achieve international success for Ford, and, back in 1964, it was all prepared in-house by my father’s operation.”

The base car, any 1960s Mustang can be sourced by AMR or provided by the owner, and is carefully stripped and the powertrain removed.

Body and remaining mechanicals are either replaced or refurbished to a very high standard, and the whole vehicle is then rebuilt around a state-of-the-art compact electric motor driving the rear wheels, and a modern, racing-standard chassis.

Henry Mann said:

“We are tremendously excited to be growing our core expertise.

“As this effectively future-proofs our own business as legislation continues to tighten around the use of classic cars and combustion engines.

“We will always love the sight, sound and smell of a finely-tuned internal combustion engine, but we recognise there may come a time when they are no longer viable.

“We believe electrification is a good way to keep these fabulous cherished classics on the road.”

Each Mustang (depending on the condition of the donor car) takes around 1,000 hours to complete.

Customers outside the UK will receive their cars from AMR’s new business partner, Mann ePower Cars, based near Philadelphia, USA, with the quality, engineering and mechanical specification mirroring the standards set in Surrey – with many key components shipped from AMR in the UK.

Henry continued:

“We not only share an automotive passion with our business partners, but we also share a name!

“Mann ePower Cars is owned by another Mann family, but based in Hatboro, Pennsylvania, USA.

“Coincidentally the CEO is also called Henry Mann, but we are not related.

“Henry and his family have a 50-year history of manufacture, sales and service in the precision electronics and hi-tech lighting sector and have independently curated an extraordinary collection of modern and classic automobiles.”

Mann ePower Cars becomes a new addition to the holdings of Henry Mann (USA).

Manncorp is a renowned specialist in electronics production equipment, particularly the precision machines required for circuit board manufacture. It is also a leader in hi-tech LED lighting, and manufacture from the Pennsylvania HQ under its LED Living Technology subsidiary.

The two Henrys first met at the launch of the Alan Mann Heritage Edition Ford GT at the 2022 Chicago Auto Show. Friendship quickly turned to partnership, driven by shared passion and ambition – and complementary skill sets.

The ePower Mustang conversion process does not just involve the removal of the old powertrain and the addition of a compact electric motor, control electronics and batteries – the entire shell is stripped and restored. The chassis is upgraded with high quality racing-standard componentry, developed by experienced Formula One designers, with independent double wishbone suspension with billet aluminium uprights replacing the original’s front struts and rear leaf springs. The 1960s braking system is replaced with a powerful cutting-edge regenerative system featuring ventilated front and rear discs with six-piston callipers in front and four-piston callipers behind.

Helping transmit the Mustang’s 300nM of torque to the road is a low-maintenance Torsen limited-slip differential.

The design and feel of the original 60s interior are retained as much as possible, although every element is either restored, replaced or substituted, with the emphasis on a period-correct aesthetic. The only modern additions being more comfortable and supportive racing seats, climate control, Bluetooth connectivity and a carefully integrated video display.

AMR has worked hard to balance the need for a useable range, exceeding the 200 miles of the ‘60s car, with an acceptable overall weight, which allows a genuine dynamic personality fully in keeping with a modern, fast, and fun GT car. Charging too has been optimised, using either AC or DC chargers, with a 20 per cent to 80 per cent recharge taking just 40 minutes.

Mann explained:

“The original engine and gearbox accounts for around 285kg.

“That’s almost the weight of the installed battery pack – it’s a little heavier, but not massively so.”

AMR and Mann ePower Cars expect strong interest from existing owners who wish to ‘electro-mod’ their classic Mustangs, but equally, Ford built over a million Mustangs of this type, and there remains a robust supply of suitable donor vehicles for those preferring to purchase a finished vehicle.

The ePower Mustang becomes the first in a series of exciting Alan Mann Legacy Edition cars to be produced, with others to follow soon.

AMR ePower Mustang Specification:

0-60mph 5.2sec (launch mode)

Top Speed 97mph (limited)

Power 300bhp

Torque 310Nm

Range 220 miles

Battery 72kw/h

Charge DC/AC from 20% - 80% in 40min

Suspension Independent double wishbone with coil-over dampers by Quantum Racing

Brakes F/R Ventilated discs with six-piston callipers/ ventilated discs with four-piston callipers

Steering Rack and pinion, power assisted.

Traction Torsen limited slip differential

Price (approx.) From £200,000 depending on final spec and destination taxes

For further information about Alan Mann Racing, visit www.alanmann.co.uk or about Mann ePower Cars, visit www.mannepowercars.com

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Saturday 28 October 2023

ZEROplus Climb Mount Snowdon for Katharine House Hospice

A team from leading door hardware supplier, ZEROplus recently climbed Mount Snowdon to raise vital funds for Katharine House Hospice, Stafford.

On Saturday the 30th of October, the ZEROplus team dug out their walking boots, filled their backpacks with energy bars and travelled to Wales to tackle the country’s highest mountain.

Setting off at 6am, the team started their climb at 9am. Enduring forty-mile-an-hour winds, driving rain and very cold conditions, they made it to the summit in around three hours.

Nicola Hewitt, Finance Director at ZEROplus, says:

“When we reached the top, we spent quite a long time huddled up and thawing out in the café.

“Nobody was keen to leave the shelter of the café to begin the descent down the mountain.”

But the team pushed on. And even though it was a long and soggy day, there were still plenty of giggles and smiles along the way.

The team completed the climb by 4:30pm and are incredibly proud to have raised £788 for a wonderful, local hospice.

Nicola continues:

“It was certainly more of a challenge than I ever expected, especially given the weather conditions, but it was an amazing sense of achievement when we reached the top and actually really good fun.

“The whole group did amazingly well and we’re so pleased to have raised almost £800 for Katharine House Hospice.”

Katharine House Hospice, Stafford provides free vital care services to enable patients with illnesses that cannot be cured to live their lives as fully as possible and make the most of the time they have.

The hospice cares for people with life-limiting conditions across mid-Staffordshire from their 8-bed in-patient unit, Lymphoedema Clinic, and patients' homes.

They also provide well-being services and carer support.

Bryan Hynes, Warehouse Operative at ZEROplus, said:

“It was beautiful going up the mountain, and some of the scenery was amazing. But going down again was pure hell!

“The wind was nearly knocking us off our feet. Nevertheless, the day was great, and it was an amazing experience.”

The ZEROplus climbing team are now discussing tackling Scafell Pike next year. Watch this space!

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Friday 27 October 2023

Zoo Hardware Launches New ZDC0024A Series Overhead Door Closer

Zoo Hardware, a leading manufacturer of door hardware, has further added to its high-quality overhead door closing device range with the launch of the ZDC0024A Series.

The new power adjustable 2-4 overhead door closer has been developed to provide its customer base with an efficient third-party tested and certified solution for high traffic doors that is fully tested in accordance with the requirements of BS EN 1154: 1997 and suitable for up to 1100mm width / 80kg weight doors.

The ZDC0024A has been CE/UKCA and CERTIFIRE marked for use on 30-, 60-, 90- and 120-minute Timber fire doors and has also been independently third-party tested to satisfy the opening force requirements/recommendations contained within ADM/BS8300 for door closing devices in all fitting configurations.

Available with a matching semi-radiused cover and armset in multiple finishes including the on trend Black and Bronze, the ZDC0024A is already proving a popular choice for customers on commercial and residential projects.

Jason Tonks Reg AI, Technical Product Manager at Zoo Hardware, said:

“The new ZDC0024A series offers our customers a fully tested and certified, reliable, efficient, variable function alternative for their projects.”

For more information on Zoo Hardware and its portfolio of architectural ironmongery, visit www.zoohardware.co.uk/ or call 01228 672900.

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Thursday 26 October 2023

ASSA ABLOY Powershield Rathlin door offers LPS 2081 certification

Door Group, a unit of ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland, is advising specifiers and installers to choose the LPS 2081 certified Powershield Rathlin door for applications that require a secure and robust solution that is safe from attack and vandalism.

One of the most recent additions to the market-leading Powershield range, the Rathlin door prevents unauthorised access by various physical security products when targeted by intruders using stealth.

Certification to LPS 2081 from the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB), BRE and Secured by Design provides assurance to customers that the door meets the stringent requirements for effective performance.

The LPS 2081 standard was created in 2015 to address resistance to opportunist intruders attempting ‘stealth’ attacks to gain entry.

The standard specifies two grades of security relating to the tools used and the time attackers take to avoid making any significant noise.

This standard is separate from LPS 1175, which relates to vandalism and security, but has different requirements for the noise element.

The Powershield Rathlin doors are LPS 2081 Security B rated, the more advanced rating, prolonging the attack for up to 3 minutes, and with an enhanced set of tools.

It comprises a mechanical escape lock with automatic deadlocking, panic pad, key with AASD Guard, louvre vents, pull handle, surface mounted pull handle, vision panels, and active leaf.

Combined, these aspects prove an incredibly tough challenge for vandals.

Brian Sofley, Managing Director at Door Group, explained:

“At Door Group we understand how important it is that our doorset solutions meet the standards and legislation for safety and security.

“The Powershield Rathlin door’s LPS 2081 certification demonstrates its ability to withstand a stealth attack, where the intruder avoids making significant noise that would usually draw attention.

“Since launching the door last year, we have had extremely positive feedback from customers, and it is an excellent addition to our comprehensive portfolio of high-performance products.

“The Powershield steel door range combines high performance with high quality, offering a fully compliant, fully finished door set with factory-fitted hardware.

“Plus, doors and frames are designed to ensure ease of installation on-site and provide the end user with a premium door solution.”

To find out more about how ASSA ABLOY Powershield range, visit www.assaabloy.com/uk/en/solutions/products/doors/powershield

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Wednesday 25 October 2023

New flush bolt launched by ARRONE

A new flush bolt has been added to the ARRONE range to provide more choice for door manufacturers.

The new 150mm flush bolt from ARRONE, a HOPPE brand, is available in both square and radius variants providing a choice for both door manufacturers as well as carpenters and joiners working on site. It joins the 200mm option which is already available in the AR326 range.

Flush bolts are morticed into a door and are used to lock down the inactive leaf of a double-door set. When the door is closed, the bolts are concealed from view providing extra security. The AR326 flush bolts are of a lever action function and are supplied with fixings suitable for timber doors.

Jonathan Walker, product manager at ARRONE, said:

“The new ARRONE flush bolts provide an unobtrusive solution for securing the inactive leaf on a double door assembly. With a satin stainless-steel finish, they blend seamlessly with commercial doors and coordinate with other door hardware. This addition to the range provides further choice for customers looking to meet fire door test evidence.”

The AR326-150 has been included on successful FD30 and FD60 fire tests making it suitable for use on fire and smoke resistant door assemblies. This is subject to the scope of approvals on the actual door test evidence.
The flush bolts are part of a wide range of accessories and complementary products from ARRONE.

HOPPE (UK) is a market leader in the field of door and window hardware and celebrates 35 years of being in the UK this year. As a member of HOPPE Group, ARRONE and HOPPE (UK) benefit from more than 70 years of experience in architectural hardware. Based in Wolverhampton, HOPPE is committed to providing products that have been tested to meet the latest European and British standards.

For more information, please visit www.hoppe.co.uk

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Tuesday 24 October 2023

UK Doors Midlands Ltd Celebrating Huge Successes for 2023

Since it began manufacturing in 2021, UK Doors (Midlands) Ltd has gone from strength to strength as it steadily becomes an industry leader, specialising in the manufacture and trade supply of the Vertic-al range of Roller Garage Doors and continental Roller Shutters.

At the centre of the company’s successes is the huge effort that has gone into developing production capabilities and improving service offerings.

UK Doors Midlands Ltd has recently undergone a huge expansion of their production facilities; introducing an added workstation and another team of operatives, along with increasing their fleet of delivery vehicles.

These impressive additions to the organisation enable UK Doors Midlands to produce more than 25 doors per day, trouncing its previous production capabilities of 100 doors per week.

Similarly, these developments in the manufacturing and delivery side of the business are also being mirrored in the variety of products UK Doors Midlands has on offer – with Saxon’s range of outdoor living products now on offer, with an initial focus on their powered awnings.

The investment in building its service capacity has also recently resulted in UK Doors Midlands completing a batch of 17 Vertic-AL micro aluminium roller shutters for the Halls in Wolverhampton, a newly-renovated Civic Hall.

The shutters were installed over bars in 8 separate rooms and were all produced from scratch in just half a day, delivering a quick turnaround time to meet the customer’s requirements.

The successes have continued behind the scenes at UK Doors Midlands, too, Simon Perks, Managing Director, says of the developments:

“Customer service remains one of UK Doors’ Midlands highest priorities, which is reflected in our efforts to improve customer and client experiences.

“Our Customer Service Advisor Leah Mistry has recently achieved a Distinction grade for her Customer Service Apprenticeship Level 3 and is set to begin a degree apprenticeship in Marketing, which she will complete in conjunction with her role at UKDM.

“In addition to this, the new UK Doors Midlands website is now up and running and ready to make online visits a more streamlined and efficient experience.

“We are looking forward to seeing what new opportunities this brings to the business.”

If you want to find out more about the fantastic range of roller-garage doors, window shutters and powered awnings on offer at UK Doors Midlands, visit their showroom at Unit 2, Bloomfield Park, Tipton, DY4 9AH; check out their new website at: www.ukdoorsmidlands.co.uk, or call 0121 7597575.

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Monday 23 October 2023

Squire supports ‘Save The Crooked House’ campaigners with heavy-duty donation

British security manufacturer Squire is helping campaigners preserve the treasured remains of an iconic Black Country pub by donating heavy-duty security.

Once known as ‘Britain’s wonkiest inn,’ the 18th century Crooked House pub in Himley, Staffordshire was burnt down and then demolished in August.

Now campaigners, who are hoping to get the pub rebuilt, have put aside 25,000 of its original bricks in storage containers.

The containers will be made secure by Squire’s premium range, super heavy-duty Stronghold padlocks, including a WS75R1 and an SS80CR1 with a TC14/4 chain.

These special R1 versions are purpose-designed with restricted section high security keys.

Built in 1765, The Crooked House, was a much-loved venue made famous by its slanting floors and wonky appearance, the result of mining subsidence.

Squire’s heavy-duty padlocks were handed over to campaigners on a special visit to Squire’s UK factory near Wolverhampton.

During their factory tour, campaigners along with Dudley North MP Marco Longhi, were invited to try their hand at lock assembly.

And they saw the new padlocks being manufactured by Squire’s state-of-the-art CNC machines.

CEO John Squire explained the significant joint heritage of the two businesses:

“Being a Black Country manufacturing company with more than 240 years of history, we're really proud to be able to support the Crooked House campaign group. It's a huge privilege for us.

“The Crooked House was built just 15 years before Squire was founded (in 1780), at the time of the Industrial Revolution, surviving world wars and epidemics, it's amazing.

“I admire how the group is volunteering their time and efforts in preserving the great heritage of this region, that’s why we’re absolutely delighted to offer our help.”

Squire has been at the forefront of international lock-making since 1780, with a great British manufacturing history carried down through eight generations.

www.squirelocks.co.uk

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Sunday 22 October 2023

Soda Blasting Reveals Original Sunbeam 1000hp Markings in National Motor Museum Restoration

Specialist soda blasting has revealed original mechanics’ markings on Land Speed Record breaker Sunbeam 1000hp as the National Motor Museum carried out the next major stage of its restoration.

The expert technique was chosen as the safest way to remove loose paint, dirt and rust from the historic car’s chassis, before it can be painted to preserve it for another 100 years.

National Motor Museum Manager and Chief Engineer Doug Hill explained:

“Soda blasting is not as aggressive as shot blasting and was therefore the best way to remove the worst of the detritus.

“It exposed original markings, which would have been made at the Sunbeam Works in Wolverhampton in 1927.

“This was one of the biggest tasks for the main structure of the vehicle and the process was successful.

“Thankfully, it did not expose any areas of concern.”

Doug added:

“We are now stress testing various areas before clear coating the chassis with Trimite paint to preserve and encapsulate as much of its history as possible.

“This work will preserve the car for another 100 years.”

To see soda blasting footage – and the markings it exposed – go to Beaulieu’s YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/bnXsvToP2LE.

The Sunbeam 1000hp Restoration Campaign aims to raise £300k to restore ‘The Slug’ with the ambition of taking it back to Daytona Beach in Florida for the 100th anniversary of its record-breaking run in 2027.

A time capsule of original mechanics’ tools and a preserved shilling with a 1921 stamp was found in solidified oil on top of the rear suspension spring, when bodywork was previously taken off to expose the chassis.

They had remained hidden in the vehicle since Major Henry Segrave made motoring history by breaking the 200mph barrier.

In the next stage of the restoration, the axles and non-painted metal work will undergo a laser rust removal process.

Sunbeam’s colossal rear V12 aero engine will also be reassembled by the National Motor Museum’s experienced team of mechanics.

Visitors can see the exposed chassis on show in the National Motor Museum as part of a visit to Beaulieu.

Sunbeam 1000hp can also be seen at various motoring events around the country, with more details to be released.

The Sunbeam 1000hp Restoration Campaign was launched with Hampshire-based Brookspeed Automotive in March.

To help raise the profile of the vehicle’s centenary celebrations and fundraising campaign – through individual donations and corporate sponsorship – there are plans to take it to Europe and on tour to motoring museums across America.

Opportunities will also be offered for schools, colleges and universities to get involved with STEM workshops and activities.

The Sunbeam’s two 22.5 litre engines, which each produced 435bhp, have not run since before World War II more than 80 years ago – after corrosion attacked internal workings.

With painstaking rebuilding, using specialist knowledge and bespoke parts, National Motor Museum engineers will recapture the sounds, sights and smells of this ground-breaking machine and help to preserve it for future generations.

Designed and built solely to break the 200mph barrier, this immensely powerful machine was once the fastest car in the world.

For footage of the Sunbeam’s record-breaking runs, go to Beaulieu’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/MotorMuseum.

Funds are now needed to turn back the clock and complete the full restoration project.

Donations for the Sunbeam 1000hp Restoration Campaign can be made online at https://nationalmotormuseum.org.uk/sunbeam-1000hp-restoration-campaign/.

Sponsors and corporate donors who would like to be associated with the campaign are urged to get in touch by emailing michelle.kirwan@beaulieu.co.uk.

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Saturday 21 October 2023

QR Code Vulnerabilities: Phishing Attacks via QR Codes (Quishing) on the Increase

SecurityHQ analysts have recently observed a significant increase in Business Email Compromise (BEC), regarding phishing attacks containing QR code (Quishing) and captchas for credentials harvesting.

This blog aims to highlight the sophisticated nature of this attack, to understand the technical aspects of session abuse, and its prevention.

What is Quishing?

In the ever-evolving landscape of cybercrime, threat actors are constantly discovering new methods and using them to target organizations. One such emerging threat is known as ‘quishing’ or QR code phishing. Quishing attacks usually occur via the scanning of a QR code. This technique involves tricking organisations' users into scanning a QR code using a mobile phone. The QR code then redirects the user to a phishing or fake website that aims to steal their credentials.

Why Are QR Codes Being Used?

In the past, attackers used various types of URLs and attachments to deliver phishing emails. But, due to advanced email gateway security controls, bypassing the email gateway is not an easy task.

One of the main reasons why threat actors choose the QR Code is because it’s the simplest way to force a user to move from a desktop or laptop to a mobile device, which usually doesn’t have any anti-phishing protection. Additionally, they have multiple advantages over a phishing link embedded directly in an email.

Another reason is these phishing emails are easily getting through the email security gateways because currently email gateway sandbox is not capable of scanning the QR code and providing the verdict on whether it is phishing or not. Due to a lack of inspection from email security gateways, attackers are taking advantage and more commonly targeting users with QR code phishing techniques.

How Quishing Attacks Work?

The attack begins with an email that claims the recipient must take action to update/view their organizational account settings. These emails carry PNG, JPEG, GIF, or attachments containing a QR code. The recipient is prompted to scan to verify their account. These emails also show an urgency to act within 2-3 days in the email subject such as “Urgent”, “Important”, and “2FA” to trick the user into sending emails related to ‘salaries’, ‘increments’, ‘appraisals’ etc.

The QR codes in this campaign also use redirects in well-known domains such as Baidu, GoDaddy, IPFS, etc. URLs to send the targets to a Microsoft 365 phishing page to evade security.

To view all the steps of this type of attack, provided by SecurityHQ analysts, with screenshots showcasing notes from the field, and recommendations to mitigate against such threats, view the full blog here.

www.securityhq.com

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