That’s why these three Cs are the mission of the Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA): the heart of its work pioneering professional standards, shaping the conversation on competency, and equipping the sector to respond effectively to both regulatory and societal change.
Across construction industry and its many sectors, organisations are under increasing pressure to meet evolving standards, implement best practices and demonstrate that safety and accountability are central to their operations.
This is where trade associations must step in. While many exist to represent their industries, only a few are determined to lead them. Not all associations are created equal. The best don’t just serve as a badge of membership - they act as engines of professionalisation, guardians of standards and champions of future workforce development.
A Profession, Not Just a Job
Powered pedestrian doors perform vital functions in terms of public access, building security and safety. Behind these systems is a skilled workforce whose expertise impacts everything from fire safety and emergency planning to safeguarding and inclusivity.
ADSA’s purpose has always been to professionalise the sector - to ensure those designing, manufacturing, installing and maintaining automatic doors are trained, accredited, and confident in their responsibilities. The association believes this is fundamental to improving quality and safety across the board.
“We have always believed that competency and accountability go hand-in-hand,” says Ken Price, ADSA’s Managing Director. “Our focus has been on creating a pathway for individuals to not only meet standards but to exceed them; ensuring the industry can consistently demonstrate professionalism and earn the trust of the wider construction sector and the public.”
While many organisations wait for change to happen, ADSA takes a different approach - it actively anticipates the challenges ahead and ensures its members are equipped to face them.
The association constantly monitors changes across legislation, technical standards, health and safety and public expectations - working closely with regulatory bodies and technical experts to lead the development of new training and learning resources.
The introduction of EN 17352 - a European safety standard for the safe use of power operated pedestrian entrance control equipment such as powered turnstiles, swing lanes and retractable lanes – is an example of this. ADSA was the first in its sector to anticipate requirements by developing bespoke training and guidance aligned with the new standard when it was introduced. Its course has been running since 2023 and a new renewal accreditation is being developed.
“When standards like EN 17352 are introduced, we don’t wait for the industry to catch up - we get there first,” Price explains. “We work closely with manufacturers, installers and end-users to interpret the implications and provide relevant learning resources so that our members are ready to act confidently and compliantly.”
This forward-looking philosophy is also guiding ADSA’s approach to Martyn’s Law - the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 - which will increase protection from terrorist threats in public spaces. It will place a legal responsibility on venues to mitigate risks, many of which involve access control and entrance systems.
“Legislation like Martyn’s Law demands a level of preparedness that must be built in advance,” says Price. “Our role is to ensure that our members can respond professionally and demonstrate competency the moment it becomes law, not months or years after.”
Raising the Bar on Standards
Central to ADSA’s leadership is its work on industry standards and competency frameworks. These form the backbone of professional practice and are critical to building trust - between contractors and clients, employers and staff, and regulators and the wider industry.
ADSA is not just a conduit for standards - it is an active participant in developing them. One of its most significant contributions in recent years has been to the Joint Competency Initiative, which emerged in response to the Building Safety Act 2022. This legislation marked a turning point in UK construction, placing new emphasis on the need for demonstrable competence at every level of the supply chain.
ADSA has so far invested over 500 hours of expert input into this initiative, providing insight, devising documentation and leadership on how to embed competency standards in the context of powered pedestrian door systems.
Not-for-Profit, Built for Purpose
Another key factor that defines ADSA’s leadership is its structure. ADSA is a not-for-profit association. It has no shareholders, no private owners and no commercial interest beyond the good of the industry.
This model allows ADSA to reinvest all income back into member services, training programmes, technical research and policy development. Every decision is made with the long-term needs of the sector in mind.
Central to ADSA’s leadership is its work on industry standards and competency frameworks. These form the backbone of professional practice and are critical to building trust - between contractors and clients, employers and staff, and regulators and the wider industry.
ADSA is not just a conduit for standards - it is an active participant in developing them. One of its most significant contributions in recent years has been to the Joint Competency Initiative, which emerged in response to the Building Safety Act 2022. This legislation marked a turning point in UK construction, placing new emphasis on the need for demonstrable competence at every level of the supply chain.
ADSA has so far invested over 500 hours of expert input into this initiative, providing insight, devising documentation and leadership on how to embed competency standards in the context of powered pedestrian door systems.
“These conversations are long, detailed, and technical but they are vital,” says Price. “Being at the table matters. If we’re not present and participating, the voice of our sector risks being overlooked.”
Another key factor that defines ADSA’s leadership is its structure. ADSA is a not-for-profit association. It has no shareholders, no private owners and no commercial interest beyond the good of the industry.
This model allows ADSA to reinvest all income back into member services, training programmes, technical research and policy development. Every decision is made with the long-term needs of the sector in mind.
“Our structure is our strength,” outlines Price. “It ensures that we are always acting in the best interest of the industry - not chasing profit and delivering value.”
Building the Workforce of the Future
Workforce development is an urgent issue across construction and its specialist sectors. As demand for skilled labour increases and experienced workers retire, the need for accessible training and clear career pathways is critical.
In developing an apprenticeship for powered pedestrian door technicians, the association is building those pathways helping people enter the industry, upskill, and progress. Since its launch in March 2021, 70 apprentices have undertaken the process as part of seven cohorts – bringing new lifeblood to the industry.
Continuous professional development (CPD) is also key to maintaining and updating skills and awareness. ADSA delivers this through a combination of classroom and live-stream courses, webinars and e-learning.
The ADSA Academy, an online learning platform updated last year, provides accredited learning, practical guidance and assessments aligned with current industry standards. It’s an essential tool not just for individuals, but for companies aiming to meet compliance obligations and demonstrate due diligence.
Many of its courses are free and the platform now has enhanced personalisation features to support users on their learner journeys. In turn, this supports operational needs and staff retention for ADSA members.
A Trusted Voice in the Industry
An industry-leading trade association must do more than represent - it must lead with authority, integrity and foresight. ADSA, this year celebrating its 40th anniversary, has a proven track record and continues to be a trusted voice in regulatory discussions, a proactive force in training and standards, and a strategic partner for its members.
By remaining aligned with national priorities, engaging directly with legislative frameworks, and reinvesting in the skills and knowledge of its workforce, ADSA is ensuring that the sector it represents is always ready to rise to the challenge.
For more information on how to become an ADSA member email: membership@adsa.org.uk or see https://adsa.org.uk/membership/become-a-member/
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Workforce development is an urgent issue across construction and its specialist sectors. As demand for skilled labour increases and experienced workers retire, the need for accessible training and clear career pathways is critical.
In developing an apprenticeship for powered pedestrian door technicians, the association is building those pathways helping people enter the industry, upskill, and progress. Since its launch in March 2021, 70 apprentices have undertaken the process as part of seven cohorts – bringing new lifeblood to the industry.
Continuous professional development (CPD) is also key to maintaining and updating skills and awareness. ADSA delivers this through a combination of classroom and live-stream courses, webinars and e-learning.
The ADSA Academy, an online learning platform updated last year, provides accredited learning, practical guidance and assessments aligned with current industry standards. It’s an essential tool not just for individuals, but for companies aiming to meet compliance obligations and demonstrate due diligence.
Many of its courses are free and the platform now has enhanced personalisation features to support users on their learner journeys. In turn, this supports operational needs and staff retention for ADSA members.
“The future of our industry depends on our ability to invest in people,” reflects Price. “Whether they’re just starting out or have been in the industry for 20 years, they need access to structured development that helps them grow.”
Member Benefits That Drive Real Impact
Membership of ADSA has an extended range of high-value benefits that support businesses technically, professionally and commercially. These include:- Access to training and assessments for staff worth over £4,000 annually including use of the ADSA Academy
- Industry-specific courses and technical bulletins with updates on regulations, product safety and compliance
- Member communications including Opening Doors Magazine, email newsletters and Tech Talk podcast.
- Opportunities to participate in development forums and industry networking events
- Inclusion in its Find a Member web directory.
“These aren’t token perks,” states Price. “They are practical tools that make a real difference. Whether it’s staying compliant, winning contracts, or retaining staff, ADSA membership helps companies succeed.”
A Trusted Voice in the Industry
An industry-leading trade association must do more than represent - it must lead with authority, integrity and foresight. ADSA, this year celebrating its 40th anniversary, has a proven track record and continues to be a trusted voice in regulatory discussions, a proactive force in training and standards, and a strategic partner for its members.
By remaining aligned with national priorities, engaging directly with legislative frameworks, and reinvesting in the skills and knowledge of its workforce, ADSA is ensuring that the sector it represents is always ready to rise to the challenge.
“At ADSA, we believe that what sets a leading trade body apart is not glossy perks or passive prestige - it is the proactive, consistent and often unseen work to drive industry-wide progress and integrity.
“Our ambition is simple,” concludes Price. “To ensure that every door to our sector opens with professionalism, competence, and pride.”
For more information on how to become an ADSA member email: membership@adsa.org.uk or see https://adsa.org.uk/membership/become-a-member/
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We post articles up to twice a day and never delete them - we only archive them each year so that they continue to remain visible to search engines.
To have your story published - just send us your news item, logo and image(s) and we will review the material, make any necessary changes to the wording / wordcount and then advise you when it will be published.
If you are a regular advertiser in our printed and online publications, placing series bookings for adverts or subscribing to our VIP Packages, you will qualify for a specific number of free postings on this blog while you continue to advertise with us. See our media pack for more details.
Also, if you purchase one of our Online and Print Combo packages, Featured Articles or Advertorial packages shown in our media pack, posting on this blog is included in the price.
For details and rates for all of our advertising options in print and online, download our media pack contact us or visit our website.
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