The Door Industry Journal: August 2025

Sunday, 31 August 2025

Aston Martin Vantage clinches European Le Mans Series win plus crucial podium

Vantage, Aston Martin’s most successful racing car, enjoyed a winning weekend with significant victories in Europe and a crucial podium finish in North America’s IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IMSA) that has intensified the battle for the GTD crown as the series nears its climax.

Fresh from achieving its maiden FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) LMGT3 podium finish with the Vantage GT3 at the Rolex 6 hours of Sao Paulo last month, the Racing Spirit of Leman team continued its magnificent recent form with a maiden European Le Mans Series (ELMS) class win at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium.

After Clement Mateu qualified third in the LMGT3 category in challenging wet conditions, he joined Erwan Bastard and Aston Martin works driver Valentin Hasse Clot across the fourhour race to finish on the top step of the podium.

The victory moved the French trio into the lead of the championship with just two races to go. In IMSA, Seattle-based partner team The Heart of Racing (THOR) team finished third in the GTD class with its #27 Vantage GT3 after a stirring fightback in the opening third of the race.

Having qualified fourth, Casper Stevenson (GBR) was shuffled back to 11th by the second corner after suffering contact from behind. But he recovered to sixth by the end of the opening stint and his team-mate, Aston Martin works driver Tom Gamble, continued the car’s progress through the following two hours as the pair finished third, less than three seconds away from victory.

The results, achieved in the final IMSA sprint race of the year before the endurance events at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Petit Le Mans, moved Stevenson up to second place in the Drivers’ points and THOR team to second in the Teams’ rankings.

Beechdean Motorsport was victorious in the GT3 Silver-Am category of the British GT Championship at Brands Hatch as drivers Andrew Howard (GBR) and Tom Wood (GBR) increased their lead in the standings with just one race remaining in the 2025 season.

It was the second year in a row in which Beechdean has won the Silver-Am category at Brands Hatch with the Vantage GT3, which shares the mechanical architecture of the ultraluxury Vantage road car and is built around Aston Martin’s proven bonded aluminium chassis and powered by its fearsome twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine.

The Beechdean Vantage finished fifth outright and was the second of two Vantage GT3s to finish in the top five. The other was Blackthorn’s #7 example, which qualified second overall thanks to the combined efforts of Giacomo Petrobelli (ITA) and Aston Martin works driver Jonny Adam (GBR) and finished fourth as the pair moved into second place in the overall standings while Adam continues his quest to win an unprecedented fifth series title.

Adam Carter, Aston Martin Head of Endurance Motorsport, said: “It’s been a very good weekend for Vantage with wins and podiums in three series that are extremely important to Aston Martin; the ELMS and IMSA, which are leading championships in their respective continents, and in British GT, which has a special place for Aston Martin as an iconic British brand and has been one of our most successful domestic series.

"These results continue to prove the adaptability and performance of the Vantage GT3 on a variety of circuits and highlight the fantastic job being done by our partner teams. We congratulate them all and will give them – and all AMR partner teams – our full support as they push for title success in their respective championships.”

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Saturday, 30 August 2025

Engineering a better future through design

In an increasingly connected and security-conscious world, innovation in locks and access control is not just a matter of convenience, it’s a necessity. As threats to physical and digital security continue to evolve, so must the design and engineering of locks and access control solutions.

Advancements in smart locks, biometric systems, and integrated platforms are redefining access control, providing end users with greater control, and seamless interoperability with broader security ecosystems.

Perla Munhoz, Director & Head of Product Design at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA, discusses how her role is driving impact and helping to engineer a safer and smarter future.

Blending Creativity with Purpose

At ASSA ABLOY, design is more than aesthetics—it’s a strategic enabler that connects creativity with purpose. Perla, a key member of the EMEIA CTO team, describes her role as a mix of strategic thinking and hands-on execution. Collaborating closely with colleagues Perla ensures that design is embedded at every stage of the innovation lifecycle.

Perla says: “Our goal is to make sure design is never an afterthought. It’s not just about how a product looks. It’s about usability, manufacturability, security, sustainability—and ultimately, making life easier for the people who use it.”

Together with her team, Perla provides design leadership, customer insight, and practical outputs to support business areas across the EMEIA region. From 3D-CAD concepts and photorealistic renderings to prototypes, user testing, and installation assessments, the team’s contributions accelerate decision-making, improve collaboration, and sharpen focus on customer needs—all while aligning with safety, quality, and commercial objectives.

Perla’s path into design began long before she thought of it as a career path. As a child in Brazil, Perla was endlessly curious, building, creating, and dismantling objects with the instinct of a natural inventor. Perla joined ASSA ABLOY in 1999 as a trainee while studying mechanical engineering and product design in Sweden.

Perla’s early years included hands-on rotations through production and R&D, gaining practical insights into how design decisions influence product performance. From working on lock cases and emergency devices to leading design for architectural and electronic products, her journey has mirrored the evolution of design as a strategic function within the business.

Perla has championed design and innovation through the launch of ASSA ABLOY’s Stockholm design studio, created for usability testing. The design studio promotes innovation through design and engineering by simulating real-life scenarios and offering a scalable model for future testing environments.

To be able to continue to innovate, Perla is passionate about inspiring the next generation. Perla believes that visibility and storytelling are essential to bringing more people, in particular women, into engineering and design.

Perla says: “When we show what’s possible, we help others imagine themselves in our shoes. That’s especially powerful for younger generations.

“I was inspired by my mother who came from a very poor background in Brazil and worked tirelessly so I could study and shape my future. Her quiet leadership taught me that with humility and persistence, anything is possible.”

To learn more about ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA and our career opportunities visit: www.assaabloy.com/career/en/diversity-inclusion

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Friday, 29 August 2025

EasyGates Direct & Dnake, Streamlining Property Access and Control Together

EasyGates Direct, longtime suppliers of reliable home security and a variety of Dnake products; are here to tell us why Dnake’s new IP Cloud Solution, in combination with EGD’s exclusive complete kits are a gamechanger for both single and multi-resident sites.

Dnake’s new Cloud Service offers up a cutting-edge mobile app and powerful cloud management platform, with features tailored to residents, property managers and installers alike. Enjoy remote management, intercom deployment, smart unlocking options and much more; all included within a convenient web-based App which is accessible anytime, anywhere. With an effortless interface and unparalleled flexibility, its key features have been designed with a comprehensive understanding of the requirements for all demographics.

For Installers, the Dnake Cloud Service eliminates the need for wiring and installation of units and significantly reduces costs. With its remote management capabilities, you can seamlessly add, remove or modify projects and intercoms remotely, cutting down numbers of on-site visits to save time and resources.

Property Managers are able to access resident information at any time, checking the status of intercom devices or updating their user access and property details. With the ability to view entry and alarm logs from wherever they are, overall management is more convenient and efficient.

For Residents, the Dnake Cloud allows access to their property via a smartphone or tablet. Users can also receive video calls from guests or delivery drivers and unlock doors or gates remotely. Additionally, the SIP feature enables calls via phone line, landline or SIP phone, ensuring no visitor is missed.

When purchasing Dnake products from EasyGates Direct, customers have the choice of a variety of different kits, specifically curated by EGD for a range of different circumstances and properties. For those with the family home in mind, the DNAKE S213K 4G Door Entry Kit is designed for a single residency and is packed full of user-friendly features. Two-year pre-paid SIM, Event log storage, video recording, access via PIN or proximity reader and a simple call button for visitors, it even has a cute Snapshot feature to add references to the camera roll.

For those looking to secure and manage multi-residency buildings, EasyGates Direct product wiz Dave Blake would recommend the Dnake S615 or S617, 4G IP Door Entry Kits: “The key difference between these kits is the addition of a physical keypad control which is built-in to the S615, whilst the more recently released S617 instead features an updated, sleek touchscreen interface.

"Both the S615 and S617 offer cutting edge technology for continuous communication, robust connectivity and enhanced security access control. With features such as the Anti-Spoofing facial recognition, individual access control for residents via the App and a simple Apartment Dial, managing access has never been so convenient.”

The power of Dnake’s Cloud Service alongside EGD’s own custom Kits, offer the perfect all-inclusive experience to automation and secure access. With the intercom device of your choosing, 4G modems, two-year, pre-paid SIMs, enclosures, mounts and now the free Smartlife App and Cloud Service all included in one neat package, you’ll be hard pressed to find a competitor with such a complete and coherent package of solutions, all in one place.

www.easygatesdirect.co.uk

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Thursday, 28 August 2025

UL Certification Reinforces Commitment to Safety and Innovation Across Markets

DoorBird, a leading provider of smart video door communication systems, proudly announces that its product line has achieved the UL certification, a rigorous safety standard for Audio/Video, Information, and Communication Technology Equipment.

This certification underscores DoorBird’s dedication to delivering professionally engineered, future-ready solutions for the commercial and multi-family residential sectors.

This certification confirms that DoorBird products meet stringent North American safety standards, ensuring dependable performance in both the United States and Canada. It provides comprehensive protection against electrical shock, fire, and mechanical hazards, which is essential for safeguarding users, tenants, and property in commercial, institutional, and multi-family environments.

By aligning with internationally harmonized standards, the certification facilitates seamless integration into global projects and enhances trust among stakeholders. It is based on a modern hazard-based safety engineering (HBSE) approach, making it well-suited for the evolving demands of smart buildings and multifunctional technologies.

Finally, this certification serves as a clear signal to integrators, developers, and property managers that DoorBird products are professionally engineered and validated by a trusted third party, reinforcing their suitability for high-performance, professional-grade installations.

From luxury high-rises to mixed-use developments, as well as educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and commercial spaces, DoorBird’s certified intercoms, smart door stations, and video systems are engineered to meet the demands of today’s connected environments. This certification further strengthens DoorBird’s position as a trusted partner for architects, system integrators, and real estate developers seeking reliable, scalable, and secure access solutions.

DoorBird’s D21x series product line has achieved the UL certification under UL 62368-1:2019 Ed.3 + CSA C22.2#62368-1:2019 Ed.3.

www.doorbird.com

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Wednesday, 27 August 2025

Hörmann UK Announces 12 Categories for Partner Standard Awards

Hörmann UK has unveiled 12 categories for its Partner Standard Awards, set to open for submissions on 1st September 2025. These prestigious awards are designed to honour the achievements, innovation, and dedication of Hörmann’s nationwide network of trusted dealers.

Now in its fifth year, the Partner Standard Awards are set to continue the celebration of excellence across all areas of business performance. This year, Hörmann has refreshed and expanded the award structure by introducing four new categories and ensuring broader recognition and inclusivity for dealers of all sizes and specialisms.

The 12 categories for the awards are:

Business Growth
Composite Door Installation
Customer Choice
Innovation
Most Installations
RollMatic T Installation
Customer Experience
Digital Engagement
Showroom Experience
Social Impact
Rising Star
Team of the Year

“Our annual Partner Standard Awards offer an opportunity for our partners to be recognised for their achievements and ongoing commitment to quality,” said David O’Mara, Marketing Manager at Hörmann UK. “This year, we’re making the awards more accessible to everyone and planning to celebrate the success of even more dealers. We’ve introduced four new categories, and we are confident the awards will raise the bar once again.”

The submission window will run from 1st September to 6th October 2025, and all Hörmann Partner Standard dealers are encouraged to participate. More details on the entry process, judging criteria, and the in-person awards ceremony will be released in the coming weeks.

www.hormann.co.uk

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Tuesday, 26 August 2025

SIMONSWERK UK Strengthens Sales Leadership With New Appointment

Leading hinge system manufacturer SIMONSWERK UK has announced the appointment of Andrew Kite as Head of Sales.

The appointment represents a strategic move to strengthen the company's presence in the UK market as it continues to expand its premium door hardware solutions.

Andrew brings over a decade of strategic sales leadership experience from the kitchen industry, having worked with some of the sector's most prominent names. His career began with the Franke Group in the UK through their Future Leaders Programme, where he progressed from Sales Manager to National Sales Manager, leading the UK Projects Channel and serving as an integral member of the senior leadership team.

Subsequently, Andrew played a key role in launching the House of Rohl in the UK, consolidating four unique British heritage brands under a single umbrella for Fortune Brands. Most recently, he served as Head of Sales at Omega Kitchens, a leading British kitchen furniture manufacturer, where he expanded the sales team and successfully targeted mid- to high-end developers across the UK, securing prestigious projects in London.

"I'm thrilled to be joining SIMONSWERK at such an exciting time in the company's development," says Andrew. "The company's reputation for premium quality and innovation in hinge systems, combined with their strong heritage of over 135 years in European manufacturing, makes this an ideal opportunity for me to apply my experience in a new sector. The parallels between the kitchen industry and the door hardware market are significant, particularly when it comes to serving discerning customers who demand both aesthetic excellence and functional performance."

Andrew's appointment comes as SIMONSWERK continues to build on its strong UK presence, with manufacturing operations in Tipton dating back to 1977. The company has established itself as a leader in premium hinge solutions across multiple applications, from traditional timber and PVCu doors to sophisticated glass door systems and the innovative TECTUS concealed hinge range.

"Andrew's extensive experience in strategic sales leadership, particularly his success in targeting high-end developers and securing prestigious projects, aligns perfectly with our ambitions for the UK market," explains Robin Guy, Managing Director at SIMONSWERK UK. "His track record of expanding sales teams and building relationships with premium customers will be invaluable as we look to strengthen our presence across all sectors of the door industry. The skills he's developed in the kitchen industry, where quality and design are paramount, translate directly to our premium positioning in the door hardware market."

In his new role, Andrew will work closely with the existing UK team to drive continued growth and strengthen SIMONSWERK's market position. His responsibilities will include developing strategic partnerships, expanding the customer base, and ensuring the company's premium product range reaches new market segments.

For more information about the SIMONSWERK product range, contact the sales team. Email info@simonswerk.co.uk, call 01215 222848, or visit www.simonswerk.co.uk

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Monday, 25 August 2025

JDUK Sets the Standard with Industry Leading Roller Garage Door Components

With over two decades of industry experience, JDUK Door Systems continues to lead the way in the UK’s garage door sector, supplying premium roller garage door components that are trusted, tested, and widely used across the trade.

Specialising in high-performance garage and entrance door products from top-tier global manufacturers, JDUK has become synonymous with quality, reliability, and innovation. Now, the company is reinforcing its position with a newly expanded line of roller door component options, giving trade installers even greater flexibility and installation efficiency.

Bigger Doors, Better Flexibility - New End Plate Sizes Available

In keeping with JDUK’s ethos of continuous improvement, the company has enhanced its component offering with three new end plate sizes; 205mm, 300mm, and 250mm the latter now reintroduced by popular demand.

These larger end plates allow installers to build wider and taller doors, up to 2125mm high when using the 250mm end plate. Transitioning between 70mm and 98mm guides is effortless thanks to JDUK’s innovative big peg–small peg adaptor, which is included as standard. With pre-drilled holes, included guide rollers and fixings, installers save time, reduce waste, and maximise efficiency during installation.

Strength Where It Matters - New 1.5mm Octagonal Steel Tube

JDUK has also launched a 1.5mm thick octagonal steel tube, offering significantly greater rigidity and strength for larger roller doors compared to the standard 1.2mm tube. This improvement ensures superior door stability, especially on wider installations.

Expanding Colour Options for Style & Substance

Aesthetics meet functionality with JDUK’s ever-expanding colour palette. The 77mm insulated lath range now includes; Agate Grey, Chartwell Green, and Rosewood.

These new finishes help homeowners customise their exteriors, while installers can provide bespoke solutions that meet both design and performance expectations.

Trusted by the Trade – Backed by Performance

JDUK’s roller garage door components are among the most trusted in the UK market, with an estimated 30-50% of all roller garage doors in the country built using JDUK-supplied components.

These components are engineered for:

Thermal efficiency and lightweight performance
Durability and security across all climates
Corrosion resistance and weather resilience
Ease of fabrication and installation

Every part is rigorously tested to ensure long-term reliability and performance, giving installers and their customers total peace of mind.

Trade-Focused Support

JDUK remains committed to providing the trade with expert service, streamlined ordering, and responsive technical support. For more details on roller door components from JDUK, contact the team at sales@jdukltd.co.uk, www.jdukltd.co.uk, or call 01924 472 924.

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Sunday, 24 August 2025

STUNNING AND UN-RACED JAGUAR D-TYPE AT INAUGURAL ZÜRICH AUCTION

Broad Arrow Auctions, a Hagerty (NYSE: HGTY) company, is proud to offer one of the most pristine examples of the iconic Jaguar D-Type at its inaugural Zürich Auction this November.

One of only 71 produced, Chassis XKD 551 is a rare short-nose version of the D-Type and one of the last to have been manufactured. Its desirability is undeniable and further enhanced by the fact that it has never been used in competition, which will undoubtedly generate intense interest among the international collector car community.

The Jaguar D-Type will be a highlight of Broad Arrow’s Zürich Auction, which will be held in partnership with Auto Zürich at the world famous Dolder Grand hotel on Saturday 1 November 2025.

“We are extremely honoured to have been granted the opportunity to offer this incredible Jaguar D-Type at our first Zürich Auction,” says Yves Boitel, Car Specialist, EMEA, at Broad Arrow Auctions. “The fact that this car has never been used competitively and has been meticulously cared for throughout its life, makes it one of the most exceptional D-Types in existence and one that will surely create great excitement among collectors.”

Manufactured in 1956, chassis XKD 551 was sold to its first private owner in October 1957, who rather than heading to the nearest racetrack as many D-Types did, carefully converted it to semi-XKSS specification, removing the central bulkhead, adding a passenger door, and fitting a full-width windscreen. In 1963, ownership moved to Hon. James Dawnay, who famously owned and raced the Aston Martin DBR1/1. Motorsport provenance continued when it was sold to Australian Formula 1 driver Paul Hawkins.

The 1970s saw another owner remove the XKSS-style modifications to return this highly collectible D-Type to its original configuration, and it eventually landed with its current Swiss owner in 1994. Prior to this, the original XK inline-six engine (no. E 2070-9) had been removed to ensure its preservation, with a correct specification engine fitted in its place. The new owner invested in a significant rebuild of the original engine, which continued to be preserved in storage for the next two decades. Recently, XKD 551 was reunited with its original engine, still fresh from its 2005 rebuild, and this incredible D-Type was treated to a service by the renowned Swiss specialists Graber Sportgarage in preparation for the sale.

This extremely rare, un-raced example of the iconic Jaguar D-Type, complete with matching chassis and engine numbers, represents a remarkable opportunity for any discerning collector. It is also accompanied by previous FIA Historical Identity Form (1992), FIA Passport (2009) and FIVA Identity Card (2012), and is eligible for the world's most celebrated historic racing events, including the Goodwood Revival, Silverstone Classic, Mille Miglia Storica, Le Mans Classic, Monaco Historic Grand Prix, and Spa Classic.

“The excitement is building ahead of our inaugural Zürich Auction,” says Paul Gaucher, Head of Consignments for Switzerland at Broad Arrow Auctions. “The addition of this truly superb example of the iconic Jaguar D-Type will undoubtedly add to that excitement among international car collectors. There is plenty more to come and we can’t wait to share additional news on the highly desirable models that will be joining the catalogue soon.”

Additional information on The Zürich Auction is available at www.broadarrowauctions.com. Collectors interested in consigning to or attending the auction are invited to speak with a Broad Arrow car specialist about this very special addition to the international collector car calendar.

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Saturday, 23 August 2025

Novoferm celebrates 70 Years

Earlier this year, Novoferm - the European leader manufacturer of industrial, domestic and commercial door solutions - proudly celebrated a significant milestone: its 70th anniversary.

What began as a local metal and steel construction business in a workshop on the Lower Rhine in 1955, transformed itself into one of Europe’s leading system suppliers of doors and door solutions with more than 3,500 employees and annual turnover of more than 700 million euros. This journey, marked by strategic vision, innovation and continuous growth tells a story of resilience, adaptability and forward thinking.

Today, Novoferm has an impressive network of manufacturing locations across Europe and markets our products globally through many national companies and sales partners. Over the last decades, we have expanded our product portfolio with many innovative and customer orientated solutions where we continually push the boundaries of what’s possible in door solutions.

Innovation has always been at the core of Novoferm’s success. From advanced operators and control systems such as the NovoPort Speed. This operator breaks from tradition and is the only side mounted operator on the market. Instead of being fixed to the ceiling, it is integrated into the side door track which enables to keep the ceiling clear and eliminates common installation challenges, making it ideal for in between fits and low ceilings.

What’s more, since 2022 the range has included the Evolution premium sectional doors for private garages. With a new thermal barrier which sits between the rigid polyurethane foam core of each panel, this helps to reduce heat loss enabling the door to achieve an insulation value of U(p)= 0.46 W/m2K, with thermal optimisation on three sides & double seals. The new optimised thermal door improves thermal insulation by up to 17% when mounted behind the opening.

For its 70th anniversary, Novoferm is not only looking back on a successful past, but also with anticipation to the future. The years ahead will be marked by innovative technologies and digitalisation to continue our development that was based on the foundations set 70 years ago. Our continuous growth reflects the company's commitment to modern, energy efficient and user-friendly designs where we look forward to working closely with our sales partners and showcasing our commitment to you.

Here at Novoferm UK, we are also continuing to evolve and strengthen our position in the market. As part of this forward momentum, we are proud to announce the expansion of our leadership team with the appointment of; Luciana Kola - Head of Marketing, Tristan Euridge - Head of Product Development and Daniel Kirkland - Commercial Director. These strategic additions bring fresh expertise and vision, ensuring that we stay ahead of industry trends and continue to deliver exceptional value to our customers. With this enhanced leadership structure, we are well positioned to drive innovation, improve our customer experience and further solidify our commitment to excellence for years to come.

www.novoferm.co.uk

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Friday, 22 August 2025

Grenfell: Uncovered

I was going to write about Sustainability in this article but decided to ‘shelve’ that after watching Grenfell: Uncovered (Netflix 20/6 /25)…

There was not anything particularly new in this documentary but it was compelling viewing. Even eight years after the avoidable disaster, one is still left feeling numb seeing the level of incompetence and dishonesty...

The programme concentrated on the cladding used on the building which was described as ‘a petticoat to prettify it in a rich borough’. Of course, Grenfell had many other failures which contributed to the death of 72 people. For example, containing fire/smoke within a flat (compartmentation) is critical in tower blocks and is essential in a building that has a ‘stay put’ policy. Fire started the tragedy but it was smoke and toxic fumes that killed all of the people. And, essentially, the spread of choking black smoke was partly a result of non-compliant fire resisting doors being fitted to the flats and/or the doors not being properly maintained.

The fire doors in Grenfell Tower were not fit for purpose. They failed to meet the minimum 30 minute fire standard in post-fire tests. Furthermore, they were not fitted with cold smoke seals, which are essential for preventing smoke leakage. This was not helped by the fact that many of the self-closing mechanisms were either broken or missing. This meant the doors were ineffective at preventing the spread of smoke and toxic gases which hindered escape efforts.

History cannot be changed but let’s at least learn from history to prevent tragedies of this type happening in the future. The Government already knew about the possibility of a Grenfell type disaster following the investigation of the fire that killed 6 people in Lakanal House, Camberwell, London in 2009.

It is impossible to eliminate all risks of failure but the risks can be reduced. In this respect, for many years, DHF has been campaigning, particularly in respect of fire doors, that they should be factory prepared complete doorsets, properly tested and third party certified. Of course, that is just the start of the journey. Following that, they should only be installed by competent people who have been properly trained and then maintained and periodically inspected by qualified fire door inspectors.

www.dhfonline.org

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Thursday, 21 August 2025

Fire Safety Testing Standards: Navigating a U-Turn

Where architectural hardware and fire safety share a vital link, how can the supply chain protect the integrity of buildings whilst navigating a reversal in fire safety testing standards. Director of Consort Architectural Hardware, Daniel May, provides comment.

In September 2024, the UK government announced an extension for the recognition of CE marking on construction products in Great Britain. The sudden change was described as part of a wider strategy to enhance building and fire safety, though, in effectively reversing the previous decision to phase out CE marking, how can the industry ensure it’s moving forward and not simply turning back?

Building regulations are paramount in maintaining safety throughout a structure's lifecycle and with fire safety specifically, rigorous product testing is needed to ensure both active and passive fire systems perform appropriately in the event of a fire. For decades, regulations have developed to form a minimum testing standard and whilst change can often suggest steady progress, the first amendment to Approved Document B has demonstrated a considerable shift in the fire safety landscape.

The latest legislation revision also confirmed that from September 2029, the National system for the classification of fire doors will no longer be accepted as a method of demonstrating compliance with UK building regulations. And so, as many began preparing for the UK’s UKCA marking to replace the EU’s CE mark - alongside the UK’s current approach to door hardware testing - this update now demands regulatory, technical and commercial input, and brings with it a level of uncertainty that must soon be resolved.

Daniel May of Consort Architectural Hardware says: “Following the events of the Grenfell Tower disaster, fire safety legislation has progressed with purpose, forcing players throughout the supply chain to step up or be thrown overboard under a sea of non-compliance. With Dame Judith Hackitt’s Report, an emphasis on raising fire safety standards has been a much needed focus for the construction industry, but with the latest legislation U-turn, there are some questions being raised.

“The recent pivot by the UK government to extend recognition of CE marking seems a pragmatic move but adds another layer of complexity and confusion. CE marking will continue to be accepted beyond the 30th of June 2025, as the government explores the long-term future of CE and UKCA marking as part of its ‘system-wide reform’ of construction products. Though the extension of CE marking may ease the compliance burden for some, it effectively sidelines UKCA for many product categories, and for those who followed the rules, there is perhaps a sense of betrayal. How can we be sure the industry may not need to revert back in future?

“Further questions are being raised regarding the end of a long period of dual specification in favour for European testing standards too. For fire doors and their hardware specifically, the UK has been following a dual approach to performance classification, with both British Standard 476: 22 (BS 476) and EN 1634-1 used concurrently to certify the standards of products. Although each assessment method is designed to grade doorsets between FD30 and FD240, navigating the UK’s dual regulatory environment can be operationally complex and there may be clear advantages to changing the system, with EN 1634-1 considered a more rigorous testing method and a harmonised approach.

“With that said, the removal of BS 476 is one of the most substantial changes the industry has faced in decades. The theory behind the recommendation may supersede the reality of its implementation, with concerns being voiced about the level of investment and time required to successfully transition to the European classification system. From a capacity viewpoint, if there is not a sufficient level of testing authority within the UK to cope with the potential demand, we face risking the consistency of hardware products as a result of testing backlogs, corner cutting and project delays. To retain the integrity of fire safety across our built environment, further collaboration and clarity is needed.”

Avoiding the cost of confusion

In what may be a period of transition, there must remain one constant focus throughout. Fire doors and their hardware must be tested to the relevant standards for fire resistance, with manufacturers and duty holders being able to show test data evidence at every step of a building’s lifecycle - whether that be at the specification stage, installation or once installed.

Daniel May continues:

“Amidst any conflicting signals and re-testing bottlenecks, stakeholders are urged to consider the big picture - ensuring fire safety is approached at the highest level as we look to protect buildings and their occupants. To continue making progress in this direction, there must be a clear understanding on testing standards, examining how CE and UKCA can coexist in both the short and long term and how UK testing bodies may be supported as they move to EN 1634-1.

“At this stage, there is no requirement to replace existing fire doors and hardware that comply with the BS 476 standard. Though, as the industry prepares for the changes ahead, the supply chain must also remain reliable in its approach to product testing and information accessibility and transparency. When it comes to fire safety compliance, it’s now more important than ever to pursue stability and in doing so, decision makers must collaborate with manufacturers that they can trust.”

www.consort-hw.com

Sources

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ce-marking
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67d17064a005e6f9841a1d50/Approved_Document_B_volume_2_Buildings_other_than_Dwellings_2019_edition_incorporating_2020_2022_and_2025_amendments_collated_with_2026_and_2029_amendments.pdf
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-the-ukca-marking#:~:text=The%20UKCA%20marking%20is%20the,England%2C%20Scotland%20and%20Wales
https://www.thenbs.com/PublicationIndex/documents/details?Pub=BSI&DocID=13548
https://www.thenbs.com/PublicationIndex/documents/details?Pub=NSAI&DocID=306013#:~:text=and%20openable%20windows-,IS%20EN%201634%2D1%3A2014%20Fire%20resistance%20and%20smoke%20control,shutter%20assemblies%20and%20openable%20windows

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Wednesday, 20 August 2025

The Next EVOlution of SeceuroDoor is here

Trailblazing industry leader, SWS UK continues to revolutionise the market with the launch of EVO, a new generation of SeceuroDoor Steel Shutters.

Available to order now, the new EVO version of the popular SeceuroDoor 75 Traditional Shutter boasts an intelligent redesign that enhances durability while simultaneously streamlining product installation. Most impressively, select door dimensions now enable single-person installation – a significant advancement that’s been praised by SWS UK’s distributors.

Innovative Design

The EVO’s ingenious engineering features universal, non-handed endplates that facilitate easier on-site modifications. Installation efficiency increases by up to 27% thanks to a 50% reduction in attachment straps. Additional refinements include bolted endplates that eliminate welding requirements, enhanced adaptor plates, and precision manufacturing techniques – all contributing to EVO’s superior performance and installation experience.

Improved Hood

Completing the EVO model is a new and improved hood that has an anti-climb design with extra folds to increase rigidity. Plus, a 2mm hood extension on each design has been created to reduce water ingress.

Speaking of SWS UK’s exciting new design, Commercial Director, Kevin Lindeque, said: "SeceuroDoor is quickly becoming one of our most popular brands, and with 40 years’ experience under our belt, we wanted to use our expertise to develop the product to its maximum potential. The redesign has resulted in two-fold benefits: a superior product and easier installation for our installers. So far, customer feedback has been excellent, and we’re looking forward to rolling out the EVO design across more of the SeceuroDoor product range."

Garage Door, Roller Shutter & Fire Safety Manufacturer | SWS UK

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