The Door Industry Journal: April 2026

Wednesday, 22 April 2026

ROBUST UK INTRODUCES CORROSION-RESISTANT STEEL GATE SOLUTION

Manufactured from Magnelis® steel, OUTA-GATE offers significantly improved corrosion resistance compared to standard galvanised products. This enhanced protection ensures outstanding performance in exposed environments, reducing maintenance requirements and extending the product’s lifespan.

As a result, OUTA-GATE is supplied with an anti-corrosion warranty of up to 10 years, providing confidence and reassurance for specifiers, contractors and end users.

The low maintenance properties of OUTA-GATE make it particularly well suited to applications where ongoing upkeep must be kept to a minimum, including student accommodation, social housing, rented properties and residential gated communities. Unlike timber alternatives, OUTA-GATE will not warp, rot or require frequent repainting, ensuring a consistent appearance over time.

Developed as a practical and stylish alternative to traditional timber or standard metal gates, OUTA-GATE is suitable for front and rear garden paths, entrances, driveways and controlled access points. The gate features a choice of vertical or horizontal panelling effects on both sides of the leaf, providing a clean and modern appearance.

OUTA-GATE is available off-the-shelf in a range of standard sizes, with widths of 900mm or 1000mm and heights of 1200mm, 1600mm or 2100mm. For customers that require gates up to 1200mm high, OUTA-GATE is supplied with a gate latch as standard, whilst gates over 1200mm include a mortice lock for enhanced security. Double gate options are also available for wider access requirements.

OUTA-GATE is finished in a durable polyester coating and is available in a selection of the most popular colours; Traffic White, Jet Black, Anthracite Grey and Moorland Green. For those seeking a more distinctive look, woodgrain effect finishes and non-standard colours can also be specified alongside a choice of matt black or stainless steel hardware.

Paul Williams, Commercial Director at Robust UK, explains: "This is the first time we have introduced an off-the-shelf steel gate solution, after recognising increased demand in the market for ready-made solutions. This alternative to traditional timber gates delivers enhanced corrosion resistance and long-term durability for both commercial and residential environments.”

www.robust-uk.com/product/outa-gate

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Tuesday, 21 April 2026

ASSA ABLOY extends P600+ cylinder patent for enhanced key copy protection

The P600+ cylinder from ASSA ABLOY has had its patent extended to 2036, providing customers with total peace of mind that their keys are protected against duplication.

The only legal way of securely protecting key blanks, patents prevent unauthorised key copying and maintain secure key control, making them an essential requirement for any cylinder.

Sophie Potts, Product Category Manager at ASSA ABLOY, comments: “There have long been misleading claims out there about key copying and how to protect against it, but the truth is that only patents ensure that extra keys cannot be legally obtained without the owners’ knowledge and permission. With the P600+ patent extension until 2036, we’re providing our customers with complete peace of mind. Not only is the cylinder one of the safest and most secure on the market, but it is comprehensively protected from unauthorised key copying for years to come.”

A robust, high-security solution, the P600+ is tested to the highest demands of EN 1303:2015. Built on cutting-edge pin technology, the cylinder is tested to 500,000 cycles and offers a staggering 170,000 master-key combinations. This makes it ideal for large-scale projects in sectors such as healthcare, education, and local government.

With its paracentric key profile and extended key neck, the P600+ is designed to work with security hardware, providing enhanced security for Euro profile cylinders. The cylinder is also fire-tested to BS EN1634-1 standards, ensuring it can be used on fire doors to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.

Available in a satin finish and in multiple profiles – including Scandi Oval, Scandi Round, UK Oval, Euro, and Round Threaded – the P600+ is also backwards-compatible with existing P600 platforms.

www.assaabloy.com

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Monday, 20 April 2026

Car park access: Choosing the right drive & control for the application

Car park entrances are among the most demanding door applications in the industry. Whether positioned beneath residential apartments, integrated into mixed-use developments, or serving high-turnover commercial sites, they are expected to perform flawlessly—often hundreds of cycles a day—while remaining secure, quiet, and reliable.

We spoke to Dan Pahal, Business Development Manager at GfA UK, to discuss how installers can navigate these complex specifications.

For installers and specifiers, success lies in asking the right questions at the outset. Traffic levels, security, user profile, noise sensitivity, and system integration all influence the correct choice of drive and control package. Get it right, and the result is a high-performing, low-maintenance solution that satisfies end-users, architects, and facilities managers alike.
Understanding traffic demands

The starting point for any car park project is usage. A simple way to estimate demand is to multiply the number of parking spaces by the expected turnover. In busy retail environments, entrances and exits may operate almost continuously at certain times of the day, whereas residential or commercial settings may see distinct peaks in the mornings and evenings.

High traffic volumes demand drives designed for frequent operation and minimal downtime. Underspecifying here risks premature failure of the drive system requiring costly callouts. For these applications, a high-usage, or GfA FI (inverter) drive is often the required solution to handle the duty cycle.

Managing noise and neighbour impact

Noise is frequently the deciding factor in residential and mixed-use projects. A door that rattles, slams, or lingers open can quickly generate complaints from occupants above or beside the car park.

Selecting an FI drive with soft-start and soft-stop functionality significantly reduces mechanical shock and vibration. Inverter drives allow for smoother acceleration and deceleration, improving both acoustic performance and component longevity. While lath type and mounting arrangements are critical to minimising transmitted vibration, the control logic must also be set to avoid unnecessary open times that prolong the disturbance.
Specifying for public use

Unlike industrial sites, many car parks are used by untrained members of the public, which changes the safety equation. Automatic operation, vehicle detection loops, photocells, and safety edges are essential considerations.

Clear logic that ensures the door closes promptly once a vehicle has passed improves both safety and security. Specifiers should refer to BS EN 12453 5.2.1.8 [AC1] to help select the correct type of safety devices for the application.

Where a punched lath or rolling grille is utilised, high-level anti-entrapment sensors must be installed if there is risk of a person being lifted by the door. Installers should also consider control panel accessories, such as blanking plates and safety edge covers, to prevent unauthorised use and vandalism in accessible areas.

Intelligent control and integration

Today’s car-park doors are no longer simple open-and-close mechanisms; they are active parts of the building’s ecosystem.

Integration is increasingly important. In enclosed or underground facilities, doors often need to link with fire-alarm systems, ventilation fans, or building management systems (BMS). The control solution must accommodate these additional signals without compromising reliability.

This orchestration requires a control solution with sufficient inputs and outputs, as well as sufficient flexibility. Functions such as auto-close (triggered once a vehicle clears a detection beam) help prevent doors from remaining open unnecessarily. In ramped or narrow entrances, traffic-light sequencing can manage one-way movement to reduce conflict, while exit stacking management prevents vehicles from queuing out into public roads.

Security beyond the door leaf

Car-park entrances pose a specific security risk, meaning specification must look beyond the door leaf. Whether linked to access cards, remote controls, or ANPR systems, the control panel must integrate seamlessly with external inputs.

Specifiers should consider the logic for both directions. How is unauthorised access prevented on entry? How is tailgating managed to ensure security without causing congestion on exit?

Security also means resilience. Rapid closing after activation reduces the window of vulnerability and discourages misuse.

Checklist: Selecting the right package

When specifying a drive and control solution for a car-park project, a structured checklist helps avoid compromise:

● Cycle rating: Confirm the number of spaces and cycles per hour/day to ensure the drive rating matches the application.

● Door type: Roller shutters, sectional doors, folding gates, and sliding gates all require different drive configurations.

● Speed and smoothness: In busy environments, faster opening reduces vehicle waiting times, but this must be balanced with controlled, quiet movement as with the GfA FI drives.

● Control capability: Ensure the control panel can handle the required peripherals. The GfA TS Control Panel range, for example, is available with 1000mA support to accommodate the additional 24v loading from ancillary devices like traffic lights.

● Safety and security: Specify safety edges, monitoring systems, and anti-entrapment devices.

● Environmental conditions: Consider IP ratings and protection based on where the drive and control are being installed.
Long-term performance

Ultimately, car park access systems are judged on reliability. Facilities managers expect consistent performance with minimal disruption, while residents notice only when something goes wrong.

By carefully assessing traffic levels, user profiles, and integration requirements at the specification stage, installers can match the correct drive and control logic to the application. The result is a solution that delivers smooth operation, strong security, and low noise, even under demanding conditions.

For advice on your car park applications, the GfA sales team is on hand to provide a solution. Contact the team on 01926 452452 option 1.

www.gfa-elektromaten.com

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Sunday, 19 April 2026

Hagerty Launches Exciting 2026 Hangout Events

Hagerty is excited to announce an exciting new season of enthusiast-led events at its UK Clubhouse. Situated at Bicester Motion, the historic heart of the classic car community, the Hagerty Clubhouse will host a series of Hagerty Hangouts.

Hangout events offer a cars and coffee meet that celebrates all aspects of car culture. With great street food options, live music, a full bar and unique activities and attractions at every event, Hangouts are designed to be welcoming and relaxed. While each Hagerty Hangout has a central theme, all vehicles are welcome, classic or modern, providing a great opportunity to meet like-minded enthusiasts, see great cars and enjoy a weekday night away from the TV.

The next Hangout event takes place on Thursday 21st May with space for up to 150 cars. Themed around wings, most will think of the Escort Cosworth or Lamborghini Countach, and while you may see those cars in attendance, remember that all vehicles are welcome, but if it has a wing, all the better. Live music, also tailored to the theme, will entertain the event and food options will certainly include the best chicken wings you have ever tasted.

Starting at 18:00 and running through to 22:00, tickets for the Wings Hangout are priced at just £10 per car, so it is recommended that guests fill available seats with friends and family to enjoy a great value evening out. Note that Hagerty Drivers Club members receive a 50% discount on tickets and will pay only £5.

Further Hangout events will take place on Thursday 9th July and Thursday 10th September. For more information, and to purchase a ticket, please click here.

Mark Roper, Managing Director of Hagerty International, said “Hagerty strives to provide unique and appealing reasons for people to use their classic and enthusiast vehicles, and the Hagerty Hangouts are a great example of that. We built our UK Clubhouse at the heart of Bicester Motion, designed from the outset to host this type of event, and encourage you to visit our home to enjoy some great cars and fantastic atmosphere at the next Hangout event.”

Other Hagerty events include the Hagerty Hill Climb, taking place Saturday 9th May and the Hagerty Festival of the Unexceptional on Saturday 25th July.

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Saturday, 18 April 2026

Experience You Can Trust: Tara McCarthy

Many across the industrial door sector will already know Tara McCarthy, previously Tara O’Donnell, as a familiar and trusted voice at the end of the phone. Following her recent marriage, the name may have changed, but the experience, knowledge and commitment to customer service remain exactly the same.

With an impressive 32 years in the industry, Tara’s career began with Garog in 1994 before moving on to Wayne Dalton and Novoferm. She joined Link Controls in 2005 and has since become one of the most recognisable and respected figures within the business. When the company transitioned from Link Controls to Marantec UK in 2023/24, Tara was a key part of that journey, providing continuity and reassurance to long-standing customers who value familiarity, reliability and consistent technical support.

Today, as a Technical Salesperson at Marantec UK, Tara’s role remains hands-on and firmly customer-focused. Her day-to-day responsibilities include handling enquiries by phone and email, advising on product selection, preparing quotations, processing orders, and liaising closely with Purchasing and Production to monitor lead times and work in progress. It’s a role that demands both technical knowledge and strong communication; qualities she has built steadily over more than three decades working across different manufacturers, product ranges and market conditions.

That breadth of experience gives Tara a practical understanding of how the industry has evolved.

“Customers have become more price-driven,” she explains, “while still wanting quality and reliability.” Balancing those expectations requires a deep understanding of product capability, application suitability and long-term performance; something installers and distributors increasingly expect from suppliers. For many customers, access to knowledgeable technical sales support is just as important as the product itself.

When asked what customers value most today, her answer is clear: reliability, service, quality and a genuine understanding of their requirements. It’s a straightforward philosophy, but one that underpins strong, long-term relationships between supplier and installer. In a sector where downtime can have real operational consequences, dependable products backed by accessible expertise remain critical.

Technical sales, Tara notes, is often about problem-solving as much as selling. “Customers come to us knowing that we are highly likely to have a solution to their needs due to our product knowledge and technical abilities.”

That confidence is built on trust, honesty and consistency, which are qualities that continue to shape Marantec UK’s people-first approach and the way it supports installers, distributors and end users alike.

The transition to Marantec UK has also brought new opportunities. Being part of a global manufacturer provides access to wider product development, engineering expertise and structured processes, while the UK team continues to prioritise local service, accessibility and customer relationships. For customers, that combination of international engineering strength with familiar UK-based support has been an important element of continuity.

Looking ahead, Tara is particularly focused on sharing her experience with newer colleagues within the sales team. Supporting knowledge transfer, strengthening collaboration and ensuring customers continue to receive consistent advice are priorities she sees as vital for the future. Developing internal expertise ultimately translates into better service externally, something she believes customers quickly recognise.

Paul Connor, Managing Director of Marantec UK, recognises the value Tara brings to the business: “Tara represents everything we stand for as a company: experience, professionalism and genuine care for our customers. She is highly respected throughout the industry and plays a vital role in maintaining the relationships that are so important to Marantec UK.”

Team culture also plays a significant role in delivering good service. Close coordination between sales, technical support, purchasing and production ensures customers receive accurate information, realistic lead times and dependable after-sales support. According to Tara, that internal alignment is essential if a supplier wants to build lasting trust in the market.

Outside work, Tara enjoys live music, dancing and travelling, and is now finding more time to enjoy life with her husband Kevin. She currently works four days a week, continuing to provide the same level of dedication and customer care that colleagues and customers alike have come to expect.

www.marantec.co.uk

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Friday, 17 April 2026

HKC announces integration with Abloy SMARTair for lockdown capability

HKC Security has announced a new integration with Abloy’s SMARTair access control system, bringing together HKC’s proven alarm technology with SMARTair’s intelligent software. The integration will help deliver seamless, real-time lockdown for a range of environments such as schools, offices, healthcare, retail and those that require fast, reliable protection.

The integrated system allows for instant communication between alarms and door locks, enabling users to trigger a full lockdown within moments of using a keyfob or emergency button.

When a user presses a HKC emergency button or keyfob, the signal is transmitted via the HKC RF-RBX module to the intruder panel. From there, the system forwards a lockdown command to SMARTair’s Communication Hubs, which relay it immediately to all associated wireless locks.

Once a lockdown is activated, all designated SMARTair devices shift from their normal access mode into a secure state. Door status information, audit events and mode changes are tracked using the SMARTair software, while the HKC SecureComm app provides visibility on when and how the lockdown was triggered.

Users and installers have full oversight, with the ability to manage access rights in real-time, monitor activity logs or open doors remotely if required, combining user management and access control in one platform.

Lockdown does not need to be site wide, as individual doors or groups of locks can be secured instantly, even if they are connected to a different hub across the system, allowing organisations to implement targeted lockdown measures based on the location of an incident. This flexibility reflects the approach set out in Martyn’s Law, which highlights the importance of ensuring public settings are prepared to respond appropriately to security threats.

Damian Lloyd, Head of Marketing at HKC, said: “By combining HKC’s RF technology with SMARTair’s wireless locking capability, we’re offering a fully coordinated lockdown solution that is quick to install and powerful in an emergency.”

SMARTair is wireless and is designed to make installation fast and efficient, with no need for complex door wiring or invasive work on existing infrastructure. As each SMARTair device communicates wirelessly with its nearest Communication Hub, the system can be installed quickly across new and legacy buildings, making it ideal for retrofit environments where sites cannot accommodate traditional wired access control.

This aligns with HKC’s products, where panels, keyfobs and RF modules are engineered for straightforward installation and minimal set-up time. The two systems create an agile and scalable solution that can start with just a few controlled doors and expand to cover large, multi-building estates without replacing existing hardware.

Whether upgrading older premises or equipping new developments, this technology gives organisations a modern, flexible and future-proof way to fully integrated lockdown and access control.

Pip Courcoux, Technical and Product Director at Abloy UK, said: “The combination of wireless SMARTair technology with HKC’s alarms will help to give organisations a powerful tool to manage emergencies quickly and confidently, all from a single platform.”

www.hkcsecurity.com

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Thursday, 16 April 2026

Hörmann Truedor Website Strengthens Market Presence

Hörmann Truedor is celebrating the success of its updated website which was introduced in February 2025. Showcasing its complete range of composite doors, the site has delivered extraordinary growth in both visitor numbers and high-quality lead generation since going live, helping to reinforce the brand’s strong and growing presence within the residential door market.

Building on this momentum, the company is continuing to enhance the platform with additional consumer-focused resources. The latest addition is the new Door Knowledge Centre, designed to offer homeowners clear, authoritative guidance when choosing the right door for their property.

The Knowledge Centre breaks down the key differences in materials, security features, energy ratings and cost considerations, enabling customers to make confident, well-informed decisions. This is complemented by an expanded News section, which delivers the most up-to-date information on company activity and product developments.

The website delivers a clean, modern aesthetic with vibrant imagery, which guides visitors through Hörmann Truedor’s extensive range. It offers an intuitive user journey that not only features the wide variety of styles and designs available but also introduces the Hörmann brand and its commitment to sustainability.

The Hörmann Truedor collection features six ranges, each named after a Welsh river to reflect the natural beauty and heritage surrounding our manufacturing base. Together, they offer 43 distinctive door styles.

Specialist options such as the Clima-63 thermally efficient door, the Platinum 44 steel door and the Draig30 30-minute fire door are also highlighted, bringing the entire product portfolio together in one comprehensive online hub.

To further support homeowners during their selection process, the site features an easy-to-use door configurator that guides users step-by-step through the available choices, enabling them to design and visualise their ideal door with ease and confidence.

With additional developments already underway and more planned for later this year, 2026 is set to be an exciting and transformative period for the Hörmann Truedor brand as it continues to build on its strong growth trajectory in the composite door sector.

www.hormann.co.uk

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Wednesday, 15 April 2026

ADSA Champions Electronic Access Innovation at AI Specification Awards

The Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) is sponsoring the Product Design & Innovation – Electronic Award at the AI Specification Awards 2026 for the third time, reinforcing its ongoing commitment to innovation in access control and automation.

Three entries have been shortlisted showcasing cutting-edge electronic solutions designed to enhance performance, security and user experience within building design

The category recognises cutting-edge developments in electronic access control and automation, highlighting innovations that enhance performance, security and usability within modern building design.

Three entries have been shortlisted for the award:

· ES8100 V-Lock – ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions

· Finfort Smart Auto-Deadbolt Nightlatch – FinFort Ltd

· GU DTN80 UFO – Automatic Underfloor Operator – Gretsch-Unitas Ltd.

These innovation could help reshape the way buildings are secured and accessed, while supporting the increasing demand for integrated architectural and technological solutions.

The winner will be announced at the AI Specification Awards ceremony on Friday 15 May 2026 at IET London: Savoy Place.

Ken Price, Managing Director of ADSA, said: “ADSA is proud to sponsor the Product Design & Innovation – Electronic Award once again. The pace of innovation within electronic access control and automation continues to accelerate, delivering solutions that enhance safety, security, accessibility and building performance. These shortlisted products demonstrate the creativity and technical excellence driving our sector forward.”

A video presentation showcasing the shortlisted entries can be viewed ahead of the ceremony:

www.gai.org.uk/GAI/GAI/SpecificationAwards/AI-Specification-Awards-2026.aspx

Organised by the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) in conjunction with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the biennial AI Specification Awards celebrate excellence in the specification and design of architectural ironmongery across the construction sector.

Rachael Bliss, Chief Executive of GAI, added: “We are grateful for ADSA’s continued support of the AI Specification Awards. Their sponsorship of this category highlights the important role electronic innovation now plays within architectural ironmongery and building design. The shortlisted products reflect the industry’s commitment to advancing safety, functionality and intelligent access solutions.”

www.adsa.org.uk

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Tuesday, 14 April 2026

SWS UK and Somfy Continue to Deliver Innovation Together

For more than three decades, leading garage door manufacturer SWS UK and global automation specialist Somfy have shared a successful partnership built on innovation, reliability and technical expertise.

Together, the two companies have consistently delivered high-performance solutions that combine premium garage door engineering with intelligent automation - helping installers confidently meet evolving customer expectations.

Today, that collaboration continues to evolve, with a renewed focus on supporting installers working with the latest automation technology. The introduction of the Somfy Rollixo io control panel, available with SeceuroGlide Roller Garage Doors, highlights how the partnership translates innovation into practical benefits both on-site and beyond.

Supporting Installers with Practical Guidance

To help installers get the most from Rollixo io, SWS UK and Somfy have collaborated on a new series of exclusive “How To” videos, created specifically for SWS UK customers.

Filmed in partnership with Somfy expert Alex Dickenson, the short videos provide clear, straightforward guidance on setup, configuration and key functions. Designed to be simple, informative and easy to access, they serve as a reliable tool for installers needing quick support on site, as well as an effective training resource for teams looking to build confidence with the latest system.

By combining Somfy’s technical knowledge with SWS UK’s understanding of installer requirements, the video series delivers practical assistance exactly where it matters most - helping streamline installations and support growing product knowledge.

Available on https://www.youtube.com/@swsuk1985

Confidence Backed by a Seven-Year Automation Warranty

The strength of the SWS UK–Somfy partnership is further reflected in the extended seven-year automation warranty available exclusively with SeceuroGlide Roller Garage Doors. Covering both the Somfy motor and the new Rollixo io control panel, the extended warranty provides valuable reassurance for installers and homeowners alike. For SeceuroGlide Sectional Garage Door customers, the seven-year warranty is also available with the Somfy Dexxo range of operators.

Collaboration Beyond Products

The companies work closely to deliver tailored training events for customers and installers, ensuring professionals remain up to date with new technologies and installation best practices.

Furthermore, joint participation at trade shows allows both brands to showcase their integrated solutions while engaging directly with the industry, and ongoing collaboration on co-branded promotional materials helps showroom partners present automation benefits clearly to homeowners.

These combined initiatives strengthen knowledge sharing across the sector and ensure consistent support at every stage of the customer journey.

Built on Trust, Focused on the Future

As automation continues to shape the garage door market, the partnership between SWS UK and Somfy remains focused on delivering innovation supported by practical expertise. From intelligent control systems and installer training resources to industry-leading warranties, the collaboration demonstrates how strong partnerships can drive real value for the trade.

www.sws.co.uk

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Monday, 13 April 2026

Hörmann UK Launches Comprehensive Brochure for Sliding Sectional Garage Doors

The newest version of Hörmann UK’s brochure, highlighting the innovative HST 42 sliding sectional garage door range is now available. The brochure offers a detailed and easy-to-navigate overview of the entire product line, including design options, automation systems, accessories, surface finishes, and colour selections.

The sliding sectional door is specifically engineered for garages where ceiling space must remain unobstructed or where structural limitations prevent the use of more conventional door types such as sectional, up-and-over, or roller doors.

Safety and security are key design priorities. Featuring precise door travel the specially shaped section transitions and hinges help prevent accidental finger trapping, and a reliable automatic safety cut-out that halts the door immediately upon detecting any obstacle in the opening zone.

For added protection, the door leaf is firmly secured with three security bolts engaging with the side frame. Manually operated models include a hook catch lock, while doors with automation benefit from an anti-lift kit that automatically locks the door when closed, guarding against forced entry.

The range includes wicket doors and matching side doors, ensuring ease of access and aesthetic harmony. A newly introduced side sliding side door, with a minimum clear passage width of 730 mm, offers a compact solution for restricted spaces—making it an ideal choice for tight garage layouts.

Customers can select from an extensive selection of accessories, surface finishes, and colour options. Surface textures include Woodgrain, Silkgrain, Duragrain, and Decograin, which emulates natural timber. Hörmann’s MatchColour option enables perfect coordination with front doors, and bespoke colours are also available via the full RAL colour palette.

The HART 42 aluminium frame door is also available in a sliding version, offering a stylish alternative that can be tailored with large, glazed panels for maximum light or any of 12 grille infill designs to suit individual design preferences.

To complete the product offering, full automation of the sliding door range is available via Hörmann’s SupraMatic and ProMatic operators—developed in-house by Hörmann to work seamlessly with their garage doors, delivering smooth, reliable performance.

www.hormann.co.uk

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Sunday, 12 April 2026

JAECOO 7 BECOMES THE UK’S BEST-SELLING CAR IN 2026

The JAECOO 7 has been confirmed as the UK’s best-selling new car in March 2026*, according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)*. The milestone marks the first time the JAECOO 7 has secured the number one position, having consistently ranked among the UK’s top ten best-selling new cars sold, since September 2025.

With 10,064 JAECOO 7s registered in March alone and 15,569 JAECOO 7s sold year-to-date. The JAECOO 7 significantly outperformed its closest competitor during the month of March, too, recording sales 70% higher than the second-placed vehicle.

The success of the JAECOO 7 has been driven by strong consumer demand across both private and fleet channels, with JAECOO confirming a 55% retail mix, highlighting its broad appeal among UK buyers and in particular through its 124-strong national dealer network. Notably, the range-topping, plug-in hybrid variant – equipped with JAECOO’s advanced Super Hybrid System (SHS-P) – accounted for 85% of all JAECOO 7 sales in March. This contributed to the model achieving a 2.66%* share of the total UK car market in March, too.

Commenting on the achievement, Gary Lan, CEO of JAECOO UK, said:

“Securing the number one position is a landmark moment for JAECOO. The JAECOO 7 has resonated strongly with British customers thanks to its combination of advanced technology, standout design and real-world usability, particularly with our Super Hybrid System.

“This result reflects not only the strength of the product, but also the commitment of our growing UK retail network and the confidence customers are placing in our brand. While we are relatively new to the market, our global Chery Group manufacturing base and extensive experience in vehicle exports have enabled us to adapt quickly to UK market needs and grow sustainably here [in the UK].”

Available with a choice of front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, the JAECOO 7 line-up includes a 1.6-litre TGDi petrol powertrain alongside its headline SHS-P plug-in hybrid system. The latter delivers a combined driving range of up to 745 miles, including up to 56 miles of pure electric driving, and supports rapid charging capability.

The JAECOO 7 is priced from £29,105 OTR**, rising to £35,175 OTR** for the SHS-P, and is supported by a comprehensive seven-year warranty. Customers can access the model through JAECOO UK’s rapidly expanding 124-strong retailer network.

Looking ahead, the brand is continuing to expand its offering in response to customer demand. The JAECOO 7 range will be enhanced with the introduction of a pure hybrid (SHS-H) variant, alongside a new Black Luxury Edition of the SHS-P, with deliveries of these models to start in May.

In addition, the eagerly-anticipated flagship JAECOO 8 – available in both Executive six-seat and Luxury seven-seat configurations – will arrive in the UK in May, further strengthening the brand’s presence in the growing SUV segment, with pricing starting from £45,500 OTR**. It is available exclusively as an all-wheel-drive SHS-P, offering fast- and self-charging capability, more than 700 miles of total range, including up to 83 miles of EV-only driving.

* SMMT, smmt.co.uk/vehicle-data/car-registrations
** All prices quoted are correct at the time of writing, April 2026

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Saturday, 11 April 2026

40 Years of British Manufacturing in One Short Video

To mark a significant milestone in its journey, SWS UK recently premiered a new brand video, SWS UK: Our Story, created to celebrate the company’s 40th anniversary.

More than just a film, the video captures the heritage, values and manufacturing expertise that have defined SWS UK for over four decades and continue to set the business apart within the industry today.

A Film Created to Celebrate a Proud Heritage

Shot with a focus on SWS UK’s people, processes and products, the video highlights the pride the company takes in designing and manufacturing in the UK. It showcases the expertise built over 40 years, the attention to detail that defines the company’s work and the strong values that guide how it operates – from quality and reliability to long-term partnerships and customer trust.

A Powerful Marketing Asset for Trade Distributors

While the video celebrates the SWS UK story, it has been created with trade distributors firmly in mind. It is a versatile marketing tool designed to support sales activity and strengthen customer engagement across multiple channels.

By clearly communicating SWS UK’s heritage, manufacturing credentials and commitment to quality, the video helps establish credibility before a sales conversation even begins. It provides reassurance to end customers that they are buying from and working alongside a trusted and long-established British brand.

An Open-Door Invitation to Experience SWS UK First-Hand

Beyond showcasing the company’s history and capabilities, the video also reflects SWS UK’s longstanding open-door approach to customer relationships. Visitors are always warmly welcomed to experience the business first-hand, whether they are long-standing partners or new customers discovering SWS UK for the first time. By encouraging visits to its facilities, SWS UK continues to strengthen transparency, collaboration and trust, whilst allowing customers to see the people, craftsmanship and innovation behind the brand in action.

The anniversary video serves not only as a reflection on the company’s heritage but also as an invitation to be part of its future. By combining proud British manufacturing with strong partnerships and an open, collaborative approach, SWS UK remains focused on building lasting relationships and continuing its journey of growth and innovation for years to come.

www.sws.co.uk

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Friday, 10 April 2026

Why Security is the Blueprint for Britain’s Housing Boom

The government’s ambitious Getting Britain Building Again initiative is a watershed moment for the UK economy. With plans to reform planning regulations and deliver 1.5 million homes over the next parliament, the construction sector is poised for an unprecedented surge. For manufacturers of doors, windows, and locks, this represents a massive window of opportunity - but it also carries a profound responsibility, says Jon Cole, Secured By Design.

As we scale up production, we must resist the temptation to prioritise quantity over quality. Sub-standard fixtures do more than just frustrate homeowners; they place a preventable burden on the environment, local authorities, and the criminal justice system. While Part Q of the Building Regulations provides a mandatory security baseline, it is exactly that: a minimum.

To truly future-proof these 1.5 million homes, developers and manufacturers are increasingly turning to Secured by Design (SBD). Known as the "Police Preferred Specification", SBD standards far exceed basic building regulations. For over 25 years, this standard has identified products robust enough to resist physical attack by opportunistic burglars. It remains the only way for security products to achieve official UK police recognition.

The secret to a truly secure development lies in the Designing Out Crime philosophy. By embedding crime prevention techniques into the very fabric of a building - from the initial blueprint to the final brick - developers can earn the prestigious SBD Development Award.

This process is supported by specialist police Designing Out Crime Officers (DOCOs), who provide free, expert guidance to ensure every aspect of a site contributes to a safe environment. The result? Award-winning spaces where residents, business users, and visitors feel genuinely secure.

For manufacturers, SBD membership is more than a badge of honour; it is a powerful driver of ROI.

Rigorous testing: Every SBD-listed product undergoes independent testing by UKAS-accredited bodies
Sustainability: High-quality, secure products last longer and are less likely to need replacement due to criminal damage
Market visibility: The police service actively directs high-volume buyers - including architects and large-scale developers - to SBD members

In an industry where trust is the primary currency, the Police Preferred Specification instantly elevates a brand above the competition. It provides clear evidence of quality that resonates with consumers and satisfies mandatory security requirements across England, Scotland, and Wales.

Every family deserves a home that is both decent and secure. As we embark on this national building mission, we invite manufacturers and developers to join the industry leaders who have already discovered the benefits of SBD.

By prioritising security today, we build the resilient, cohesive, and vibrant communities of tomorrow.

www.securedbydesign.com

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