The Door Industry Journal: Employment and Legal

Showing posts with label Employment and Legal. Show all posts

Wednesday, 24 June 2026

Experience Behind the Products: Meet Darren Reynolds and Dave Halfpenny

At Marantec UK, experience remains one of the company’s greatest strengths. Behind the products, systems and technical solutions is a team of long-standing industry professionals whose knowledge has been built over decades of hands-on involvement within the industrial door sector.

Two people who reflect that experience particularly well are Darren Reynolds and Dave Halfpenny, who together represent over 50 years of industry knowledge across commercial development, production and technical manufacturing.

Dave Halfpenny - Experience Built Through Production

Having worked within the industrial door sector for around 25 years, Dave Halfpenny has seen manufacturing evolve significantly throughout his career. Beginning within the industry at Jolly Motors before moving through Link Controls and now Marantec UK, Dave has developed extensive knowledge across production and manufacturing operations.

A typical day within Production, he explains, involves “leading a highly motivated team of people towards our common goal,” with the department’s primary focus being to “meet daily output targets in a controlled and safe manner.”

Quality control and consistency remain central to everything the Production team does. “They are the absolute foundation,” Dave says. “Output means nothing if the products fail to meet our customers’ specifications.”

Over the years, he has witnessed major changes in both manufacturing processes and customer expectations. “Advanced automation and strict thermal efficiency regulations have reshaped the door manufacturing landscape,” he explains. “We now rely more heavily on electrical innovation, whereas when I started it was far more mechanically based.”

Communication between departments is another area Dave believes is critical to delivering for customers successfully. “It’s the single most important factor in preventing costly order errors, missed delivery deadlines and catastrophic product failures in modern manufacturing,” he explains. “Sales, Production and Technical teams act as a tripod — if any leg fails to communicate, the entire customer delivery collapses.”

While customers may only see the final product arriving on-site, Dave highlights the amount of work happening behind the scenes. “The seamless experience our customers enjoy is a carefully engineered illusion,” he says. “There is an invisible engine room working around the clock to make it happen.”

Recent investment into machinery and automation at Marantec UK has also created new operational opportunities. “We now have increased options on products that we can manufacture in-house and maximise efficiency within the industry,” Dave explains.

Internally, he believes strong teamwork and camaraderie remain essential. “Safety and mutual respect between everybody involved” are among the most important ingredients within a successful production environment.

Dave’s contribution to the business was recognised recently when he was named Marantec UK’s Employee of the Year 2025, reflecting both his long-standing commitment and the respect he has earned internally across the company.

Darren Reynolds - Supporting Customers Through Experience

Like Dave, Darren Reynolds has spent the vast majority of his working life within the business, joining the company in 1997 at the age of 25.

Since then, he has seen the company evolve from a family-run operation into part of a worldwide group. “The company has continued to evolve and grow throughout the entire time,” Darren explains, “expanding our product portfolio and building knowledge and experience of these products as we go.”

Now working as Commercial Development Manager, Darren’s new role combines experience gained across sales, technical sales, procurement and pricing. His focus is on supporting departments across the business while also helping shape future product development and growth opportunities.

For Darren, customer expectations themselves have not fundamentally changed over time. “If we are doing our job correctly, the customer experience should be simple and straightforward,” he explains. “We just need to keep improving, returning information, quotes and orders promptly to enable customers to keep their own customers happy.”

Looking ahead, he believes future opportunities will continue to come from listening closely to customers while monitoring how technology develops across the sector. “There will always be areas to grow as customer needs change,” he says.

Outside of work, Darren keeps active through Touch Rugby and Masters Rugby League, often playing several times a week throughout the year.

For more information about Marantec UK and its product range, visit www.marantec.co.uk or contact the team directly at sales@marantec.co.uk

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Saturday, 30 May 2026

DHF announces new appointments and the expansion of its workforce

Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) has announced a number of new appointments as the trade association continues to strengthen its team and support for members across the industry.

As part of the changes, Kay Scattergood, becomes PA to General Manager & Secretary, Michael Skelding. Following many years of dedicated service, Kay Scattergood has chosen to reduce her working hours and workload, transitioning into a new role within the organisation and remains a highly valued member of the DHF team.

Kay has been with DHF for more than 38 years, progressing from Senior Secretary to Manager of the Administration Team and will continue to bring her extensive knowledge and experience to support the organisation.

Joining the organisation in April 2026 is Annie McKay as Office Manager, a newly created role for DHF. Annie is responsible for overseeing all office operations and the day-to-day running of the organisation’s administrative functions, including IT, HR, and the management of DHF’s externally recognised certifications such as ISO 9001 and Cyber Essentials. She brings seven years of office management experience across a variety of sectors, where she has overseen daily operations and supported large teams. Annie now manages the administration team at DHF and helps ensure the smooth running of the organisation.

DHF has also welcomed Huw Barnett as Senior Training and Compliance Officer. Huw brings more than 26 years of experience in the door, gate and barrier industry, and his career has included both hands-on operational roles and senior management positions, giving him experience across installation, maintenance, team leadership and operational delivery. Throughout his career, Huw has represented employers at a range of industry group meetings, contributing to discussions around safety standards, best practice and new technologies. In his new role, Huw will provide technical expertise to DHF members and deliver training across the sector.

“We are delighted to welcome new team members, Annie and Huw to DHF at an important time for the organisation,” says DHF’s Deputy CEO, Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens. “Both bring considerable experience, professionalism and energy to their roles, and their appointments reflect our continued commitment to supporting members and strengthening the services we provide industry wide.”

DHF has also announced the appointment of two new directors to its board. Wolfgang Gorner, Managing Director of Hörmann (UK) Ltd, joins the board with decades of experience across the building products, perimeter security, windows and doors sectors. Wolfgang began his career with RMC Group in 1988 before moving into perimeter security products with B&G Group in 1995. In 2000, he moved into the windows and doors industry, holding senior positions at REHAU, Epwin and Inwido before joining Hörmann in 2018 to lead its UK operation. Speaking about his appointment, Wolfgang said he is “passionate about the door, gate and barrier industries and believes DHF plays an important role in promoting high standards and supporting a level playing field across the sector”.

Also joining the board is Ricky Walker, Managing Director of Expert Access Solutions. Ricky has long supported DHF and been an active voice within the industrial doors sector throughout his career, including during his time as Solutions Director at dormakaba. He has contributed to a range of DHF activities including product group meetings, apprenticeship discussions and technical committee work focused on helping customers understand legislative requirements and industry standards. Ricky also brings significant board level and commercial governance experience and is committed to supporting the continued growth and professionalism of the federation.

“All of these appointments represent another positive step forward for DHF," concludes Patricia. “Annie, Huw, Wolfgang and Ricky each bring valuable experience and knowledge, and we are pleased to welcome them to the DHF family as we continue to support our members and the wider industry.”

www.dhfonline.org.uk

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Saturday, 23 May 2026

Building Our Skills announces major partnership with NOCN Group

Building Our Skills has announced a major partnership with NOCN Group to support the delivery of a full range of qualifications for the Fenestration, Glass and Glazing industry. The qualifications will cover Window and Door Installation, Surveying, Fabrication, Curtain Walling, Glazing and a wide range of other glass related occupations.

NOCN Group is one of the biggest Awarding Organisations in the UK for construction related skills and is a registered charity. They have been operating for over 35 years and are an Ofqual top 15 provider of vocational qualifications. This partnership embodies shared values and a culture in which the delivery of skills training and personal development come first.

Within the partnership NOCN Group has full ownership, authorship and intellectual property rights across all products, materials, systems and associated documentation. It has full regulatory accountability for all matters.

Speaking for Building Our Skills, Director Chris Globe said: "We are absolutely delighted to be working in partnership with NOCN Group on these industry relevant qualifications. It is the natural next step for us as we develop our role in the industry.

"Not only will we be continuing to encourage people to join our industry, but now we will be able to support them on a lifelong journey of learning, compliance and vocational achievement that will help them to enhance their skills and their careers, and to contribute more to the industry as a result. We all know that the higher the skill level of our industry workforce, the better the industry it will be.

"I also want to say how delighted we are by the response from the major players in the industry to our plans. They have committed to working alongside ourselves and NOCN Group on an ongoing programme of product development to ensure that not only does the industry have the qualifications it needs to meet its needs now, but to ensure that there will always be new products in the pipeline designed to meet future needs."

Speaking for NOCN Group, Laura Randall, Head of Business Development said, "As one of the biggest construction Awarding Organisations in the UK with over 500 construction qualifications, it makes complete sense for us to additionally offer the fullest range of qualifications for the Fenestration, Glass and Glazing industry, a sector whose products are integral to all build projects.

"Our partnership with Building Our Skills is the perfect platform to enable us to do this. Their connections in the industry and the support they already have is really exciting for us to see, and we expect great things from the work we are doing together and are fully committed to it."

If you are interested in finding out more information about Building Our Skills and this range of qualifications please email sayhello@buildingourskills.co.uk Building Our Skills website can be found at www.buildingourskills.co.uk

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Saturday, 16 May 2026

ROBUST UK APPOINTS HEAD OF PRODUCT AND COMPLIANCE

Robust UK, a leading manufacturer of steel door solutions, has appointed Rob Mottram as Head of Product and Compliance to support growth and innovation across its range.

Rob brings over 10 years of industry experience and has previously worked as Technical Manager for the ARRONE range at HOPPE (UK), where he gained in-depth knowledge of door hardware and testing and certification processes that underpin product performance and compliance.

Having previously worked at Robust UK as a Design Engineer, Production Supervisor and Research and Development Manager, Rob returns to drive product innovation and strengthen compliance.

Emily Mathews, General Manager at Robust, says: “We’re thrilled to welcome Rob to the Product and Compliance team. His extensive experience, time spent at HOPPE, technical expertise and strong understanding of our business and culture from his previous time with us will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our range of fully certified and compliant products.”

As Head of Product and Compliance, Rob will be responsible for leading the Research and Development and Drawing teams, playing a key role in driving innovation, ensuring compliance and supporting the continued development of Robust’s product portfolio.

Rob says: “I’m delighted to be back at Robust to contribute to the continued growth and innovation of its extensive product portfolio. It is a proud moment to be leading two teams that I have previously been part of, helping to make a real impact on product innovation and compliance.”

Rob is a qualified Certificated Standards & Regulations Advisor (CertSRA) and also holds Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) Diplomas in Door Systems (RegDS) and Access Control (RegAC), bringing a depth of expertise that will be invaluable in this new role.

As an active member of the GAI Education Committee, Rob’s dedication to the industry extends beyond his role, as he contributes to the development of industry training, delivers educational sessions and supports examination processes. He is also further expanding his expertise by completing a Diploma in Principles of Firestopping, deepening his knowledge of the critical role doors play in passive fire protection.

Rob’s appointment is a strategic move for Robust UK and shows a commitment to advancing product development and driving innovation.

For more information on steel door solutions, visit: https://www.robust-uk.com/

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Saturday, 25 April 2026

Kenrick appoints Suzanne Nicholl as Sales and Marketing Director

Longstanding hardware manufacturer Kenrick has appointed Suzanne Nicholl as Sales and Marketing Director, further strengthening its leadership team as the business continues its next phase of growth and innovation.

Suzanne has spent her career working within both the hardware and composite door markets. She brings a strong track record in commercial leadership, sales strategy and brand development and will play a key role in driving Kenrick’s continued expansion across both traditional hardware and smart security solutions.

Martin Smith, General Manager at Kenrick, said: “As Kenrick continues to expand its product portfolio, particularly with new innovations in both traditional hardware and smart security solutions, Suzanne’s leadership will be invaluable. Her strategic insight and industry knowledge make her a perfect fit for the next stage of our development.”

Suzanne has built her career within the fenestration sector, beginning in the hardware market before moving into the composite door industry, where she held senior commercial roles leading sales, marketing and customer service functions, and has been responsible for driving significant revenue growth.

www.kenricks.co.uk

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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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Saturday, 21 February 2026

UAP strengthens team with a series of key strategic appointments

UAP Limited, a leading British door hardware supplier, has announced a number of new appointments across product design, technical support and business development, further strengthening the business as it continues its growth and innovation journey.

Paul Collins joins UAP as Senior Product Design Manager, bringing 34 years of industry experience and extensive technical expertise. He will play a key role in driving innovation and advancing the company’s technical capabilities, helping to deliver high-quality, customer-focused product solutions. Paul’s leadership and sector knowledge will support both existing and new product development initiatives.

Supporting this focus on technical excellence, David March has been appointed Technical Support Manager, bringing 25 years of industry expertise and in-depth technical knowledge. In his role, David will advise both customers and the sales team, oversee product testing to ensure compliance and quality, and support the introduction and development of new hardware solutions across UAP’s portfolio. He will also lead training initiatives for internal teams and customers.

Leading internal sales in the South, Hayley Fennell brings 10 years of industry experience and strong product knowledge. In her role as Internal Sales Co-ordinator, she will help deliver consistently high levels of service to UAP’s customers while enhancing internal sales operations and regional engagement.

Driving customer support in the West & Wales, Sally Regis will strengthen the internal sales function during an exciting period for the business. As Internal Sales Co-ordinator, she brings valuable skills and industry experience that will improve service delivery and day-to-day customer support.

Focusing on growth and partnerships in the East of England, Donna Nash takes on the role of Business Development Manager. She brings extensive experience across the uPVC and aluminium sectors and will focus on developing strong relationships with existing and prospective customers while supporting UAP’s continued regional expansion.

David Jennings, Chief Executive Officer at UAP, said: “These appointments reflect our continued investment in people as we grow and evolve as a business. Each brings valuable experience and expertise that supports our commitment to driving progress in door hardware.

“By strengthening our technical capability, customer support and regional presence, we are building a platform that delivers greater quality, durability and innovation at every level of the business.”

www.uaplimited.com

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Wednesday, 11 February 2026

Abloy UK announces 2026 Academy training programme

Abloy UK has announced its 2026 Academy training dates, reinforcing its commitment to advancing knowledge and competence across security and access control specification and installation.

The Abloy Academy offers a comprehensive suite of training courses including Foundations, Foundations Plus, practical Digital Access Solutions (DAS) sessions, and a programme of RIBA-accredited CPD training designed to support professionals at every stage of their career.

The Foundations Course provides a full-day introduction to the core standards and legislation applicable to door sets and access control, helping delegates understand how different hardware and configurations affect compliance and safety.

It covers key standards including those for fire doors, escape routes and door hardware performance, and is suitable for installers, security managers, specifiers, facilities teams and end-users.

Building on this, the Foundations Plus Course offers advanced compliance insight for those who have completed Foundations. It explores deeper standards interpretation, specification requirements for electric locking and access control, and practical considerations for different door types and fail-safe/fail-secure scenarios.

The DAS training portfolio focuses on Abloy’s digital access technologies, including CLIQ and other digital key systems, in a hands-on environment at the dedicated Academy. Attendees gain practical skills in installation, system configuration, product analysis and application case studies that reflect real-world project demands.

In addition, Abloy UK continues to deliver a strong series of RIBA-approved CPDs, both online and face-to-face, covering important themes such as Digital Transformation in Physical Security, Electrical Locking for Fire and Escape Doors, Escape Door Systems (EN 13637) and Wireless Access Control.

These sessions support architects and designers with professional development while deepening understanding of access control standards and technology trends.

Pat Jefferies, Commercial Director at Abloy UK who leads the Foundations courses, said: “Our Foundations training is about building confidence while ensuring competence and compliance.

“Whether delegates are new to access control or looking to strengthen their technical knowledge, these courses provide a solid grounding in standards, legislation and best practice that can be applied immediately on site or at the specification stage, supporting safer, more effective access solutions across the built environment.”

Johnathon Dale, Digital Access Solutions (DAS) Academy Manager at Abloy UK, added: “Digital Access Solutions give organisations far greater control, flexibility and visibility over their access environments.

“Through our DAS training, we help attendees understand how digital key systems can enhance security, simplify access management and reduce the risks associated with lost or unmanaged keys, while ensuring solutions are specified and installed correctly for real-world applications.”

In person training courses take place at Abloy UK’s facilities in Willenhall, West Midlands, and most courses are offered free of charge with lunch provided, ensuring accessibility for professionals across the sector. In addition, there are a range of online webinar training sessions that can be accessed.

www.abloy.com/gb/en/about-abloy/academy

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Thursday, 29 January 2026

ASSA ABLOY achieves ISO 27001 certification across multiple sites and business units

ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA is proud to announce that it has achieved ISO 27001 certification across multiple sites and business units – underlining the company’s strong commitment to information security.

The certification has now been granted to 15 key ASSA ABLOY sites across Europe, including ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA DAS R&D; ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions Nordic Business Area; and ASSA ABLOY Ltd in Willenhall, UK.

ISO 27001 is the global standard that defines best practice for managing information security risks. Addressing evolving cyber threats and strengthening resilience across digital ecosystems, it demonstrates that an organisation has implemented systematic controls to protect information assets – providing assurance to customers, partners and regulators.

Achieving ISO 27001 certification reflects ASSA ABLOY’s dedication to digital security, not just physical security. It proves that the company’s products and digital services are developed and managed within a rigorously controlled environment, where risks are continually assessed, data is protected by design, and resilience is built into every stage of the process.

Furthermore, while ISO 27001 is not legally mandated in the security industry, the certifications demonstrate ASSA ABLOY’s commitment to going beyond the baseline requirements to provide a true competitive advantage for its customers.

They also underline ASSA ABLOY’s commitment to meeting the requirements of the EU’s NIS2 directive and preparing for the Cyber Resilience Act. Alongside ISO 27001, the company’s secure development practices ensure products are designed with cybersecurity in mind and undergo rigorous risk assessments and incident reporting.

Kelly Gill, Senior Vice President & Chief Technology Officer at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA, comments: “The days when security threats to businesses were only physical are long gone. Today, we find ourselves in a world where the digital environment poses even more serious and constantly evolving challenges.

“At ASSA ABLOY, our approach to security is embedded in every stage of product development and service delivery, not least the digital space. Certifications like ISO 27001, as well as our adherence to NIS2 and the CRA, show our determination to safeguard customer data and ensure operational integrity.

“The journey doesn’t stop here. We are now expanding the scope of ISO 27001 certification across the business, ensuring that customers and partners can place even greater trust in ASSA ABLOY for secure and compliant digital solutions.”

www.assaabloy.com/group/en

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Saturday, 17 January 2026

DHF marks the retirement of Senior Training & Compliance Officer, Nick Perkins

The Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) is announcing the retirement of one of its Senior Training & Compliance Officer, Nick Perkins, recognising his long-standing contribution to the Federation’s work and to the continued professionalisation of the Automated gate and door industry.

In 2010, Nick joined the sector at a time when the understanding of safety legislation and standards was uneven and, in some areas, limited. Since 2000, DHF records indicate around 30 deaths and serious injuries associated with non-compliant systems, leading to more than 20 criminal prosecutions.

The tragic incidents that occurred in 2010 involving automated sliding gates brought into sharp focus the urgent need for clearer guidance, improved competence and consistent training across the industry. In response, DHF strengthened its focus on safety, compliance and education, establishing a dedicated automated gate group and developing structured guidance and training for members and the wider sector.

Nick was closely involved in this work from an early stage. As part of the committee formed to support the development of DHF’s first automated gate training courses, he contributed a growing technical understanding that helped shape training that was both thorough and accessible. Following the successful launch of the initial courses, Nick accepted a permanent role with DHF, beginning a long association with the Federation’s technical and training activity.

Since that time, DHF’s training provision has grown significantly. More than 6,500 learners have now completed DHF training across a comprehensive programme covering automated gates and traffic barriers, shutters, industrial and garage doors, fire shutters and dock levellers, delivered through a range of formats including distance learning.

Working in collaboration with partners, the Federation has also expanded into fire door inspection, timber and steel doorset installation repair & maintenance and security &emergency exit doorsets training, as well as the provision of CSCS cards for the door, gate, shutter and loading bay equipment sectors. Alongside this, discussions are underway with a national college network to develop a new apprenticeship scheme for the industry, while relevant NVQs are being delivered through DHF’s sister organisation, Entrance Systems Alliance (ESA).

Training has been just one aspect of DHF’s work during Nick’s tenure. The Federation’s technical team now responds to around 6,000 technical enquiries each year, delivers seminars to members, undertakes on-site system assessments and provides expert witness support to investigating authorities. This breadth of activity reflects DHF’s wider role in supporting compliance, raising standards and promoting best practice across the industry. The impact of this collective effort is clear. Where once compliance with key safety standards such as EN 12453 was limited, awareness and implementation are now far more widespread.

“Today, the industry today is far better informed, more professional and more accountable, with safety firmly embedded alongside commercial growth,” explains DHF’s Commercial Director, Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens. “While this progress is the result of many contributors, it is clear that Nick has played a considerable part in supporting DHF’s mission to drive improvement and reduce risk across the sector.

“As he retires, DHF thanks him for his tireless commitment and service over many years. The Federation will now look to grow its technical team further, building on the strong foundations already in place and continuing to lead the industry on safety, competence and compliance.”

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Monday, 22 December 2025

40 Years in Business and 10 Years of Leadership Under Roy Sinclair

Gliderol, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers & distributors of garage doors and automation systems, is proud to celebrate two major milestones: 40 years of business excellence and a decade of leadership under Managing Director Roy Sinclair.

Since joining Gliderol in 2015, Roy has guided the company through a period of innovation, growth, and modernisation — strengthening its reputation for quality and reliability across the garage door industry. Under his leadership, Gliderol has expanded its product range, invested in advanced manufacturing technologies, and reinforced its commitment to safety and customer service.

In addition to his role at Gliderol, Roy also serves as Chairman of the Garage Door Group within the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF), where he plays a key part in promoting standards of excellence, safety, and professionalism across the sector. His dual leadership roles reflect a deep commitment not only to Gliderol’s continued success but also to the long-term health of the wider industry.

“Reaching 40 years in business is a tremendous achievement and a testament to the hard work of our dedicated team and loyal network of partners,” said Roy. “It’s been an honour to lead Gliderol over the past decade and to see the company continue to innovate while staying true to its core values of quality, service, and reliability.

“The past decade has brought its share of challenges — from stabilising the business and refining our offering, to relocating, navigating the Covid years, and adapting to the difficult trading environment we face today. However, the most exciting milestone has come in the past year with the launch of our new website, designed specifically with our dealers in mind.

“The platform enables dealers to order any product or part entirely online, from any internet-enabled device, at any time that suits them. Once logged in, they can access our full product range, along with their personalised offers and discounts. Innovations like this are helping Gliderol stay ahead of the competition.”

Gliderol has continued to be a trusted name in garage door solutions across the UK & Eire, supplying, distributors, dealers, merchants, sme housebuilders and national house builders nationwide. The company remains focused on sustainable growth, innovation, and maintaining the highest standards of manufacturing excellence as it looks ahead to the future.

www.gliderol.co.uk

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Saturday, 13 December 2025

New Faces Strengthen Hörmann UK Across Key Market Sectors

Hörmann UK has announced the appointment of three new team members, each bringing valuable experience and expertise to support the company’s continued growth across the domestic, industrial, and perimeter protection sectors.

Colin Grey – Sales Manager, Hörmann Truedor Composite Doors

Colin Grey joins Hörmann UK as Sales Manager for the Hörmann Truedor range of composite doors - a strategic area of expansion within the domestic entrance door market.

With decades of industry experience, Colin’s career began following his service in the Royal Navy, when he relocated from the Northeast to the Midlands in the 1990’s to join a window systems company. He went on to hold senior sales roles with a leading designer and manufacturer of interior and exterior doors, solidifying his reputation as a respected and knowledgeable figure in the entrance door sector.

Colin’s considerable experience of the market and extensive network of industry contacts will play a vital role in driving the continued growth of the Hörmann Truedor range across the UK.

Lee-Ann Edwards – Industrial Trade Sales Manager

Lee-Ann Edwards has joined Hörmann UK’s Industrial Projects Team as Industrial Trade Sales Manager, supporting customers across the Midlands and Southern regions.

Lee-Ann brings significant experience in sales, project management, and account development. Known for her proactive approach and strong relationship-building skills, she has already established strong links with developers, specifiers and trade partners in her area, helping to strengthen Hörmann’s industrial sector presence.

Mark Wood – Perimeter Protection Systems Manager

In a move to expand its Perimeter Protection Systems (PPS) division, Mark Wood joins as PPS Manager, based at the company’s Coalville headquarters.

With over 17 years of specialist experience in perimeter security - Mark has worked extensively in the design and delivery of Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) and high-security solutions for critical infrastructure projects. His technical expertise, combined with strong project management skills and industry relationships, will be instrumental in expanding Hörmann’s presence in this highly specialised market.

Commenting on the new appointments, Wolfgang Gorner, Managing Director of Hörmann UK, said, "We are delighted to welcome Colin, Lee-Ann, and Mark to the Hörmann UK team. Each brings with them unique strengths and proven experience within their respective sectors, making them valuable additions as we continue to grow and diversify our offering. Their appointments reflect our ongoing commitment to investing in talented individuals who will help us deliver long-term success, innovation, and excellent customer service across all areas of the business."

www.hormann.co.uk

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Saturday, 12 July 2025

Breaking the mould to shape the future of architectural ironmongery

Despite progress made in recent years, women still make up around only 15% of the UK construction workforce and just 1% work in manual trades. In specialist areas like architectural ironmongery and door hardware, female representation has traditionally been even lower. But at HOPPE (UK) that is not the case...

Across departments and disciplines, there are several women who are excelling in technical, sales and logistics roles while helping to redefine what a career in this traditionally male-dominated industry can look like.

Opening doors to a bright future

With a degree in industrial and product design and a suite of qualifications from the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI), Jessica Puri is a technical executive for ARRONE, a HOPPE Group brand.

Since joining the group as a technical assistant during the pandemic, Jessica has established herself as one of the most skilled users of its ERP systems, making her an extremely valuable member of the team.

Jessica’s path into architectural ironmongery was far from accidental – her background gave her strong CAD skills and a systematic approach to solving problems.

“GAI training has played a very important part in the development of my career,” Jessica explains. “Being a registered member ensures I’m always up to date with the latest standards and best practices, which benefits our customers and the business alike.”

Today, she advocates for companies to provide greater training and development opportunities across roles, genders and ages – much like HOPPE does – to create a more inclusive talent pipeline.

“A structured succession programme could help bring more women into key positions and build confidence early,” she says.

From apprentice to advisor

Sales executive Aimee Parry began her journey as an apprentice, aged 17. Fast forward a few years and she now manages her own sales area, balancing customer visits with her Level 3 GAI Diploma.

Previous experience working as a receptionist and in retail gave Aimee an early foundation in building relationships.

She’s now transferring those skills to nurture existing customer relationships, while supporting promotional projects to generate new opportunities and deepening her technical knowledge.

For Aimee, the way to create a more diverse and dynamic workforce within the industry is clear.

“We need to provide training – especially on how hardware works in real-life scenarios – for young people early on,” Aimee says. “That kind of hands-on experience really makes a difference.”

Exporting excellence

As a stock controller, Emily Hayward ensures HOPPE’s global operations run like clockwork.

She oversees all exports from HOPPE (UK) to mainland Europe and the Middle East, and her detailed understanding of customs paperwork and freight processes keeps exports on schedule and on spec.

It’s something Emily really enjoys and – armed with a BSc in global development with geography and GAI qualifications – she has brought a fresh perspective to the export function.

“GAI training has given me the confidence to answer customer queries directly and find solutions quickly,” Emily says. “It means I’m not just moving boxes but am adding genuine value.”

For Emily, encouraging more women into logistics and operations starts with demystifying the job: “It’s about showing that detail-oriented, fast-paced work is a great fit for a diverse range of people – and that support and training are available.”

Building an inclusive future

Together, Jessica, Aimee and Emily reflect the transformation taking place at HOPPE (UK): a culture in which women thrive in technical, commercial and operational roles.

Their stories prove that talent, determination and the right training can open doors for the next generation of talent in architectural ironmongery.

www.hoppe.co.uk

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