Rigorous new code of conduct is no barrier to growth – BWF on track to achieve record year for membership

The British Woodworking Federation (BWF) is celebrating significant membership growth this year.  Building on the success of 57 new members in 2011, 43 more firms have joined in the first half of 2012 with the upward trend set to continue.

Due to some of the toughest trading conditions the industry has ever seen and a recession which is estimated to have slashed the turnover of the UK’s joinery industry by 17% since 2008, it appears that businesses of all sizes are increasingly turning to the BWF for the practical support it provides and to demonstrate their quality. The BWF’s State of Trade Survey has highlighted that few members are predicting declines in 2012.

Ironically, part of the attraction has been the BWF’s decision to make membership that little bit tougher.

The BWF Code of Conduct, which sets out the principles of good practice for a woodworking or joinery business in terms of workmanship standards, company stewardship and environmental discipline, has been made mandatory for all member firms from this year.

Achieving compliance with the Code of Conduct includes a thorough inspection by a BWF assessor, including a review of customer care, complaints handling, technical expertise and training, environmental impact and waste management, and sustainable sourcing. It also scrutinises the firm’s financial status and stability, insurance, clarity of contractual dealings, and compliance with employment, health and safety and education legislation.

Iain McIlwee, Chief Executive of the BWF says:

“Far from being a burden, joinery firms are seeing compliance with the Code as competitive advantage. The compliance checks are, in effect, a free business audit by an experienced assessor, tailored to make each business more effective in this tough economic environment.”

Jon Gorf, MD at Parker & Highland Joinery in Sussex and a long-standing member of the BWF, says:

“The Code of Conduct process has been a useful one, even for a well established business like ours. The assessor who came in made some really helpful recommendations. Far from trying to trip us up, the BWF has armed us with the tools we need to comply. We are proud of our commitment to the Code and display our compliance on all sales literature and on the website. It adds credibility and shows we are committed to our industry.”

Code of Conduct assessment visits are undertaken on a regular basis to ensure standards are maintained, and resources are made available to BWF members through its Joinery Business Toolkit and specialist help lines with access to experts on technical, HR, legal, legislation, tax and compliance matters.

http://www.bwf.org.uk/about-bwf/code-of-conduct





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NVQ APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME

 Sparesmaster Ltd together with Capital Garage Doors Ltd recognises the importance of the future success of our younger generation from the opportunities of work based training program through their Apprenticeship scheme.

As a result they have successfully recruited Joshua Seeley and David Brooks on to their Apprenticeship program. Both work closely with Warehouse Manager Andy Taylor for most of their on-the-job training.

Joshua: “I think apprenticeships are a good way for young people to work and still get useful qualifications to use in the future. The scheme has given me opportunities to progress and find new skills which I never had before.”

David: “I am really happy that I started on the apprenticeship scheme and that I have got another qualification under my belt, I was also pleased that I was getting more experience in different lines of work.”

Both Joshua and David have now received their NVQ qualification and will both take further training to gain their forklift truck driving licence. Sparesmaster Ltd and Capital Garage Doors Ltd wish Joshua and David success with their future career with the company.

See this article and many others in the online version of the Door Industry Journal - Summer 2012 issue.





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Will you Meet the CE Marking Challenge and Make it Work to your Advantage?

DHF leads the way on CE marking 

The relentless march of legislation concerns all manufacturers and suppliers in the door sector. But as well as raising fears, new legislation can also bring with it new opportunity within the market place.

From July 2013, when the new Construction Products Regulation (CPR) comes into being, CE marking will start to become compulsory. A product such as an industrial door cannot be placed on the market without a CE mark if it is covered by a harmonised standard. Where the harmonised standard has not yet been published, CE marking will still become compulsory, but at a later date.

Is CE marking yet another onerous burden ... or can manufacturers and suppliers gain benefit from it? Before companies can find out the answers to those questions, it is vital they learn as much as possible about CE marking and what they must do to prepare for it.

With that in mind, the DHF is hosting two seminars on CE marking for its members. At the first, which took place recently for producers of industrial doors and shutters, DHF general manager and secretary Michael Skelding gave a detailed overview of CE marking and the CPR which underpins the new legislation. DHF technical officer Ray Nowell gave a presentation on standards and testing. Paul Duggan of Exova Warringtonapt answered members’ questions about notified bodies.

DHF executive chairman Bob Perry said that the DHF was ................

Read the rest of the article online at http://www.dijonline.co.uk/summer2012/#/6/






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Darren Baker Takes Sole Control At Alluguard

It has been announced that Darren Baker has taken sole charge of garage door manufacturer Alluguard Ltd after buying out business partner Jeremy Baker. The two men founded the business together two years ago after realising there was a gap in the market for insulated roller garage doors that were reasonably priced and did not compromise at all on quality.

Alluguard has grown considerably since its formation but since Jeremy’s other company has merged with another firm Darren has taken individual control of the Yorkshire-based company.

“It has been great working with Jeremy and this is very much an amicable parting of the ways,” explains Darren, “but when the opportunity came to buy him out I was glad to take it as I know what a fantastic business Alluguard is and just how much potential there is for future growth.”

Alluguard already has a roster of clients across the UK, including major names such as Anglian Windows, who enjoy access to a range that has ironed out many faults previously associated with insulated roller doors and includes features such as Alluguard’s unique steel-reinforced locking strap, which is built into the top of each door.

A wide range of colours are available, including wood grain finishes that are available at the same cost as standard white doors. Alluguard also offers 7-day delivery as standard, part of a customer care package that always caters to the needs of distributors, as Darren explains....read the full article on our website and find out more about the recent Alluguard raceday at Silverstone.





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Appreciation of American classics on the increase

Ahead of its autumn auction, Historics at Brooklands believe a rising popularity in cult American cars is taking US classics from the fringes of the classic car scene, to centre stage.

This view, shared by the foremost magazine on American marques, Classic American, will be put to the test when Historics lines up its latest collection of cars at Brooklands, on Saturday 1st September.

Ben Klemenzson, Editor of Classic American magazine comments: “The prevalence of American cars in popular culture has helped tackle some of the snobbery towards US models, and highlighted how fun, affordable and easy to run they can be.

“They're also appreciating in value: cars like the Mustang, Corvette and most Mopars have more than doubled in value over the last decade. The trick is to buy the best you can and stick with what's popular: Mustangs, Corvettes, GTOs, Chargers, Challengers and Camaros,” he concluded.

Historics at Brooklands Auction Director, Edward Bridger-Stille, is equally convinced of the role popular culture has played in pushing American classics to the fore.

“Our white glove sale of all 56 vehicles offered from the big screen blockbuster, Captain America, back in our March 2011 sale, demonstrates how film and television has pushed these cars into the public conscience.”

He continued: “With parts often readily available, American cars are eminently useable, and we’re delighted to be able to continue offering the best US classics to our enthusiastic followers.”

The autumn auction will be no different, with a number of equally intriguing American classics already consigned to the catalogue.

Featuring fresh design cues over the 1965 model, of integral bumpers and grilles, more rounded wasp-waisted body contours and flared sculpturing of the door and rear three quarter sections, the 1967 Pontiac Catalina ‘Wide Track’ Convertible became one of the most sought-after 1960s American soft-tops.

Imported from Texas in 2011, Historics’ 1967 example is fitted with the 6 ½ litre 400 engine and Turbo Hydramatic automatic gearbox, while power front brakes provide suitable stopping power.

Finished in maroon with black interior, the car is accompanied by a complete service history including Texas registration certificate, and is estimated to fetch bids in the region of £29,000 - £35,000.

Equally eye-catching, Historics is also bringing a 1958 Buick Limited Riviera Sedan - lavished with every conceivable extra - to its September sale.

The Buick Limited series was touted as the ultimate Buick, and was typified by a healthy use of chrome, most noticeably on the grille, rear quarter panels and tail light housings.  The style statement was backed up by quad headlights and ‘Dual Jet’ reversing lights.

Measuring a mighty 19 feet long, the four door pillarless sedan also boasts electric power windows, servo assisted brakes, power steering, electric antenna and factory fitted air conditioning.

A multiple award winner over the last two decades, the Buick Limited Riviera Sedan is in original condition and is anticipated to attract offers of between £18,000 and £24,000.

Like the Buick Limited, Chevrolet’s ‘Bel-Air’ typified the US public’s post-war preference for exclusivity over economy.

Automatic transmission, electric windows and electric seat adjusters were a mainstay, with the 1957 Two-Ten Station Wagon ‘Bel-Air’ consigned by Historics and offered at No Reserve, also boasting a resplendently restored interior.

For more information on Historics at Brooklands auction on the afternoon of Saturday September 1st, call  0800 988 3838 , e-mail: auctions@historics.co.uk, or see the website, www.historics.co.uk.





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1000 FERRARIS REGISTERED FOR “LARGEST PARADE OF FERRARI CARS”

Ferrari North Europe now has over 1000 cars registered to break the Guinness World Record for the Largest Parade of Ferrari Cars at 18:00 on Saturday 15th September during Ferrari Racing Days at Silverstone Circuit.

Ferrari North Europe previously set the record with an astonishing 385 cars on the Silverstone Circuit at the Ferrari Racing Days in 2007, but this was later increased to 490 cars. Even though over 600 cars had registered in the first month when the attempt was announced, Ferrari North Europe has always had the ambition to set a Guinness World Record with 1000 cars. Registrations remain open as we anticipate the recently extended Silverstone Grand Prix circuit can accommodate more than 1000 cars on track.

This outstanding interest is thanks to the support from the Ferrari Owners Club and Ferrari enthusiasts all over the UK and abroad and will create what promises to be an absolutely memorable spectacle – Silverstone turned Rosso Corsa. In addition, Ferrari will be donating £5 for every car entered into the world record attempt to BEN, the automotive industry’s own charity www.ben.org.uk.

 Ferrari Racing Days, held at Silverstone Circuit 15-16 September, is the only motor racing event in the UK where Ferrari fans will see the ultra-exclusive FXX and 599XX development cars on track and a wide range of historic Ferrari F1 cars from the F1 Clienti department, together with a packed schedule of races from the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli and the Ferrari Club Challenge, the Pirelli Ferrari Open.

Advanced weekend tickets are available for only £15 per person, with children (aged 15 years and under) free of charge. Tickets may be purchased on the day of the event for £15 per day and £20 for the weekend per person.

For more information on the Guinness World Record attempt, Ferrari Racing Days or to purchase tickets please visit www.ferrariracingdays.com






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LaCie RuggedKey – Key for a Rugged Lifestyle

LaCie has announced availability of the RuggedKey, the perfect solution to protect data from life’s stumbles. 

 

The RuggedKey is the latest addition to LaCie’s award-winning line of Rugged drives designed by Neil Poulton. From inclement weather to unauthorized access, the RuggedKey protects data from any threat.

The iconic orange bumper is back, this time to protect a USB key from heat, cold, and 100-meter drops. The RuggedKey is a great accessory for an adventure photographer who needs a way to keep his photos protected and accessible while on the road. If the key is dropped off of a cliff or stepped on during a hike – no problem! His files are still intact. Furthermore, it’s IP-54 certified to resist damage from dust and water making it the best device for on-the-go data protection.

 

 

 USB 3.0 continues to proliferate as the industry adopts the technology. The RuggedKey, with USB 3.0 speeds up to 150MB/s, is excellent for transferring files. Users can transfer an HD movie, 3,000 photos or a 5GB file in less than one minute. It is also backwards compatible with USB 2.0, making the key a fast and convenient device.

Wuala Secure Cloud Storage makes data on the RuggedKey easily accessible without compromising security. Wuala lets users keep one copy of data on the key and one in the cloud. That way, if a user forgets the key at the office, they can still access the files via the cloud. And for the ultimate in security, AES 256-bit encryption prevents unauthorized file access to the key with password protection.

The LaCie RuggedKey comes in 16GB and 32GB capacities and will be available through LaCie Online Store and LaCie Resellers.

Find out more about our products at www.lacie.com 

 

 

 

 

 

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Self-closing Gates a Barrier to Horse Riding

The British Horse Society (BHS) has published the results of research to determine the effect of self-closing gates on horse riders. The research was a response to an increasing number of reports that riders and horses had been harmed by such gates.

The trial demonstrates that self-closing bridle gates are neither as safe nor as easy to use for horse riders as British Standard 5709:2006 compliant non-self-closing gates.

The trial, which took place in Kent in 2011, saw experienced riders attempt a series of self-closing gates and a horse-friendly vehicle barrier to test the reliability, safety and ease of use.

Heather Clatworthy, BHS Senior Executive (Access), said: “There was no published research on the effects of self-closing gates on riders, their horses and horse riding. There have been some terrible injuries to both horse and riders caused by self-closing gates. The trial of these gates demonstrates that self-closing gates are inherently neither as safe nor as easy for horse riders as British Standard 5709:2006 compliant non-self-closing gates and following the principle of the least restrictive option should not be used routinely on public rights of way or other land with statutory equestrian access.”

An accident with a gate can deter horse and rider from using a route, and other riders may then also stay away, essentially obstructing the route for equestrian use.

At the official launch of the findings, representatives from Natural England, Defra, Centrewire, British Standards and local authorities were present. They all welcomed the research and are working with the BHS to improve the safety of self-closing gates for the benefit of equestrians nationally.

A copy of the findings can be viewed at www.bhs.org.uk/Riding/Riding_Off_Road/Self_closing_gates.aspx

For further information or a copy of the report, please contact: Hannah Brown, The British Horse Society,  02476 840581  or h.brown@bhs.org.uk





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Letterbox industry first for Exova

Global testing group Exova, in conjunction with the Door and Hardware Federation, has introduced a new level of security to commercial letter boxes after testing and certifying the first to a new safety standard.

Experts at Exova Warringtonfire have security tested a new product from DAD UK, designers and manufacturers of steel security products based at Ashford, Kent.

DAD UK is one of the largest UK and European manufacturers of mailboxes, letterboxes and secure mail delivery systems.

The TS009 standard is a newly announced security specification for external letterboxes which are free standing or surface mounted – for instance those letterboxes in communal flats or commercial property units.

Products certified to TS009 are then recognised by the Secured By Design (SBD) organisation, the leading police security standard aiming to help ‘design out’ crime.

The certification of the first letterbox to TS009 involved ‘attacks’ by Exova’s engineers using common tools of the burglary trade.

Mark West, operations manager for security products at Exova Warringtonfire, said: “This certification sets a new standard for the safety of such letterboxes, in our experience often falling victim to theft or vandalism.

“We fully expect that this standard will be taken up by other manufacturers and quickly become commonplace among those manufacturers producing such security products.”

Ben Godfrey, UK sales manager for DAD UK, said: “For some time there has been a genuine requirement by the industry to supply a more secure letterbox system for appropriate residential and commercial properties.

“The TS009 specification has set a new standard for security, and I am delighted our product is the first to have passed the rigorous testing conducted by Exova and look forward to seeing it help improve the security of letterbox systems.”

Exova is the world’s largest dedicated testing group, trusted by organisations to test and advise on the safety, quality and performance of their products and operations.

Find out more about the organisation at www.exova.com .

 

 

 

 

 

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Fire door bodies sound the alarm on fire safety law compliance

Two fire safety organisations in the construction industry have raised urgent concerns with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) as part of the Government’s review of enforcement of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, commonly known as the RRO.

BIS is currently gathering people’s views and experiences of working with fire safety officers and local fire and rescue authorities where this affects the day-to-day running of businesses, particularly those with 250 or fewer employees. It is also interested to find out where companies get advice on fire safety compliance.

The BWF-CERTIFIRE Fire Door and Doorset Scheme and the UK’s new Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS) have both written to BIS to warn of confusion and alarmingly low levels of awareness among many businesses of their responsibilities under the RRO and the crucial impact of fire doors on protecting life and property.

Peter Johnson, chairman of the BWF-CERTIFIRE Scheme, said:

“In almost every prosecution and report relating to the RRO, the lack of understanding of the role and use of fire doors is evident. Just this month we saw the prosecution of a Bideford hotel for malfunctioning fire doors, including reports from guests of a terrifying moment in May when fire raged through the hotel and they became trapped in smoke-filled corridors because a door had jammed shut and another had no door handle. Similar reports of fire door failures crop up on a weekly basis.

“Too often the wrong product is being specified and installed. A fire door is not a homogeneous thing, and it only functions properly when installed correctly with all the right components. People really need to understand the difference between a so-called 'tested product', a product with a certificate, and proper third-party, independently certificated fire doors. Only the latter gives any guarantee of performance.

“We have told BIS that it is essential that building contractors, too often pressurised into ‘value engineered’ specifications, are fully aware of the implications of not choosing a third-party certified fire door and the consequences this may have for those occupying the building. The BWF-CERTIFIRE Scheme will happily provide training and support to any organisation that needs more advice on this aspect of fire safety compliance.”

Of course, once the correct fire doors are installed in any building, the challenge then becomes their effective inspection, maintenance and replacement. This is another area where building owners can fall foul of the RRO, warns Gary Amer, spokesperson for the UK’s new Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS):