The Door Industry Journal

Friday, 17 January 2014

Majority of businesses wait more than 90 days for payment as ‘toothless’ regulations criticised

Sage research reveals late payment culture hitting SMEs

Nearly two thirds of businesses have experienced late payments of 90 days or more in the last six months, a shock study by business software and services provider Sage UKI has found.

Bosses of small and medium sized firms across the UK also gave a damning verdict for the Prompt Payment Code, established by Government in 2008 to tackle late payment, with only 5 per cent classing it as ‘effective’ or ‘extremely effective’.

An overwhelming majority classed the code as ‘ineffective’ (38%), or ‘extremely ineffective’ (16%). The remaining 41% said they had not heard of the code, which points towards a systematic failure of the Government to get to grips with late payment.

The survey of nearly 600 business owners also discovered that as a result of late payments:
•         One in ten (11%) suffered major cashflow difficulties. A third (33%) said they had experienced minor cashflow problems
•         A knock-on effect in the supply chain, with 14% of firms unable to pay their own suppliers
•         One in 40 firms (2.5%) were late paying wages to staff

Big businesses are the worst offenders for late payments, according to 45% of respondents. This was followed by small businesses (16%), the public sector (13%), and individuals (8%).

“It’s time for the Government to roll up its sleeves and get on with clamping down on the notorious late payers which are starving smaller firms of cashflow,” said Lee Perkins, Managing Director of Sage UK and Ireland’s Start-up and Small Business Division, commenting on the findings.

“British businesses have given a damning verdict for the Prompt Payment Code which has proved toothless and ineffective. There has been plenty of rhetoric, but not enough action and firms are saying they are fed up.

“Thirty days is long enough, but it’s absolutely criminal that the majority of firms experiencing late payments of sixty, or even ninety days.”

Survey profile and data:

The survey spoke to 572 business owners and decision makers.

In the last six months, businesses said they had experienced late payments over these time scales.
•         30 days or more, 84% said yes
•         60 days or more, 72% said yes
•         90 days or more, 57% said yes

Businesses were asked if they felt the Prompt Payment Code, established in 2008 to help businesses get paid on time, is effective? Respondents answered as follows:-
•         Yes, extremely effective, 1%
•         Yes, effective, 4%
•         No, ineffective, 38%
•         No, extremely ineffective, 16%
•         I don’t know/have not heard of the Prompt Payment Code, 41%

Firms were asked, what one thing would you do to improve the Prompt Payment Code? Respondents answered as follows:-
•         Tighter enforcement of the rules, 21%
•         Make an example of firms who do not pay on time, 14%
•         Greater punishment for firms who do not pay suppliers on time, 12%
•         Support from Government to help cash flows, if firms fail to pay, 9%
•         Other, 5%
•         Don’t know 39%

Firms were asked, from their experience, who are the worst offenders when it comes to late payments? Respondents answered as follows:-
•         Big business, 46%
•         Small business, 16%
•         Public sector, 13%
•         Individuals, 9%
•         Other, 8%
•         No problem with late payments, 8%

About Sage
Sage has been helping small businesses improve the way they work for over 30 years with award-winning accounting, payroll and CRM software.

In the UK, Sage provides software and services to businesses ranging from start-ups to large companies. This software ranges from accounts and ERP, HR and payroll, forecasting and business intelligence to customer relationship management, e-business and help for start-ups. Services include Excel Support, HR Advice, Health and Safety Advice and training courses. Best-selling packages such as Sage One Accounts, Sage Instant Accounts and Sage 50 Accounts have helped over 830,000 businesses in the UK save time and money.

www.sage.com

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Thursday, 16 January 2014

Exova appoints new General Manager to Saudi Arabia facility

Exova, the global testing, calibration and advisory services provider, has appointed Saad Sabbah as general manager of its facility in Saudi Arabia.

With a wealth of experience in engineering, construction and operational management, Saad brings a proven track record of business growth and extensive knowledge of the Middle East Region to his new role. He joins from Black Cat Engineering and construction where he was operations director, based in Doha, Qatar.

Previously he held senior operational management positions with Air Liquide, where he oversaw a number of high profile projects and contributed directly to increased revenue and profitability.

Educated at McGill University in Canada and the American University of Beirut, he will report directly to MEAP managing director Hicham Abdallah who said: “Saad brings a proven track record in business growth and will play a key role in developing our service and expertise to meet the requirements of customers in the Kingdom and across the Middle East.”

www.exova.com

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Wednesday, 15 January 2014

Sliders UK introduces exclusive Fab & Fix “Ultimate collection” patio door handle

Sliders UK has joined forces with leading hardware manufacturer Fab & Fix to develop a stylish, high security handle for its leading range of Duraflex, Eurocell and Synseal patio doors. Exclusively available to Sliders UK customers, the new handle forms part of the company’s Ultimate collection and compliments its optional Secured by Design solution.

The new Ultimate collection patio door handle has been created to the joint specification of security experts at Sliders UK and Fab & Fix, and incorporates a number of innovative design features that coordinate to make it one of the most attack resistant products on the market.

It is constructed from a robust zinc die-cast material and features built-in cylinder protection and a uniquely chamfered back plate that is 32mm wide to provide maximum stability and resistance to attack by Mole Grips or similar instruments used by would-be intruders.

Its elegantly curved handle is designed for modern aesthetic, whilst retaining maximum grip for the user. The external keyhole acts as a further guard as the cutout has been created especially so it conceals half the cylinder thus preventing it from being attacked directly. Sliders’ new handle also incorporates 6mm fixing screws, giving it far greater strength than the industry standard 5mm.

Sliders’ Ultimate collection patio door handle is coated in Fab & Fix’s popular Hardex finish in white, black, gold, chrome and satin. This finish has been salt spray tested to the highest British Standard and is proven to provide extreme corrosion resistance (BSEN 1670, Class Five).

In fact, Sliders’ latest collaboration with Fab & Fix is due to the positive feedback the company has already received from customers about the exceptional quality and reliability of this finish.

Ian Longbottom, Joint Managing Director of Sliders UK, explains:

“We have already switched wholeheartedly to Fab & Fix’s composite door furniture and also use its handles on our PVC and aluminium bi-folding doors, all of which are very popular with our customers. So when we were looking to upgrade our patio door handles, Fab & Fix was a natural partner.

“We are the only patio door manufacturer to supply this new handle and we’re confident that it will provide our trade customers with another unique selling point.”

Sliders UK is the UK’s largest manufacturer of patio doors, making over 350 units per week. Its patio doors were also the first to be accredited by the Secured by Design initiative.

Sliders UK and Fab & Fix saw the opportunity to increase sales even further by working together and commissioning an exclusive handle.

Will Butler, Managing Director of Fab & Fix, which is part of Grouphomesafe, concludes:

“We enjoy working with Sliders UK as their design ethos matches our own. At Fab & Fix we only develop new products when they deliver a genuine improvement and we are very proud of what we’ve created with Sliders.”

For more information, please visit www.sliders-uk.com and for Fab & Fix, please visit their website at www.fabnfix.co.uk

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Tuesday, 14 January 2014

Assa Abloy Security Doors Secures Innovative Banking Building

ASSA ABLOY Security Doors has designed, manufactured and installed a range of high performance security doors in a Middle Eastern bank.

ASSA ABLOY Security Doors’ Safeguard Timber Doors were installed in the high-profile build, offering advanced protection in a discreet design, deterring unwanted attention. Powershield fire doors were also fitted, which have been extensively tested to both British and European standards.

ASSA ABLOY Security Doors facilitated maximum safety throughout the city-facing building, supplying bespoke doorsets and high security locking in line with the building’s sharp design.

Nigel Cronin, Sales Manager for ASSA ABLOY Security Doors, said:

“We are very excited to be involved in securing such a challenging build, which demands such high security.”

“Projects like this highlight ASSA ABLOY Security Doors’ capacity to cater to very high security specifications, particularly the ability to safeguard buildings at risk of attack.”

The doors are successfully fire tested by Warrington fire and covered by Certifire approval and can protect against the spread of flame and smoke for up to 240 minutes, in accordance with BS 476 Part 22 and EN 1634-1: 2000.

For further information, visit www.assaabloy.co.uk/securitydoors or telephone 02892 662200.

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Friday, 10 January 2014

Carl F Groupco supports timber sector with FUHR slave lock

Integral lever operation of the FUHR 841
slave lock for timber installations is demonstrated
by Carl F Groupco's John Mitchell.

Carl F Groupco’s support for the timber hardware market includes the FUHR 841 slave door lock. The established fittings distributor, which has offered FUHR lines for over 50 years, reports that the product, which is designed specifically for use on timber or timber core composite doors, is proving popular with its customers due to a number of advantageous defining features.

The 841 is a concealed lever operated two part slave lock which operates as a keep into which the Master leaf is locked. The Master lock (also a two part lock) is compatible with the 841 and can be lever operated or split spindle.

This combination provides a Secured by Design solution for timber French doors. Significant design elements include a wider than typical faceplate of 26mm, which provides additional security protection and strength for timber profiles. Additionally, lever operation on the 841 slave lock is integrated into the faceplate to provide fully concealed locking without encroaching on slave door sightlines.

The FUHR 841 complements Carl F Groupco’s growing range of door hardware for timber applications, which includes FUHR’s existing range of timber master and stable door locks. Other lines catering for timber installations are T-Fold hardware for bi-fold doors, the Crimebeater door lock series and a range of door furniture.

For more information, contact sales@carlfgroupco.co.uk

www.carlfgroupco.co.uk

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Thursday, 9 January 2014

Project Win For Assa Abloy Security Solutions

ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions has won the tendering process for ironmongery and access control in a world-class research facility being constructed in the Midlands.

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), to be based in Coventry, has already attracted the likes of Rolls-Royce, Aero Engine Controls and Airbus in the UK, who will be undertaking significant research and development manufacturing projects at the facility upon completion.

ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions has scheduled full door and ironmongery throughout, as well as specialist automatic entry doors and access control systems.

Tina Hughan, Head of Marketing for ASSA ABLOY UK, said:

“Not only is this contributing towards a world-class project, but it’s on our own doorstep in the Midlands.

“The brands under ASSA ABLOY have a long heritage in the heartland of British lock making. It’s great that we will be working on something so close to our roots, that demonstrates how far our innovations have progressed.”

For more information on ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions, please visit: www.assaabloy.co.uk/securitysolutions

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Wednesday, 8 January 2014

Does Size Matter?

Creating more space in the home is high on the agenda as many of today’s homes smaller than they were nearly 100 years ago. Research by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) found the average home has decreased in size from 1,647 square feet, with four bedrooms in the 1920’s, to today’s equivalent which has 925 square feet and three bedrooms. With rising energy costs, is a smaller space to live in actually better?

“This is where clever design of the interior space can ensure a cosy space in the winter months and an open plan living environment during warmer times. It allows us to have the best of both worlds. Dividing the room in winter time with the use of sliding doors can help create a comfortable environment,” comments Andrew Royle at P C Henderson.

P C Henderson’s solutions can help increase the interior floor space available by the use of sliding door gear systems which provide an easy access solution that is versatile and silent in use. They can be used as room dividers to create a flexible living space without compromising on an open plan design, which helps create space and allow more light into the property by removing walls and opening up rooms.

“Room dividers can also allow occupants to close off space for small dinner parties or open up the two rooms for larger celebrations. Sliding door solutions can help create the desired effect,” adds Andrew Royle.

Sliding door gear systems can also be used for wardrobe and entrance doors allowing even the ‘box room’ in the house to accommodate storage solutions without compromising functionality.

The sliding and folding door hardware systems are perfect for saving space, maximizing door opening widths, adjusting room sizes and increasing safety by removing an intrusive swing door.

P C Henderson Ltd
Durham Road, Bowburn
County Durham
DH6 5NG
England
Tel: +44 (0) 191 377 0701
Website: www.pchenderson.co.uk
Email: sales@pchenderson.com

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Tuesday, 7 January 2014

Millions of pounds of plant 'left to rot' in British industry

Companies urged to convert unwanted machinery into cash

There's millions of pounds worth of unused machinery and plant in Britain's factories that could be put to better use in times of austerity.

That's the view of one major British plant hire company that sees the amount of idle equipment in industrial units, factories, warehouses and other sites up and down the country.

With the price of scrap metal back on the rise*, CraneHireUK.co.uk wonders why many businesses haven't cashed in on their old equipment and put the proceeds to good use.

"There are crazy amounts of money being left doing nothing in our factories," says CraneHireUK.co.uk 's Mark Hall, "It takes up space and we're certain it can be put to better use elsewhere. Old equipment is always a risk to leave lying around, so it makes far better sense to recycle or reuse."

According to CraneHireUK.co.uk, mothballed equipment could be considered for sale abroad, or if the company is feeling particularly altruistic, donated for in one of the world's developing economies. Otherwise, hey should consider selling for scrap value.

"It's hard to put a precise figure on the amount of unused plant that's going to waste, and that's mainly down to a lack of formal studies," said Hall, "However, it's something that our on-site crane operating teams see virtually every day, so it's clearly a national problem with huge amounts of capacity going spare."

According to latest market figures, the *price of scrap metal has started to rise again after levelling out in the middle of 2013. Steel and lead scrap are now above the levels we saw at the beginning of the year; and copper is accelerating after a minor price slump during the summer, driven by demand in the Far East.

The biggest problem with shifting old plant is the cost to do so, factory bosses have told Crane Hire UK. The mere act of shifting a large machine from the shop floor to the back of a lorry has been – in the past – prohibitively expensive for some companies which prefer just to abandon the equipment instead.

"We no longer think that's a fair assumption," says Hall, "We've managed to squeeze down our costs, which means that the hire of a suitable crane for a single day would easily be cost-effective. The economics of waste and recycling have changed considerably in the past few years, and values-per-ton easily makes these operations viable."

CraneHireUK.co.uk also thinks that freed-up space on shop floors will also help with future, problem-free expansion.

"The message is a simple one: If you've got old plant rotting in your factory or site, you can move it It will be far cheaper than you think, and it will make you a few bob in the process."

About CraneHireUK.co.uk

CraneHireUK.co.uk is a leading expert in the hiring of cranes and lifting plant for businesses, commercial and domestic customers. With national coverage and access to a large, modern fleet that's staffed by fully-trained experts, CraneHireUK.co.uk is able to pass on substantial savings to their customers for their site plant needs. All types of contract lifts undertaken with happy and considerate drivers, Crane Hire UK offers the complete package for any job that requires a crane on site. The right crane – the right drivers – at the right time.

Website: www.cranehireuk.co.uk

Twitter @ukcranehire

*Scrap metal prices: www.letsrecycle.com/prices/metals

Additional information: weldaloy.com

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Monday, 6 January 2014

AluK systems specified for the Withybush Retail Park project

AluK (GB) doors and curtain walling systems have been supplied for the refurbishment of an existing retail unit for Debenhams at the Withybush Retail Park in Haverfordwest, Wales. Specified by Holder Mathias, in collaboration with Kier Group, AluK's aluminium building systems were installed for the new shop front and display windows.

"The Debenhams store was the last phase of a complete refurbishment of the 7 units at the site which has transformed what was a tired scheme into a successful, contemporary retail destination," explains Mike Swain, Technical Director at Holder Mathias. “The works for the Debenhams store started in January 2013, with the shell unit being handed over to the tenant in June 2013. The store has now opened following the tenant’s fit out."

Combining design flexibility with functionality, the SL52 Curtain Walling System installed enables specifiers to create impressive continual expanses of glass that not only enhance the aesthetics of a building but also provide the functionality and performance required to meet and exceed current standards.

Also specified was the GT55 NI Door System, which is perfect for heavy traffic areas where no insulation is required. This system provides the ultimate in security, certified to LPS 1175:SR2 and by 'Secured by Design'; it is one of the most secure swing door systems available on the market.

"AluK met all our requirements in terms of design, performance and service. The design concept was to produce a clean, uncluttered, double height glazed frontage. AluK was able to provide a curtain walling solution with flush silicone jointed glass to meet the project design criteria,” adds Mike Swain.

For more information visit: www.aluk.co.uk

Background information on the contractors:

Holder Mathias
Holder Mathias has created projects of enduring value for over forty years. Their reputation is built upon high quality sustainable design within a sound commercial framework, identifying with their clients’ objectives and finding solutions that make a real contribution to their success.

Based in London, Cardiff and Munich, they operate throughout the United Kingdom and internationally delivering services in Architecture, Urban Design and Masterplanning.

Combining specialist expertise in retail and leisure design they create places that people are drawn to and, using their skills in urban residential and office development, they design high quality environments for people to live and work.

Kier Group
Kier Group plc is a leading construction, services and property group specialising in building and civil engineering, support services, commercial property development and structured property financing and private and affordable housing.

Kier Construction encompasses UK building, infrastructure and overseas businesses.
Kier Services manages and delivers support services to both public and private sector clients.
Kier Property comprises three main businesses: commercial, industrial, retail and mixed-use property development; structured property financing; and homes, including both private and affordable housing.

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Happy New Year!

First of all we would like to wish all of our readers, advertisers and contributors a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

We'd also like to let you know that our offices are now open and we are back, raring to go after the Christmas and New Year Festive break.