Thursday, 10 February 2022

The Home-Grown Team Of The Future


This February saw the 15th annual National Apprenticeships Week, a week-long celebration that shines a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy. 

This was particularly fitting for JD (UK) Ltd, sole UK distributor of Alutech sectional garage doors, automation and roller shutter components, which has looked to apprenticeships as an effective way to strengthen and grow its workforce.

The UK wide skills shortage in the industry has been well documented and also felt by many businesses looking to recruit but struggling to find the right people for the job. The team at JD (UK) Ltd has sought to encourage young people into the industry and make it their career path of choice by taking on several apprentices and supporting them through an NVQ in Business Administration or Customer Service. 

The programme has been a great success, with 3 apprentices, Bailey Doran, Rebekah Pilkington and Belle Cape, recently passing their NVQs, some with distinction, despite the difficult circumstances posed by Covid.

Managing Director, Steve Hudson, commented: 
“We’re a firm believer that apprentices provide a company with fresh and innovative solutions to business challenges, which is vital to help us remain competitive and relevant in our market. We’re very proud of the achievements of our apprentices. They all received highly commendable feedback from the NVQ assessor. 
“We’d encourage any business struggling to recruit to consider taking on an apprentice and supporting them through their qualifications. Bailey, Rebekah and Belle are now skilled, valued members of our team, ready to progress through the company. In fact, Rebekah has decided she would like to work towards a BA honours degree in Business Management, which she’ll do part-time with our full support.”
Elsewhere in the business, 2 more apprentices were recruited towards the end of last year, Adam Brooks as Apprentice Accounts Assistant and Nathan Hirst as Apprentice Sales Co-ordinator of aluminium systems for doors and windows.

For more information and to order, please call 01924 472924 or email sales@jdukltd.co.uk

You can also visit www.jdukltd.co.uk and find us on Instagram @alutechgaragedoors, Facebook @Alutechgaragedoorsuk, Twitter @AlutechGD, and LinkedIn @JD UK LTD.



Why not Sign-up to Receive these Articles by Email each Day on our newsfeed site

>> Scroll down to read more articles like this which have been published recently on this blog <<

You can also read additional current and archived articles on our dedicated magazine website

Low Cost and Free Publicity - Your company can easily benefit from some publicity like the posts above for a contribution towards our layout costs (£60 to £80 plus VAT), payable in advance or you can receive the service absolutely free of charge if you advertise (see below).

We post articles up to twice a day and never delete them - we only archive them each year so that they continue to remain visible to search engines.

To have your story published - just send us your news item, logo and image(s) and we will review the material, make any necessary changes to the wording / wordcount and then advise you when it will be published.

If you are a regular advertiser in our printed and online publications, placing series bookings for adverts or subscribing to our VIP Packages, you will qualify for a specific number of free postings on this blog while you continue to advertise with us. See our media pack for more details.

Also, if you purchase one of our Online and Print Combo packages, Featured Articles or Advertorial packages shown in our media pack, posting on this blog is included in the price.

For details and rates for all of our advertising options in print and online, download our media pack contact us or visit our website.

Door Industry Journal is a trading style of Avalon Innovations LLP - Company No. OC364751

Wednesday, 9 February 2022

20 Years of Automated Gate Standards


EN 12453 was first published in 2000; before this date there were no powered gate standards. Between 2000 and 2010, there was very little discussion of safety or compliance in the UK powered gate industry. However, following the 2010 child deaths in Bridgend and Manchester, much has changed.
 
The UK Health and Safety Executive investigations into these deaths led them to issue a formal objection to the European Commission about the efficacy of the standard. As a result of this, and a later revision of the HSE objection, in 2015, the Commission issued a warning to the industry: they should no longer rely entirely on EN 12453 for legal compliance.

Central to legal compliance in the UK powered gate industry is the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations which bring the EU Machinery Directive into UK criminal law. The Regulations (and the Directive) rely heavily on harmonised standards to describe the minimum level of safety required for compliance. EN 12453 describes this minimum for powered gate safety, by being referenced by EN 13241 which was harmonised with the Machinery Directive in 2003.
 
A common myth in the early years of UK gate safety was that use of standards is optional (which is quite true) but failed to acknowledge the more important fact that attaining an equal or improved level of safety to that described by a harmonised standard is not optional, it is mandatory. This became blindingly obvious as prosecutions relating to the 2010 incidents, and others, played out. UK HSE prosecuted a series of manufacturers, installation companies, and maintenance companies. Central to each prosecution was the responsible company’s failure to reach the level of safety described by EN 12453, some for failing to protect reducing gaps at hinges, others for failing to test the operating force, and several for failing to achieve the structural integrity required by the standard.


During this time, CEN (the European standards body) had begun a revision of EN 12453. In 2017, they published a revised version but much to their consternation, the European Commission, in part on the advice of UK HSE, declined to give it the harmonisation required to confer compliance. As a result, when BSI published BS EN 12453:2017 in the UK, they included a national foreword advising users not to rely on it entirely for legal compliance.
 
Helpfully however, the national foreword did at least explain which areas were deficient and required additional measures. For powered gates, the most important issue was that although the standard explained that all hazards in the movement area of a hinged gate must be protected, where this was being done by force limitation, it only explained how to test the main closing edges. There was no mention of the need to verify safe force in these other critical areas.

It is a fact that since first publication in 2000, EN 12453 has required that any contact with a moving gate must either be completely prevented by hold-to-run, guards or non-contact technology such as light grids or laser scanners, or that operating force and time must be controlled to safe levels which depend on the size of the reducing gap. In reducing gaps over 500mm, the maximum force is 1400N, and in reducing gaps of 500mm or less, the maximum is 400N. In either case, the force must reduce to 150N in 0.75 of a second and reduce further to 25N within five seconds.
 
It has always been the case that should a person be in the path of a moving gate, if it contacts them, it must immediately reverse movement within the prescribed force and time limits. As a supplement to the requirements for limiting force, where a gate auto closes or where un-trained persons might be affected, there must also be low level beams present to reduce the probability of contact with the force limited gate. These ‘supplementary’ beams are an addition to the force limitation, not an alternative; they are not considered to be a stand-alone safety device, they are far too easy to defeat by leaning, reaching, or standing astride the beam. This is an important point; in many death and injury prosecutions, the offending gate was equipped with beams but did not have adequate force limitation.


Very little has changed in terms of safety requirements between 2000 and the current day, only very minor tweaks have been made to the standard. The requirements for control system fail-safe have been upgraded and the need for verification of safe force in areas of a gate that are away from the main edges has been clarified.
 
It is also worth noting that protecting against hinge failure has been a requirement since 2000 (by reference to EN 12604:2000), if a hinge fails, the gate must not fall. In the 2017 revision (by reference to EN 12604:2017), this was relaxed a little to allow a minor movement of 300mm from the vertical. This allows the use of a catch lanyard rather than engineering solutions like reinforced hinge structures or triple hinging. The requirement to protect against hinge failure is not new, there has only been a very minor relaxation of the long-standing 2000 requirement.

CEN have now amended EN 12453:2017 and published it as EN 12453:2017+A1:2021; all indications are that it will eventually achieve harmonisation. When it is published by BSI in the UK as BS EN 12453:2017+A1:2021, it will no longer need to contain the national foreword warning against using it to confer legal compliance, thus ending 10 years of doubt and confusion over automated gate standards in the UK.

During these 20 or so years, very little has changed with EN 12453, the basic concepts for safety and legal compliance have remained constant. Had all systems been manufactured, installed, and maintained in conformity with EN 12453 since 2000, all but one of the 20 or so incidents that have led to death, injury, and prosecution would not have occurred. However, in that time, nearly everything has changed in our industry. There are still pockets of confusion and misinformation, but overall, the message has gradually filtered through. The support from the industry by means of training and educating its people is commendable and things are now much better in the field; systems are being made safe and compliant, most companies in the industry are now getting on board. Only a small minority of criminal outliers remain. Sadly, these will continue to make waves, but across the industry the transformation since 2010 has been dramatic, something our industry should be very proud of.
 
DHF has issued a revised industry code of practice for 2022. Released in January, DHF TS 013:2021 replaces the earlier TS 011 (gates & barriers) and TS 012 (industrial & garage doors) and now covers gates, barriers, industrial doors, and garage doors in a single series of documents. Part 1 is the on-site guide covering safety, part 2 covers legislation for installation, maintenance and repair companies, and part 3 is guidance for owners and managers. The new code encompasses all the changes to EN 12453 and explains how to achieve legal compliance.

Download a copy at: www.dhfonline.org.uk/publications/ (click on gates and barriers).

DHF continues to deliver state-of-the-art fully accredited training on all aspects of safety and legal compliance in classrooms or online: www.dhfonline.org.uk/training/
 
Nick Perkins, DHF Training and Compliance Officer

https://www.dhfonline.org.uk





Why not Sign-up to Receive these Articles by Email each Day on our newsfeed site

>> Scroll down to read more articles like this which have been published recently on this blog <<

You can also read additional current and archived articles on our dedicated magazine website

Low Cost and Free Publicity - Your company can easily benefit from some publicity like the posts above for a contribution towards our layout costs (£60 to £80 plus VAT), payable in advance or you can receive the service absolutely free of charge if you advertise (see below).

We post articles up to twice a day and never delete them - we only archive them each year so that they continue to remain visible to search engines.

To have your story published - just send us your news item, logo and image(s) and we will review the material, make any necessary changes to the wording / wordcount and then advise you when it will be published.

If you are a regular advertiser in our printed and online publications, placing series bookings for adverts or subscribing to our VIP Packages, you will qualify for a specific number of free postings on this blog while you continue to advertise with us. See our media pack for more details.

Also, if you purchase one of our Online and Print Combo packages, Featured Articles or Advertorial packages shown in our media pack, posting on this blog is included in the price.

For details and rates for all of our advertising options in print and online, download our media pack contact us or visit our website.

Door Industry Journal is a trading style of Avalon Innovations LLP - Company No. OC364751

Tuesday, 8 February 2022

Can you generate more leads with Facebook?


Rob Goulty from One Step Marketing ltd shares 5 tips to generate more leads. 

Many organisations have a Facebook company page, but how many are tapping into Facebooks true potential? If we break down the number of UK users, we can start to see the marketing reach that Facebook has to offer.

Year on year, the number of Facebook users increases, in January 2019 there was a reported 39 million UK based Facebook users. Jumping forward to January 2022, statistics show that this had increased to over 51 million, totalling more than 75% of the UK’s total population. 

When we consider a user’s age range, you may find it interesting that Facebook has a reported 27,800,000 users within its 35 – 65+ age category.

Tips for improving your social media presence:

1: Post original and fresh content 

Like many organisations, you're on social media to showcase and promote your business, don't assume that people will like, comment, and share your posts because they like them. 

Create engaging content, share your recent installations, and ask questions within your posts to encourage users to comment. 

Try to focus on the new garage door's benefits: increased security, added house value, better home aesthetics, space-saving and simple operation – this will showcase your products to higher levels and give your customers something to think about.

2: Know when to post

Generally speaking, the optimum time to post varies for each company page, this depends on your current following. I would recommend that you post at least three times a week. To find your optimum time to post, try to post at different times of day and on different days of the week. 

One week post on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Next week's post on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday – look at the number of people reached and the engagement levels to find out when best to post.

You can also use Facebooks scheduling manager to schedule posts ahead of time, this is a great tool to use and allows you to spend an hour at your computer to schedule posts for the next few weeks or a month in advance.

3: Add a call to action to your posts

When posting, click the “get messages button”, this will add a call to action to your posts and allow users to message you directly from their news feed. 

4: Use ad targeting tools for paid advertising

When creating paid targeted ads, build an audience that best identifies your current customers – input your current customer's Age, Gender, Location and any interests they have. Building targeted audiences based upon your existing customer demographics could increase your conversion levels and decrease overall spend. 

5: Showcase your installations with high-quality images

When showcasing pictures of your current installations on Facebook, stand back when taking photos and include the house with the garage, take multiple photos in both portrait and landscape. 

This will show customers the overall aesthetic and the change that has taken place.

One Step Marketing Ltd offers affordable marketing solutions for businesses large and small. 

For help with social media, content creation or if you want to understand how a new website could add value to your business and better your google rankings, please speak with Rob by telephoning: 01709 432 041 or email: rob@onestepmarketing.co.uk

 



Why not Sign-up to Receive these Articles by Email each Day on our newsfeed site

>> Scroll down to read more articles like this which have been published recently on this blog <<

You can also read additional current and archived articles on our dedicated magazine website

Low Cost and Free Publicity - Your company can easily benefit from some publicity like the posts above for a contribution towards our layout costs (£60 to £80 plus VAT), payable in advance or you can receive the service absolutely free of charge if you advertise (see below).

We post articles up to twice a day and never delete them - we only archive them each year so that they continue to remain visible to search engines.

To have your story published - just send us your news item, logo and image(s) and we will review the material, make any necessary changes to the wording / wordcount and then advise you when it will be published.

If you are a regular advertiser in our printed and online publications, placing series bookings for adverts or subscribing to our VIP Packages, you will qualify for a specific number of free postings on this blog while you continue to advertise with us. See our media pack for more details.

Also, if you purchase one of our Online and Print Combo packages, Featured Articles or Advertorial packages shown in our media pack, posting on this blog is included in the price.

For details and rates for all of our advertising options in print and online, download our media pack contact us or visit our website.

Door Industry Journal is a trading style of Avalon Innovations LLP - Company No. OC364751

Monday, 7 February 2022

New Videos are Effective Selling Tool for SWS UK’s Distributors


Continuing to lead the way in digital innovation, SWS UK has released a series of professional videos designed to highlight the advanced engineering behind the manufacturer’s Seceuro product range.


SWS UK’s first video production focussed on the company’s LCPB approved and Secured by Design roller garage door, the SeceuroGlide Excel. The Excel was the first roller garage door in the UK to receive LPS1175, SR1. 

Products tested to this level provide a level of resistance to opportunist attempts at forced entry, using bodily physical force and a limited range of hand tools, including those that create noise. 

The Excel achieved the rating by passing a series of timed attacks which go beyond the requirements of doors with lower or no security rating. This included a more vigorous, violent attack with no restrictions on how much noise could be made during the test.


Released in September last year, the video was professionally shot at SWS UK’s on-site test facility where the door was once again put through its paces in a series of controlled attack tests, replicating break-in methods used by the LPCB. 

Consisting of three individual tests; Cut, Push and Lift, the door withheld the attacks, meaning entry was not gained by the would-be intruder.

During filming the same attacks were performed on a generic competitor door, with the results speaking for themselves. On each of the cut, push and lift tests, the generic door failed within one minute of the attack!

Commenting on the SeceuroGlide Excel attack videos, Commercial Director Martin Fletcher said: 
‘Roller garage doors are visually very similar from all manufacturers, so it was important that we found a way of highlighting the security benefits behind the SeceuroGlide range, and in particular the LPCB approved SeceuroGlide Excel.
‘Creating videos that featured the testing of the Excel alongside an inferior competitor door provides a strong, visual comparison of how each door performs when subjected to typical break-in methods.
‘We hope the video can be used to demonstrate the SeceuroGlide difference whilst highlighting SWS UK’s commitment to providing the very best in quality products and leading manufacturing practices.’
A second video was released in September 2021, starring the SeceuroGlide Original, the industry’s first insulated roller garage door and SWS UK’s best-selling garage door. The fly-through animated video illustrates the door’s selling points and unique, key features, which can sometimes be difficult to demonstrate with traditional marketing tools such as brochures and photography.
 
Marketing Manager Chloe Wiggins said: 
‘Living in a digital age means many consumers will use the internet when researching new products for their home, and that’s particularly true for larger ticket items such as a new garage door. At SWS UK we have recognised the requirement for strong, online content and we are thrilled with the impact our new videos are already having on the market. 
‘Distributors have told us that having a visual tool has been a game-changer when trying to explain the differences in quality, safety and security between an SWS product and cheaper alternatives. We have some exciting plans for further investment in digital marketing and can’t wait to share the details with our distributors.
Following the success of the videos already released by SWS UK, the forward-thinking company are in the process of creating digital content across more of their products.
 
To subscribe to SWS UK’s YouTube channel, or to watch their existing videos, visit YouTube.com and search SWS UK.





Why not Sign-up to Receive these Articles by Email each Day on our newsfeed site

>> Scroll down to read more articles like this which have been published recently on this blog <<

You can also read additional current and archived articles on our dedicated magazine website

Low Cost and Free Publicity - Your company can easily benefit from some publicity like the posts above for a contribution towards our layout costs (£60 to £80 plus VAT), payable in advance or you can receive the service absolutely free of charge if you advertise (see below).

We post articles up to twice a day and never delete them - we only archive them each year so that they continue to remain visible to search engines.

To have your story published - just send us your news item, logo and image(s) and we will review the material, make any necessary changes to the wording / wordcount and then advise you when it will be published.

If you are a regular advertiser in our printed and online publications, placing series bookings for adverts or subscribing to our VIP Packages, you will qualify for a specific number of free postings on this blog while you continue to advertise with us. See our media pack for more details.

Also, if you purchase one of our Online and Print Combo packages, Featured Articles or Advertorial packages shown in our media pack, posting on this blog is included in the price.

For details and rates for all of our advertising options in print and online, download our media pack contact us or visit our website.

Door Industry Journal is a trading style of Avalon Innovations LLP - Company No. OC364751

Sunday, 6 February 2022

2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed to celebrate ‘The Innovators - Masterminds of Motorsport’


Goodwood is pleased to announce that the theme for this year’s Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard will be ‘The Innovators – Masterminds of Motorsport’, celebrating the technical landmarks that have seen the racing automobile develop from crude behemoth to space-age projectile. 

It will focus on the human stories of engineering ingenuity that have been ever-present throughout the sport’s history, and shine a light on the future, as motorsport’s visionaries play an essential role in pioneering new technologies that will impact the next generation of motion and mobility.

The theme will be reflected throughout the event, from the cars and drivers taking on the iconic Goodwood Hill, to special guests and interactive displays on the ground, including stories from the Festival’s partners and immersive exhibitions such as Future Lab and Electric Avenue.
 
Long established as the world’s greatest celebration of motorsport and car culture, the Festival of Speed is increasingly geared towards the future - providing a glimpse at the technology of tomorrow, set against the context of history. We are at a pivotal moment in the evolution of mobility, with electrification, autonomy, personal flight and many other developments set to have a profound impact on the way we lead our lives.

Established in 2017, Future Lab is a showcase for these technologies, along with many others, presenting them in an accessible, interactive way. Returning for its fifth year, Future Lab will once more present ‘Technology for a better world’, featuring breathtaking exhibitors from mobility, robotics, aviation, healthcare and more.


Continuing the forward-looking theme, last year saw the launch of ‘Electric Avenue - The Road to 2030’, the new home for electric mobility at the iconic automotive event. The innovation behind EV development will be showcased again this year as the destination for customers to ask questions of the experts, inspect the latest EVs, and learn about the benefits associated with switching to electric.

New for 2022, will be a special experience for event-goers to get behind the wheel of a variety of exciting EV manufacturers - more details of which will be released in the coming weeks.
 
The Duke of Richmond said: 
“This year’s Festival theme – ‘The Innovators – Masterminds of Motorsport’ – allows us to celebrate some of the greatest achievements in history, while also highlighting the event’s evolving focus on future technology. Just as race-inspired innovations such as four-valve engines, monocoque chassis and turbocharging have shaped the past and present of the cars we drive in the real world, so electrification, autonomy and other new technologies – the development of which is accelerated by the white heat of competition – will have a profound effect on the future of personal mobility. The Festival of Speed is the only place in the world to bring all these stories together in one place, celebrating the past, present and future in a uniquely immersive, dynamic way.”
Savings to be made on tickets bought before 1 April 2022

Those planning to attend the Festival of Speed this summer have the opportunity to save on tickets when purchasing before 31 March 2022. The 2022 Festival of Speed qualifies for the UK Government’s ‘creative industry tax relief’, with a reduced VAT rate of 12.5% until 31 March 2022. 

Ticket prices will remain at the reduced VAT rate until the end of March, when it will return to the full rate of 20% from 1 April 2022.

Tickets can be purchased via goodwood.com or by calling the Ticket Office on 01243 755055.

For an extra special day out, hospitality is also available across the event and can be organised by emailing hospitality@goodwood.com or calling 01243 755054.

The Goodwood Ticket Guarantee means that if Goodwood is required to cancel an event based on latest UK Government advice, you will have the flexibility to transfer your booking or apply for a credit.



Image credits: Mission H24 by Drew Gibson | Electric Avenue by Mike Caldwell





Why not Sign-up to Receive these Articles by Email each Day on our newsfeed site

>> Scroll down to read more articles like this which have been published recently on this blog <<

You can also read additional current and archived articles on our dedicated magazine website

Low Cost and Free Publicity - Your company can easily benefit from some publicity like the posts above for a contribution towards our layout costs (£60 to £80 plus VAT), payable in advance or you can receive the service absolutely free of charge if you advertise (see below).

We post articles up to twice a day and never delete them - we only archive them each year so that they continue to remain visible to search engines.

To have your story published - just send us your news item, logo and image(s) and we will review the material, make any necessary changes to the wording / wordcount and then advise you when it will be published.

If you are a regular advertiser in our printed and online publications, placing series bookings for adverts or subscribing to our VIP Packages, you will qualify for a specific number of free postings on this blog while you continue to advertise with us. See our media pack for more details.

Also, if you purchase one of our Online and Print Combo packages, Featured Articles or Advertorial packages shown in our media pack, posting on this blog is included in the price.

For details and rates for all of our advertising options in print and online, download our media pack contact us or visit our website.

Door Industry Journal is a trading style of Avalon Innovations LLP - Company No. OC364751

Saturday, 5 February 2022

Mul-T-Lock Appoints Former Locksmith as Regional Sales Manager


Security specialist Mul-T-Lock has welcomed the appointment of Gavin Hough to the team as a dedicated Regional Sales Manager for Midlands and North West regions.

In a career spanning 30 years in the security industry, with dedicated experience as a trading locksmith in a family business, Gavin joins Mul-T-Lock fully prepared to work in partnership and deliver on mechanical and smart security solutions.

In his new role, Gavin will be responsible for working with locksmiths and implementing Mul-T-Lock’s UK sales strategy across the Midlands and North West regions.
Says Gavin: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have secured this exciting role within Mul-T-Lock UK.  The transition from being a locksmith to working with a global brand that commits to a partnership approach, with high-performance security solutions, is a really great opportunity.  Mul-T-Lock can provide total support to our customers for their ongoing work programmes from initial design and specification to project completion. I can’t wait to get involved.”
Claire Blakemore, Managing Director Mul-T-Lock UK added: 
“We are very excited to announce Gavin’s appointment to develop our well-established sales network across the Midlands and North West.  Gavin brings a wealth of product, market and industry knowledge with him, which will be invaluable to our team and our customers alike. 
“Our decision to invest in additional resources and expertise to support our sales network provides a great chance for us all to work closer together and further strengthen our market position not only with each new smart product design but also as a whole company proposition for the benefit of our locksmiths.”
For more information on Mul-T-Lock UK, please visit: www.mul-t-lock.co.uk





Why not Sign-up to Receive these Articles by Email each Day on our newsfeed site

>> Scroll down to read more articles like this which have been published recently on this blog <<

You can also read additional current and archived articles on our dedicated magazine website

Low Cost and Free Publicity - Your company can easily benefit from some publicity like the posts above for a contribution towards our layout costs (£60 to £80 plus VAT), payable in advance or you can receive the service absolutely free of charge if you advertise (see below).

We post articles up to twice a day and never delete them - we only archive them each year so that they continue to remain visible to search engines.

To have your story published - just send us your news item, logo and image(s) and we will review the material, make any necessary changes to the wording / wordcount and then advise you when it will be published.

If you are a regular advertiser in our printed and online publications, placing series bookings for adverts or subscribing to our VIP Packages, you will qualify for a specific number of free postings on this blog while you continue to advertise with us. See our media pack for more details.

Also, if you purchase one of our Online and Print Combo packages, Featured Articles or Advertorial packages shown in our media pack, posting on this blog is included in the price.

For details and rates for all of our advertising options in print and online, download our media pack contact us or visit our website.

Door Industry Journal is a trading style of Avalon Innovations LLP - Company No. OC364751

Friday, 4 February 2022

Wicona Helps Achieve New Accessible Heights at Elephant Park


WICONA has supplied its versatile aluminium door and window systems on a recent phase of work on the Elephant Park development, the largest regeneration scheme in Central London. 

The multi-phase Elephant Park redevelopment, led by Lendlease in partnership with Southwark Council, will deliver close to 3,000 homes in Elephant and Castle by 2025. West Grove comprises two separate developments, Highwood Gardens and Orchard Gardens, which provides a mix of state-of-the-art retail and residential spaces.

WICONA provided the aluminium windows, doors and curtain walling systems for both Highwood Gardens and Orchard Gardens. The focal building on Highwood Gardens, designed by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris Architects features extensive retail space on the ground floor and thirty storeys of residential accommodation making it the tallest building in Elephant Park. Orchard Gardens, designed by Panter Hudspith Architects comprises an eighteen-storey residential building including affordable houses, above ground floor space for local retail and cultural uses. 

With the ambition of Elephant Park to create housing of the highest quality in the heart of the city, WICONA’s approach had to fulfil a number of specific requirements. The West Grove development was designed with sustainability and energy efficiency in mind with daylight-maximising inset balconies, residential blocks arranged to avoid single aspect north-facing homes and fittings chosen to save on water wastage and fuel consumption. 

As a result, a key focus for WICONA was providing systems and materials that would achieve high standards of thermal efficiency as well as adhering to the guidance of the Centre for Window and Cladding Technology.

The doors and windows also needed to be Secured by Design compliant, as well as adhering to the requirements of Approved Document M for accessibility. The specification incorporated all of these requirements, ensuring that the glazing would provide security and durability as well as energy efficiency and aesthetic benefits.

To achieve this, WICONA provided WICLINE 75 windows, WICSTYLE 75 doors and WICSLIDE 160 lifting-sliding doors. All three feature a multi-chamber construction to improve thermal insulation and are designed to achieve maximum weather and wind tightness. The products also helped meet the accessibility requirements and ensure compliance with Approved Document M of the Building Regulations.

The design of the WICLINE 75 window allows the handle to be located within 1200 mm from the floor. It features a side-hung, open-in mechanism and a single handle for easy ventilation operation, including for those with reduced mobility or muscle strength. Simply by using the accessible locking handle and without needing to reach any other hardware, the user can then open the window further for cleaning. Closing the window returns it automatically to the safe ventilation mode. By using just one conveniently placed handle the user has full access to all ventilation and cleaning functionality, a clear contrast to more cumbersome traditional tilt & turn mechanisms.


The highly thermal efficient aluminium systems were fitted with SGG STADIP SILENCE for both the outer and inner panes, a laminated acoustic safety glass using SGG PLANICLEAR in each glass leaf, and coated in SGG’s PLANITHERM to reduce tinting, maximise light transmission and increase solar gain, improving the overall energy rating of the glazing installation.

Furthermore, both the WICSTYLE 75 and WICSLIDE 160 doors include a low threshold design providing easy access through all areas of the building. The doors also offer high levels of impact and burglar resistance to ensure safety and security for residents and businesses.

Graham Hurrell, WICONA UK Sales Director added: 
“Elephant Park is a flagship example of a truly modern development, designed with occupants’ needs at the centre. We are proud to have been able to contribute to creating an end result that will have such a positive effect for residents, local business and surrounding area.”

WICONA is part of the Hydro Group, a world leader in aluminium solutions. Through its globally renowned Hydro Technology Hubs, the group is shaping a sustainable future, with innovative products that satisfy and surpass customer expectations, in line with demands of Corporate Social Responsibility and increasing environmental regulations.

To find out more about the WICONA range, please visit: www.WICONA.com 

For more information about the project visit www.panterhudspith.com






Why not Sign-up to Receive these Articles by Email each Day on our newsfeed site

>> Scroll down to read more articles like this which have been published recently on this blog <<

You can also read additional current and archived articles on our dedicated magazine website

Low Cost and Free Publicity - Your company can easily benefit from some publicity like the posts above for a contribution towards our layout costs (£60 to £80 plus VAT), payable in advance or you can receive the service absolutely free of charge if you advertise (see below).

We post articles up to twice a day and never delete them - we only archive them each year so that they continue to remain visible to search engines.

To have your story published - just send us your news item, logo and image(s) and we will review the material, make any necessary changes to the wording / wordcount and then advise you when it will be published.

If you are a regular advertiser in our printed and online publications, placing series bookings for adverts or subscribing to our VIP Packages, you will qualify for a specific number of free postings on this blog while you continue to advertise with us. See our media pack for more details.

Also, if you purchase one of our Online and Print Combo packages, Featured Articles or Advertorial packages shown in our media pack, posting on this blog is included in the price.

For details and rates for all of our advertising options in print and online, download our media pack contact us or visit our website.

Door Industry Journal is a trading style of Avalon Innovations LLP - Company No. OC364751

Thursday, 3 February 2022

122 times round the Earth – HOPPE Atlanta handle hits its 200 millionth milestone

John Crittenden Carl F Groupco, Andy Matthews, HOPPE (UK)

HOPPE (UK)
is celebrating a major milestone for one of its longest standing products having recently delivered its 200 millionth Atlanta door handle.

The 200 millionth Atlanta handle was purchased by hardware distributor Carl F Groupco, which has been selling window and door hardware components to the UK fenestration industry since the 1950s from its distribution centres in Peterborough and Cumbernauld.

The Atlanta model is one of HOPPE’s best-selling door handles because of its durability, sleek design, smooth action and range of finishes.

HOPPE handles are named after cities with international airports. If all of the Atlanta handles sold in the UK to date were laid end to end, the line of handles would extend the same distance as the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport’s longest runway almost 13,000 times, and would even circumnavigate the globe 122 times.

John Crittenden, managing director for Carl F Groupco since 1989, has worked with HOPPE products throughout his career. He said:

“We’ve worked with HOPPE (UK) for as long as I’ve been in the industry, and it has always been one of our leading handle brands within our hardware range.

“The design of the Atlanta handle, as well as the consistent quality, is what makes it so appealing. The finer details like the finger grips and shaped lever are elements that you just don’t get with other brands. Once our customers have used the Atlanta handle for a project, they will come back to ask for it again on their next project.

“We have a very good working relationship with HOPPE (UK). I know exactly who to call if there’re any queries and they are always knowledgeable and friendly.”

HOPPE launched the Atlanta handle in 2005. Designed as a brass security handle set on narrow backplate with cylinder cover for profile doors, it’s available with twin handles or a pad/handle set combination in a range of finishes including polished chrome and brass coloured and in diamond white for profile doors.

It is now available in a full range of finishes including the Resista® finish which has been designed to ensure it can withstand the effects of weathering so is ideal for use in coastal areas.

As part of HOPPE’s commitment to high quality products, Resista® handles have a 10-year surface guarantee. This is in addition to the 10- year mechanical operation guarantee that applies to all HOPPE door and window handles.

The Atlanta handle has tested to standards recommended by Secured by Design – Annex A if PAS24:2016 and TS007.

www.hoppe.co.uk





Why not Sign-up to Receive these Articles by Email each Day on our newsfeed site

>> Scroll down to read more articles like this which have been published recently on this blog <<

You can also read additional current and archived articles on our dedicated magazine website

Low Cost and Free Publicity - Your company can easily benefit from some publicity like the posts above for a contribution towards our layout costs (£60 to £80 plus VAT), payable in advance or you can receive the service absolutely free of charge if you advertise (see below).

We post articles up to twice a day and never delete them - we only archive them each year so that they continue to remain visible to search engines.

To have your story published - just send us your news item, logo and image(s) and we will review the material, make any necessary changes to the wording / wordcount and then advise you when it will be published.

If you are a regular advertiser in our printed and online publications, placing series bookings for adverts or subscribing to our VIP Packages, you will qualify for a specific number of free postings on this blog while you continue to advertise with us. See our media pack for more details.

Also, if you purchase one of our Online and Print Combo packages, Featured Articles or Advertorial packages shown in our media pack, posting on this blog is included in the price.

For details and rates for all of our advertising options in print and online, download our media pack contact us or visit our website.

Door Industry Journal is a trading style of Avalon Innovations LLP - Company No. OC364751

Wednesday, 2 February 2022

Simpli Advanced® from XL Joinery brings style to Apartment Fire Doors


Apartment entrance fire doors can now be visually stunning as well as safe and secure, following the launch of the new Simpli Advanced® range of high-performance fire doorsets from XL Joinery.

The Simpli Advanced® range combines the best in oak door manufacturing with hardware from the global leader in access solutions, ASSA ABLOY. This enables it to deliver formidable resistance to smoke and fire while visually enhancing any living environment.

Mark Kilbride, Technical Manager at XL Joinery, comments: 
“Fire doors are traditionally seen as more functional than attractive, but when it comes to living spaces, aesthetics are an important consideration – after all, no one wants an unsightly door in their home. That’s why we’ve launched the Simpli Advanced® range. It combines our beautiful FSC® certified doors with the highest specification safety and security components to create a solution that offers style and safety in equal measure.”

The doorsets in the Simpli Advanced® range are available in a stunning choice of styles for maximum elegance and integration into the home. They can be matched to XL Joinery’s wide range of internal door designs – including Suffolk, Palermo and Monza – and the oak, handle, viewer and intumescent seal are all available in an extensive choice of finishing options.

Available with either FD30 or FD60 fire protection, the doors offer exceptional protection against fire. Batwing® drop and perimeter seals from Lorient work together to prevent the passage of smoke and fire to other parts of the building, while the superior closing force of the ASSA ABLOY door closer ensures reliable closing every time.

As a range of entrance doors, Simpli Advanced® also provides optimal security. The PAS24 and Secured By Design-approved Yale Platinum 3 Star Cylinder delivers first-class protection against the common attack method of lock-snapping, and for added protection, the FD60 option features the Yale Lockmaster lock and deadbolt.

Mark continues: “The different components on the doors work hand in hand to maintain integrity during a fire and keep intruders out. As well as this, the fact that they all come pre-fitted means the doors can be installed in as little as 20 minutes – leading to considerable time and cost savings for installers, especially on quick-build construction projects.
“Another benefit of this is that it serves to reassure everyone in the supply chain that the doorsets are fully compliant, since they have been pre-assembled by the experts and are third-party accredited.
“As with all our products, the Simpli Advanced® range comes with our 10-year manufacturing guarantee, which means it will always be backed up by our dedicated support team, who are also on hand to help with any technical and installation advice that may be required.”
To find out more about the Simpli Advanced® range of apartment entrance fire doorsets from XL Joinery, please visit www.xljoinery.co.uk






Why not Sign-up to Receive these Articles by Email each Day on our newsfeed site

>> Scroll down to read more articles like this which have been published recently on this blog <<

You can also read additional current and archived articles on our dedicated magazine website

Low Cost and Free Publicity - Your company can easily benefit from some publicity like the posts above for a contribution towards our layout costs (£60 to £80 plus VAT), payable in advance or you can receive the service absolutely free of charge if you advertise (see below).

We post articles up to twice a day and never delete them - we only archive them each year so that they continue to remain visible to search engines.

To have your story published - just send us your news item, logo and image(s) and we will review the material, make any necessary changes to the wording / wordcount and then advise you when it will be published.

If you are a regular advertiser in our printed and online publications, placing series bookings for adverts or subscribing to our VIP Packages, you will qualify for a specific number of free postings on this blog while you continue to advertise with us. See our media pack for more details.

Also, if you purchase one of our Online and Print Combo packages, Featured Articles or Advertorial packages shown in our media pack, posting on this blog is included in the price.

For details and rates for all of our advertising options in print and online, download our media pack contact us or visit our website.

Door Industry Journal is a trading style of Avalon Innovations LLP - Company No. OC364751

Tuesday, 1 February 2022

RK Door Systems renew membership with Secured by Design


Leading entrance door manufacturer RK Door Systems have renewed their membership with Secured by Design, the official police security initiative.

RK Door Systems specialise in highly insulated aluminium entrance doors that offer exceptional security combined with contemporary designs and their range of pivot doors which make the ultimate design statement. 

There is an unrivalled range of finishes from a standard powder coat finish through to bonded glass, ceramic, timber effect and their ELITE range of hand-applied metal finishes including antique textured bronze and copper.

RK Door Systems specialise in modern, low maintenance, highly insulated and extremely secure entrance doors, with a wide range of customisation options to suit customer needs.

You can find out more about RK Door Systems and their range of Secured by Design accredited products at: www.securedbydesign.com

Ian Woodman from RK Door Systems commented: 
“We take great pride in making sure all of our product range meets the criteria to be Secured by Design accredited and we are very happy to continue our membership with SBD.”


Lyn Poole, Secured by Design, said: 
“Having a company such as RK Doors renewing their SBD membership is great news. They have a high standard of aluminium doors, and we are pleased to be working with them for a further three years.”
Police Crime Prevention Initiatives (Police CPI) is a police owned organisation which delivers a wide range of crime prevention and demand reduction initiatives across the UK. The extensive Police CPI portfolio covers a variety of crime prevention initiatives, of which Secured by Design is the most well-known, with all initiatives designed to keep the public safe from crime and to reduce the demand on the police service.

Secured by Design (SBD) operates an accreditation scheme on behalf of the UK Police Service for products or services that have met recognised security standards. These products or services – which must be capable of deterring or preventing crime - are known as being of a ‘Police Preferred Specification’.
 
There are many hundreds of companies who produce over 7000 individual attack resistant crime prevention products in more than 30 different categories that have met the exacting Police Preferred Specification. This includes doors, windows, external storage, bicycle and motorcycle security, locks and hardware, asset marking, alarms, CCTV, safes, perimeter security products and many others.

SBD is the only way for companies to obtain police recognition for security-related products in the UK.
www.securedbydesign.com




Why not Sign-up to Receive these Articles by Email each Day on our newsfeed site

>> Scroll down to read more articles like this which have been published recently on this blog <<

You can also read additional current and archived articles on our dedicated magazine website

Low Cost and Free Publicity - Your company can easily benefit from some publicity like the posts above for a contribution towards our layout costs (£60 to £80 plus VAT), payable in advance or you can receive the service absolutely free of charge if you advertise (see below).

We post articles up to twice a day and never delete them - we only archive them each year so that they continue to remain visible to search engines.

To have your story published - just send us your news item, logo and image(s) and we will review the material, make any necessary changes to the wording / wordcount and then advise you when it will be published.

If you are a regular advertiser in our printed and online publications, placing series bookings for adverts or subscribing to our VIP Packages, you will qualify for a specific number of free postings on this blog while you continue to advertise with us. See our media pack for more details.

Also, if you purchase one of our Online and Print Combo packages, Featured Articles or Advertorial packages shown in our media pack, posting on this blog is included in the price.

For details and rates for all of our advertising options in print and online, download our media pack contact us or visit our website.

Door Industry Journal is a trading style of Avalon Innovations LLP - Company No. OC364751