The Door Industry Journal

Saturday, 10 June 2023

DHF to hold accredited CPD Webinars

After becoming a member of the CPD certification service on 1st March 2023, DHF (Door & Hardware Federation) has announced that it will be holding two accredited CPD Webinars for members on 10th and 24th August.

Each webinar demonstrates the required Continuing Professional Development standards and the learning value and practicality of each course has been examined thoroughly to ensure both are of high quality and comply with CPD requirements.

The complimentary webinars will feature force limitation and non-contact presence detection for doors, gates and traffic barriers respectively and will be aimed at installation and maintenance engineers of industrial & garage doors, powered gates and traffic barriers, as well as managers of installation and maintenance engineers; business owners of installation and maintenance companies and facilities managers, retail landlords/managers with responsibility for maintenance teams.

The force limitation webinar explains how to assess force limitation on industrial & garage doors, powered gates and traffic barriers under EN 12453 including what safe force and time limits apply in a range of hazard locations, how to test at the main closing edges and how to verify safe force at hazards that cannot be easily or safely measured directly to achieve legal compliance.

The non-contact presence detection webinar covers one of three ways in which powered doors, gates and barriers can be prevented from injuring people and how compliance with EN 12453 can be achieved.

It explains how to assess non-contact presence detection on industrial & garage doors, powered gates, and traffic barriers under EN 12453 and will enable delegates to understand what non-contact presence detection is, how non-contact presence can be used to prevent powered doors, gates and barriers harming people and how to test it for compliance in a range of hazard locations.

The webinars are delivered via Teams and last around an hour and a half, including time for a Q&A session. Although the webinars are delivered electronically, these can also be delivered at members’ open days, face-to-face upon request, and are a further benefit of membership.

DHF’s Commercial Director, Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens said:

“DHF continues to stress the importance of a competent workforce and that the correct training is sourced, including increasing knowledge on important topics like those covered in our webinars.”
“We encourage companies involved in the installation and maintenance of doors, gates, and traffic barriers to ensure they are meeting safety standards, as well as recognising when to bring in a specialist contractor.
“Our CPD-accredited webinars offer information on topics that enable staff to understand how these safety elements can be used to ensure doors, gates or traffic barriers are safe and we are delighted to be able to provide these for our members.”

To enquire about membership of DHF to gain access to these webinars free of charge, visit 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 (£75 to £95 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

Return to the Door Industry Journal Website

Friday, 9 June 2023

Boots on the ground for a ‘pitch perfect’ FIT Show

Certass Chair and industry expert Jon Vanstone has used his presence at FIT Show 2023 to guide installers and fabricators through the updates to the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).

From the Business Pilot stand at the heart of the show, Jon delivered a series of talks, and video updates in the style of football pundits.

The talks ran through the key questions and pain points that installers face in adapting to the ever-changing built environment, leading the team to a clean sheet and a big win for competence.

Half-time at FIT Show provided a space for Jon to chat face-to-face with hundreds of installers and fabricators, talking through their unique challenges and how they can build a new future for competence on their own terms.

Jon Vanstone commented:

“It’s been a fantastic FIT Show for everybody involved. It’s great to see the show this busy and to give installers and fabricators a chance to get information about regulations, which can sometimes feel daunting and confusing.
“I really enjoy these shows because they give me an opportunity to meet with so many of our members about their businesses.
“You’d be surprised at how so many tradespeople are embracing the changes brought about by The Building Safety Act 2022.
“They are recognising the uplifts to competence and best practice for the positive, progressive reforms they are.
“Thank you to Elton Boocock, MD at Business Pilot, for his co-punditry on our daily debriefs, running through all the big news of the day with the key headlines and questions from the show. He was definitely our Man of the Match!
“As far as FIT Show goes, it was another brilliant year, and we are looking forward to being match-FIT for 2025!”

Members can keep up-to-date with all the changes to BSR and the demands of the Building Safety Act 2022 by following Certass’ social media channels and at www.certass.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

Return to the Door Industry Journal Website

Thursday, 8 June 2023

Expanding Company’s Recruitment Drive Ahead of Multi-Million Pounds Move

One of the UK’s leading steel door manufacturers in North Staffordshire has launched a recruitment drive ahead of a multi-million pounds move to a new production facility.

Robust UK who are currently based in Longton announced last month they were moving to world class production facilities in Newcastle-under-Lyme as part of a £6 million pounds investment.

Now ahead of the move in November, the firm which manufactures more than 25,000 door sets every year is looking to fill 20 vacancies, with further recruitment expected later this year. A number of roles are available including HR, sales, engineering and assembly operatives.

Robust who have more than 40 years’ experience in making custom-made steel door solutions are also Living Wage Employers. That means all their staff receive a living wage.

It’s higher than the government’s minimum, or National Living Wage, and is an independently calculated hourly rate of pay that is based on the actual cost of living.

Robust UK Managing Director David Lycett said:

“We understand that times are tough and that the cost-of- living crisis is genuinely impacting on people’s day to day lives.
“That’s why at Robust we’ve signed up to the National Living Wage because we truly believe a hard day’s work deserves a fair day’s pay.
“This is especially important to us as we look to recruit even more staff ahead of the move to our state-of-the art manufacturing site later this year.”

David added:

“This commitment applies to not only directly employed staff but also to our third party contracted staff.
“Robust have ensured that we have a plan in place so that all our third party contracted staff, such as our cleaners are also paid the real Living Wage.”

Speaking of the move he said:

“We are investing heavily in building a world class manufacturing facility in Staffordshire, with bigger, better facilities at the new site and for that we need even more staff.
“I’d urge anyone looking for work in our industry or their next move to have a look at the jobs we have available.
“We offer great terms and conditions, career progression and the chance to be part of a growing business that has a very bright future ahead.”

Robust supply an extensive product range, all designed and manufactured on-site at their current factory to both the industrial and commercial sectors.

They currently employ 150 staff but that number is growing as client numbers continue to increase. Robust have ambitious plans for the new facility and to grow by 50% by 2030.

To find out more about the job vacancies and roles available at Robust Doors please go to: www.robust-uk.com. You can also call on 01782 592900 or email: sales@robust-uk.com

For more about the Living Wage go to: www.livingwage.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

Return to the Door Industry Journal Website

Wednesday, 7 June 2023

Training Offers Gateway to Turnstile Standard

The Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) is launching a new training course as a ‘gateway’ to a new standard that regulates power operated pedestrian entrance control equipment such as powered turnstiles, swing lanes and retractable lanes.

The introduction of BS/I.S. EN 17352:2022* is the first standard for this product group. It addresses industry concerns about safety in use and sets out a machinery safety standard: requirements and test methods, to ensure systems are safe.

ADSA’s standards accreditation outlines its requirements, ensuring all systems can be correctly specified, fitted, inspected, and maintained and enables employees and their employers to demonstrate their knowledge of the safety requirements and test methods within this product group.

Having already been piloted, the first of the day-long sessions will take place in June. This will be a classroom-based course, initially for ADSA members who already have ADSA PPD standards accreditation.

However, it will subsequently be rolled out to others, and sales, project staff and technicians are encouraged to take part.

Said ADSA’s technical and training manager, Darren Hyde:

“There has been an increasing demand for products of this type and it seems only right to bring them in line with safety standards for the wider industry.
“These products can be operated electro-mechanically or electro-hydraulically and can be used for normal access as well as in escape routes and emergency exits. So, it is critical that they are properly specified, installed and maintained.
“Many leading manufacturers, who are already ADSA members, include them within their existing products ranges, while as a result of the introduction of the standard, we have seen new members join us whose businesses are solely within power operated pedestrian entrance control equipment.
“We feel that this new course will meet the needs of many who work with the industry, across different roles and at different levels. It will also provide public confidence in those companies that have acquired accreditation and can evidence their competence.”

The course costs £190 including examination. For more information visit: www.adsa.org.uk/exams-and-training

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

Return to the Door Industry Journal Website

Tuesday, 6 June 2023

How DURATIQUE Solves Your Black Antique Hardware Headaches

With more choice for homeowners in the market than ever before, to win valuable business and continue to thrive, door manufacturers must ensure each carefully considered element of their door offers an exceptional look and function, possessing the detail to truly help them stand out from the crowd.

Just one component failing can negatively impact the aesthetic and performance of your door, risking a negative impact on your brands reputation. As the element physically touched on a daily basis, substandard hardware can often be the weak link.

Coastal Group outlines feedback from door manufacturers valuing DURATIQUE as the “go-to” black antique hardware solution, capturing the sought-after traditional period aesthetic whilst exceeding modern day performance requirements.

In this editorial, Neil Jones, Head of Marketing at Coastal Group addresses some of the common problems with black antique hardware and how Coastal listened to the industry’s requirements, creating the ultimate solution in DURATIQUE.

Problem 1: Rusting/ Failing Hardware

Neil outlines:

“Finding a black antique hardware solution, you can trust has been a common pain point in the industry.
“Many black antique solutions on the market are made with malleable iron which is susceptible to rusting, causing the hardware to not only quickly fail but also leave nasty stains down your door.”

Coastal note that failing or rusted hardware not only results in time consuming site callbacks, but by extension gives a less than ideal perception of your doors.

To prevent the headache of rusting and failing hardware, Coastal Group outline the following design innovations for DURATIQUE:

Changed the base material to a robust cast stainless steel
Applied a textured black coating to deliver the traditional heritage look
Ensured all fixings and components are stainless steel with their external face finished to match the hardware

Coastal Group also comment that DURATIQUE is favoured for companies focused on their sustainability efforts.

Often a DURATIQUE lever handle will outlast three of its iron-based alternatives, meaning a significant decrease in raw material, production and site callbacks.

Problem 2: Handle droop

Neil continues:

“Another common issue expressed by our customers was problems with play in an antique door handle.
“This means the handle droops, spindle rattles and you have to move it a few degrees to operate the lever - not a great experience for your homeowner!”

These impressions make all the difference, with a drooping handle often leaving a homeowner or visitor questioning what else could be wrong with the door itself.

Coastal Group’s DURATIQUE lever handles are designed with a high quality dual sprung mechanism and high-quality spindle, ensuring a nice positive action that returns the handle consistently to its original position.

Problem 3: Consistent Fixings

As the saying goes, time is money. Coastal Group were conscious of this when developing the DURATIQUE lever handles, allowing more efficient production.

Neil comments:

“We also had increasing feedback that black antique hardware fixing points were inconsistent, making them awkward and time consuming to fit.
“The fixing locations on DURATIQUE handles are CNC machined, to ensure a consistent location and enable fast and efficient batch production of your doors.”

Problem 4: Suited Hardware

Homeowners are increasingly looking for matching furniture not just on their doors but windows as well.

“DURATIQUE offers a wide range of suited hardware, offering the homeowner a range of beautiful options to dress their door, all made from robust and durable stainless steel.
“Our curly tail window espagnolette handle has proved especially popular when paired with our matching DURATIQUE curly tail lever handle, providing an elegant traditional feel throughout the property.”

Coastal outline how the DURATIQUE range is having a positive impact in customers’ showrooms with their display board options.

Managing Director Loren Jenner comments:

“Seeing and feeling the impressive robustness of DURATIQUE makes it a must-have hardware option on the homeowners’ doors.
“Our customers are winning business and simplifying their sales process with the help of DURATIQUE display boards in their showrooms.”

Coastal are currently running a limited time introductory display board offer on their DURATIQUE range.

If you’re looking to give your sales team a competitive advantage and add quality to your showroom email brooklyn.jenner@coastal-group.com for more information on our DURATIQUE Display Board offer.

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

Return to the Door Industry Journal Website

Monday, 5 June 2023

Specialist & Supported Housing Design Guide launched

Secured by Design (SBD) have launched a Specialist and Supported Housing Design Guide to sit alongside Homes 2023, SBD’s updated guidance for domestic properties.

Both documents have been designed to cater for the security of new and refurbished homes, including those for disabled and older people, victims of domestic abuse or those with specific protected characteristics.

The guides incorporate the latest security standards, developed to address emerging criminal methods of attack, and includes references to the Building Regulations and other statutory requirements across the United Kingdom.

Michael Brooke, Deputy Chief Operating Officer at Police Crime Prevention Initiatives comments:

“We have become increasingly aware of the need to consider adapted, accessible and inclusive housing and neighbourhoods in our advice, so as not to create additional barriers for disabled and older residents.

“Such inclusive design aims to remove barriers that create undue effort and separation and ensure all buildings, places, and surrounding spaces can be easily and comfortably accessed and used by everyone.
“The requirements and recommendations within this guide have been developed by SBD with various standards owners and trade associations and are based upon sound research findings that have proven to deliver significant crime reductions and cost efficiency savings for a wide range of stakeholders including local authorities, housing associations, landlords, residents and the police service.”

You can view / download the Specialist & Supported Housing Design Guide for free here.

SBD Development Awards

Developers around the UK can achieve SBD awards for incorporating crime prevention measures and techniques into their developments in all kinds of building sectors, such as residential, education, health, transport, commercial, retail, sport and leisure.

These awards are gained by working with SBD’s specially trained police Designing Out Crime Officers (DOCOs), who advise architects, developers and local authority planners long before construction begins – and continue to provide advice and guidance until the development is complete. This service is provided free of charge.

SBD Design Guides

Homes 2023 and the Specialist and Supported Housing Design Guides are part of a series of authoritative Design Guides produced by SBD to assist the building, design and construction industry incorporate security into developments to comply with the Building Regulations in England, Scotland and Wales and meet the requirements of SBD.

These Design Guides have been updated over the years to keep pace with changing patterns of criminal behaviour and advances in building design and new technology.

They are a valuable source of reference to architects, developers, self-builders, local authority planners and police officers and cover a range of building sectors, including residential, education, health, transport and commercial. All SBD Design Guides are available for download for free here.

Should you wish to contribute to any of the SBD Design Guides please contact Secured by Design by email at sbdconsultations@police-cpi.co.uk.

Architects & Town Planners

Architects and Town Planners can request a professional development session on crime prevention and designing out crime from SBD here.

This RIBA Accredited online course provides architects and planners with an introduction to the Secured by Design (SBD) initiative.

The completion of this course attracts 3 CPD points for architects from RIBA and achieving this CPD course will provide a better understanding about the benefits of SBD and contribute to an effective working relationship with the local police Designing Out Crime Officer (DOCO).

Secured by Design

Secured by Design is owned by the UK Police Service with the specific aim of reducing crime and helping people live more safely.

Part of the Police Crime Prevention Initiatives portfolio, SBD was created in 1989 following the housing boom of the 1960s-1980s when there was a huge and urgent demand for housing, with estates being built quickly and often cheaply without any basic security.

This resulted in a significant rise in burglary and, in response, the Police Service set up SBD to combat this.

Since SBD was launched, various organisations have highlighted crime reductions attributed to SBD crime prevention measures and techniques.

These organisations include the Secure Societies Institute at the University of Huddersfield (2009); The Caledonian Environment Centre: commissioned by Glasgow Housing Association and Strathclyde Police and supported by the Scottish Government (2009); and Police Scotland and Kingdom Housing Association (Sept 2017).

In addition, the Home Office ‘Modern Crime Prevention Strategy’ references SBD in relation to the importance of removing or designing out opportunities to offend. It states:

“We are working with the Police to maintain the ‘Secured by Design’ brand, which is an important source of advice on how design of, for example, housing estates or shopping precincts, can prevent crime and anti-social behaviour.”

Academic and other research shows that improving standards of security in brand new and refurbished properties, helps deter and reduce crime. Reducing crime and the fear of crime has direct links to better physical and mental well-being, such as with regard to high volume crimes like domestic abuse.

SBD work closely with builders, developers, local authorities and registered housing associations to incorporate its police crime prevention standards into developments from initial concept and design, through to construction and completion.

Police forces throughout the UK have specially trained Designing Out Crime Officers (DOCOs) who offer police designing out crime and SBD advice free of charge.

Over one million homes and commercial properties have been built to SBD standards – that’s 30% of all new homes built since 1989 – resulting in reductions in crimes such as burglary of up to 87%.

These are sustainable reductions each and every year, which is significant as most SBD homes are in social housing, many in deprived and higher crime areas. A number of local authorities have even gone so far as to introduce SBD standards as a planning requirement.

Product based accreditation scheme

SBD has worked with businesses, the construction industry and standards authorities at home and abroad for many years, leading SBD to develop a product based police accreditation scheme nearly 25 years ago – the Police Preferred Specification.

Products that have met the Police Preferred Specification provide reassurance to the specifier, purchaser or user that their products have been independently tested to a relevant security standard and fully certified by an independent third-party certification body recognised by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), or tested and certified by an alternative approved body such as Sold Secure or Thatcham.

The SBD focus is on the critical factors that combine to deliver a product’s performance - design, use, quality control and the ability to deter or prevent crime. Better quality means these products last longer too, making them more cost effective and leading to greater sustainability in crime prevention.

Find out more at https://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

Return to the Door Industry Journal Website

Sunday, 4 June 2023

Millions of Pensioners Will Be Left ‘Un’appy’ as Pay-By-Phone Parking Gathers Pace

Millions of mature drivers could be restricted from taking simple trips to the town simply because they won’t have the capacity to pay for parking, says Britain’s leading vehicle breakdown recovery provider Start Rescue.

As local authorities increasingly move to ‘pay by app’ systems, pensioners who do not have a smartphone will find themselves high and dry at parking bays in the UK’s towns and cities.

The move away from cash and card payments has been accelerated by mobile phone providers switching off 3G data networks, on which some parking machines operate.

The London borough of Bromley removed all its machines in April citing a £1 million outlay even though 27% of parking transactions were still conducted by cash as recently as November 2022.

Brighton and Hove City Council is to scrap all of its pay and display machines by May 31 because it doesn’t want to shell out for the costly required updates.

In Harrow all card and cash machines have already been removed while other boroughs such as Richmond, Merton, and Barking and Dagenham are starting the process of getting rid of their existing machines, too.

Currently there are at least 30 different smartphone apps to pay parking charges. Britain's biggest parking app is RingGo with 19 million users, but other major players such as ParkMe, Parkopedia, Just Park, and PayByPhone are looking to expand.

Most operate using apps but with some, such as RingGo, you can call and book your spot over the phone. There is still no way of paying by card or cash directly, though.

While the younger generation of drivers with smartphones may well be unaffected by the proliferation of parking apps, there could be literally millions of elderly people who won’t be able to pay for parking just because they don’t have a smartphone.

Data from Ofcom shows that only 68% of those aged 65 or over use a smartphone to go online. With more than 9.2 million drivers on our roads in the same age group according to the DVLA, that suggests there are potentially 2.9 million older drivers without access to apps to enable them to pay for parking.

And with the UK’s ageing population, that figure is only likely to grow over time.

Concerns about how mature drivers will pay for parking have been raised by a number of organisations including the National Pensioners Convention.

Jan Shortt, General Secretary of the National Pensioners Convention says:

“The drive towards digital-only seriously disadvantages millions of older people who cannot afford smart phones, tablets or broadband to get online.
“We appreciate it is more convenient for councils and parking companies to opt for digital-only payments, but cash is still legal tender, and in the Queen’s Speech the government announced legislation to ensure that the option to pay by cash must remain.
“Technology is fine for most things, but when it excludes individuals from services, or does not work efficiently, then we have to ask why and especially if it is not compatible with the Equality 2010 Act that says goods and services must be accessible to all customers.”

Lee Puffett, managing director of Start Rescue, adds:

“One might reasonably assume in today’s digital age that everyone has a smartphone, and therefore the ability to pay for all manner of goods and services.
“But when you consider that potentially 2.9 million people could be denied carrying out simple shopping trips because there is no way they can pay for parking, then it’s clear there is a problem. It’s not just a handful of people who will be affected by this.
“Local authorities have a problem, but it is also a national issue that needs to be addressed. Elderly people like to use cash and they are perfectly willing to pay – and they should have that option available to them.
“If local authorities want parking revenue they must make payment methods that are easy for all of society, not just the younger generation.
“The older members of our society are rightly worried. Their lives will be hindered by the threat of parking fines, tow-aways, clamping and so on if they find themselves on an essential trip to the pharmacy with no ability to pay for parking.
“We need to give our older generation respect and what seems like an inexorable switch to parking apps just makes their lives even more difficult, and at a time when many are already worried about the cost of living.
“The inevitable flood of parking fines that will result simply adds to the problem.”

Start Rescue has a 4.5-star rating on Trust Pilot, a five-star Defaqto* rating and recently achieved Which? Recommended Provider status for the fourth year running. Start Rescue also has a 97% recommendation rate from customers helped at the roadside.

Launched in 2009, Start Rescue is an integral part of the nation’s fourth largest breakdown and recovery service, Call Assist, which now has more than two million UK customers.

For further breakdown advice, please visit startrescue.co.uk .

The National Pensioners Convention (NCP) is a campaigning organisation for older people in the UK, which promotes the welfare and interests of all pensioners.

To learn more about the NCP please visit www.npcuk.org

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

Return to the Door Industry Journal Website

Saturday, 3 June 2023

Allegion UK unveils New Website Focused on Customer Support

Allegion UK, a leading manufacturer of door hardware solutions, is pleased to announce the launch of its newly designed, user-focused website www.allegion.co.uk.

Purpose built to offer the ultimate customer-friendly experience, and packed with a comprehensive collection of useful resources, Allegion’s new website will act as a central hub for its extensive family of brands sold in the UK and across the globe.

The new website boasts an improved navigational system and a host of functionality features, each designed to support new and existing customers throughout the product selection process, with detailed information, certifications and literature readily available for Allegion UK’s full portfolio of brands and fire safety and security solutions.

In addition, an expansive new content hub has been developed to help keep visitors informed with the latest news, insights and tips from Allegion’s team of experts.

Pete Hancox, country manager at Allegion UK, comments:

“Allegion and its family of brands has a long-standing history of providing high-quality architectural ironmongery products to a variety of building environments and markets, and it’s important we offer our customers a first-class website that supports our market-leading brands and products.
“Improved navigation and useability were two core elements of our redesign, and we’ve introduced a number of helpful functionality features to the new website, such as our intuitive search function, in a bid to further assist users in their search for key product information.
“We’re proud to launch a new user-friendly Allegion website that offers an all-inclusive insight into our line of brands and solutions, and one that we believe will work much harder for our customers for years to come.”

The new website, which went live on 31st May, offers a streamlined user experience across all devices and includes an updated design with refreshed navigation and product support resources.

Following the launch, Allegion encourages visitors to view the website’s new layout and its content, which includes detailed product listings and a rich content catalogue consisting of technical tips, news and educational pieces. For more information, visit: www.allegion.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

Return to the Door Industry Journal Website

Friday, 2 June 2023

DHF announce the death of DHF Director and Former Chairman, David Whitworth

Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) is extremely sad to announce the death of one of its directors and former chairman, David Whitworth, who recently died at the age of 91.

David started his lifelong career in architectural ironmongery when, in 1955, he joined his family’s business, Laidlaw & Thomson. Very soon afterwards, in 1958, he became the Managing Director.

There followed a period of expansion which saw the business becoming one of the leading architectural ironmongers in the UK.

Laidlaw & Thomson was a founder member of GAI (the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers) in 1961 and David sat on the Executive Committee right from its formation.

He was chairman of the GAI between 1968-1970 and, again, in 1978-1979, as well as being president of ARGE, an association representing lock and hardware manufacturers throughout Europe.

David was a member of the ABHM (Association of Building Hardware Manufacturers) Management Committee and was elected ABHM chairman in 2001.

In 2004, he was a key player in ABHM’s merger with DSMA (the Door & Shutter Manufacturers’ Association) to form the new, larger, and stronger association, DHF.

In 2007, he became chairman of DHF and, for a number of years, also chaired the newly formed DHF Building Hardware Group.

Even after David stepped away from his chairmanship role at DHF, he continued to take a keen interest, both in the growth, development, and on-going success of the federation, and in the industry as a whole.

Bob Perry, DHF CEO, commented:

“David’s knowledge and expertise of architectural ironmongery and building hardware was absolutely unparalleled.

“We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to him for his extraordinary and outstanding commitment and contribution to DHF and to the wider building hardware industry.

“We all join in expressing our condolences to David’s family and friends at this very sad time.”

Door & Hardware Federation | 01827 52337 | 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

Return to the Door Industry Journal Website

Thursday, 1 June 2023

Door Hardware Ordering — Speeding up the Process for Trade Customers

ZEROplus has recently launched a brand-new ordering hub exclusively for their trade customers.

The Trade Portal makes ordering as fast and efficient as possible, giving trade customers access to pricing, live stock updates, the ability to order from anywhere and at any time and have their order history all in one place.

Designed to make life easier for the trade and as an investment in customer service, the new ZEROplus ordering hub allows orders to be placed in seconds, payment on account and the ability to easily see available credit. And with no minimum order or account fees, the Trade Portal is already proving successful.

Ellie McCracken, Clark Door Ltd, said:

“The portal has really helped us out, it's so simple to use. It takes seconds to find what you need, a couple of clicks and what you need is on its way, if ordered before 3pm, most of the time the items are with us next day. Or after 3pm, they're here in two working days. We couldn't really ask for better!”

Through the continuous improvement of the Trade Portal in response to customer feedback, ZEROplus aim to offer the highest level of customer service in the door hardware industry.

To celebrate its launch, ZEROplus are running a Trade Portal giveaway. Every order placed via the portal during June and July will receive a free tape measure and be in with a chance of winning their POWERTOOLplus hamper.

The hamper is filled with various Makita tools and other useful items. The winner will be announced in early August.

Mark Lockley, Managing Director of ZEROplus, said:

“Service has always been at the forefront of our business, alongside quality of product. To enhance our service to our customers, we decided to launch the Trade Portal to give our existing and new trade customers the ease of ordering from us online.
“The benefits the Trade Portal offers, such as stock levels and order history, means we can be ordered from literally anytime, anywhere. We're effectively open 24/7. Therefore, in today's busy, fast society, we see the Trade Portal as being a very important part of our overall service package.”

To find out more about the ZEROplus Trade Portal and their extensive range of door hardware products, please visit:

ZEROplus | The UK's Leading Door Hardware Supplier | Next Day Delivery or call: 01785 282 910

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

Return to the Door Industry Journal Website