Friday, 10 October 2025

ASSA ABLOY Door Group calls for greater emphasis on fire door inspections


Fire doorsets play a critical role in protecting lives by containing fire and smoke, maintaining compartmentation, and safeguarding escape routes. However, even the best-quality, certified products can fail in an emergency if they are damaged, incorrectly installed, or poorly maintained.

Brian Sofley, Managing Director at Door Group, said: “Inspections are one of the most important aspects of fire door safety, yet they are often overlooked. A compliant fire escape route depends on every doorset functioning as it should. If even one door fails to close properly, has gaps, or has been altered outside of certification, it can compromise the safety of the entire building.

“Regular, third-party accredited inspections give building managers the confidence that their fire doors are fit for purpose, and that any issues are identified and resolved before they put lives at risk.”

While regulations such as the Building Safety Act place clear responsibilities on those managing buildings, industry research shows many duty holders are still uncertain about their obligations around fire door maintenance and inspection. However, neglecting this responsibility could have devastating consequences in the event of a fire.

As part of its commitment to fire safety, Door Group offers a comprehensive inspection service carried out by BRE-certified inspectors. Tailored to suit specific building requirements, inspections can be scheduled every three, four, six or twelve months.

Each inspection delivers a detailed report with practical recommendations, from remedial works to replacement where necessary, ensuring escape routes remain fully compliant and operational.

Brian added: “Fire Door Safety Week is a valuable reminder to the industry, but fire door inspections are not a once-a-year consideration, they should be part of an ongoing life safety strategy.”

www.assaabloy.com/group/en

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Thursday, 9 October 2025

DoorBird Receives Another PLUS X AWARD


The DoorBird brand of Bird Home Automation GmbH, one of the leading providers of IP video door intercom systems, has once again been honored with the prestigious PLUS X AWARD. In the category of Customer Satisfaction, the company clearly stood out, reaffirming its role as an innovation and quality leader in modern building communication.

The German Institute for Product and Market Evaluation regularly presents the PLUS X AWARD, the world’s largest innovation prize for technology, sports, and lifestyle. While awards such as “Best Brand” are decided by a jury, the Customer Satisfaction category is based on a nationwide consumer survey. More than 12,000 men and women between the ages of 20 and 65 cast their votes – and selected DoorBird as one of the brands they are most satisfied with.


“Receiving the award for Germany’s Highest Customer Satisfaction, after already winning the PLUS X AWARD as Best Brand of the Year 2025, confirms that our products meet the spirit of the times and our customers’ expectations,” says Sascha Keller, CEO of DoorBird. “But this is no reason to rest on our laurels. The positive feedback motivates us to continuously develop new solutions in intelligent door communication. A particular highlight this year was the launch of the D31x series for buildings with up to 1,000 units – and more innovative products are already on the horizon.”

The PLUS X AWARD for Germany’s Highest Customer Satisfaction is presented annually. It recognizes companies that, from the consumer’s perspective, deliver on their promises by offering high-quality products and reliable service – thus making a lasting contribution to satisfaction. In each category, there is only one winner. No ranking or second and third places are published – only the leader is awarded.

www.doorbird.com

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Wednesday, 8 October 2025

ADSA Charity Golf Day Raises Thousands Despite Storm Drama


The Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) marked its 40th anniversary year with another hugely successful charity golf day at Branston Golf & Country Club – despite a storm threatening to derail the event just days before.

31 teams – 124 golfers in total – teed off, while a further 35 delegates joined the daytime conference and 180 guests attended the evening dinner.

This year, the sporting fixture was combined with CPD sessions for non-players, which included an HR briefing from Sue Hatton, of Pickerings Solicitors, alongside industry-focused updates.


 Despite wild weather earlier in the week, the resilience of the Branston greenkeeping team enabled the day to go ahead as planned. A tree had been brought down on the 18th green and damage to the course’s water pumping system meant emergency remedial action was required to save the day. 

“It was touch and go for a while,” said Ken Price, ADSA Managing Director, “but storm clouds had a silver lining. The club reimbursed a proportion of our fees and we felt it was only right to share that good fortune by adding a twist to our charity donations.

“Over the years, the bid to win the ADSA Cup has become increasingly competitive but people showing up in numbers and taking part is ultimately what makes the day so successful. That’s why we decided that the team finishing last should also be winners, with an extra donation to their chosen charity."

In total the 2025 event has raised £8,500 for a range of deserving charities.


All Round Securities, from Bolton, took first place and nominated the Royal British Legion, which will receive £2,000.

RTR Services, of Wakes Colne, Essex, finished last but walked away as the ‘losing’ winners, with £500 for the Huntington’s Disease Association.

Other beneficiaries include the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, which supports mental health and wellbeing initiatives aimed at preventing suicide among young people working in construction, the Motor Neurone Disease Association, West Midlands Air Ambulance, Golfantics and St Giles Hospice which will share £4,000 between them.

Added Ken: “ADSA’s annual charity golf day continues to bring together members and industry partners in support of important causes – proving once again that teamwork and community spirit can weather any storm.”

www.adsa.org.uk

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Tuesday, 7 October 2025

DHF to lead CSCS card delivery for loading bay equipment installers


The Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) is set to assume a key role in strengthening the competence and safety of loading bay equipment installers, becoming the primary issuer of CSCS Blue Skilled Worker cards for those working with dock levellers from 1st September 2025.

This development marks a natural next step in DHF's long-standing commitment to raising standards across the industrial and commercial door sector. Building on its collaborative work with the Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA), through which it already delivers CSCS cards to operatives across the gates, shutters, garage doors, and doorset sectors, this move extends DHF's remit to include a further group of specialist operatives, those who work at the very front line of logistics infrastructure.

Through the Entrance Systems Alliance (ESA), a collaborative trade initiative led by DHF and ADSA, the organisations already co-deliver the Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Specialist Installation Occupations (Construction) - Loading Bay Equipment - Installation or Maintenance, a qualification that has become widely respected within the industry. By aligning this recognised pathway with CSCS card provision, DHF is helping to formalise and elevate professional standards in a sector where safety and skill must go hand-in-hand.

DHF has also developed the Level 2 Award in Dock Leveller Safety, an Ofqual-regulated qualification created in partnership with ALEM, the trade association for loading bay equipment manufacturers and suppliers. This tailored award directly addresses the specific operational risks faced by installers in the loading bay environment and reflects DHF's rigorous and safety-first approach to competence development.

To achieve the CSCS Blue Skilled Worker card for dock leveller installation or maintenance, operatives must now successfully complete both the NVQ and the Dock Leveller Safety Award, a dual qualification route that prioritises not only technical skill, but the ability to work safely and responsibly in high-risk environments. To ensure this safety knowledge remains current, all cardholders will be required to renew their Dock Leveller Safety Award every three years, reflecting the fast-evolving nature of technology, standards, and best practice in the field.

Those wishing to obtain the Dock Leveller CSCS card can apply online in the dedicated area of the DHF website. https://bit.ly/40OzC1j where you can upload your supporting documents, register for the mandatory Health & Safety in the Environment test and pay, all in one place.

With a fully compliant training infrastructure, a network of sector partnerships, and a decades-long track record of delivery, DHF is uniquely placed to lead this progression. For industry employers, specifiers, and contractors alike, this new framework offers a robust and nationally recognised route to verified competence.

"We welcome DHF's expanded role in supporting CSCS card provision for Loading Bay Equipment Installers," says Garry Mortimer, Executive Director of Operations for CSCS Cards. "This initiative reflects a clear commitment to raising standards and ensuring that specialist installers are appropriately trained and qualified. By aligning NVQ achievement with sector-specific safety training, DHF is helping to deliver a workforce that is safer, more professional, and fully aligned with the goals of the CSCS scheme and the wider construction industry."

"This new framework will create a consistent, nationally recognised route to CSCS card attainment, offering greater assurance to employers, main contractors, and specifiers," adds DHF's Commercial Director, Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens. "It supports CSCS's mission to improve workforce safety, aligns with Build UK's emphasis on verified competence, and responds directly to the needs of the loading bay equipment sector."

As the industry continues to demand higher standards, improved safety, and increased competence across all disciplines, this expanded framework from DHF represents a significant step forward; one that not only supports individual operatives, but strengthens the wider supply chain.
 
www.dhfonline.org.uk/cscs-card.html

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Monday, 6 October 2025

Securing compliance and safety through better door hardware choices


Fire safety in the built environment is under more scrutiny than ever. The combination of evolving building regulations, heightened awareness, and the increased emphasis on third-party certification means that hardware choices are not just about function or appearance.

There’s a renewed emphasis on the importance of choosing, installing and maintaining fire door hardware correctly. Despite widespread guidance, door hardware is too often an afterthought or poorly maintained – undermining the very purpose of a fire door – but plays a pivotal role in ensuring buildings meet both legal and performance standards.

Every hinge, closer, lock or latch plays a part in ensuring doors perform as intended in the event of a fire.

For locksmiths, contractors and facilities managers, the challenge lies in navigating complex standards, avoiding installation pitfalls, and ensuring maintenance is carried out consistently.

Against this backdrop, product innovations and best-practice guidance from manufacturers are helping to support compliance, security and performance.



Avoiding failure through correct installation

Every component, including hinges, closers, locks or latches, must be installed exactly as tested. Seemingly minor deviations – such as screw substitutions or incorrect seal placement – can invalidate certification and compromise safety.

We would always urge installers to follow the manufacturer’s fitting instructions, use templates where provided, and check that the door operates correctly and the right intumescent or smoke seals are used. 

These steps ensure that tested performance translates to real-world conditions.

Maintenance: a critical yet overlooked responsibility

Beyond installation, planned maintenance is often the weakest link in hardware performance. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 mandates routine, logged maintenance of fire safety systems, including door hardware. Neglecting these checks doesn’t just risk performance failure – it breaches legal duty.

The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) recommends monthly checks on high-use doors and quarterly inspections elsewhere. Tasks such as tightening fixings, lubricating with manufacturer-approved products, and inspecting for corrosion are simple but vital.

Warning signs – such as dragging doors, leaking closers, misaligned latches, or loose hinges – can impair fire resistance and should never be ignored, especially on fire doors where performance is paramount.


Retrofitting and specifying for performance and sustainability

Not all fire-rated products are interchangeable. When retrofitting or upgrading, it’s essential to match hardware to the door’s specific test evidence. For example, a lock tested with one configuration of intumescent seals may not perform the same way with a different arrangement.

Manufacturers like HOPPE (UK) and ARRONE, a HOPPE Group brand, are working to support the industry with tested solutions and clear documentation.

Certification provides confidence – and futureproofing

Specifiers and facility managers should prioritise third-party certified hardware. Certification schemes such as Certifire, operated by Warringtonfire, involve rigorous testing and regular audits to verify that products perform as claimed when installed correctly.

Regular certificate reviews give vital assurance not just at the outset, but throughout the product’s entire lifecycle.

The bigger picture

Ultimately, effective fire safety hardware relies on the synergy of correct specification, competent installation and routine maintenance. No matter the product or its function, the goal is always the same: safer, compliant, and better-performing buildings.

Fire door safety is only as robust as its weakest component. Whether specifying for new building projects or maintaining existing stock, decision-makers must prioritise certified, correctly installed, and regularly maintained hardware.

www.hoppe.co.uk


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Sunday, 5 October 2025

849 Testarossa Spider from Ferrari


Ferrari has unveiled its latest sports car, the 849 Testarossa Spider, to international press and clients. The car, which replaces the SF90 Spider in the range, is a hybrid plug-in super sports berlinetta equipped with three electric motors alongside the mid-rear twin-turbo V8, delivering a total of 1050 cv, 50 more than the car it replaces.

The car is both a true coupé and a true spider, thanks to Ferrari’s retractable hard top (RHT), which allows the driver to open and close the roof in just 14 seconds, even while driving at speeds up to 45 km/h.

This means that the car’s extraordinary performance can be enjoyed in any condition and even en plein air, offering an even more vibrant connection with the surroundings and heightened driving emotions. To maximise comfort, a new system has been developed to minimise turbulence inside the cabin: an innovative new wind catcher positioned behind the seats.


The 849 Testarossa Spider takes its place at the top of Ferrari’s open-top sports car range thanks to its performance, its ability to thrill the driver without ever compromising ride comfort or interior refinement, as well as its futuristic yet deeply historically rooted design. This car is conceived for the most demanding clients; those who want the very best from a Ferrari.

It is also the reason for the return of a legendary name in Maranello’s history, Testa Rossa, which was first used on the 500 TR in 1956 to describe the colour of the cam covers of some of Ferrari’s most extreme, high-performance and iconic racing engines, before being used as a name for one of the marque’s most famous roadgoing models, the 1984 Testarossa.

The heart of the 849 Testarossa Spider revolves around its twin-turbo eight-cylinder internal combustion engine, part of the family of engines that received multiple International Engine of the Year awards. The unit has been completely re-engineered to reach new performance peaks (a remarkable 830 cv of maximum power) and is combined with an advanced hybrid system derived from Ferrari’s unmatched motorsport experience.


Among the most prominent innovations is the new turbo, the largest ever for a Ferrari production car, enabling unprecedented acceleration. The hybrid group, consisting of a rear electric motor and two units installed on the front axle, is capable of delivering 220 cv. The on-demand four-wheel drive system and torque vectoring maximize performance in all conditions.

To enhance its dynamic qualities and the driver feedback at the limit, the 849 Testarossa Spider is equipped (in addition to the latest generation brake-by-wire system) with Ferrari’s ABS Evo controller, which improves braking precision and consistency in all conditions, along with the new braking system.

The spring and damper set-up has been completely revised for improved behaviour at the limit of grip. Extensive component weight reduction has allowed the 849 Testarossa Spider to boast the best power-to-weight ratio ever for a range model, since the enormous performance increase has not resulted in any additional weight compared to the SF90 Spider.


 From a styling point of view as well, the 849 Testarossa Spider marks a revolution in the concept of a Ferrari V8 mid-rear berlinetta: the inspiration taken from 1970s Sports Prototypes, together with sharp and geometric lines, creates a unique and timeless design. The synergy between form and function has enabled impressive aerodynamic performance: the total downforce of 415 kg at 250 km/h represents a 25 kg increase over the SF90 Spider as well as providing a 15% boost in cooling power for the powertrain and brakes.

The cockpit is even more enveloping and ergonomic than before: the central sail motif with the integrated gear-change gate, inspired by the F80, improves the positioning of components and makes them more accessible. The new steering wheel, equipped with mechanical buttons (including the iconic engine start button), elevates the driving experience while maintaining the high functionality of the latest-generation Ferrari steering wheels. 

Finally, a new HMI system makes interaction with the car even simpler and more intuitive

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Saturday, 4 October 2025

Making Space for Women in Fenestration


When I look at my two young daughters, I wonder what career paths they'll choose as they grow up. I’d love for them to follow mine and my father's route, and move into the family business, but will they feel that our industry is open to them? Will they feel inspired if women continue to be absent from leadership and skilled positions across all sectors?


These questions drive my determination to change the fenestration industry from one traditionally dominated by men into a field where women can see themselves building successful, rewarding careers.

When I took over as Managing Director at Warwick North West in 2021, increasing the diversity within our team was a top priority for me. The fenestration industry has long been male-dominated. We've been working hard to change that, but there is still more that we all need to do.

Growing Female Representation

I'm proud that since 2016, we've increased the number of women working at Warwick by 200%. This required deliberate changes to our recruitment practices, workplace culture, and how we present ourselves as an employer. We now have talented, award-winning women in key positions who are integral to our success.

However, I'm also aware that we still have work to do. Currently, most of our female workforce is concentrated in office-based roles like administration and marketing. While these positions are vital to our operation, my ambition is to see similar representation in our manufacturing areas.

Across the UK, women make up just 14% of construction industry professionals, and the numbers are even lower in trades and on factory floors.

I want to build the strongest possible team, one that is effective, passionate, and brings fresh ideas to the table. When an industry like ours unintentionally excludes women, we're cutting ourselves off from skilled people who could help us grow and innovate.

If we're only recruiting from half the population, we're missing out on a huge talent pool.

Working with Schools and Colleges

To address this challenge, we've developed partnerships with local schools and colleges to introduce young women to the opportunities available in fenestration. We regularly visit and showcase our company culture, which is a huge part of attracting talented staff.

We work closely with Hugh Baird College, one of only three ‘Outstanding’ colleges in the North West, to develop apprenticeship pathways specifically designed to attract young people into manufacturing roles. Apprenticeships provide a supportive environment for developing technical skills while earning a wage.

Youth Leadership Scheme

One of my favourite things that we have implemented is a junior management program that acts as a second layer of management. The initiative pairs a selection of our young employees with senior managers who act as mentors, providing guidance and development opportunities. It creates a clear progression path for young talent, showing them exactly where they can get to in the business.

The Wider Industry Challenge

While we're making progress internally, transforming the wider industry requires a collective effort. Fenestration has traditionally projected a very male image, from marketing materials to trade shows and recruitment practices. The issue is that women don't see themselves represented and therefore simply wouldn’t consider a career in our sector.

The benefits of a more diverse workforce are clear. Research consistently shows that diverse teams are more innovative, make better decisions, and ultimately deliver better results. From a purely business perspective, when an industry like ours unintentionally excludes women, we're cutting ourselves off from skilled people who could help us grow and innovate.

While we've made progress that I’m proud of, I’d like to do more to promote talented women in the sector. One of my end goals is to achieve what we have with female representation in our office on our factory floor and manufacturing.

As a father of two young daughters, I'd love nothing more than for them to be inspired to progress into this industry, not be put off by it.

As we continue to grow as a business, increasing diversity will remain a core part of ‘The Warwick Way’ – our approach to doing business that puts people and community alongside profit.

Warwick North West's Managing Director, Greg Johnson

www.warwicknorthwest.co.uk

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Friday, 3 October 2025

Paving a Safe Path for Students


Sue Corrick of Allegion UK reviews the critical nature of escape routes in school buildings and how fire door hardware plays a role in keeping students safe and emergency exits functional.

Whether it’s the end of the day or end of term, when schools close, it’s not unusual to see children and staff alike scrambling out the doors as they head for a much needed period of relaxation. Though, more vital than finding an exit for a break is the need to safely and swiftly evacuate school premises when an emergency situation arises.

When fire breaks out in a school building, every second counts. Panic and emergency escape routes provide a direct path to safety and are critical in minimising risk and the time spent evacuating, and as a result, are highly regulated in educational facilities as per the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the Building Bulletin 100 (BB100). Accordingly, designated panic and emergency routes must be highlighted with concise signage, remain clear at all times and contain fully compliant and operational fire exit doors - which are recognised as the final point of escape.

During term time, when a school is at its busiest, staff, students and visitors must be confident in locating and traversing their nearest emergency exit route at any given time. Regular fire drills, evacuation plans and staff training can play a critical part in ensuring the effective use of escape routes in schools, though, often overlooked is the important detail of exit hardware. Where neglected routes can turn a manageable emergency into a potentially dangerous situation, duty holders are urged to recognise the importance of functional fire exits and how exit hardware keeps them operational.


Unique challenges and solutions

School buildings are often more complex than they first appear. Between sprawling corridors, high-traffic communal areas and frequent transitions between classrooms, halls and outdoor areas, there are various challenges and vulnerabilities to consider when it comes to fire safety and the accessibility of escape routes.

Fire is an unpredictable danger for any facility, made more apparent in school buildings by the presence of flammable materials - such as art supplies, paper and chemical substances in science labs, for example. In some schools, arson also remains a real concern, further elevating the chance of fire and reinforcing the need for effective emergency escape routes and operational fire exit doors. In any case, escape routes must not only be compliant but robust enough to support an orderly evacuation under duress, and for that, correctly specified, installed and maintained fire exit hardware is key.

In panic situations, particularly where children are involved, ease of use and reliability are fundamental. For schools, where there are usually more than 60 occupants present, panic exit hardware is a typical installation on fire exit doors, with horizontal push bars and pads used for intuitive egress at the end of escape routes. These panic devices are designed to provide safe and effective escape through doorways with minimum effort and without prior knowledge of operation. Horizontal push bars for example, are often utilised on external outward opening doors, with panic hardware required to cover at least 60% of the door width, ensuring devices are easy to find and operate in an emergency. All panic exit devices must also be fitted to comply with the harmonised version of EN 1125 Panic and EN 179 Emergency standards and ensure UKCA and CE markings are present.


Plan to protect

Far too often, escape routes are compromised in school buildings as a result of poor planning and a lack of fire exit maintenance. Where insufficient signage, blocked exit routes and untrained staff are common oversights that can severely impact the effectiveness of emergency exits, poorly maintained exit hardware could be the difference between safe escape and disaster.

The durability of exit hardware is regularly put to the test in school buildings, with wear caused by high footfall, heavy usage and vandalism. With this in mind, a duty holder or responsible person (often the headteacher or facility manager) is required to perform regular fire risk assessments to ensure appropriate precautions are in place to safeguard pupils and staff. As part of their duties, it is recommended that maintenance checks are conducted on a regular basis on escape routes and that all fire door hardware is in correct working order, ensuring all components are present, in satisfactory working condition and operate as follows:

1) When the horizontal bar is pushed, it should unlatch the door immediately without requiring a key, knob or other tools. The mechanism should be intuitive and require minimal force to open. Once operated, the door should also return to its original position.

2) Pushing the bar should release the latch and or bolts, allowing the door to swing open freely, facilitating rapid evacuation.

3) The hardware should normally be latched to prevent unauthorized entry from the outside. A door may be locked from the outside with a key or locking device, but from the inside should always be operable without a key.

4) Some panic bar models may include alarms or signals when the door is opened in an emergency or may have an optional dogging feature to keep the door open temporarily.

5) Hardware must meet local building and fire safety codes. Typically, it should be rated for a certain number of cycles and withstand specific forces. When on fire doors, hardware should also hold a fire rating.

Worn or faulty panic hardware can delay an exit door from opening or may simply cause the door to fail entirely, rendering a carefully planned and clear escape route useless in the event of a fire. In any case, should a fire door not be operating as intended, it’s imperative that a school’s responsible person seek out professional advice to ensure maintenance is carried out quickly and professionally, especially when children are present.

Schools will always be thought of as places of learning, care and responsibility, and with that there is an ongoing duty to protect the lives of our next generation and those who nurture them. To truly mitigate the risk of fire, responsible parties must work together to guarantee safe egress is possible at all emergency exits by specifying, installing and maintaining appropriate hardware fit to meet the demands of school settings. After all, an escape route is only as reliable as the exit hardware found throughout it. 

www.allegion.com

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Thursday, 2 October 2025

ARRONE Adds New Espag Window Handles to Complete Its Hardware Offering


Locksmiths, installers, and fabricators can now benefit from an even more complete hardware range as ARRONE introduces its latest addition: a new series of espagnolette (espag) window handles.

Competitively priced, designed with installers in mind, and backed by HOPPE (UK)’s renowned service and support, the new ARRONE espag handles build on the brand’s core principles: reliable quality, functional design, and product consistency across all hardware touchpoints.

According to Ged Ryan, CEO of HOPPE (UK), this launch addresses key areas highlighted through direct market feedback: “We’ve used this opportunity to refine the design and functionality of the espag handle range to meet the practical needs of our customers on site, while still keeping costs competitive for volume installations.”

Meeting market needs, still installer focused

The new ARRONE espag handle range has been engineered with everyday challenges in mind. Supplied complete with fixings, the handles are designed for quick and straightforward fitting; minimising delays on site.

Crucially, each handle features a positive stop in the fully closed and 90° open positions. This gives a reassuringly tactile operation, preventing over-rotation and offering a dependable feel that aligns with ARRONE’s reputation for durability and ease of use.

Another standout feature is the coloured packaging system. With clear distinctions between inline, left-hand, and right-hand variants, the range allows for faster selection both in-store and on-site, reducing errors and saving valuable time.

The handles are available in two styles:
  • AR720 Inline Locking Handle
  • AR722 Cranked Locking Handle (left-hand/right-hand)
Each model comes with a solid spindle connection and is constructed from either aluminium or zinc. A selection of spindle lengths ensures compatibility across a wide range of window profiles: 15mm, 30mm, and 40mm are all available.

Finishes that complement the full offering

A major advantage for installers is the wide range of finishes, carefully chosen to complement the rest of the ARRONE and Kerb Appeal ranges. With this, hardware across the building - windows and doors alike - can now be colour matched, ensuring consistent aesthetics from every angle.

Available finishes include:

  • Polished Brass Effect
  • Polished Chrome Effect
  • Satin Chrome Effect
  • Black
  • White
  • Anthracite Grey
  • Graphite
  • Silver
Backed by the HOPPE Group

As part of HOPPE (UK), ARRONE benefits from the group’s international strength and a local UK presence that focuses on service, stockholding, and support. The team is GAI-trained, and the company holds a strong track record in delivering products that meet rigorous standards.

All products are independently tested and quality-assured, including:
  • 200,000 mechanical operation cycles on lever handle sets
  • 50,000 flap cycles on letterplates
  • 480 hours neutral salt spray resistance for external hardware finishes
  • These rigorous standards offer installers confidence that the hardware they fit today will stand the test of time; functionally and visually.
Another handle of excellence…

With the introduction of the new ARRONE espagnolette window handles, HOPPE (UK) has taken another confident step in offering a genuinely complete hardware solution for residential and commercial markets. For locksmiths and installers, that means one thing: more choice, better support, and less hassle.

And for fabricators, the expansion of the ARRONE offer means greater specification flexibility.

“Whether you’re supplying windows, composite doors, or a full suite of openings for a project, ARRONE now gives you a complete range of hardware that’s consistent in quality, finish, and availability,” Ged concludes.

The new espag handle range is designed for mass market use, with a pricing structure that reflects its position as a high-quality, cost-effective solution for large-scale installations. Whether retrofitting or specifying new builds, the ARRONE espag range delivers reliability, versatility, and visual consistency.

www.hoppe.co.uk

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Wednesday, 1 October 2025

Door Secure Team Rolls Again


Following the outstanding success of its original Door Secure campaign, Hörmann UK has launched Phase 2 with Gladiator Wolf rolling into action once more. Known for its bold creativity and consumer-first approach, Hörmann is using this latest phase to once again champion the high-security, high-quality RollMatic T roller garage door, delivering a powerful message to UK homeowners.

Running across Facebook and Instagram over the next six months, Phase 2 sees the return of no-nonsense Wolf, who is on a mission to help consumers avoid substandard roller garage doors. In a series of straight-talking videos, Wolf exposes the risks of choosing poorly manufactured doors, with the use of real-life break-in examples clearly demonstrating just how easily some doors can be compromised.

This time, Wolf goes further by sharing five key questions every homeowner should ask before purchasing a roller garage door and debunking the most common myth of all: that all roller doors are the same.

With Phase 2 of the campaign, Hörmann UK continues its mission to raise awareness around the critical importance of security, durability, and using a qualified, trained installer when choosing a roller door. The campaign directs consumers to the Hörmann Dealer Finder, encouraging them to choose a Partner Standard installer for peace of mind and a professional installation.

“The response to our original Door Secure campaign was exceptional.” says David O’Mara, Marketing Manager at Hörmann UK. “Not only was it something completely different for the industry, but it cleverly addressed a key topic - the issue of low-quality, low-priced roller garage doors. We know it definitely hit the mark, as we’ve seen sales of our RollMatic doors up by 40% compared to this time last year.

“Phase 2 of the campaign further reinforces our key messages for consumers to buy a secure, quality door from a reputable installer, all with the aim of generating even more business for our network of Partner Standard dealers.”

As the Door Secure Team rolls again, Hörmann UK is setting the industry benchmark for customer engagement, product education, and brand creativity.

www.hormann.co.uk

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