The Door Industry Journal

Thursday, 5 December 2013

New Appointments at Hörmann

Area Sales Manager, Mark Lester has been promoted to the newly created position of Customer Services Manager.

With a precision engineering background and over eight years of door industry experience with Hörmann, Mark has a thorough understanding of both the industry and customers’ needs. In this new role Mark will appraise service across the UK business and work closely with the senior management team to improve service delivery.

As a part of this process Mark will temporarily take on overall management of the Product Services, from the receipt of a new enquiry to completion.

Staff training will also form an important part of this new role both internally and with customers, particularly as a new online quotation system and customer ordering portal are set to be introduced.

Taking over the role of central Area Sales Manager vacated by Mark, will be Luke Freeman, returning to Hörmann after gaining valuable garage door retail sales experience.

Luke previously worked in the product services team at Hörmann and was heavily involved in the support of key house builder accounts.

Announcing the appointments, Managing Director, David Newcombe, was keen to highlight the enthusiasm and experience the two appointments bring.

“Obviously we know both Mark and Luke very well and they know the company inside out. This means they will both hit the ground running as we strive to deliver better services to all our customers.”

For customers in the central area, Mark Lester's mobile number will be transferred to Luke Freeman, with Mark directly contactable on his office number.

These numbers are: Mark Lester 01530 513032 Luke Freeman 07753 862759

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Wednesday, 4 December 2013

Taking the Industry’s Pulse

After a year of change for both the public and private healthcare sectors, ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions showcased its range of door opening solutions suitable for hospital and healthcare buildings at the Healthcare Estates Expo.

Having attended the show on several occasions, ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions returned with its innovative solutions to address the most pressing issues faced by healthcare building professionals and end-users, in both public and private hospitals and healthcare facilities.

With acute scrutiny around infection control and quality of care – from both the media and the public – as well as increased budgetary pressures, the numerous challenges facing the healthcare sector were apparent at the exhibition.

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

"The interest and interaction we had on the stand this year demonstrates how important it is that we keep up with the pace of change in the healthcare and public sectors, in order to provide solutions for the concerns of our customers and end-users.

"Now, more than ever, new issues and pressures are continually arising, and it’s only because we have had our finger on the pulse that we have been able to maintain and develop our longstanding connections with key decision makers in the industry. Having adapted our offering to keep up with the rate of change, we can provide a comprehensive range of solutions that overcome their challenges".

Please visit www.assa.co.uk/en/site/assacouk/News for more information.

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Tuesday, 3 December 2013

Opulent Opening Solutions From Assa Abloy Security Doors

ASSA ABLOY Security Doors has designed, manufactured and installed its high performance steel security doors for one of the world’s most exclusive hotel brands – at one of the highest addresses in Europe.
Powershield fire doors have been installed at the top class hotel, which resides in one of London’s most desirable postcodes. The hotel will boast some of London’s largest and most luxurious suites, as well as exclusive dining venues and first-rate guest facilities.

The doorsets were supplied for installation to back-of-house spaces within the premium hotel, helping to protect critical service delivery areas, and the personnel and property therein.

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

“As ever with such a high-profile and large-scale project, there were complex issues and challenges to tackle. Our tailored doorsets are helping to meet with the mandatory standards and regulations on such an important building, while ensuring ease of access, functionality and durability in a busy back of house hotel environment.

“This is part of a larger-scale development in the heart of London, where we have also supplied doors to other buildings. Having our doors on these highly prestigious projects gives a real boost and sense of what we are able to provide as a company.”

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

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

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Monday, 2 December 2013

Installers risk prosecution over use of gate automation kits, warns Door & Hardware Federation

Unqualified installers who apply automation kits to motorise manual gates face a real risk of prosecution under health and safety legislation.

The warning comes from The Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) which represents leading UK manufacturers, suppliers, installers and maintainers of powered automatic gates and equipment.

According to Andy Holz, chairman of the DHF Powered Gate Group, an unsafe installation also leaves the homeowner or commercial building manager/owner at risk of prosecution if an accident occurs involving a gate that has been automated incorrectly.

Andy Holz elaborated saying:

“Gate automation kits are readily available online. But it is not the kit itself that makes the installation safe. To ensure safety and legal compliance, it is the installer that must follow strict procedures.”

“Anyone buying an automation kit from a DHF Powered Gate Group member is taken first through a lengthy consultation process. This ensures the buyer is aware of his legal obligations and that the person who will be carrying out the installation will be capable of installing the kit in a compliant and safe manner. All DHF members who operate under the DHF Safety Assured scheme always recommend that a qualified installer should carry out the work.”

He pointed out that in order for the motorised gate to meet legislation, the installer must provide essential legal and safety documentation. This should include user operating instructions, risk assessment, declaration of conformity and force test results to demonstrate that the impact force of the gate is not excessive. In addition, the installer must apply a CE mark to the powered gate. This is legally required to conform with the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008.

He continued to state:

“Clearly an unqualified installer or even an electrician who does not specialise in powered gate safety, is not in a position to supply all these essential items. So he is leaving himself and the homeowner or building occupier wide open to the risk of being legally culpable should a tragic accident occur. “

All members operate within the strict DHF Safety Assured scheme and adhere to the stringent standards set out in the DHF Guide to Powered Gate Safety.

For more information on the Powered Gate Group of the DHF, and to access a list of DHF member companies, visit www.dhfonline.org.uk/powered-gate-group.aspx .

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Sunday, 1 December 2013

The first ever right hand drive Austin Healey is up for auction

The car was first owned by the legendary Betty Haig who raced it in 1953 and 1954

The first right hand drive Austin Healey in existence is to be sold by international auctioneers Coys at their True Greats sale in London on December 3rd.

This is the sixteenth of twenty pre-production Austin Healey 100s, hand built at Cape Works before production started at the Longbridge factory.

This Healey on offer was delivered to Betty Haig in 1953, who drove it at the Great Auclum speed trials on 8th August that year – just three weeks after purchasing it. She raced it again on the 25th Paris to St. Raphael rally in early March 1954 with Enid Riddell. She came first in the over 2 litre class, won a Coupe de Vitesse and finished seventh overall. Reports at the time praised Betty for beating two 2.5 litre Lancia Aurelias.

This unique 1953 Austin Healey 100 has matching numbers and some unique pre-production features, including a highly lightweight aluminium body, aluminium seats, bonnet safety catch and fan cowling. There are believed to be fifty differences between these early cars and the production derivative. It is estimated at £100,000 to £130,000.

Chris Routledge, Managing Partner of Coys, said:

“This car is arguably the most significant Austin Healey to be offered on the open market this decade. It is a unique opportunity to inherit a competition car rallied by a true legend like Betty Haig.”

The auction will also feature a 1972 Ferrari Dino 246 GT once owned by the famous Britpop band leader Peter Noone of Herman’s Hermits.

1972 Ferrari Dino 246 GT once owned by Peter Noone of Herman’s Hermits

Noone wanted to be in vogue and have the same colour as Clapton’s Dino. Having only been able to purchase a silver car, he immediately commissioned it to be repainted in the striking Viola Dino Metallizzato and it has remained this colour ever since. Noone owned the car until 1983, when it changed hands to another UK owner. This Dino has only 25,800 miles from new and is estimated at £130,000 to £165,000.

Chris Routledge said:

“We have a long tradition of selling film, television and celebrity cars, and having such a cool car from such a cool period that belonged to a member of the popular culture at that time is really exciting and fitting. I am sure Mrs Brown’s daughter would have looked lovely in it!”

The sale will also feature a 1963 Maserati 3500 GTI Sebring, estimated at £70,000 to £90,000; a 1938 Hispano Suiza T60 RLA Carroserie Chapron, estimated at £165,000 to £200,000; and a 1933 Lagonda 3 Litre Selector Special, estimated at £85,000 to £100,000.

Coys’ True Greats auction will be held at the Royal Horticultural Society, Lindley Hall, Vincent Square, Westminster, London, SW1P 2PE on Tuesday 3rd December at 1pm.

For full details of these cars and other important entries, please visit www.coys.co.uk

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Saturday, 30 November 2013

Richard Burbidge Wins EEF Future Manufacturing Award

Richard Burbidge, the stair parts specialist, has won the Investing in Skills category at the North West Engineering Employers Federation (EEF) Future Manufacturing Awards in a ceremony held at Salford City Stadium.

The company will now go on to compete in the national finals, which will be held in London in January 2014.

Richard Burbidge’s implementation of the Lean Manufacturing philosophy was outlined as a key contributor to its success, with the stair parts, decking and mouldings manufacturer demonstrating its ability to improve efficiency and provide a better service to its customers by engaging staff at all levels to adopt new ways of working.

Since implementing the Lean Manufacturing philosophy the business has successfully trained 105 managers, purchasing staff, production planners, general operators and engineers in the philosophy’s techniques, showing its commitment to cementing efficient practices within the organisation.

Paul Haggerty, Group Operations Director for Richard Burbidge said:

“We are delighted to win the regional EEF Future Manufacturing Award. As a family-run business spanning many generations, we are particularly pleased to be recognised in the Investing in Skills category.

“From experience, we know firsthand how important it is to equip our staff with the best possible knowledge and resources so they in turn can provide the highest standard of service to our customers. Thanks must go to our employees, who have shown such commitment to improving efficiency within the business.”

Richard Burbidge was also a runner up in the Health and Safety Award for the complete renewal of its Health and Safety policy, which included the training of staff at all levels from directors through to operators.

Paul Haggerty continues:

“Health and Safety is intrinsic to our daily operation, so we are again delighted to be recognised for our efforts.”

For more information on Richard Burbidge please visit www.stairproject.co.uk.

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Friday, 29 November 2013

Are there enough homes for the ageing population?

A recent project by Demos*, ‘Top of the Ladder’, has indicated that there is a shortage of housing for the older generation with 3.5 million people aged over 60 wishing to buy retirement property, but only 100,000 suitable homes exist.

According to Demos one option to help address the housing shortage is to increase the availability of appropriate housing for the people at the top of the ladder - only 2 per cent of the current UK housing stock is dedicated retirement housing.

Andrew Royle, UK Commercial Director at P C Henderson comments on key considerations to help answer demand, whether new build or for refurbishment projects;

“The design and functionality of a home is an important consideration to provide elderly occupiers with a comfortable place to live in. Choosing the right fixtures and fittings, such as sliding door systems, can help houses meet the needs of the ageing population and help answer increasing demand.”

Versatile and silent in use, the Husky 50kg and 100kg sliding door systems are ideal for use as room dividers as well as for wardrobe doors, freeing up valuable space in a room. It also allows for a maximum door width of 1250mm, allowing ease of access for wheelchair users and those who require assistance moving around the home. This low maintenance, high quality solution is available as standard with nylon rollers. This system also offers options to upgrade to a soft stop, low headroom, simultaneous action function or a roller guiding system which offers a smoother operation.

Another popular alternative is Evolve, an innovative range of products that offer a convenient and highly sophisticated automated system. Evolve 60 Pocket Door is ideally suited to applications where space is at a premium, such as toilets and bathrooms. It is simple to fit and program with a high level of safety, due to its decoupling action which allows manual operation. While the Evolve 80 SIM kit can be used with two doors with a combined weight of up to 80kg. This system has a range of both wired and wireless sensors, with obstacle detection and safe low voltage.

*Source: The Top of the Ladder project by Demos is supported by the Home Builders Federation. Demos is Britain’s leading cross-party think-tank. They produce original research, publish innovative thinkers and host thought-provoking events. They have spent 20 years at the centre of the policy debate, with an overarching mission to bring politics closer to people. http://www.demos.co.uk/projects/topoftheladder

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Thursday, 28 November 2013

Assa Abloy Security Solutions Announces Plans for BIM

ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions has announced plans to deliver Building Information Modeling (BIM) for specifiers through the launch of doorset and hardware objects.

Designed to meet with increasing pressure for specifiers and contractors to work with BIM building practices, ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions is initially launching nine BIM doorset objects, with plans to develop a further 20 hardware set objects in 2014 to service this important development.

Essentially, BIM is a way of working underpinned by the creation, collation and exchange of shared 3D models, with structured data attached. By bringing together the different disciplines involved in a building’s development and facilitating the use of a shared model, it is hoped that the building process will become rationalised and streamlined.

Currently there are many different disciplines and professionals involved in a building’s design and construction, all of which take 2 or 3D models of the build in a variety of formats, from which they create their own drawings on the parts relevant to them. Whilst this may work in the first instance, it creates unnecessary administration when changes need to be made, as multiple documents across multiple companies will need to be updated and shared.

BIM creates a central model, which each discipline has access to and can export the element of the model relevant to them, importing it back into the central model when updates have been made. This is crucial for specifiers of security products when working with architectural ironmongery manufacturers whose products may only form a small part of the building and are often considered at a later stage of the build. However, any change in dimension or material to these types of products could have a significant impact on other structural elements of the build.

To aid this process, the initial nine doorset objects introduced by ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions will be parametric, increasing the ease of interchangeability and flexibility for the specifier, who can more easily define the design intent of the object and make amends to the model which preserve this.

Andy Stolworthy, Product Manager at ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions, said:

“ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions has always taken the initiative to support our specifiers, whether it be through product certification or the development of sector solutions. The increasingly important role that BIM is playing in the industry meant it was critical for us to develop doorset objects that could support this process, which is designed to improve efficiencies in the construction industry.

“We very much see BIM objects as part of an overall toolkit that ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions can provide for specifiers, to help streamline the specification process and more importantly create efficiencies in the built environment.

“By 2016 all government funded projects will be required to use BIM and some industry experts are predicting that time savings of 50% can be achieved using this practice. BIM also has other benefits, such as the reduction in waste thanks to the exact take off quantities, which prevent over-ordering, first time fit and whole life asset management, made possible by the information attached to the BIM objects that aid commissioning, operation and maintenance activities.

“The multiple advantages attached to BIM, make it clear that this is a viable solution for the future and not just a scheme introduced to help achieve over-confident construction targets. It is therefore crucial that we are best placed for supporting our specifiers with BIM objects for doorsets.”

ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions’ BIM objects will initially be launched on REVIT software with later versions to follow.

For further information please visit www.assaabloy.co.uk/securitysolutions

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Wednesday, 27 November 2013

New Revolutionary Online Tool Launches to Help Contractors Work Safer and Win More Work

A revolutionary new online tool has launched with a promise to slash the cost of producing risk assessments and method statements by as much as 90% and relieve the headache of compliance. HANDS HQ makes health and safety documentation easy and is suitable for the millions of contractors and peripheral industry businesses that are required by law to complete risk assessments and method statements as part of their daily routine.

The cloud-based tool takes the pain and expense out of managing health and safety for UK construction and trade businesses. It’s the fastest and simplest process available on the market and developed specifically to be used on site, on the commute and between jobs. It can be accessed from any computer, tablet or mobile device, helping to keep employees safe and jobs on time.

With an ever growing library of trade specific activities and risks to select from, HANDS HQ is utterly unique and allows construction businesses to compile professional, site-specific, branded risk assessments and method statements in less than three minutes. The software caters for a range of professions from construction, electrical and plumbing to HVAC, gas works, joinery, and painting and decorating.

The company was founded by an expert team of project managers and software developers. Co-founder Alexander Green said, “I have witnessed first hand the difficulties many construction and trade companies had with compiling site-specific risk assessments and method statements. Often this is due to time, cost and the lack of necessary skills needed to produce what can be fairly complex documents. While many contractors undertake training to gain access to major construction sites, they can often be turned away from site because of incorrect documentation and administration.

“We wanted to create a simple, affordable way for all stakeholders on a job to compile, edit and share their documentation. More paper work wasn’t the answer - a smarter, and more flexible system would be needed. HANDS HQ is a seamless, intuitive, effective and efficient way to solve this problem, leaving Britain’s contractors free to get on with the job at hand.”

While most contractors appreciate the need for legislation and safe work, actually producing a set of comprehensive documents is a job often best left to the experts. At a time when margins are already tight, many businesses are unable to justify the added expense of recruiting a health and safety consultant. What’s more, in almost all circumstances the contractor on the ground has a much better understanding of the inherent risks involved in their job than anyone else.

The resulting HANDS HQ system is both simple and robust.The online tool caters to an ever growing library of trade specific activities with the user able to select the type of work and add hazards with the click of a button. Developed to take the user from start to finish in under three minutes, the system empowers construction businesses to compile professional, site-specific, branded risk assessments and method statements in less time than it takes to enjoy a coffee break.

To find out more and to purchase HANDS HQ visit www.handshq.com or call 0207 206 2656.

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Tuesday, 26 November 2013

More reliable fire safety advice on its way for landlords and business owners

New initiatives to improve the clarity and consistency of enforcement of fire safety regulations in England and Wales have been welcomed by the two leading authorities on fire door safety, the BWF-CERTIFIRE Fire Door and Doorset Scheme and the Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS).

The Government has announced that it will legislate to extend Primary Authority to fire safety from next April. This will allow multi-site landlords and commercial property owners to form a statutory partnership with a single local authority to get reliable advice on the implementation of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, known as the RRO.

The ‘primary authority’ is a specific local authority that serves as a business’ first point of call for advice on regulatory issues. Any other local authority must consult with the primary authority before taking enforcement action - promoting consistency and proportionality in the way these businesses are regulated and providing confidence for the business in the information it receives.

John Fletcher, manager of the BWF-CERTIFIRE Scheme, says:

“We are acutely aware of how complex all of these issues can be for our customers. We focus on trying to simplify fire door matters, but this is just one element. Fundamentally the RRO is good legislation, but it cascades responsibility to the person that can’t be the expert in all of these things – they need help. Common sense and simplicity brought to support the Responsible Person in making the right decision for their business and those people using their buildings through Primary Authority arrangements is a real step in the right direction and should be applauded.”

To help businesses and fire authorities to benefit from the scheme, the Chief Fire Officers’ Association (CFOA) will be providing a training programme for fire risk assessment staff next year.

Neil Ashdown, manager of FDIS, says:

“We know that there is an urgent need to raise awareness and understanding of the critical role of fire doors among those designated as the Responsible Person under the RRO. Studying for the FDIS Diploma is already transforming the knowledge of more than 370 people right now, and I hope that CFOA and other organisations will help us extend the reach of that knowledge and qualification even further over coming months.”

FDIS and BWF-CERTIFIRE will be backing CFOA’s Business Support Week next year, and both organisations have also confirmed that their highly successful Fire Door Safety Week will run again from 15 September 2014. This year’s campaign reached more than 6.5 million people.

In the meantime the British Woodworking Federation is creating a Fire Door Installer Register, designed to bring greater recognition to professional fire door installers and to help building owners who need their services find qualified and certified people they can trust.

www.firedoorsafetyweek.co.uk/installer-register

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