The Door Industry Journal

Friday, 18 May 2018

Abloy UK Hosts Interactive Webinar

Security expert Abloy UK is hosting an interactive webinar at 10am on Thursday 24th May, answering the question: “When is a key more than just a key?”

Hosted by Pip Courcoux, Sales and Product Manager - CLIQ Systems and Steve Wintle, Head of CNI at Abloy UK, the webinar will discuss security integration and how organisations can maintain strict standards required for security whilst enhancing operational efficiencies.

Pip Courcoux

Pip explains: “Technology has come a long way since the invention of the key, and systems such as CLIQ now offer a wide scope of benefits to organisations, including increased operational efficiencies and cost savings, in addition to high security.

“Keys are no longer ‘just keys’ in the traditional sense, they have become technologically connected devices. This opens up a realm of opportunities, including integration with existing Enterprise Resource Planning, H & S, Competence, Permit to Work, Telemetry and SCADA systems. In the critical infrastructure space, the hybrid between mechanical and electronic technologies is ‘key’ to its success, improving planning and control processes.”

Steve Wintle

“Users have secure access to an online management application from anywhere in the world and can change key access permissions, profiles, schedules and validity, even revoking their use virtually at the click of a button.”

“Keys can be validated daily, weekly or monthly keeping them continuously secure, and audit trails are generated. What’s more, physical security can be integrated with existing telemetry systems to help control and manage operations.”

To learn more please join the webinar: meet.assaabloy.net

For further information on products and services available from Abloy UK, visit www.abloy.co.uk, call 01902 364 500, or email marketing@abloy.co.uk.

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Thursday, 17 May 2018

Timber Industry could face "£1 Billion Brexit Bill" if UK leaves Customs Union

The UK timber industry faces a potential "Billion Pound Brexit Bill" if Britain leaves the EU Customs Union, the Timber Trade Federation (TTF) said in a statement earlier this month.

"Some 90% of timber used in construction is imported from Europe, which British timber supplies are insufficient to replace," says TTF Managing Director David Hopkins.

"Under the proposed Taxation Bill, once the UK leaves the EU and its VAT area, VAT on EU imports will have to be paid up-front. This will cause considerable problems for the SMEs who make up the majority of our sector."

The Federation has launched an infographic for legislators, Parliamentarians and the public, explaining what it calls ‘The Timber Tax Bombshell'.

Additional problems highlighted, not just for the timber sector but for construction supply chains in general, include potential delays, and greater costs for storing timber at ports and in administering customs checks and documentation.

"Builders' merchants, and their builder customers, responsible for fulfilling government housing targets, rely on Just-In-Time deliveries of timber to premises and sites. Currently timber entering the UK from the EU clears ports immediately with no need for customs checks," says TTF's David Hopkins. "Over 60% of the timber used in the UK comes from Europe."

The Timber Trade Federation is asking Government to ensure timber imports are able to clear customers in the same manner as present, with no delays or up-front costs likely to penalise SMEs, or to impact Britain's housing supply chains.

"The Government must also preserve the existing VAT payments system for imports from the EU, or put in place a new system which maintains the same benefits," adds David Hopkins.

The timber sector currently employs around 200,000 people across the UK in manufacturing, distribution and construction. Every Parliamentary constituency benefits from jobs stemming from or connected to the timber industry.

Timber prices in the construction supply chain to small builders have already risen by 8% in the last 12 months, according to the Federation of Master Builders. The TTF reports this is due mainly to the currency depreciation since the Brexit vote, and competitive global markets for construction timber pressurising supplies into the UK.

www.ttf.co.uk

www.fmb.org.uk

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Wednesday, 16 May 2018

A Perry & Co partners with local Halesowen College to create new artistic landmark

A new local artistic landmark is due to be created in Cradley Heath through a partnership between Halesowen College and A Perry & Co (Hinges) Ltd, a leading manufacturer and supplier of hinges, hardware, ironmongery, chain and threaded bar, which has been based in the West Midlands for the past 93 years.

The independent, family-owned company has offered the opportunity of designing a representative sculpture of its business to second year students at Halesowen College, supporting them in achieving their final diploma assignment.

The Sculpture

The project was assigned to those students whose preferred artistic discipline is 3D work. After reviewing the submissions, A Perry chose the overall winner, 18-year old Florence Thompson, who will be awarded with a tablet for her achievement. Florence‘s design captures A Perry’s heritage and expertise, as it represents vividly the strong link between the history and future of the brand through two linked hands.

The sculpture will be brought to life by local artist Phil Bayliss over the next few months. He’ll be using A Perry’s products including threaded bar, chain and various types of hinges to complete it.

All students involved in the project will be able to use the work they have created to gain a credit towards their qualifications. The project aligns with an assignment that second year students are completing as part of the final year of their BTEC Extended Diploma in Art & Design.

L to R, T to B Phil Bayliss sculptor, Florence Thompson,
winning design student, Guy Perry MD of A Perry

The process commenced with the students’ visit to A Perry’s premises at Doulton Road, Cradley Heath to view its products and to receive a comprehensive overview of the company’s ethos and history in the region.

Managing director Guy Perry and his son Steven, who also works for the company and heads up the home & garden décor products called Primus, then visited the college on two occasions to check on the direction the students were taking and to provide additional feedback. The students responded to the challenge in a committed, professional manner, producing five interesting concepts which were put forward for approval to A Perry’s board of directors.

Close-up of the Sculpture

John Murray, director of organisational development at Halesowen College, says,

“The assignment was an ideal opportunity for students to work on a commercially relevant ‘live brief’. Within the Creative Arts Faculty, staff are keen to provide learners with experience of ‘real world’ applications to enhance their skills. We are eager to stress the employment opportunities that exist within the creative industries and this particular project is both commercially and aesthetically interesting. It provided students with a structured set of ‘customer requirements’ to work to and it involved them presenting their initial sketches and models to the ‘customer’, explaining their concepts and thought processes. Going forward, the relationship between Halesowen College and A Perry & Co is developing well and we are identifying future projects that we can get involved with. We are grateful for the partnership and hope an increasing number of students will be able to benefit from these exciting opportunities.”

Guy Perry, managing director, who joined the family firm in 1981 as an apprentice, says,

“A Perry takes its commitment to nurture and develop local talent very seriously and we are working proactively towards providing opportunities for these students within our industry aligned with our ‘Progress with Perry’ apprenticeship programme, which provides opportunities for long-term employment within our organisation. We’re opening our doors to fresh, determined minds whose vision aligns with our motto: ‘We don’t do boring’. The process has been very exciting so far and now everyone’s on tenterhooks waiting for Florence’s project to be turned into reality.”

For more details visit www.perrytrade.co.uk.

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Tuesday, 15 May 2018

‘Belgium doors’ from SWA members soar in popularity

Steel windows have remained an enduring element in both domestic and commercial buildings for centuries due to their slim sight-lines combined with rugged performance; yet they, like many building products, are subject to trends in styles and application.

Most recently, members of the Steel Window Association have reported a resurgence in the popularity of steel framed entrance screens and partitions; normally featuring a pair of double doors flanked by fixed lights, and referred to as Belgium Doors. These are most commonly installed as the outer door to a porch area, offering excellent weather protection while admitting the maximum amount of natural light.

While these screen assemblies are revisiting a long-established arrangement of steel sections, the availability of modern systems and enhanced glazing options means that contemporary installations can significantly outperform those projects that provide inspiration to today’s customers and their consultants.

Darren Lloyd of Govette Windows, an SWA member, reports:

“We, and a number of other association members, have been asked to quote on these types of screens – for both interior and exterior use – over the last couple of years; and it seems they are really starting to make a comeback. This has applied to both new build and refurbishment projects.

“The “Belgium Doorset” contains a pair of side-hung opening doors together with side-lights forming a larger run. The design preference is to have two sets of horizontal bars running right the way across and producing equal pane sizes. They are proving popular with customers who might previously have purchased timber or aluminium bi-folding doors. We can compete on both price and performance with the steel option offering far better security and enhanced light transmission.”

For further information on the Steel Window Association, please visit www.steel-window-association.co.uk or call 020 8543 2841.

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Monday, 14 May 2018

Celebrating 175 years of Yale!

It’s 1843, the first type writer is patented, ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens is published and Mount Etna erupts in Italy. It’s also the year when Yale was established in the UK.

To mark the big birthday, Yale has a range of activities taking place including social media competitions, product offers and a complete programme of content celebrating Yale’s history.

Paul Atkinson, Sales and Commercial Director for Yale Door and Window Solutions, said:

“Yale is one of the oldest brands in the home security market and its longevity highlights the trust and confidence customers have in the brand. The yellow circle has become a symbol synonymous with reliability and quality and it’s no surpise 175 years on Yale is still the market leader.

“As we take a look back at our history, it’s interesting to see how we have innovated and grown as a company over the years and how we continue to develop inline with industry trends to stay ahead of the curve – for example with the Smart Living range.”

First founded by the Yale family in the 19th century, Linus Yale Sr. began work on a range of high security bank locks, patenting his first Combination Lock in 1843. However, it was only in 1850 when their son Linus Yale Jr. joined the company that progress really began, patenting the famous pin tumbler cylinder lock in 1857 which helped create the Yale we know today.

During the following century, Yale would become a globally known brand, designing and manufacturing security solutions for commercial and residential buildings. 175 years on since Yale began, over 125 countries now stock Yale products and the company has branched out from traditional door locks, to a portfolio that now includes window hardware, padlocks and safes.

For further information on Yale’s big birthday, please call 01902 366800 or visit www.yaledws.co.uk.

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Sunday, 13 May 2018

Legendary cars feature in Mad Jack Pre-War Sports Car race at Donington Historic Festival

Grids full of historically important cars are something race organiser Motor Racing Legends is renowned for, since all four of their racing series feature period races, rich with famous drivers and race history.

Entered in last weekend’s Pre-War Mad Jack race was one very special car - a 1934 MG K3 piloted by the owner Teifion Salisbury from Bakewell.

The 1087cc MG was one of three MG works’ cars; not only did it race in the Mille Miglia in 1934, but the last time it had ever been raced was at Donington way back in 1938.

Fast forward exactly 80 years and Teifion brought the car back to Donington to race in Sunday’s 40 minute Mad Jack race honouring the life of Richard ‘Mad Jack’ Shuttleworth – winner of the first ever Donington Grand Prix in 1935.

The incredible stories don’t end there though, as another car with a significant past racing in Sunday’s Pre-War race was the Morgan 4/4 of Leigh Sebba and Cameron Cole. ‘FXD’ raced at Le Mans in 1937, as well as at the Donington TT in 1938 - perhaps alongside the afore mentioned MG above?

These are just two out of the amazing grid of Pre-War Sports cars assembled to race at Donington Historic Festival on Sunday morning.

The race was eventually won by Rudiger Friedrichs in his Alvis Firefly but it all came down to the wire as hot on his heels was last year’s race winner - the Frazer Nash Super Sports of Fred Wakeman and Patrick Blakeney Edwards.

Gareth Burnet picked up third position in his Alta Sports, one of only 6 built, and the only non-supercharged Alta ever made. Gareth bought the car in Australia before setting about preparing it for the Flying Scotsman rally which he won outright just the week before.

The next race for Pre-War Sports Cars is at Spa Francorchamps on September 14th where the grid will feature as part of the Spa Six Hour event.

Motor Racing Legend’s longest running series, the Pre-War Sports Car series is open to all sports cars built before 1941. Cars must be close to original production specification running in road-trim with wings and lights.

For more information on the Pre-War Sports Car racing or Motor Racing Legends please visit: www.motorracinglegends.com

For a full race report on the event visit: www.motorracinglegends.com/blog

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Saturday, 12 May 2018

Celebrating the Best in Scottish architecture

GEZE UK will be celebrating the best in Scottish architecture when it sponsors the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) Awards Dinner for the fourth year running.

The prestigious black-tie event will take place at The Hilton Glasgow, on Wednesday 20 June 2018 featuring a range of awards for architectural achievement.

These will include the announcement of the RIBA Awards for Scotland, the Forestry Commission Scotland/Wood for Good Timber Award, Historic Environment Scotland Conservation and Climate Change Award Saint-Gobain Emerging Architect Award and RIAS/Scottish Government Scotland’s Client of the Year Award.

Drawn from 76 entries, the 2018 RIAS awards have a 25-strong shortlist which comprises of a diverse range of projects Including; Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, Oriam, Scotland’s Sports Performance Centre, in Edinburgh and the redevelopment of the 19th century McEwan Hall, also in Edinburgh – all of which feature GEZE products.

More information can be found at www.rias.org.uk/awards/rias-awards/rias-awards-2018

Said Andy Howland, GEZE UK sales and marketing director:

“We are delighted to be supporting the RIAS Awards once again. They showcase an eclectic range of projects which highlight the quality of architectural expertise in respect of their design, purpose and sustainability.”

Stewart Henderson, President of the RIAS, commented:

“When shortlisting this year's entries for awards the panel were struck by the continuing high standard of submissions. The quality of architecture being produced the length and breadth of the country is hugely impressive. Practices, large and small, continue to demonstrate the strength and purpose of the profession in Scotland.”

For more information about GEZE UK’s comprehensive range of automatic and manual door closers call 01543 443000 or visit www.geze.co.uk.

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Friday, 11 May 2018

The Homebuilding & Renovating Show reports growth of over 16 per cent in last five years

The Homebuilding & Renovating Show has experienced a 16.27 per cent growth in visitor numbers in the past five years.

This increase reflects the continuing rise in live projects, with 82 per cent of the active audience that recently attended The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show at the NEC in Birmingham (22-25 March) stating that they are currently working on a self-build or renovation project (80 per cent in 2017).

Britain’s largest event of its kind, sponsored this year by Klöeber and JG Speedfits, hosted over 36,233 engaged and targeted visitors at the NEC show with an average project spend of £120,000. The most popular projects people undertake are a self or custom build (21 per cent) and a single and two storey extension (26 per cent).

In addition, internal figures highlight a growing net promoter score (NPS) of 31 (two points up since 2017). Furthermore, 62 per cent of all visitors, mainly from the West and East Midlands, do not attend any other competitor events.

Nick Noble, commercial & events director at Future PLC, says,

“The show continues to reinforce its relevance in this growing market so we take pride in remaining the number one choice for the serious self-builders and renovators. Over the past 10 years, we’ve been committed to working with high quality exhibitors which meet the demand of our active, educated audience and we’re confident that 2019 will exceed our standards as over three quarters of our stand space has been booked already.”

The events are designed to deliver advice and resources for visitors keen on building their own home or renovating it. They cover a wide range of interests from extensions; conversions; home DIY; planning permission; interiors; lighting; doors; windows; renewable technologies; heating systems; project insurance; energy efficiency; home insurance; building regulations and more.

The Homebuilding & Renovating Show’s portfolio consists of seven shows this year, covering key venues including Birmingham, London, Harrogate, Glasgow, Surrey, Somerset, Edinburgh, and their nearby affluent areas. In addition to these locations, the event organisers are expanding the brand by launching another exhibition at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre in January 2019.

For more details on upcoming exhibitions, visit www.homebuildingshow.co.uk or contact the sales team on 01527 834418.

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Thursday, 10 May 2018

Yale sponsors Smart Home Week

Yale, along with a host of other technology giants, is sponsoring Smart Home Week 2018 – an initiative to showcase the very best in smart, connected and integrated home technology.

Commencing on 21st May, Smart Home Week will help fabricators and installers get to grips with the smart home and smart security industry and learn more about how they can tap into this growing market.

Paul Atkinson, Sales and Commercial Director for Yale Door and Window Solutions, commented:

“We’re excited to be a part of this industry leading campaign, and be in such good company with other supporters on board such as Google, Amazon, Samsung SmartThings, Ring, Tado, Phillips Hue and ebay.”

“As the leader in the smart security industry, it made perfect sense for Yale to support the campaign. The initiative is another step forward in understanding and growing the market place, and we are proud to be working alongside like-minded companies to help make the smart home become a reality.”

With technology now being much more widespread, thanks to increased competition and lower manufacturing costs, the smart home is only set to grow. Homeowners are beginning to realise the benefit of having the ability to control everyday devices and, as such, demand is steadily increasing.

As part of the initiative, Smart Home Week will be hosting a forum with a spokesperson from each supporting brand discussing developments within the industry and common concerns. A new research survey will also be commissioned as part of the campaign, looking into the latest insights for the state of the smart home.

For further information or for updates about Smart Home Week, please visit www.smarthomeweek.co.uk.

To find out more about Yale’s full range of smart security products, visit www.yale.co.uk/smart-living

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Wednesday, 9 May 2018

A Good Year and First Quarter for Somfy

Somfy the world leader in the automatic control of openings and closures in homes and buildings has published its Annual Financial Report for 2017 showing a year on year increase in sales exceeding 10%.

Somfy is an international group with operations in almost 60 countries. For over 45 years, Somfy has allowed people to transform their living environments with automatic controls, by designing and developing solutions offering comfort, security and energy savings.

The Annual Financial Report for 2017 can be downloaded from the Somfy Group website.

The future is also bright for 2018 as evidenced in the first quarter results published at the same time.

Group sales totalled €302.5 million for the first three months, an increase of 2.7% in real terms and 5.8% on a like‐for‐like basis. It takes into account a negative exchange rate effect of €9.4 million.

The slowdown seen in comparison with previous quarters was due to the high level of the comparison base (1) and above all to the downturn recorded at the end of the period, which was the result of a negative calendar effect in Europe and unfavourable business conditions in many countries (adverse weather conditions in Germany and Northern Europe, and economic and political instability in the Middle East, Argentina and Brazil).

As such, performances over the quarter varied according to region (2). They remained highly satisfactory in Central and Eastern Europe, France, North America, Asia‐Pacific and China (up 15.4%, 11.9%, 10.9%, 10.5% and 8.2% respectively on a like‐for‐like basis).

Conversely, they were impacted by the vagaries referred to above in Southern Europe, Central and South America, Germany, Northern Europe, and above all Africa and the Middle East (respectively up 2.1%, 1.8%, 1.7%, and down 0.8% and 14.7% on a like‐for‐like basis).

You can read all the detail, including a geographical analysis of sales on the Somfy Group website.

The latest innovations have proved highly successful, notably at the two major international shows in which the Group took part, namely the CES trade fair in Las Vegas and R+T in Stuttgart.

The quarter was also marked by currency fluctuations which impacted both business, as mentioned above, and to a lesser extent operating margin, as a result of the continued appreciation of the euro against other major currencies in recent times.

1 Group sales growth on a like‐for‐like basis was 9.9% over the first quarter of 2017.

2 Africa and the Middle East, Germany, Central and South America, North America, Asia‐Pacific, China, Central and Eastern Europe, Northern Europe, Southern Europe and France are the geographic regions used to analyse and monitor sales. Their respective sales are calculated based on customer location and therefore the destination of the sales.

Find out more at www.somfy-group.com

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