GAI: RSS News Feed

Results of Last Month's Survey Question

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 08:43:42 GMT

Results of last month's survey found that 53% of respondents plan to increasestaff in their business in the next 6 months and only 12% thought that they might see this shrink.

To take part in this month's survey click here.

Tung Fat Ho opens new showroom in Wan Chai

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:43:42 GMT

Contemporary setup for experiencing premium ironmongeries and furniture

(Hong Kong, 11 April 2012) Leading ironmongery supplier Tung Fat Ho (TFH) opens the
doors to its first showroom in Wan Chai to showcase top-of-the-line building materials in
a gallery-like setting, complemented by spotlighting and flexible display systems.

Established in 1950, TFH strives to provide all-rounded services – from design to
fit-out – to suit the needs of both architects and interior designers. Emphasis on reliable
and specialized services has earned the company a high reputation in the industry.

Designed by Judith Tse from Bldg. Bloc, graduate of Parsons School of Design and
Columbia University's Graduate School of Architecture, the 3000 square-feet showroom
boasts simplicity and versatility. Not only is it equipped with various systems to illustrate
the capability of the top-notch products from Europe and Japan offered by TFH at
optimal conditions, it also features a lounge area for guests to sip a coffee and relax
while waiting for inspiration to strike.

Furnished with quality visual and audio facilities, the showroom can be transformed into
a function room for trade talks and product presentations. It is also ideal for
non-government organizations to host social events and facilitate academic exchange
as TFH has been keen on shouldering its corporate social responsibility.

Built with the Bauhaus style in mind, which stresses on “form follows function” resulting
in clean, simple and modern design, the showroom is aptly named “BAU”, German for
building.

Trained professionals can be found in the showroom at all times to offer their expertise.
The experienced team have developed, sourced and supplied advanced systems and
building needs for major properties and superstructures, including Hong Kong
International Airport, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, MTR Corporation, Four Seasons
Hotel, Princess Margret Hospital and Hong Kong Bankers Club.

A pioneer in the industry, Tung Fat Ho has attained ISO 9001:2008 Quality
management systems and ISO 14001:2004 specifies requirements for an
environmental management system for its ironmongery supply.

The new showroom BAU is yet another example of TFH’s dedication in offering not only
excellent products but also quality services to customers.

BAU

Address:
1/F Gaylord Commercial Building, 114-118 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm (Sundays and public holidays by appointment)

For further enquiries, please contact:
Simon Leung (General Manager)
Tel: (852) 3620 2970
Email: info@tfhbml.com.hk

Does your company sell escape locks which are not CE marked to EN 179?

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 08:43:42 GMT

If you Google the words “escape lock”, you will find a range of websites advertising products described as “escape locks”, but without a CE mark for compliance with EN 179. Many of these locks are made or imported by GAI Member companies. The GAI wants to ensure that all its manufacturing/importing Members are aware of

• the urgent need to CE mark any lock described as an “escape lock”
• the current situation regarding non-CE marked escape locks

Urgent need to CE mark escape locks

The term “escape lock” implies that the product is suitable for use on locked doors on - or leading to - escape routes. It is by definition an emergency exit device. This has fire/life safety implications. To quote from our Code of Practice: Hardware for fire and escape doors:

“Within the framework of the Construction Products Directive (89/106/EEC), these devices have been identified as playing an essential role in the safe escape from buildings in the case of fire. Compliance with BS EN 1125 or BS EN 179 will be deemed to satisfy the requirements of the Directive in this regard, and it is therefore strongly recommended that proof of compliance be obtained for any panic or emergency exit device before it is specified, installed or used.” (www.firecode.org.uk Section 12: paragraph 12.3.1)

In less than 18 months, it will become mandatory to CE mark all products which fall under a harmonised standard. Escape locks fall under BS EN 179. If you haven’t already arranged a test program, the GAI recommends that you start immediately, as there could be a rush on the test rigs. Also, if your product fails to meet all of the requirements of the test, you will need to make amendments to materials and/or manufacturing processes to improve performance. This can take time, which is now running out. Lack of a CE mark will prevent you from placing unmarked escape locks on the market. It will be illegal to do so.

Current situation regarding non-CE marked escape locks

At present, it is not mandatory to CE mark escape locks, but you are legally obliged to ensure that they meet the “essential requirements” of the Construction Products Regulations. In simple terms, this means that you must have evidence that the escape lock and its furniture comply with BS EN 179, in giving evidence of its “ability to release” and the “durability of ability to release”. If you have not tested to the standard, then you are warranting the lock’s performance yourself, and are fully liable for it. So is any customer who stocks it, or specifier who specifies it.

The CE mark gives a large measure of protection from prosecutions brought under health and safety legislation. If a product is doing what it is supposed to do under its CE mark, then this is a strong defence in any action brought against the supplier or manufacturer with regard to that performance. This has already protected several door closer manufacturers from actions brought by “no win, no fee” solicitors. We live in litigious times, and need to take full advantage of any available protection against well-intentioned or malicious legal actions.

The Guild will be advising its AI Members in due course that they should de-stock any non-compliant products. We don’t want this to harm your business.

Passive Fire Protection Seminar, 25 April 2012, Moreton in Marsh

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 08:43:42 GMT

One-Day Seminar:
Fire Risk Assessment Refresher -
Passive Fire Protection
Wednesday 25 April 2012
FPA, Moreton in Marsh, Gloucestershire

Agenda

09.00 – 09.30 Registration and Coffee
09.30 – 10.30 Fire Safety Legislation, Testing & Assessment – Peter Barker, Chiltern Fire International
10.30 – 11.00 Coffee Break
11.00 – 12.00 Anatomy, Installation & Maintenance of Fire Doors – Peter Barker, Chiltern Fire International
12.00 – 13.00 Lunch
13.00 – 14.00 An Introduction to Passive Fire Protection – Gareth Dean, Sharpfibre Limited
14.00 – 14.30 Coffee Break
14.30 – 15.30 Fire Stopping Products and Applications – Andrew Kay, Siderise Insulation Limited
15.30 – 15.45 Q& A

Programme

The course content will cover:

Fire Safety Legislation, Testing & Assessment

• An explanation of where the requirements for testing originate
• The effect of the RRFSO
• The role of passive fire protection for life safety and property protection
• How passive fire protection products are tested and the role of assessments in extending the scope of the fire test report

Anatomy, Installation & Maintenance of Fire Doors

• The function of components in a fire resistant doorset and key issues during installation
• The importance of maintenance

An Introduction to Passive Fire Protection

• What is passive fire protection and a briefing on the products often specified and installed
• Case study on Pacific Wharf – what can happen when legislation is ignored
• How to avoid the risk and why you need third party certification

Fire Stopping Products and Applications

• What products are available on the market and how they should be installed
• How to check correct installation

Learning Outcomes

Participants will develop:

• An understanding of the role of passive fire protection for life safety and property protection
• An appreciation of how passive fire protection products are tested and the importance of continuing assessments
• Knowledge of the key issues of fire resistant doorset installation, other fire stopping products and how to check for correct installation
• Overall awareness of how to avoid risk and the need for third party certification

Cost:

FPA members: £130 + VAT per delegate
Non-members: £170 +VAT per delegate

For further information please contact:

Helen Charlesworth, Events Manager, Fire Protection Association, London Road, Moreton in Marsh, Glos GL56 0RH Tel: 01608 812534 Email: hcharlesworth@thefpa.co.uk

Achievement of First FDIS Diploma Improves Service to Clients

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 08:43:42 GMT

Checkmate Fire Solutions Ltd Compliance Manager Clive Reilly is the first industry professional to have successfully passed the FDIS Diploma in Fire Doors. The Diploma is a key part of the recently launched scheme that aims to transform knowledge and understanding about the critical role of fire doors and how they save lives and protect property. Studied online at the candidate’s own pace and with an exam taken at a local test centre – the Diploma is believed to be the first of its kind in Europe.

He was presented with his diploma by Gary Amer, Chief Executive of the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI), which is delivering FDIS with the BWF CERTIFIRE Scheme.

Gary commented:

“I am delighted that Clive is the first to be able to put the designation DipFD after his name to show that he has a wide knowledge of fire doors and a qualification to prove it.”

Clive added:

“Since Checkmate introduced a service for the maintenance and management of fire doors we have been keen to have a qualification that proved our competence in this area. Taking the FDIS Diploma confirmed we knew a lot and also enabled us to identify gaps in our knowledge to enable us to broaden our expertise which will benefit our clients.”

For further information: www.fdis.co.uk

Issued on behalf of the Fire Door Inspection Scheme by Liz Male Consulting Ltd.

Further media information from:

Gary Amer, FDIS spokesperson – tel. 020 7790 3431
Liz Male, Liz Male Consulting Ltd – tel. 01908 551976 / 07778 778361
Julie Clay, Liz Male Consulting Ltd – tel. 07970 115181

Fire door inspection images are available for download from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/fdis/

Follow FDIS on Twitter for updates: http://twitter.com/FDIS_UK

Event: GAI/RIBA Specificiation Awards 2012/2013

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:43:42 GMT

The bi-annual GAI/RIBA Architecural Ironmongery Specification Awards will take place at St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, London.

The invite for entries is scheduled to go out in June, 2012. Further information will be posted here as soon as it becomes available.

In the meantime if you have any questions please email audie.muller@gai.org.uk.
from:25/03/2013 to 25/03/2013

Event: IAI AGM & Dinner 2013

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:43:42 GMT

The national AGM will be held at the Marriott City Centre, Liverpool on Saturday 9 February 2013.

The occasion is one where we will be celebrating the awards for IAI Fellowship, the GAI Award for Services to the Institute, and the Paul Lewis trophy for customer services, sponsored by Royde & Tucker, at the dinner.

Further information will be posted here as soon as it becomes available. Any queires or questions should be made to Audie - audie.muller@gai.org.uk
from:09/02/2013 to 09/02/2013

Event: South Central IAI Branch Meeting

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 08:43:42 GMT

Topic: Christmas Quiz

venue: St. Leonards, Ringwood

Time: 7pm

Please contact Shaun brown at s.brown@geze.com if you wish to attend this meeting.

from:06/12/2012 to 06/12/2012

Event: North West IAI Branch Meeting

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 08:43:42 GMT

Topic: To be advised

Venue: The Rock Hotel, Halifax, Hx4 9BS

Time:6:30pm

If you would like to attend this meeting, please contact Chris Colley at chris@monaghannorthern.co.uk

from:05/12/2012 to 05/12/2012

Event: Scotland IAI Branch Meeting

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:43:42 GMT

Topic: Sealmaster (1 Point)

Venue: Castlecary House

Time: 7:30pm

Please contact Brian McCrorie at Brian.McCrorie@george-boyd.co.uk if you wish to attend this meeting.

from:21/11/2012 to 21/11/2012

Event: South Central IAI Branch Meeting

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:43:42 GMT

Topic: TBA

Venue: St. Leonards, Ringwood

Time: 7pm

Please contact Shaun brown at s.brown@geze.com if you would like to attend this meeting.

from:08/11/2012 to 08/11/2012

Event: North West IAI Branch Meeting

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 08:43:42 GMT

Topic: Guest speaker Bernard Turgoose of Senior Architectural, on behalf of the council for Aluminium in Building (CPD).

Venue: The Rock Hotel, Halifax, HX4 9BS

Time:6:30pm

If you would like to attend this meeting, please contact Chris Colley at chris@monaghannorthern.co.uk

from:07/11/2012 to 07/11/2012

Event: GAI Education Awards Lunch 2012

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:43:42 GMT

GAI's Education Awards Lunch 2012 will be held at Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square, London.

The Award lunch celebrate's the success of the students that have enrolled on GAI's Education programme, and has been generously sponsored by IronmongeryDirect.

Further information will appear here shortly. In the meantime, if you have any questions please contact audie.muller@gai.org.uk.
from:01/11/2012 to 01/11/2012

Event: Scotland IAI Branch Meeting

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:43:42 GMT

Topic: Lorient (1 point)

Venue: Castlecary House

Time: 7:30pm

Please contact Brian McCrorie at Brian.McCrorie@george-boyd.co.uk if you wish to attend this meeting.

from:24/10/2012 to 24/10/2012

Event: South Central IAI Branch Meeting

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:43:42 GMT

Topic: TBA

Venue: St. Leonards, Ringwood

Time: 7pm

Please contact Shaun Brown at s.brown@geze.com if you would like to attend this meeting.

from:04/10/2012 to 04/10/2012

Publications

Mon, 14 May 2012 08:43:42 GMT

Architectural Ironmongery Journal - AIJ

The Architectural Ironmongery Journal (AIJ) is the official publication of the GAI. The AIJ is published quarterly containing news, industry, and technical updates.

To browse through AIJ back catalogue and technical updates you will need to login.

For editorial enquiries contact Helen Curry on 01268 655511 or by email helencurry@foundationpr.co.uk

For advertising enquires contact Kerry Munn on 01268 655511 or by email kerrymunn@foundationpr.co.uk

AIJ Rate Card

Rates for 2012 have been frozen at 2011 rates for members. Hopefully this will go some way to ensure that you can continue to utilise the AIJ as a marketing tool for your organisation.

Download the current AIJ Rate card & Code of Practice for Advertisers.

This is where you can find out Advertisment Rates, Copy & Publication Dates, and other important information.

Jobs: Area Sales Manager

Tue, 15 May 2012 08:43:42 GMT

Company: Aldridge Security Ltd
Location: London & Surrounding Areas
Description: How would you like to join one of the UK market leaders in the distribution of Security Products?

Aldridge is the largest trade only security wholesaler in the UK and Ireland and has over 60 years of experience in the industry. With over 17,000 different products in stock from 270 suppliers available, the Aldridge portfolio includes Access Control, Ironmongery/Hardware, Key Cutting, Locking, Locksmiths Tools & Accessories and UPVC products.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Area Sales Manager covering London & Surrounding areas. The role will involve growing and maintaining existing accounts and developing new business opportunities within the security industry.

The candidate will be responsible for selling all aspects of the company’s portfolio, from Key Blanks to Key Machines, Locks to Access Control, to a variety of customers, including Locksmiths, Architectural Ironmongers, Builders Merchants and Hardware Stores.

We are looking for an organized and target driven individual with the dedication and passion to make this challenging role a success. Previous Field Sales experience is preferred along with related experience within the Security/Specification Industry.

In return we can offer an attractive salary, bonus, company car, laptop, and pension scheme, and the opportunity to join a company with over 60 years experience within the security industry

Please email your CV to gregg.peyton@aldridgesecurity.co.uk or telephone Gregg Peyton on 08444 125101 for any questions.
Salery: Salary dependant on experience, as well as Benefits including Bonus, Pension, Company Car etc.
Date listed:15/05/2012
Email Contact: gregg.peyton@aldridgesecurity.co.uk
Expiry date: 15/06/2012

Jobs: Territory Sales Manager - Locks and Security Product

Fri, 04 May 2012 08:43:42 GMT

Company: M. Marcus Ltd
Location: North of England (ideally based West Yorkshire or East Lancashire)
Description: M. Marcus Ltd is one of the leading suppliers of Architectural Ironmongery and Locking Security product ranges to a vast network of distributors throughout the U.K. and Eire. We are also the main U.K. partner for Iseo Serrature locking products.

An exciting opportunity has arisen within our Security products division which would be ideal for an enthusiastic and knowledgeable individual. We are looking for this individual to join our sales team in order to develop our customer base and increase sales revenue for cylinder locks and security products within the following regions:

North of England (ideally based West Yorkshire or East Lancashire)

The successful individual must demonstrate:

• External Sales experience within the lock products industry (i.e. Profile cylinders and the specification and scheduling of master key suites and schemes)
• A proven track record of successful sales achievements within the security products market.
• G.A.I. qualifications or proven completion of any stage of the G.A.I education process preferred. Completion of any M.L.A or Locksmith educational courses could be advantageous.
• Fully computer literate with a good knowledge of Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel and Word programmes
• Excellent commercial and product sector awareness
• Enthusiastic, positive and energetic personality with the ability to offer excellent customer service

The successful individual will be offered:

• Competitive basic salary and commission/ bonus structure
• Laptop and mobile phone
• Company car
• Company expenses card

For an application form please send a covering letter to:

Mr Neil Sheane-Smith (National Sales Manager)
M.Marcus Ltd
Unit 7 Narrowboat Way
Dudley
West Midlands
DY2 0XQ

CLOSING DATE - FRIDAY 1st JUNE 2012.

Interviews will be held after this date.Salery: Competitive
Date listed:04/05/2012
Email Contact: Neil@m-marcus.com
Expiry date: 01/06/2012

Jobs: Scheduling & Estimating Manager

Tue, 01 May 2012 08:43:42 GMT

Company: Eagledale
Location: Midlands
Description: Eagledale is the leading supplier of architectural ironmongery and security products in Coventry & Warwickshire. Based in Binley, Coventry we have a large, modern Showroom and Customer Counter that is open to both the trade and the public. With over 23 years of trading under our belt we are looking to grow our team and add to the wealth of AI experience amongst our staff.

The key responsibilities in this role will be:

scheduling and quoting ironmongery from bill of quantities, drawings and site surveys
dealing with customers on new and existing business
establishing relationships with new customers, to include architects, building contractors, facilities management teams and end users
taking and processing orders as well as supporting customers with product enquiries
working closely with existing suppliers to promote Eagledale in order to win new business

The successful candidate will have:

strong experience of working in the architectural ironmongery sector
in-depth knowledge of scheduling, quoting and estimating across the full spectrum of AI products
proven track record of working in a fast paced environment and delivering against tight deadlines
consistently providing excellent customer service from quotation stage through to delivery
GAI qualification or equivalent years experience
a natural flair for building relationships and business development

If you are looking for an exciting opportunity to join a small, friendly team and make a real difference we would love to hear from you.

Please send your CV to steve@eagledale.co.uk or write to:

Mr Steve Nicolson
Eagledale
Units K&L, Cavans Close
Binley Industrial Estate
Coventry
CV3 2SF

Salery: Competitive
Date listed:01/05/2012
Email Contact: steve@eagledale.co.uk
Expiry date: 31/05/2012

Jobs: Specialist Sales Executive (Ironmongery)

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:43:42 GMT

Company: FP Herting & Son plc
Location: Southern Regions
Description: FP Herting & Son plc is a leading supplier of fixings and fasteners into the Housing and Construction industry.

Renowned for our high level of customer care and service, we are looking to increase our profile within the ironmongery sector of our business.

We are a family run organisation which has traded for over fifty years, with a “can do” ethos.

We are seeking a motivated individual, with a proven track record, who can bring the level of expertise that we need to help us grow this area of our business.

Package

Salary according to experience
Performance related bonus scheme
Company car
Pension
Private health care

Please send your CV to r.hulbert@hertings.com or write to:

Mr Roy Hulbert
FP Herting & Son plc
Frederick House, 25 Armstrong Way
Great Western Industrial Park
SOUTHALL
UB2 4SDSalery: Based on experience
Date listed:24/04/2012
Email Contact: r.hulbert@hertings.com
Expiry date: 24/05/2012