Door Industry Journal - Spring 2014

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk industry news 17 THE door industry journal spring 2014 IRONMONGERYDIRECT LAUNCHES NEW GRADUATE PROGRAMME IronmongeryDirect, the UK’s largest online and mail order supplier of ironmongery products to the trade, has launched a new graduate scheme designed to recruit and fast track the brightest management graduates across the company. The leadership programme provides talented graduates with all the support they need to master and improve their business and leadership skills in areas such as product management, operations, customer service, marketing and web development. The first two graduates have already been recruited onto the 18 month management development programme, which is accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management. IronmongeryDirect recently appointed Michael Tomlinson and Dimitra Koutsochera, and both candidates are now working on projects that have an immediate impact on the business. With a background in international management and American business studies, Tomlinson joined the graduate scheme to build on his management skills and broaden his technical expertise in the industry. Similarly, Koutsochera’s degree in business management and enthusiasm for working at the company made her an ideal candidate. Wayne Lysaght-Mason, managing director at IronmongeryDirect, comments: “As a leader in supplying ironmongery products, it’s important that we stay at the forefront of industry with the latest ideas. We developed the graduate scheme to source the freshest talent and develop a strong leadership team. We are currently recruiting and investing in more graduates that show real entrepreneurial spirit and flair. “The first two graduates on the programme were chosen for their passion and management experience and we’re hoping to emulate this success with the next recruits. IronmongeryDirect offers graduates the opportunity to experience all areas of the business, as well as the hands on approach to management that comes with working at a SME.” For more information on the graduate scheme, please visit www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk . TECHNICAL APPOINTMENT FOR SLIDERS UK Sliders UK has strengthened its product development team with the appointment of hardware specialist and industry veteran, Steve Weaver as Technical Manager. Steve, who has over 30 years experience, joined the Lancashire-based manufacturer of Secured by Design patio, bi-fold and composite doors in January. Steve’s appointment is part of Sliders’ ongoing commitment to driving innovation and security across its expanding range of UPVC and aluminium doors, many of which were the first to be accredited by the UK Police’s Secured by Design initiative. Ian Longbottom, Joint Managing Director of Sliders UK, says: “We’re thrilled to have Steve on board. He not only brings with him a wealth of technical expertise, but is also very well known and respected within the industry. “He has quickly proved to be an asset to the company and will play a key role in assisting with an unprecedented year of product development at Sliders, which will see some fantastic new initiatives coming to market.” Steve has an impressive resume, which includes time served as Technical Manager for two leading hardware companies within the windows and doors industry. Steve’s new role sees him take charge of the technical development, testing and purchasing of hardware within Sliders UK. He comments: “Before my appointment, I had worked with Sliders on a number of projects in my previous capacity as an external hardware specialist. “I’m happy to have joined the team officially this year and look forward to building on the company’s optional Secured by Design hardware solutions.” Sliders UK was established in 2002 by Ian Longbottom and Mike Spain, Sliders UK is a leading manufacturer of Secured by Design accredited patio, bi-folding and composite doors, based in Lancashire. Quality and innovation are at the heart of the company’s work. Sliders UK was the first manufacturer to attain Secured by Design accreditation on its patio and bi-folding doors. Its Ultimate Aluminium Bi-folds are also the only aluminium bi-folding doors on the market with Secured by Design status (www.securedbydesign.com) . For more information, please visit www.sliders-uk.com. Dimitra and Michael Steve Weaver