Door Industry Journal - Spring 2014

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk Leading garage door manufacturer Alluguard enjoyed a successful visit to the Homebuilding & Renovating Show at the Birmingham NEC in March, which is aimed at the growing number of people who are building or renovating their own homes. The value of the self-build market is estimated to be around £4.39 billion, with around 13,000 self-builds started each year – representing 13% of the UK’s new build housing market. The Alluguard stand was part of the Home Security Advice Centre run by Secured by Design (SBD) – the police-led association that teams up with suppliers that are proven to make products built with security in mind. The Centre provided an opportunity for visitors to talk to Alluguard and other SBD member companies about products that offer sound security, as well as obtaining advice from police officers on how to use products and design principles to maximise the security of buildings. Alluguard’s attendance was, as Managing Director Gary Brooks says, intended to secure lead generation from the vast self-build and renovation markets for the company’s national network of installers. “Securing new business for our customers is always something that is at the front of our minds so attending a show that focuses on both the self-build and renovation markets, which are increasingly important sectors of the UK building industry, seemed like an excellent way of doing just that,” he explains. “The show attracts tens of thousands of people who are potentially looking to buy garage doors, so it gave us a chance to connect directly with the end consumers of our products. This is something we are looking to do much more of, as it means we can put potential customers in touch with a garage door installer close to them who supplies and installs our product portfolio. This helps us, our installers and their customers – so everyone’s a winner!” Gary continues: “It was a first for Alluguard at this type of event but to be honest I wish we had done it sooner because it was a great success. I think the fact that we were present in the Home Security Advice Centre certainly helped as the area was particularity popular with visitors. Security is such a vital consideration for anyone building, buying or renovating a house that seeing that a product is accredited by SBD, and thus has passed a series of security tests, immediately makes it a more attractive prospect. This certainly won’t be the last time we attend the Homebuilding & Renovating Show!” Who Are Secured By Design? Established in 1989, Secured by Design (SBD) is the official police project that focuses on the design and security of new and refurbished homes and commercial premises. It supports the principles of ‘designing out crime’ through physical security and processes. Member company status is awarded to companies such as Alluguard that make products that pass standards and related tests nominated by the police service. The standards and tests must demonstrate each product’s effectiveness in preventing or reducing crime, usually by resistance to physical attack. SBD is certainly helping to fight crime as statistics show that housing developments that use SBD products and processes are half as likely to be burgled, have two times less vehicle crime and show a reduction of 25% in criminal damage. ‘Before and after’ studies on two housing estates showed that crime rates dropped by around 35% and 40% after SBD principles were introduced. As a Secured by Design member, all products manufactured by Alluguard carry the SBD and ‘Police Preferred Specification’ logos that signify they have met the series of stringent security requirements laid out by the organisation. The Homebuilding & Renovating Show in Facts And Figures The national event is held at the NEC each year, with regional versions taking place at six other locations across the UK throughout the year The show is organised and run by Homebuilding & Renovating, the UK’s best selling self-build magazine This year’s event featured 500 exhibitors Between 35,000 and 40,000 builders and self-renovators attended this year’s show. 78% of these already had a project underway or will in the next 12 months Collectively, visitors to this year’s event will spend approximately £1.5 billion on their projects over the next 12 months 83% of visitors spend significant amounts with exhibitors as a result of their visit to the show 91% of visitors specify their own products and are the decision maker 86% of visitors do not attend any other show To find out more about Alluguard garage doors call 0845 3665831 or email info@alluguard.co.uk www.alluguard.co.uk 38 THE door industry journal spring 2014 garage doors ALLUGUARD TAKES A BOW AT THE NEC