Door Industry Journal - Spring 2014

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk THE door industry journal spring 2014 MUL- T -PLEXED KEY SALES SECURITY As the first quarter of 2014 passes, there is a new opportunity to take advantage of the recovery and get back to the basics of selling, says Steve Ross, Managing Director of Mul-T-Lock. According to the Budget 2014, delivered by Chancellor George Osborne, the economy is continuing to recover, and is recovering faster than expected. Officially, the forecasts have been raised for the next two years at least. The continued growth in the economy is inevitably a welcome sign for all industries, demonstrating that we’ve not just turned the corner, we’re actively heading down the right road. UK manufacturers are certainly enjoying a strong start to the year and we are confident about the outlook, but know there is much to be done in the realm of product innovation and service support to ensure the optimism is maintained. Budget announcements around new housing and infrastructure projects such as a “new garden city” at Ebbsfleet, are also not only great examples of investments which will improve people’s lives now and in the future, they send a clear message to investors that the UK is a great place to do business. For the door industry, the outlining message is positive, as there is an opportunity to educate the market and deliver efficient new systems with high performance patented security solutions. We have certainly seen huge steps forward here from all the different systems suppliers, whether it’s the thermal properties of PVCu, aluminium’s recycling properties or the sustainable sources argument being put forward by the timber lobby. The list goes on but the key point is that in terms of features and benefits, the industry has never had so much to market and sell on. Security Sells Naturally at Mul-T-Lock we believe that ‘security sells,’ but we are also receiving consistent feedback that property owners are listening to calls to increase security levels in their home and commercial premises, and now actively looking out for industry standards and asking to achieve Secured By Design. Mul-T-Lock’s Break Secure XP cylinder has recently been used in two separate tests to produce doorsets certified to the British Standard PAS 24 enhanced security standards, and by default Secured By Design can offer a complete ‘full door’ safe and secure solution, with protection against cylinder manipulation attack. For timber doors, Mul-T-Lock offers the stylish SC100 and SC110 collection, with a choice in finish and functionality to provide homeowners peace of mind with patented high security. Both locks are accredited to British Standard BS3621:2007. And to help market these products and their associated features and benefits, Mul-T-Lock is constantly working to upgrade its marketing support, both offline and online activity to help our customers communicate to effectively communicate the value added to their doors by using Mul-T-Lock’s security products. By choosing to work with a trusted security brand and return to a value- focused selling strategy, together we can help to close key sales and provide customers with the security required, not just for 2014 but for many years to come. A regular comment column, looking at the bigger picture, brought to you by Steve Ross, Managing Director at Mul-T-Lock. Steve Ross Managing Director Mul-T-Lock UK THE SHOW MUST GO ON, THANKS TO LAIDLAW Offering a lasting, timeless solution, that also met English Heritage approval, Laidlaw’s Orbis Commercial architectural ironmongery range was used in the recent redesign of the National Theatre on London’s South Bank. The National Theatre is a Grade II listed building and as such, required a sympathetic approach when it came to the specification of products. Concealed door closers from Laidlaw’s Orbis Commercial range were supplied in a stainless steel finish, providing a more appealing aesthetic that was in keeping with the surrounding décor. Laidlaw’s Orbis escutcheons were also provided in the same finish along with Laidlaw Centurion doorstops and complementary signage. The Orbis architectural hardware range is fully co-ordinated and wide- ranging, with all products prepared in accordance with the Guild of Architectural Ironmongery (GAI) practice and relevant British Standards. Laidlaw Ironmongery is fully registered and continually assessed to meet ISO 9001 and 14001. For more information on Laidlaw and its range of solutions visit www.laidlaw.net For more information, please visit www.mul-t-lock.co.uk