DHF IS TRUE VOICE OF INDUSTRY FOLLOWING RECORD MEMBERSHIP GAINS

Article first published 07/12/2005

As the number of companies signing up to the Door and Hardware Federation (DHF) beats all previous records, the federation has declared it is the only authoritative voice of the industry.  
 
At the recent DHF annual meeting, delegates heard that almost 200 companies are now members of the federation, representing more than 90 per cent of the main players in the UK industry. In the last 12 months, 26 companies were accepted into the federation, even more than the number of new members signed up in the previous year, which itself was an all time record.  
 
“We are now indisputably the true voice of our industry with the strength and influence to provide positive benefits to our members,” said retiring DHF chairman Richard Warom.  
 
He told delegates that the growing power and influence of the federation gave it the authority and standing needed to lobby politicians, senior civil servants and key trade associations within the building and construction sector over issues of vital concern to the industry. In particular, over the past year, the DHF campaigned on behalf of door and hardware makers on the content of Building Regulations Approved Documents covering conservation of fuel and power. fire safety and access to buildings.  
 
Mr Warom said that under the stewardship of its CEO Ian Wood, who was appointed last year, the federation had adopted a more commercial thrust to its activities. This is giving its members a more competitive edge and also encouraging more companies to seek membership of the federation.  
 
Continuing his review of the last 12 months, Mr Warom commented on the “promising” progress made on a scheme to relieve members from the burden of retentions. He also noted that the NVQ scheme instigated by the DHF has now seen the first candidates achieving success in the scheme.  
 
Mr Warom, managing director of Hormann UK Ltd, stepped down from the chairmanship following his two years’ duty. Andrew Lloyd, managing director of Bolton Gate Co Ltd, was elected as chairman. David Whitworth, chairman of Locking and Security Solutions, was appointed as vice chairman.

Article ID No.: 116