In the face of challenging times, DHF celebrates 2020 as one of its most productive years

Despite unprecedented times, Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) hails 2020 one of its most productive years

Tamworth-based trade association, the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF), has hailed 2020 one of its most productive years, despite also being one of its most challenging.  The organisation has been applauded by members for its ‘business as usual’ approach, and willingness to engage with members throughout the year, despite increasing levels of uncertainty in the construction industry, and economy as a whole.

At the very beginning of the first ‘lockdown’ in March, DHF released guidance to door and gate companies, and operatives working on construction sites, outlining the key considerations regarding safety and social distancing on site.  And by April, DHF had already launched online courses to serve its members wherever they are located.  With training very much the ‘backbone’ of DHF’s function, it was essential to adapt to changing circumstances and the one-day, Level 2 Award courses in Automated Gate & Traffic Barrier Safety and Industrial & Garage Door Safety, ideal for installers, was filmed and edited to enable DHF to effectively share knowledge with its learners.

By 1^st June, face-to-face learning had been re-instated at DHF’s Tamworth-based training academy, albeit, adhering to social distancing, with the organisation also announcing a series of new training initiatives.  Developing its successful online training courses further, a ‘Distance Learning Programme’ (DLP) was offered in the weeks that followed, delivered via Zoom by Training and Compliance Officer, Nick Perkins, and with examinations taken via the online facility.

In September, DHF held a two-hour Zoom-delivered seminar for members’ customers on the importance of safety – and legal responsibilities – for owners of automated products, a guide for owners and managers of industrial doors, garage doors, powered gates and traffic barriers, including vehicle/loading bay doors, and vertically acting shutters over pedestrian access areas.  This was closely followed by a further seminar on managing the maintenance of industrial doors.  And a four-part series of webinars and accompanying briefing papers were produced for its membership in relation to UKCA marking and what they need to consider from 1 January 2021.  Despite unprecedented times, it has been a time for DHF to ‘step up’ for its membership, as Head of Commercial Operations, Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens, explains:

“It is during times of tremendous challenge that we know what we are really capable of and DHF’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been first-class,” she explains.  “We have been determined that our members flourish throughout 2020 and have kept them aware of the on-going restrictions, issues and challenges facing the wider industry.

“DHF prides itself on keeping the industry informed by delivering training that enables safe and compliant products to be put on the market.  The events of 2020 did not diminish our task nor compromise our offering of advice and guidance and the federation’s employees have remained committed to helping its members as much as possible during this time.  As such, we have continued to put delegates first in every way possible with online and distance learning, webinars and seminars.  In addition, with Brexit upon us, we have been extremely pro-active in preparing our members for the potential problems that lie ahead.  Whatever the challenges that present themselves throughout 2021, DHF’s members can rest assured that we are here for them every step of the way.”

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