SECTOR INSIGHT
SUPER DUO LOCK IN GAI EDUCATION AWARDS RECOGNITION
» TWO SPECIALISTS IN ARCHITECTURAL ironmongery and door hardware have been recognised for their commitment to learning at the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers’( GAI) Education Awards 2025.
In the spotlight at the glittering awards ceremony on Thursday( 20 November), at London’ s Grand Connaught Rooms, were stand-out achievers Rob Adams and Aimee Parry from HOPPE( UK).
Rob, technical manager for ARRONE, a HOPPE( UK) brand, was awarded a Diploma in Access Control and Electric Hardware –
as well as the Certificate in Standards and Regulations for the second year running – while sales executive Aimee celebrated achieving her Diploma in Scheduling.
At the ceremony, HOPPE( UK) CEO Ged Ryan also presented the top three achievements for the Diploma in Door Systems – an award the company sponsored for 2025.
Ged said:“ Even in their 45th year, these awards remain one of the most important in the calendar because they recognise our industry’ s rising stars, leaders and those who are steadfastly committed to continuing professional development.
“ The recognition Rob and Aimee have received today is richly deserved. They exemplify what the GAI Education Awards are about: commitment to learning and career development, and a determination to continue HOPPE’ s reputation for quality and the highest standards of knowledge and skill.”
Rob Adams is responsible for ensuring all new and existing products have the right certifications, and that the evidence for CE / UKCA marking is in place.
He said:“ Standards and regulations are updated and changed so regularly that it’ s vital to stay on top of learning in this area. Knowledge here is key because compliance with standards must drive every design and installation decision in our industry – they really are the foundation of both safety and reliability.” Aimee said:“ The diploma has been invaluable in strengthening my technical understanding within the industry and giving me a more structural approach when working. It’ s already reaping significant benefits as I am applying the skills I have learned to help meet customers’ requirements and offer bespoke advice on product selection.”
www. hoppe. co. uk
FDM TAKES TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR AT G25 AWARDS
» FDM BY UAP LTD HAS WON Training and Development Initiative of the Year at the G25 Awards, recognising its practical, lifecycle-based approach to raising competence and accountability across the fire door industry. Established in 2004, the G Awards recognise innovation, technical excellence and outstanding performance across the UK glass and glazing sector.
The G25 win follows FDM’ s consecutive Training Company of the Year title at the 2025 National Fenestration Awards and a London Construction Awards win earlier this year. Together, these three awards reflect recognition from across the built environment- glazing, fenestration and construction- and underline the difference FDM is making industry-wide.
Launched in 2024 as the UK’ s first hands-on training academy dedicated solely to fire doors, FDM has trained more than 1,200 professionals in 18 months and holds GQA accreditation and CITB approval.
FDM’ s influence extends beyond the classroom. In 2025 it convened a national roundtable on fire door competence chaired by Dame Judith Hackitt, who described FDM as“ an exemplar of good practice.” Insights from the event shaped FDM’ s report, Raising Standards in the Fire Door Industry, adding weight to calls for practical competence at every stage of the fire door lifecycle.
Nicola John, Managing Director at FDM by UAP Ltd, said:“ This award recognises what matters most- practical competence that keeps people safe. Our approach is hands-on, rigorous and inclusive of every role in the golden thread, from procurement and installation to inspection and maintenance.
“ The fact that glazing, fenestration and construction audiences have all recognised FDM this year shows the industry is moving decisively towards real-world training and measurable standards. We’ ll keep pushing forward with partners to build a safer, more competent built environment.”
Looking ahead, FDM is expanding its national footprint with a second training academy planned in partnership with the Fire Protection Association in early 2026, alongside further vocational qualifications to meet evolving industry needs.
www. fdmltd. co. uk
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DECEMBER 2025
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