Industry News
LOCKSMITHS – WHY BRANCH OUT WITH THE IAI ?
» LOCKSMITHS AND DOOR hardware professionals can access technical advice , continuing professional development ( CPDs ) and networking opportunities through Institute of Architectural Ironmongers ( IAI ) meetings .
Virtual meetings
There are eight IAI branches across the UK and Ireland . The monthly virtual meetings cover a range of topical issues including third party testing , fire safety , product development and sourcing , selling and specification in a post- COVID world , and BIM .
The regional branches also organise presentations from companies outside of the architectural ironmongery sector such as test facilities , building control and door manufacturers , to help ironmongers have a wellrounded knowledge of the whole industry .
Flexible membership
Affiliate IAI membership is ideal for locksmiths and other trades in the door hardware supply chain who want to keep at the forefront of technical updates . Members receive regular e-newsletters on matters affecting the industry as well as unlimited access to the CPD webinars and branch meetings .
Latest technical updates
Newly qualified GAI Diploma holders can also use these meetings to become a Registered Architectural Ironmonger ( RegAI ). A RegAI is a fully qualified architectural ironmongery professional who has committed to maintaining a high level of knowledge and keeping fully up to date with the latest legislation , industry standards and products through the Institute ’ s CPD programme .
Deborah Cannon , chair of the IAI , said :
“ Education is the most empowering force in the world . It not only improves and expands your knowledge , it builds confidence and breaks down barriers to opportunities . Taking that next step to demonstrate your skills and experience with an industryrecognised qualification will help to secure your career as construction recovers from the impact of COVID-19 .
“ For many of our members , these webinars have been a valuable tool to continue to enhance their abilities , gain CPD points towards their RegAI status and foremost , set themselves apart as trusted industry leaders .”
www . gai . org . uk
Image courtesy of Glenn Carstens-Peters | Unsplash
Late Night Orders for Next Day Delivery No Problem with IronmongeryDirect and ElectricalDirect
» LEADING SPECIALIST trade suppliers , IronmongeryDirect and ElectricalDirect are offering tradespeople more flexibility by extending their online order cut-off for next day delivery to 9pm .
The new cut-off time allows customers an extra hour to purchase what they need , further supporting tradespeople who need large orders in a short space of time . Customers placing orders over £ 45 ex VAT are also entitled to free next day delivery .
This added benefit for customers follows several recent announcements regarding the retailer ’ s expanded delivery offering . Same day delivery was launched for customers within the Southend-on-Sea , Chelmsford and Romford areas , and has now been extended to include IG , & E postcodes with further areas to be included in the near future . For urgently needed goods , customers can order by midday Monday-Friday , with orders arriving by 4pm that day .
In addition , the company has extended its Click and Collect * network to include over 6,000 pick-up points nationwide , including Sainsburys , Matalan , and Homebase . Simply order
online , select Click & Collect at checkout and your goods will be delivered within 5 miles of your home or workplace .
Marco Verdonkschot , Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect and ElectricalDirect says , “ We recognise that , especially over the last year , customer requirements are consistently evolving to meet the changes and challenges within the industry . As a specialist supplier , we want to guarantee tradespeople have what they need , exactly when they need it , so they can continue to work and deliver projects as efficiently as possible .
“ We are pleased to be able to extend our online next-day delivery option to meet our customers ever-changing working hours or schedules that could change at a moment ’ s notice .”
IronmongeryDirect has been supplying architectural ironmongery to tradespeople for over 50 years and has the UK ’ s largest range with over 18,000 products available for next day delivery . ElectricalDirect has a huge range of electrical products in stock with everything from sockets and wiring to smart home products available .
www . ironmongerydirect . co . uk www . electricaldirect . co . uk
* Click & Collect services subject to changes to Government guidelines .
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JAN / FEB 2021
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