ANNUAL PREDICTIONS
Despite unprecedented times , Door and Hardware Federation ( DHF ) hails 2020 one of its most successful years
» TAMWORTH-BASED TRADE association , the Door and 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 oneday , 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 1st June , face-to-face learning had been re-instated at DHF ’ s Tamworthbased 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 Zoomdelivered 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 ongoing 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 proactive 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 .”
www . dhfonline . org . uk
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JAN / FEB 2021
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