From the Editor
More than words
With approximately 700 words per written page , plus adverts and notices , an average issue of The Locksmith Journal contains around 50,000 words . When we speak to a brand and a business , or companies send in content , these words shape the bi-monthly magazine , provide insight to the industry and perhaps even affect the way we think and act accordingly .
» TALK IS CHEAP , AS THEY SAY . WHEN SOMEONE tells us they have the best products , we need to ask what makes them the best ? Is it the best because you like making it , or because it ’ s easy to fit , or because customers are buying a lot of them ? If a company says they have excellent employee retention rates ; that ’ s brilliant , but how have you done it ? When a business owner tells me , we ’ ve taken positives from the pandemic that we will continue to use moving forward , I want to know what are they and can others do the same too ?
We ’ ve got 50,000 words every two months at TLJ to inspire and inform , educate and innovate , share and care about . We have a fortnightly newsletter to fill in the gaps in between , but taking those 50,000 printed words every other month , what do we want to say about our industry , what do we want to ask and answer , who do we want to hear from ?
This is the first issue of 2022 , and we asked industry experts forecast their views on the next 12 months in our ‘ Going Forward ’ feature . We can never know truly what is around the corner ; but we can use our experience and acumen to make calculated predictions . It is also important to reflect on what we thought might have happened and whether it turned out better or worse than we hoped – we often see both .
In the meantime , month-by-month we need to keep asking the questions , delving a bit deeper , and opening up communication to help each other and improve ourselves , our businesses and our industry .
Speaking of words , it was very difficult to not write this intro entirely in five-letter ones , and anyone else who is playing the very popular daily online word puzzle will know exactly what I mean …
122 TIMES ROUND THE EARTH
» HOPPE ( UK ) IS celebrating a major milestone as the 200 millionth Atlanta handle was purchased by hardware distributor Carl F Groupco , which has been selling window and door hardware components to the UK fenestration industry since the 1950s from its distribution centres in Peterborough and Cumbernauld .
HOPPE handles are named after cities with international airports . If all of the Atlanta handles sold in the UK to date were laid end to end , the line of handles would extend the same distance as the Hartsfield- Jackson Atlanta International Airport ’ s longest runway almost 13,000 times , and would even circumnavigate the globe 122 times .
John Crittenden , managing director for Carl F Groupco since 1989 , has worked with HOPPE products throughout his career . He said : “ The design of the Atlanta handle , as well as the consistent quality , is what makes it so appealing . The finer details like the finger grips and shaped lever are elements that you just don ’ t get with other brands . Once our customers have used the Atlanta handle for a project , they will come back to ask for it again on their next project . We have a very good working relationship with HOPPE ( UK ). I know exactly who to call if there ’ re any queries and they are always knowledgeable and friendly .”
HOPPE launched the Atlanta handle in 2005 . Designed as a brass security handle set on narrow backplate with cylinder cover for profile doors , it ’ s available with twin handles or a pad / handle set combination in a range of finishes including polished chrome and brass coloured and in diamond white for profile doors .
It is now available in a full range of finishes including the Resista ® finish which has been designed to ensure it can withstand the effects of weathering so is ideal for use in coastal areas . As part of HOPPE ’ s commitment to high quality products , Resista ® handles have a 10-year surface guarantee . This is in addition to the 10- year mechanical operation guarantee that applies to all HOPPE door and window handles .
The Atlanta handle has tested to standards recommended by Secured by Design – Annex A if PAS24:2016 and TS007 .
www . hoppe . co . uk
Until March-April issue , Gemma , Editor
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