|
» XPERT , THE SPECIALIST tool arm of market-leading independent hardware distributor Window Ware , has been spreading some New Year cheer to its stockists .
The company , which supplies specialised glazing tools and essentials , including hand tools , machinery spares , air tools , and consumables , sent its Xpert stockists some well-deserved freebies , including cosy Xpert beanies and ever-useful Xpert pens .
Launched in 2010 , Xpert was the brainchild of a group of likeminded professional fitters who were frustrated by the lack of tools and equipment designed specifically for the fenestration industry . After a successful six years in
|
business , Xpert went on to become part of Window Ware ’ s growing product portfolio .
Having celebrated a somewhat subdued 10th anniversary in the midst of the pandemic last year , Xpert decided the start of 2021 was a great time to acknowledge its loyal stockists and say thanks for their business during a testing 2020 .
Karl Williamson , Window Ware ’ s Business Development Manager , said : “ Our 10th anniversary was overshadowed last year by COVID-19 and , even though we ’ re not definitely out of the woods yet , we really wanted to kick off 2021 on a positive note .
“ Our stockists did a fantastic job by staying open , operating
|
safely , and continuing to support their customers through a hugely challenging year for the industry . We hope our practical Xpert merchandise is wellreceived .”
With plenty of uncertainty still in the industry as 2021 unfolds , no doubt more challenges await , but Karl is confident that the Xpert team will repeat last year ’ s excellent performance and continue to provide its customers with unrivalled support come what may .
“ Whatever 2021 has in store , we ’ ll continue to do our utmost to safely keep our stockists ’ shelves stocked and their customers happy with specialist glazing tools that are always up to the job .”
|
If you ’ d like to become an Xpert stockist , visit www . xperttools . co . uk / become-a-stockist /
Alternatively , you can find your nearest Xpert stockist here www . xperttools . co . uk / stores /
To find out more about Xpert , visit www . windowware . co . uk / brands / xpert or call Window Ware on 01234 242724 .
|
|
» A NEW TECHNICAL briefing has been launched to keep door hardware professionals at the forefront of changes to conformity marking .
The Guidance on conformity marking , third party testing , assessment and certification technical briefing , written by the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers ( GAI ) and the Door & Hardware Federation ( DHF ), gives a comprehensive overview of the changes door hardware professionals must prepare for in advance of 1 January 2022 .
When the UK left the EU , the UKCA mark was introduced in Great Britain to replace the CE mark . Wherever CE marking might have applied , UKCA marking is currently optional for
|
products placed on the market in Great Britain until the end of 2021 but will be mandatory from the start of next year .
The technical briefing , originally launched in 2020 , has been updated to include both UKCA and CE + UKNI marking . It is broken down into five sections covering : conformity marking ; harmonised and designated standards ; methodologies of testing and assessment ; fire resistance assessment reports ; and thirdparty product certification .
The guide also includes a helpful graphic showing the product marking sales
|
territories and which form of product marking can be used in Great Britain , Northern Ireland and the EU .
Douglas Masterson , technical manager of the GAI , said :
“ We have written this briefing to ensure that both GAI and DHF members were clear on the differences between conformity marking , third party testing , assessment and certification , as well as what their responsibilities are going forward . We will continue to make members aware of any developments and provide as much
|
technical support as possible to help them navigate these changes .”
Michael Skelding , General Manager at the DHF , said :
“ With the current changes to conformity marking , we felt that it was important to clarify the situation to minimise any confusion . We hope that the new guide will achieve this aim , while preserving the userfriendly format of the previous edition . For those who need more detail , further advice is available from our website .”
To download the guide , visit the GAI or DHF website : www . gai . org . uk / GAI _ DHF _ UKCAMark http :// bit . ly / DHFGAI- CEMarking
|