From the Editor
What a difference a year made …
The traditional annual roundup seems a little redundant this time around , as it is difficult to put the last nine months into text when I can barely wrap my head around it . So , as I sit down to write my final intro of 2020 , I am a little bit stumped for words , which anyone who knows me will confirm is completely appropriate in a year that has been defined by being ‘ unprecedented ’.
» THAT SAID , IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO PUT together a ‘ Christmas ’ edition of anything and not use it as an excuse to reflect on the past twelve months . I dug out my November- December 2019 issue and my letter began with the words ‘ I ’ m dreaming of a safe Christmas ’; and even though it was security-related , it feels like it could be the same safe headline this year too . And , I really mean it .
If this year has taught us anything it is that while we can try to plan and prepare - and no one can stop me from doing that - the way we react and respond to events , especially those beyond our control , is really what defines us . Similarly I think , and hope , it has made us appreciate all the things in life we take for granted at home and at work , friends and family , our high street , our next door neighbours and our global identity .
They used to say the only thing sure in life is death and taxes - this past few years of politics and now a pandemic - makes me look forward to my tax return for some light relief ! But amidst all the chaos there is some calm and comfort . There is still certainty in the world and again , at Christmas , whoever and wherever we are and however we celebrate it , it can still be a time for joy and hope .
Doing whatever we can when everything else seems to be falling apart , making the most of the time we have with family and friends , finding new solutions to keep businesses going and even starting up new ventures and creating new adventures in the face of adversity , but most importantly , looking forward to a better and brighter future are all what makes us human .
And I for one am looking forward to the new year and the next issue , in fact we ’ re planning and preparing it already ( see I said you can ’ t stop us ). All the best for the holiday season from everyone at The Locksmith Journal and Clearview Group , and we will see you in 2021 .
Gemma , Editor
Upskilling in lockdown : ironmongery webinar success
» OVER 1,600 ATTENDEES have participated in the CPD webinars hosted by the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers ( GAI ) and the Institute of Architectural Ironmongers ( IAI ) since April 2020 .
The new online format was introduced earlier this year in place of regular face-to-face IAI branch meetings . The CPDs have been embraced by members from around the world , with attendees joining from Thailand , Middle East , China , Hong Kong and South Africa .
The webinars have covered 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 .
There have also been product specific sessions looking at hinges , anti-ligature products , air transfer grilles and dampers , and powered pedestrian doors , as well as presentations on wider business issues including marketing , mental health and wellbeing and an economic update .
Deborah Cannon , chair of the IAI , said :
“ It ’ s been encouraging to see that Institute members have continued to take their personal and professional development seriously throughout the lockdown . Their commitment to professionalism and maintaining industry connections is the heart of the Institute . 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 .”
In total , there have been 40 CPD sessions made available to members over the last six months . These have featured guest presenters from UL International , Simonswerk , Premdor , Instock , Lorient , Automatic Door Suppliers Association ( ADSA ), Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity , BSI , Liz Male Consulting ( LMC ), and the Construction Products Association ( CPA ).
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 .
www . gai . org . uk
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NOV / DEC 2020
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