hardware Intel 25 YEARS issue 6 | May 2021 | free
UAP CELEBRATES
LOCKING SYSTEMS
Provide the key to convenience and security at Hull University
The HARDWARE INTEL
Podcast Comes to a Close
Listen to Episode 6
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You need some Intel, and you need it fast! Powered by UAP
About Hardware Intel Magazine Hardware Intel is a magazine powered by UAP. It covers current news, events and new products across the UAP Group, including our brands Intelligent Hardware, Locking Systems, Fullex, Firemongery, as well as industry news. Hardware Intel is the place for all your door and window hardware needs, covering topics such as security and fire safety from an individual household to large-scale industrial level, with insight from industry experts.
A Letter from David Jennings Welcome to the next edition of Hardware Intel. 25 years ago, UAP started with just a six inch Victorian urn door knocker and a simple determination to offer the best customer service levels we could, and I would like to think we have kept to those same core principles right through to this day. With every new product we have developed, and through every acquisition we have made, we have striven to try to be the best we can. UAP has also grown on the shoulders of fantastic employees both old and new. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the original employees such as Eric Kay, David Clegg, John Cross and Wendy Rushton, all of whom have influenced and shaped UAP into what it is today. And now we are nearing 100 employees, we have a great team of people at all levels who will become tomorrow’s heroes.To each one of the current and past employees, a heartfelt Thank You. The acquisition of Fullex and Intelligent Hardware have added strength and depth to our offer, and the latest acquisition of Locking Systems adds a specialist skillset that few in the industry can match. The article in this magazine about Locking Systems’ work at Hull University just demonstrates what that division can offer to all of our customers. And with the lock down rules relaxing, I can assure you all that we have a very busy few months ahead, and a lot to shout about. In closing, thank you all for your part in UAP’s 25 year’s history, and I look forward to the next 25.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
HARDWARE INTEL MAGAZINE
Cover Stories P. 1-2 UAP Celebrates 25 Years
2021 will mark 25 years since UAP Limited began in a makeshift office, then known as Universal Imports. We take a look at some of the things that UAP has achieved in this time.
P. 3-4 The Hardware Intel Podcast Comes to an End with Episode 6 The sixth and final instalment of the Hardware Intel podcast has now been released, sadly bringing an end to UAP’s first adventure into podcasting.
P. 5-6 Soterian Slim - Sleek without Compromise The iconic Soterian letterplate received a contemporary upgrade last year, making it slimmer and impressively compact whilst retaining its enviable features.
P. 11-12
Locking Systems Provide the Key to Convenience and Security at the University of Hull In the student accommodation sector, the need to offer safety and security to students needs to be balanced with convenience. Traditional keys still provide the best solution for both sides, which is why a bespoke solution from Locking Systems was chosen for the refurbishment of 12 student blocks at the University of Hull.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
HARDWARE INTEL MAGAZINE
Features P. 7
The New-Look iPlate Design Last year, we released an update to the classic iPlate design with brand new features, inspired by the sleek contemporary technology in our modern world.
P. 8
Upgrade with Fullex Hinge Plates To improve the look of a composite door, consider using a hinge plate to conceal the cut edges of the door’s leaf.
P. 9
Make your Windows Safer with Intelligent Hardware’s Retail Range Window Restrictors Over 4,000 children under the age of 15 in the UK are injured every year from unsecured windows - protect them with window restrictors.
P. 10
Our uPVC Door Webinar Series We have been running a new series of Webinars about uPVC doors, giving you an introduction and some insight into this type of door; types of uPVC doors, their history, pros and cons, and more. About Intel Hardware Magazine
David Jennings’ Letter
UAP
HARDWARE INTEL MAGAZINE
UAP CELEBRATES 25 YEARS IN BUSINESS 2021 will mark 25 years since UAP Limited began as a micro business, known then as Universal Imports, in a makeshift office selling only door knockers with a clever design that made them easy to fix to a door. These door knockers were innovative enough to expand the business and bring UAP to its HQ in North Manchester by the year 2000. UAP has since grown over the last 25 years to epic proportions, selling more than 3,000 products across 25 countries and frequently making 1
brand acquisitions; we obtained hardware brand Intelligent Hardware and masterkeying company Locking Systems in 2020 and will soon be announcing a new acquisition for 2021. UAP continues to grow with aims of being a key player in the door hardware industry. Following our ongoing successes, we have sought ways to give back as a company. In 2019, we became a co-operative, giving each member of our team shares in the company, so everyone benefits from UAP’s
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success. We also have a long-standing sustainability campaign and are always developing UAP to be a more environmentally sustainable business. David Jennings, CEO of UAP comments: “It seems like only yesterday that a good idea became a fledgling business, but so much has happened over the past 25 years and we have grown to become a substantial business, an innovator in our market and a respected supplier for both quality and service. “Our anniversary provides an ideal milestone, not only to celebrate the company’s achievements but also to thank our customers, our supply chain partners and our team for supporting us and contributing to our success over the past 25 years. In many ways, it could not have come at a better time because, after the challenges of the pandemic, a reason to celebrate is just what we need right now and we have plans to keep the celebrations going all year!” On Friday the 23rd of April, we held a virtual cookery evening on Zoom, and UAP team members learned how to cook a delicious Thai Green Curry with help from The Cookery School at The Grand, York, to celebrate
UAP
our anniversary and thank everyone for their hard work after a difficult last year. Staff enjoyed learning how to cook the curry to a chef standard in chicken, veggie or fish options alongside a bottle of wine.
Some of the tasty meals cooked by UAP members during the class
About the milestone, David adds: “We want to spend this year looking back but also, as we always have, focusing on the future and the innovation we can bring to the market over the next 25 years.”
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UAP
HARDWARE INTEL MAGAZINE
THE HARDWARE INTEL PODCAST COMES TO AN END WITH EPISODE 6
The sixth and final instalment of the Hardware Intel podcast has now been released, sadly bringing an end to UAP’s first adventure into podcasting. If you’re new to the podcast and just catching up, our six episodes have covered a broad range of topics, including how COVID-19 will affect the industry, effective staff training, how we can make our company operations more sustainable, 3
hardware safety and globalisation, and product testing and certification. TV presenter and property expert Sian Astley hosts each episode, accompanied by UAP’s hardware experts across various fields. Episode six features UAP’s Specifications Manager, Paul Goggins, and Simon Marr, General Manager of Intelligent Hardware, discussing third party accreditation for fire door hardware. Paul explains that,
HARDWARE INTEL MAGAZINE
while UAP’s hardware is sourced from overseas like the majority of hardware producers in the UK, that doesn’t mean that the products lack thorough testing and accreditation, as the products are accredited before they reach us, then go through our own testing process and are finally overseen by a third-party testing organisation such as WarringtonFire and BMTrada. Paul then goes on to discuss how modern technology has made fire door hardware safer, as systems and devices can be used to read important information from a door, much like reading a microchip in a pet. These systems make it easier to check how up to date a fire door is, what fire rating it has, how it has been accredited, and more, helping to make detection of ineffective fire doors easier so that they can be replaced. Technology can also help us to detect fires more quickly and automatically compartmentalise a building, both of which help to prevent a fire from spreading beyond its original source, giving people more time to evacuate to safety. A lack of compartmentalisation is one of the serious issues that lead to the Grenfell tragedy being so deadly, as there was little in place to prevent
UAP
the fire from spreading. Thankfully, everything that fire door producers do seems to be working, as there are much fewer serious fires in buildings these days. UAP will always be ahead of the curve in testing and accrediting our hardware, as doing so can prevent more incidents like the Grenfell tragedy from happening, saving lives.
We hope that our listeners have enjoyed the series and learned some helpful and interesting information from our experts. Click here to catch up on the previous episodes. Find them on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podfollow, and ListenNotes. Full videos of the podcast episodes can also be found on our YouTube channel.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH ON YOUTUBE 4
UAP
HARDWARE INTEL MAGAZINE
SOTERIAN SLIM OFFERS A SLEEK DESIGN WITHOUT COMPROMISE
The iconic Soterian letterplate received a contemporary upgrade last year, making it slimmer and impressively compact whilst retaining its enviable features.
line from the hinge side of the door handle, it allows the door to open fully without the risk of the letterplate smashing against and causing damage to an interior wall.
Designed for 44mm – 70mm composite, timber and uPVC doors, The Soterian Slim TS008 letterplate consists of a minimum internal flap projection of only 14mm from the door surface, giving a less intrusive feel to the door and fabricators a powerful new sales opportunity. As the letterplate lies within the straight
Slim but mighty; the new letterplate boasts features that not only set it apart from other TS008 letterplates on the market, but beyond TS008.
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An innovative pivoting stay mechanism reduces the internal flap opening to 39 degrees for protection against key fishing and lock manipulation, whilst maintaining clear access for postal items.
HARDWARE INTEL MAGAZINE
One of the key features of the letterplate is its serrated stays, which are foldable to achieve compactness for transit and storage, biased to stay open to aid fitting and prevent thumbturn or handle manipulation by strap or cord. For additional homeowner peace of mind, the letterplate has no external fixings and comes with outward facing brushes that create an Anti-Vandal feature.
UAP
Research and Developer Manager, John McLoughlin says the latest development is in response to suggestions from customers surrounding UAP’s original successful Soterian TS008 letterplate. He says: “We have made a number of improvements and greatly simplified fitting. By clever use of folding stays and reshaping them, we have been able to trim its already narrow profile. It now projects a mere 14mm from the door surface, way slimmer than any other TS008 letterplate. “Better still, the patent-pending features offer security performance that goes beyond the standard’s requirements. Rows of ridges in the stays will make it even more difficult to use flexible strapping or similar to manipulate the internal lock thumb turn to gain entry. Be smart – choose Slim.”
The slim design in Satin Chrome
The Soterian Slim TS008 letterplate is also Document Q and PAS 24:2016 compliant, Secured by Design and BSI Kitemarked. Installation is quick and simple – five steps, eight screws and one hinge rod.
Available in satin silver, satin chrome, chrome, black and white, different finishes are selectable for the internal and external frame.
CLICK HERE TO VISIT 6
INTELLIGENT HARDWARE
HARDWARE INTEL MAGAZINE
THE NEW-LOOK IPLATE DESIGN
UAP brand Intelligent Hardware have released a new design of the classic iPlate with brand new features, inspired by the sleek contemporary technology in our modern world. The iPlate has a unique frameless and slim design, making it the perfect choice for an entryway into any modern home. Created with help from Royal Mail, the iPlate’s innovative design avoids many of the issues associated with regular letterplates, such as its Patent Pending Soft Close feature. First edition iPlates utilised a unique un-sprung hinge, a magnetic ‘click to close’ feature, and soft plastic 7
brushes moulded into the rubber of the letterplate. The new features of the iPlate take it further by adding internal changes that leave the exterior unchanged and as sleek as ever. With no visible frame, our very own design classic will look good on any door. It now boasts traditional brushes in front of the aperture and is internally sprung with UAP’s ultra-reliable torsion bar, to give that extra feel of positive closure. UAP always listens closely to customers; these new features were introduced following customer suggestions and requests to help make your door the best it can be.
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FULLEX
UPGRADE WITH FULLEX HINGE PLATES Fullex hinge plates are designed to be used by smaller manufacturers so they do not need to rely on another fabricator to edge band their doors. Also available to pair with the hinge plates are the plate infills, which can be used to fill gaps created by hinge slots for a flawless finish. Besides improving the appearance of a door’s hinge stile, hinge plates also contribute to added overall security; each plate is engineered to provide long term reliability and security, and pairs perfectly with Fullex Crimebeater and XLC locks. The hinge plates are available in a choice of white or brown finishes, and made from uPVC or aluminium. To improve the look of a composite door, consider using a hinge plate to conceal the cut edges of the door’s leaf. Hinge plates can cover up the hinge and any gaps, creating a neater and more aesthetically pleasing appearance with an easy solution.
Click here to see the rest of the Fullex range.
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INTELLIGENT HARDWARE
HARDWARE INTEL MAGAZINE
MAKE YOUR WINDOWS SAFER WITH INTELLIGENT HARDWARE’S RETAIL RANGE WINDOW RESTRICTORS Studies conducted by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) state that over 4,000 children under the age of 15 in the UK are injured every year from unsecured windows. This can happen due to children leaning against open windows or slipping on a window ledge into a window that is not properly secured. Windows above ground floor in commercial buildings and residential buildings with children should be fitted with a window restrictor, a small yet very effective and affordable solution. Window restrictors work by limiting how far a window can open to prevent people and objects from falling through. Most modern apartment buildings are fitted with window restrictors, but residents of older houses and flats may need to consider getting one fitted. OUR WINDOW RESTRICTORS Intelligent Hardware Retail Range window restrictors can be used on all types of windows and doors 9
including uPVC, aluminium, wood and metal profiles. They restrict the opening of a window to under 100mm for a high level of accident prevention. Our window restrictors can also withstand forces of over 1000N (1KN), so you can be sure that they are up to the task. These window restrictors also feature a Push-to-Lock function, meaning that the cable is locked into place without the need of a key. You don’t have to worry about losing a key and having your window locked open! One universal key is supplied however, with additional keys available. If necessary, the unit itself can also be unlocked, allowing the window to be fully opened. The locking system and key are both finished to be resistant to oxidation and corrosion and are additionally tested to EN 13126-5:2011 + A1:2014. Available in white. Four self-drilling screws are provided for an easy fit; fitting instructions can be found on the back of the packaging.
HARDWARE INTEL MAGAZINE
UAP
LEARN ABOUT THE WORLD OF UPVC DOORS
We have been running a new series of Webinars about uPVC doors, giving you an introduction and some insight into this type of door; types of uPVC doors, their history, pros and cons, and more. Part 1, held on Thursday 29th of April, covered all the basics of uPVC doors - don’t worry if you missed it live, if you want to catch up you can find it here on YouTube. Part 2 will delve into the door hardware side of uPVC doors, showing you the most commonly used hardware for this door type and why.
This webinar will take place on Thursday the 27th of May, click the link below to register if you’re interested in learning about this topic. These Webinars are presented by Nicola John who is a business consultant for UAP and industry expert. Nicola runs all of our in-house staff training. She has also previously hosted educational webinars about composite doors, which can be found here.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER 10
LOCKING SYSTEMS
HARDWARE INTEL MAGAZINE
LOCKING SYSTEMS PROVIDE THE KEY TO CONVENIENCE AND SECURITY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HULL
In the student accommodation sector, the need to offer excellent levels of safety and security to students needs to be balanced with convenience for the estates department. Traditional keys still provide the best solution for both sides of this equation, which is why a bespoke solution from Locking Systems, part of UAP Ltd, was chosen for the refurbishment of 12 student blocks at the University of Hull. 11
The student blocks are arranged as apartments with shared living space and private en-suite bathrooms. Refurbishment contractor, Harris Evolution, devised a security strategy with a hierarchy of key control. The locks fitted needed a single key to open both the apartment door and each student’s study bedroom, while preventing access to each apartment from others in the block and access to each en-suite room from others in their apartment.
HARDWARE INTEL MAGAZINE
LOCKING SYSTEMS
At the same time, the locking strategy needed to allow the estates department to gain emergency and maintenance access without the nuisance of a duplicate key for every lock, so a single master key for authorised access to any apartment or student room was also an essential part of the brief. Harris Evolution turned to hardware specialist, Miles Architectural Ironmongery Ltd, to commission the locks and keys from Locking Systems.
The lock barrels were manufactured at the company’s factory in Gateshead, with the pinning for each lock carried out by hand and the keys machine-cut for precision accuracy, smooth operation and reliable security. Two keys were provided for each lock and, as part of the security strategy, patent protected keys were supplied to prevent unauthorised duplication at a high street provider, safeguarding against sub-letting,
Ensuring the lock barrels were compatible with the existing lock cases, Locking Systems designed each of the 700 lock cylinders with individual pin configurations. This enables a single key to open both the apartment and private study bedroom door, with just 8 master keys to operate all locks across the blocks.
non-paying additional tenants and theft. In addition, a number of additional master-keyed cylinder locks, for loft hatches and electrical cupboards, were provided with a single master key and all locks and keys were produced aligned to the installation schedule for the phased refurbishment.
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