The Door Industry Journal

Monday 6 May 2024

HAF @ John Planck Claims Hat Trick of Industry Awards

Leading architectural ironmonger HAF @ John Planck has received a hat trick of awards for its outstanding work on London’s prestigious The Old War Office (The OWO) renovation.

Scooping the Residential Award for The OWO Residences by Raffles, as well as the Hospitality and Winner of Winners Awards for Raffles London at The OWO at the AI Specification Awards 2024, HAF @ John Planck was recognised with the accolades at a ceremony at Southwark Cathedral.

Presented by the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) in conjunction with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the awards identify and reward excellence in the specification and design of architectural ironmongery.

The transformation of The OWO was led by EPR Architects, with HAF @ John Planck appointed to expertly source the vast quantities of ironmongery required for more than 5,300 doors and 1,000 windows.

John Planck’s involvement in the project spanned a staggering six-year period and entailed liaising with 37 different consultants, including four separately appointed interior designers, creating 19 separate hardware packages.

Widely regarded as one of London’s most exclusive and glamourous destinations, the Grade II listed The OWO building is now home to the exclusive 120-bedroom 5* Raffles London hotel as well as 85 super-prime luxury residences.

The sensitive restoration took place across an 8-year period, at a cost of over £1billion.

GAI Treasurer Philip Goldberg said:

“The AI Specification Awards celebrate architectural ironmongery at its most effective and beautiful best.

“Entries are judged on the totality of the architectural ironmongery specification – how it supports and enhances the design vision; how it ensures the security, safety and accessibility of the building; and the contribution it makes to the functionality, sustainability and longevity.

“As such, these awards highlight the importance of genuine partnership between architects, designers and architectural ironmongers, and rightly reward the whole specification team.”

Commenting on the Raffles London at The OWO hotel project, the judges said it was ‘One of the most stunning and comprehensive’ they judged, and that it was ‘difficult to find fault with the project.’

Speaking about The OWO Residences by Raffles, the judges said:

“A project with a huge amount of bespoke ironmongery, so beautifully crafted and finished and very much in keeping with the building. It blends seamlessly with the doors.
“A stunning and in some cases breathtaking project.”

Barny Bott, Business Development Manager from HAF @ John Planck, said:

“We’re thrilled that our hard work on The OWO project has been recognised with the AI Specification Awards from GAI and RIBA.

“To have been involved in the transformation of such an iconic building has been incredible and these accolades truly validate our commitment to delivering excellence in architectural ironmongery.

“We’re grateful for the recognition and excited to continue pushing the boundaries of our craft in future projects.”

For more details on all the winning entries, visit www.gai.org.uk/specificationawards

About John Planck Limited

With over 50 years of specialist expertise, award-winning architectural ironmonger John Planck, is renowned for delivering high-quality hardware solutions to some of the UK’s most coveted building projects.

A well-respected partner to contractors, architects and interior designers, the company’s illustrious portfolio includes iconic projects such as the Royal Opera House, Raffles London at The OWO Hotel, Regents Crescent, Battle of Britain Memorial, Old Admiralty Building and the Rosewood Hotel London.

Encompassing associated brands John Monaghan and HAF, John Planck delivers design, specification, scheduling and supply of architectural ironmongery across all sectors including hospitality, residential, healthcare and commercial settings; accommodating diverse styles and specifications.

The business also provides a bespoke service for custom products, facilitating the creation of unique designs or replications of existing heritage fittings.

With 20 prestigious awards under its belt, notably from RIBA and GAI, the company exemplifies outstanding work in ironmongery.

For more information about John Planck visit johnplanck.co.uk

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Sunday 5 May 2024

Potholes and two wheels – why it’s even more important to avoid a pothole on a motorcycle

ROAD SAFETY and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist is encouraging motorcyclists to be alert to potholes and poorly-maintained road surfaces. As the riding season gets under way, GEM says more roads than ever are in poor condition, posing a serious risk to riders.

GEM is also warning of other safety hazards for riders on rural roads, where two thirds of motorcycle fatalities occur1. An exceptionally wet winter has left large amounts of mud and debris on road surfaces, compromising a rider’s ability to stop or change direction promptly.

Recent data from the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA) shows that less than half of roads in England and Wales maintained by local councils are in a good condition, with 36 per cent deemed adequate and 17 per cent poor2. As the weather improves and the riding season gets into full swing, GEM is urging riders to protect themselves from the danger created by potholes, ruts and poor surfaces.

GEM road safety adviser James Luckhurst said: “Potholes present risks for riders and their bikes. If you’re not paying attention and you hit a deep enough pothole, you run the real risk of losing control and falling off. Even in a less serious impact, you may pick up damage to your suspension and tyres.

“Treat any rural road with respect, choose your speeds wisely, never exceed speed limits and don’t be tempted to keep up with faster riders if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable.”

Tips for riders

Follow GEM’s five simple ‘lifesaver’ safety tips and reduce the risk of being involved in a collision:

Take pothole risks seriously. Adjust your speed and stay 100 per cent focused on your journey. Make a continuously evolving risk assessment of road surface and condition, as well as anticipating other hazards.
Commit to some additional training which can help you pick up advanced rider tips on planning manoeuvres, cornering and braking. Take a first aid course as well, so that you feel confident in assisting a fellow road user who may need your help.
Wear high visibility clothing on all journeys, and ride in a way that gives other road users a better chance of seeing you.
Don’t ride beyond your comfort zone, especially if you’re riding in a group. If your friends are cornering too quickly for you, let them go and join them at the next junction.
Try not to dwell on your errors as you go along. Plan 10 to 15 seconds ahead, anticipate the next hazards. When you stop for a break, reflect on anything that didn’t go to plan, ask what you have learnt and how you can reduce the chance of the same thing happening again.

www.motoringassist.com

Sources

1 https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/reported-road-casualties-great-britain-motorcyclist-factsheet-2022/reported-road-casualties-great-britain-motorcyclist-factsheet-2022#main-findings

2 www.asphaltuk.org/alarm-survey-page/

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Saturday 4 May 2024

Leadership Training – Hörmann Invests in the Future

Three employees working at Hörmann UKs Coalville warehouse facility have just successfully completed their Team Leader Apprenticeships.

Committed to providing first-class training and nurturing talent throughout the company, Hörmann worked with the Executive Development Network (EDN) who specialise in the provision of apprenticeships and training courses in leadership and management.

EDN’s Level 3 Team Leader apprenticeship is a first-line management training programme which focuses on developing relationships and delivering results.

Ian Russell - Warehouse & Logistics Team Leader, Lee Wiggins - Modified Team Leader and Reece Blower - Production Team Leader all completed the 12-month course which was held mainly online.

Commenting on his experience, Ian Russell stated:

“I’ve been with Hörmann UK for 18 months and when my manager suggested I do a Team Leader apprenticeship, I thought it would be a good way to develop my skills.
“I currently lead a small team that carries out day-to-day warehouse duties and investigates errors.
“Since starting the training, I have become much more self-aware and better equipped to handle change.
“I’m learning lifelong career skills, and this is helping me manage day-to-day situations more effectively.”

Wolfgang Gorner, MD of Hörmann UK said:

“People are what make the difference at Hörmann, and we have an excellent team in the UK.
“However, we are always looking at ways to ensure that we make the most of the talent we have throughout the company and provide everyone with opportunities to gain new skills and experience.
“By offering the chance to undertake training such as the Team Leadership Apprenticeship course we aim to enhance employee engagement, ensure that we continue to see excellent retention rates across our workforce and ultimately improve efficiency.”

To find out more about Hörmann and the products they offer visit www.hormann.co.uk or call 01530 516868.

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Friday 3 May 2024

Endurance® Doors shines spotlight on finishing touches

Endurance® Doors is highlighting its impressive ability to delight homeowners across the UK with unique and highly customisable solid, secure, and stylish composite doors.

To complement its extensive portfolio of over 85 door styles, which can be produced in 19 different colours, the manufacturer offers an equally impressive choice of hardware and glazing.

In order to showcase these important finishing touches, the business has enhanced its already extensive website with two new and dedicated pages.

Russell Hensman, group marketing manager at Endurance® Doors, comments:

“When it comes to creating a composite door that perfectly accommodates a homeowner’s individual tastes as well as the style of their property and its surroundings, the devil is often in the detail.

“Glazing and hardware may seem like small flourishes, but they can have a big influence on the overall look of a door. Aside from this aesthetic impact, they can also make a significant contribution towards a door’s functionality – for instance, by enhancing security or privacy, or by enabling the incorporation of smart sensing and locking technology.”

The new glazing page on the Endurance® Doors’ website allows homeowners to explore the brand’s full selection of over 30 glazing styles, all of which are available as either double or triple glazed units.

Browsers can view all of the glazing in the Endurance range in close-up detail by watching specially recorded videos. They can also use an interactive tool to understand the different opacity levels on offer.

Plus, if all this choice becomes a little daunting, the new glazing page features information on Endurance® Doors’ most popular combinations of glazing, door styles and colour to provide some quick and easy inspiration.

The new hardware page on the Endurance® Doors’ website is just as informative. It features 360° product imagery and allows people to take an in-depth look at the various hardware options offered by the manufacturer.

This includes a choice of seven carefully curated ranges, each consisting of products such as letterplates, handles, knockers, knobs, and escutcheons, and available in different colours and finishes. This enables homeowners to realise any look – from the classical to the contemporary and the urban to the rustic.

The new hardware page also provides information on additional products supplied by Endurance® Doors such as door numerals, its door guards, which provide a more robust and secure alternative to traditional doors chains, and the smart, ERA TouchKey keyless locking system.

There are even tips on maintaining the manufacturer’s door hardware to maximise its longevity and enduring appeal.

“The addition of the new glazing and hardware pages to our website reflects our focus on supporting our installer partners with comprehensive, consumer-focussed marketing” concludes Russell.

“It also demonstrates the strength of our commitment to their success as to achieve the desired level of functionality required a considerable investment.

“Importantly, all of the content and new assets created for these pages are available in the installer area of our website for our customers to use as part of their own marketing activity. We can also assist installer partners with incorporating them into their own existing online presence.”

For more information on Endurance® Doors, visit www.endurancedoors.co.uk

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Thursday 2 May 2024

BFT Celebrates 20 Year Success in UK Automation Industry

Demo room in BFT Automation in Swindon

Leading automation specialist, BFT Automation, is celebrating 20 years of business success in the UK.

The BFT brand was originally founded in Italy in 1981 and opened its first UK branch in 2004 in the North of England. BFT joined the Somfy Group – a global leader in automation products for gates, garages, awnings, blinds and smart home solutions – that very same year.

Today, BFT employs over 35 people in the UK and has two distribution centres with training facilities in Stockport and Swindon. Over the years, BFT has provided expert training for industry professionals from its two training centres, where installers of various experience levels are able to gain essential training for the products designed and sold by BFT. The company has built a reputation for providing some of the best customer service and technical support in the industry.

Somfy (BFT) Office in Italy

Matthew Batson, the Sales Operations Director in the UK was one of the first employees at BFT and is one of three original staff members still working at the company.

Commenting on the 20-year success, he said:

“We are so proud and feel privileged to celebrate 20 years’ industry success and being part of the Somfy Group. Looking back to 2004, it was a very exciting time. We were part of something brand new, knowing that although we were only a small team of five, we had the full backing and support of a global brand.

“Today, we are part of something even bigger – a large team of more than 35 people in the UK, two busy distribution centres and two successful training academies in Swindon and Stockport. We are also looking forward to introducing our installers to our next generation of new products, designed exclusively by BFT.”

BFT Swindon Warehouse

The next generation product line will officially be launched to installers at the BFT Open Day on Thursday 16th May at the Stockport office. This includes the new Phobos and Kustos motors, as well as the brand new Phobos Veloce – a fast 24v motor for residential use.

For more information about BFT Automation, visit https://www.bftautomationuk.com

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Wednesday 1 May 2024

Competence Initiative Makes Progress

The Joint Competency Initiative (JCI), in which the Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) is involved, is finalising its first framework for installers within the door, gates and shutter industry.

ADSA is working with the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) and the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) to establish the first of the ‘routes to competence’ for the sector. This is due to be published next month (May).

The JCI was established in response to the Building Safety Act and is considered to be the most significant change to health and safety legislation within the construction industry over the past 40 years.

The framework for installers includes skills required for the fitting of powered pedestrian doors of all types, steel and wooden fire-rated doors, gates and shutter systems including steel fire doors.

Ken Price, ADSA’s Managing Director, said:

“A systematic process to identify what competence looks like had been established over the past six months”.

This will be used to create the many frameworks needed across the industry.

Each of the organisations on the working group has undertaken a situational analysis to identify ‘where are we now’ and research into training and qualifications needed for installer roles.

“Although we have found some excellent entry and specific skills training with regulated qualifications, we identified a gap around continuous professional development (CPD).
“This was mixed and largely unaccredited as installers moved through their career.
“We are all in agreement that this needs to be addressed and an accredited route to CPD created.”

The group recently began working with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) which already has established national occupational standards for the construction industry.

Ken added:

“We had a call from the CITB which had heard about the work we were undertaking and offered to help.
“Without a shadow of a doubt, this support has moved us forward and will help us deliver the whole project a lot faster than if we were doing it on our own.”

The group has to identify up to 12 individual functions that each require a competency framework. This will include service and other skilled roles, such as procurement.

The JCI was initially formed by technical and procurement leads from BAM, ISG, Kier, Laing O’Rourke, Lendlease, Mace, Morgan Sindall, Multiplex, Sir Robert McAlpine, John Sisk, Skanska and Wates Group.

Its vision has been to establish,

“proportionate and practical requirements relating to both organisational and individual competence of those working in the glazing, cladding and roofing sectors”.

This has led to the publication of a white paper, ‘Achieving Competence in the Building Envelope Sector’ which is available for download from ADSA’s website: adsa.org.uk

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Tuesday 30 April 2024

Shearline Locksmiths Locks in Van Security with Mul-T-Lock MVP1000

Bristol-based family-run business, Shearline Locksmiths has placed its trust in Mul-T-Lock’s brand-new MVP1000 vehicle security system to enhance the security of its commercial vans.

Mul-T-Lock’s MVP1000 is an entry-level locking system suited for almost any type of van door, both rear and sliding.

It also has a robust aluminium body and a push-to-lock mechanism, for quick and easy keyless locking.

By installing the MVP1000 onto its commercial van, Shearline Locksmiths has instantly enhanced its van security.

As an active physical and visual deterrent, it acts to prevent theft, safeguard valuable equipment, and ensure the safety of its assets whilst in transit with its durable outer body.

Says Tom Davison, Locksmith and Company Owner of Shearline Locksmiths:

“Unfortunately van crime is on the up which can have a detrimental impact on livelihood especially with the loss of tools and potential vehicles.
“As a security specialist, protecting our van fleet and assets is critical. Mul-T-Lock’s MVP1000 is a brilliant compact surface-mounted lock.
“It is easy to install professionally with templates, packers and fixings supplied and acts as the perfect deterrent for commercial vehicles without the high cost of morticed deadlocks.”

Mul-T-Lock MVP1000 is a user-friendly system that can be installed without the need for expert help, making it ideal for most commercial vehicle models.

It is available for purchase either individually or as a pair of two keyed alike on Mul-T-Lock’s patented high-security MTL300 cylinder and control card for additional keys.

Jamie Jagpal, Mechanical Product Manager of Mul-T-Lock added:

“Latest figures show that 11,714 vans were stolen in the UK over the past year, and £3.5bn worth of equipment was taken.
“With Police Forces and insurance companies citing the need for extra precautionary measures.

“We are thrilled that our locksmiths such as Shearline Locksmiths are proactively embracing MVP1000 to deliver advanced security measures to keep vans and assets safe and secure.”

The new system joins the popular MVP2000, designed for ease of installation.

As an active visual and physical deterrent, MVP2000 can be used in conjunction with default vehicle locks or as a retrofit to an existing vehicle and supplied with secure fixings.

The all-in-one, non-corrosive anodised lock body solution along with the solid steel locking bolt offered by MVP2000 is designed and tested to withstand drilling, picking and peel-and-steal.

There are no hanging parts and there is a dedicated mounting bracket to protect the paintwork beneath the lock.

To learn more about Mul-T-Lock’s MVP1000 and MVP2000 or its latest range of commercial vehicle security solutions, please visit: www.mul-t-lock.com/uk/en/van-locks

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Monday 29 April 2024

Shaping Spaces with Timeless Timber

With sliding and bi-fold doors available in a diverse set of materials, David Knollman of Allegion UK explains why timber can leave a lasting impact on projects.

There’s a unique flexibility offered by sliding and bi-fold door applications.

Whether fitting out a contemporary home or a larger recreation or exhibition space, compact doors are effective in saving space, providing more natural light and offering greater energy efficiency.

Though, as much as a sliding or bi-fold door feature may apply the finishing touch to a project, its material choice is an equally important consideration.

Modern doorsets are supplied in a range of materials, finishes and variants and decision-makers must navigate the unique offerings of each door profile and system to ensure their chosen hardware is practical in application.

With that in mind, why does timber remain a popular choice for so many?

Written in timber

Renowned for its versatility, timber is a finished wood that combines natural aesthetics with inherent durability.

Over time, it has remained a popular style for both internal and external doors and is now widely recognised as the classic option for bi-fold and sliding door applications.

Aesthetically speaking, timber panels can help add style and sophistication to a project. The natural colouring of wood can soften a space and its features, or for some projects, act as a statement piece.

Commonly constructed from hardwoods such as oak or walnut, or softwoods such as pine or cedar, timber panels and their accompanying hardware systems adhere to a more rustic and traditional preference, whilst simultaneously offering a level of style customisation through staining, varnish or painting.

The benefits of timber run deeper than surface level however, and it’s perhaps the functional advantages that has helped to keep this option relevant against a rise of alternative materials.

Timber upholds natural insulation for example, with air pockets in its structure naturally creating a barrier between heat and cold.

Whilst sliding and bi-fold doors allow for improved airflow and ventilation, thermal efficiency is later maintained when doors are closed.

Equally, timber doorsets offer strong sound absorption, with internal doors helping to create quieter rooms and external doors shielding spaces from outside noise.

In comparison, aluminium and UPVC systems, whilst not inherently effective in these areas, do offer advantages in other situations.

Aluminium, for example, is structurally resilient and requires less maintenance, whereas in some cases, timber may require preparation and upkeep to maintain its longevity, style and performance.

In coastal or corrosive environments, an anodised finish may be applied to an aluminium finish for additional durability, but should it be scratched or damaged it can be difficult to repair.

On the other hand, timber components can be easier to repair and may be more cost-effective to replace, with modern timber treatments now designed to strengthen the durability of doors, ensuring reliable systems stand the test of time for 10 years or more.

David Knollman of Allegion UK

Nature of the project

With manufacturers offering a range of sliding and bi-fold products that can suit both timber and aluminium door types, specification can often depend on project, property and mechanism position.

Whilst style may be preference-led, end users and specifiers are reminded of the design considerations that must be followed, such as whether a system needs to be top-hung or bottom-rolling.

For folding door designs, timber will often be applied when using top-hung systems, with hinge pins extended up into the top rollers where required.

As the centre of the track must be offset to align with the hinge pins, the frame on timber top hung systems is usually thicker, but with minimal leaf preparation necessary - particularly when non-mortice hinges are used.

Comparably, whilst aluminium systems can accommodate a bottom roller housing within its panel profiles, timber variants can also be applied to bottom rolling systems but may require bespoke bottom profiles or panel corner removal to accommodate the roller system.

In these instances, the track systems are usually inline and not visible from either side, allowing for a narrower frame.

For sliding door designs, installation is similar and may only require minor alterations to the door, regardless of material, suggesting this choice can often be left to personal preference.

When it comes to security, there is also not much to separate material choice.

Both timber and aluminium systems can utilise multipoint locking systems on the swing leaf of an odd leaf system, ensuring Product Assessment Specification (PAS 24) and Secured by Design (SBD) requirements are met.

PAS 24 is a testing system applied to complete installations, including the door, frame and hardware system, whereas SBD can be awarded to hardware elements such as locks, hinges and sliding door systems, with both accreditations signifying quality assurance and security performance.

Amidst the many differences and similarities between materials, the number of bi-fold and sliding door possibilities continues to grow and decision makers are tasked with a more difficult choice than ever before.

Yet, there’s a reason why timber systems have had a lasting impact on the market.

In combining tradition and elegance with contemporary customisation, timber has proven its unique qualities for decades - it’s what makes timber timeless.

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Sunday 28 April 2024

Ready to Exhilarate MG Cyberster Trophy and GT

MG Motor UK has announced today that its highly-anticipated EV roadster, the Cyberster, is now available to order with the first UK deliveries planned for August this year.

The single motor Cyberster Trophy is available from £54,995 OTR and like all MG models is supported by a comprehensive 7-year, 80,000-mile warranty.

Featuring signature scissor doors as envisioned by Carl Gotham and his MG London design team as well as a fully-electric fabric hood which can be opened or closed in as little as 15 seconds at speeds up to 30mph, the rear-wheel-drive Cyberster Trophy promises to be a compelling yet refined drive.

The Trophy delivers power figures of 340PS (250kW) with maximum torque confirmed at 350 lb ft (475 Nm). The 0-62mph sprint is completed in just 5.0 seconds.

The £59,995 Cyberster GT will be the marque’s new flagship, and the most powerful production model in MG’s 100-year history with no less than 503PS (375kW) and 725Nm (535 lb ft) of torque.

The dual-motor, all-wheel-drive GT is capable of sprinting from 0-62mph in a staggering 3.2 seconds.

Both the Trophy and GT are equipped with four drive modes – Comfort, Custom, Sport and Track – allowing drivers to explore the full potential of the Cyberster from refined, long-distance touring through to pure, performance-focused options.

The Cyberster’s electrifying performance is combined with a luxurious and technologically advanced cabin which catapults the grand touring experience into the electric era, creating an environment hitherto reserved for ultra-expensive GTs replete with 6-way electrically-adjustable heated seats with memory function and electric lumbar support.

A distinctive heated steering wheel featuring 4-way adjustability as well as twin paddles to assist with kinetic regeneration, completes the perfect juxtaposition of elegance and outright sportiness of the cabin space.

To maximise the pleasure and comfort of long distance, roof-down motoring, a specially-designed wind deflector positioned between the front seats reduces buffeting to a minimum.

The Trophy and GT’s 77kWh battery delivers an exemplary combination of range and performance. Maximum range (WLTP) for the Trophy is 316 miles and 276 miles for the more performance-focussed GT.*

David Allison, MG Head of Product and Planning, comments:

“The Cyberster is a car designed to excite, whether through its head-turning design or its scintillating performance.
“Both the Trophy and GT are compelling two-seat EV sporting roadsters which promise to propel grand touring into the electric age.”

A sporting grand tourer for the electric age

Both the Cyberster Trophy and GT have undergone an extensive 18-month performance and handling development programme in the UK, directed by MG’s Longbridge engineering team who also played a key role in developing the award-winning MG4 EV.

The end result is a powerful roadster with a chassis optimised for UK and continental driving that offers high-levels of refinement in the city right through to a genuinely sporting experience on the open road.

The Cyberster is equipped with Brembo brakes as well as three-mode regenerative braking to maximise energy efficiency and extend the driving range.

Trophy features a 19-inch alloy Lightning-design wheel, while the GT wears a 20-inch Jetstream-design with Pirelli P Zero tyres for optimised performance and control.

The impressive driving range for a sporting GT is underpinned by rapid DC charging up to 150kW, enabling a charge of 10% to 80% to be delivered in only 38 minutes.**

An extensive suite of driver assistance features provides additional safety and actively managing traffic conditions via MG Pilot.

This includes Lane Change and Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, Active Emergency Braking with pedestrian and bicycle detection, Traffic Jam Assist, Intelligent Speed Assist and Intelligent Headlight Control.

A beautiful, connected cabin for a contemporary GT

Automatically-opening twin scissor doors ensure that entering the Cyberster is always an occasion.
The cabin has the classic two-seat configuration of a British roadster but with both driver and passenger placed at the centre of a contemporary, connected, cutting-edge experience.

Central to that is the wraparound three-screen cockpit, with a 10.25-inch driver display flanked by two 7-inch displays.

A further colour display mounted in the centre console provides touchscreen access to the dual-zone climate controls.

An extensive range of infotainment features are included, with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, 8-speaker Bose sound system, DAB and voice recognition. A 360° parking camera and twin USB ports are also standard.

Practical touches include a central armrest with storage, ambient lighting, sunglasses storage, sunvisors with integrated mirrors and lights and a 12v power socket.

A 249-litre boot capacity ensures grand touring practicality for a long weekend.

MG’s interior designers have designed a cabin to match the striking exterior. In addition to the highly distinctive and multi-functional steering wheel there are metal sports pedals, with the leather-style seats available in grey with white accents or black with red.

There are five exterior colour choices, from the classic New English White to the vibrant Inca Yellow, accentuated by the contrasting black lower trim.

Including roof fabric and exterior paint colours, there are 32 combinations to choose from.

Orders can be placed with selected MG dealers across the UK and full details are available at mgcyberster.co.uk

*These figures are subject to final verification and UK Type approval
**Further charging information is available in the technical briefing

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Saturday 27 April 2024

Tillymint Communications has Excellence in its Sights

Tillymint founder Alison Gallagher-Hughes

Midlands Marketing and Public Relations consultant Tillymint Communications has made the finals of a prestigious industry award – for the third year running.

The company, run by Alison Gallagher-Hughes, has been shortlisted in the Independent Practitioner category of the CIPR Excellence Awards 2024. The awards represent global recognition from the world’s only chartered PR organisation – the Chartered Institute of Public Relations - and attract a huge number of entries.

Alison, from Stafford, primarily works with business-to-business clients including trade/membership organisations and clients in building products supply and manufacturing. She has worked with GEZE UK, the Automatic Door Suppliers Association, Strand Hardware, Strand Technologies and AliMet Fabrications.

She scooped the CIPR’s Independent Practitioner regional title - PRide - for the past two years and is hoping that 2024 will take her to the top for the international award.

Tillymint is one of six contenders - the winner is selected following a rigorous panel interview with judges - and will be announced at a glitzy awards ceremony, at The Royal Lancaster Hotel, London, on 26 June. This year, the ceremony is being hosted by comedian Axel Blake.

Alison founded Tillymint Communications in 2020. She was previously Head of PR for a full-service agency and has spent much of her career working ‘in-house’ primarily within the public sector: policing, social housing and further education. She moved into PR following a career in newspaper journalism.

She decided to set up her own business in the wake of the Covid crisis.

“The pandemic brought many businesses to their knees but as the threat lifted, there was a growing need for them to ‘get back in the game’ and actively promote their products and services, so it seemed like the ideal opportunity to start a new chapter by founding Tillymint.

“I look back over the past four years and marvel at how rapidly the business has grown. Our first project was a one-off piece of work for an organisation that soon after became a retained client and they remain with us today. That is incredibly rewarding because the more we work with a particular client the more that trusted relationship develops and we become an outsourced member of their team – always on hand to support and add value to their organisation.

Alison said that she was delighted to be “in the mix” for this year’s CIPR Excellence Awards.

“To be shortlisted in this category is a very great honour. As a Chartered Practitioner, I know how hard CIPR works to establish and maintain professional standards and I am very humbled to be a finalist for a third consecutive year alongside some very worthy contenders.”

For more information on Tillymint services visit: www.tillymint.co.uk

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