GAI: Securing the relationship between the ironmongery and interiors sector

Skills, best practice and innovation are among the top priorities identified in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by two of the UK’s largest trade bodies in the architectural ironmongery and interiors sectors. The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI), the only trade body in the UK that represents the interests of the whole architectural ironmongery industry, and the FIS, which represents the Finishes and Interior Sector, will be working together to showcase the skills of members to the wider industry and build on the wealth of technical knowledge the organisations already share.

Simon Forrester, CEO of the GAI (left of image), comments:

“For many years, the GAI and FIS have enjoyed an excellent working relationship. The MoU between the two organisations formalises that relationship and gives us a platform on which to build even closer, collaborative initiatives.

“Our aim is to build a stronger long-term relationship between our organisations by exploring opportunities to work together in areas including education, advocacy, innovation and best practice, for the continued benefit of the architectural ironmongery and interior fit-out markets.”

Iain McIlwee, CEO of the FIS (right of image), comments:

“There’s a clear connection between our members and the work GAI do. The importance of both sectors working in partnership and understanding how all of the elements work together was illustrated perfectly with the ‘How Business Owners Can Use Partitioning and Ironmongery to Help Manage Social Distancing’ guide that the FIS and GAI published earlier this year.

“Going forward, we will be celebrating examples of best practice and installation through awards for those individuals and organisations who showcase excellence in our industries.”

Under the terms of the MoU, the two organisations will work together to improve the wider construction industry’s understanding of the safety issues relating to fire doors, ironmongery, access control and flexible walls by developing technical standards and resources to support the professional development of not only their members, but all stakeholders in the interiors supply chain.

The organisations will also be delivering joint events, the first of which will be held during Fire Door Safety Week. The Fire Door Safety in the Finishes and Interiors Sector webinar on 21 September will highlight the priorities for delivering fire door safety in specialist interior and fit-out contracts.

Fire door hardware, certification, intumescent seals and the golden thread will all be points of discussion during a series of presentations from technical experts across the supply chain. These include…

 – Douglas Masterson, technical manager at GAI
 – Hannah Mansell, group technical director at Masonite UK
 – Tim Foster, sales and marketing manager at Mann McGowan
 – Alan Brown, director of Fire DNA and Forza Doors.

After the presentations, the speakers will join a panel discussion alongside a fire door inspector for the Fire Door Safety Clinic.

To book a place on the webinar, visit: www.gai.org.uk/FDSW2021

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