Start-ups and new entrepreneurs entering the door hardware industry are targets in a membership drive by the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI).
A new membership category – Enterprise membership – has been created for any business seeking support from the GAI, the UK trade body for the architectural ironmongery industry. That includes architectural ironmongers, wholesalers and manufacturers. Any business with 12 months’ trading record can apply to join.
Maria Powell, pictured, president of the GAI, says: “Trade associations can quickly suffer and decay if they become just an ‘old boys’ club’. The Guild is not intending to fall into that trap – we have a vibrant and successful future ahead. We are here to provide support and encouragement to the new generations coming through, and I’m very excited by some of the businesses starting up with a genuine passion for the architectural ironmongery industry.
“This new Enterprise membership offer tells these entrepreneurs that the Guild is as relevant to them as we are to the most established and prestigious brands in the market, and we can learn from each other.”
The GAI reported another increase in its membership numbers last year, including 30pc of new applications from overseas. Two thirds of its members enjoy full membership, the rest are affiliate or associate members.
Members can take part in three areas of activity: education, technical support and community. The GAI adds that its qualifications, education and CPD are widely respected in the UK and overseas, including the GCC and Hong Kong. Its technical information service is the only specialist service of its kind, the guild adds, providing GAI members with advice on issues relating to the legislation, regulations and standards governing the use of architectural ironmongery and related hardware.
For membership information go to http://www.gai.org.uk/gai.
