The door hardware industry recognised its own at the annual Institute of Architectural Ironmongers (IAI) awards. The IAI Fellowship Award is given to an individual who has shown a commitment to the IAI over at least ten years, and who is still actively involved in the industry and Institute. This year’s winner was Mario Del-Signore, director of CES UK and treasurer of the GAI.
Mario started as a committee member for the IAI South East branch before becoming branch chair. He went on to become vice chair of the IAI, and then served as chairman from 2015 to 2018; when he helped to develop the One Future Vision initiative. He has been a voice for the Institute at executive level and has been a support to overseas branches.
The Paul Lewis Award for Customer Service is given to an individual, group or company that has made an outstanding commitment to customer services throughout the year. Karen Nelson, business development manager at HOPPE (UK) and chair of the IAI Midlands branch, won the award after being nominated by one of her customers for her technical and product support.
The GAI Award for Services to the Institute is awarded to a IAI member who has made a recent and visible contribution at branch level. This year’s winner was Michael Spoors, managing director of Norseal and recently stepped down as branch chair of the IAI South East branch. He is also a member of the Education Committee and the CPD working party. Michael was nominated for his passion for promoting the IAI and helping to develop members of both his branch, and the wider Institute members.
Promising Ironmonger of the Year was Cameron Parry, sales advisor at Locks & Fittings Ltd. This award is given to the brightest ironmongers in the early stages of their careers. Cameron has impressed fellow Institute members with his dedication to learning the industry at such a young age. He completed the third year of the GAI Diploma at just 18, and is now working towards his RegAI status.
Jo Milne-Rowe, chair of the IAI, said: “Each year, the awards highlight the commitment of our Institute members. The Institute relies on its members to keep supporting their branches and spreading the message about the benefits of being a part of the ironmongery community. It’s important that we continue to learn and grow as professionals to keep giving customers high quality advice, and that we support each other as we continue our personal and professional development.”
The IAI Awards on Saturday, February 23 at the Park Royal hotel, Warrington, were given at a dinner after the Institute’s AGM. The event included a test demonstration at the UL testing lab and CPD opportunities for Institute members. Visit www.gai.org.uk.
Left to right are Jo Milne-Rowe, IAI chair, Michael Spoors, Mario Del-Signore, Karen Nelson, Cameron Parry; and David Stacey, GAI president.
