In the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, the sector is being confronted with a number of challenges and being ahead of the curve with the big changes for 2023 will be vital. Tommy Geddes, Commercial Director at George Boyd, considers some of the trends that merchants and tradespeople need to be aware of to make the most of the year.
Following a chaotic year that saw three prime ministers, global economies on a knife edge and an unprecedented energy crisis, 2023 is shaping up to be another year full of surprises. And perhaps one of the most significant changes already gaining momentum in 2023 is the return to the office.
An almost unthinkable prospect after 24 months of a global pandemic, more and more businesses are now bringing workers back to their desks, looking to boost productivity and foster a sense of community across their workforce.
This return does pose some significant challenges for those who have spent the last three years working from home. Security during the day, a non-concern when at home, is likely to become vastly more important as properties are left unguarded during the daylight hours.
To attempt to solve these issues, we’re likely to see a surge in interest in the latest security technology — and especially those products that provide the ability to monitor a home from anywhere. Other elements such as video doorbells also provide a great option to deal with other pains from being away from home once more, such as deliveries, so it’s worth thinking about how to structure your security mix to be a little bit ‘smarter’.
More generally, the cost-of-living crisis is biting and has already led to a rise in crime rates across the country. And while technology has led to innovation and new products on to the market, there is no substitute for the peace of mind that comes with the installation of security ironmongery and the importance of the hardware that goes around every door and window.
In addition, locksmiths simply suggest that doors, locks, latches and chains should be replaced every seven years anyway as a result of simple wear and tear.
Three in every four burglaries sees the thief gain access to the building via the front door; the main entry point that must be secured rigorously so as to offer zero encouragement to a casual burglar. However, when advising about security needs, other external doors and outbuildings such as sheds and garages must also be considered.
Depending on the location of the property, a multi-layered approach works best and offers the most robust security. The theory of multi-layered security is built from centuries of expertise in defence and security, stretching all the way back to the mediaeval period and the huge castles and hill forts that dominated the landscape. These massive installations utilised an effective multi-layered approach that included moats, trenches, barricades and large walls to deter intrusion.
For the modern homeowner, this translates as finding the right combination of locks, bolts and latches.
With one in every four break-ins involving lock snapping, the simple act of breaking the lock cylinder to open the door, at the heart of good ironmongery security will be a mortice lock. British Standard BS3621 rated mortice locks are what professionals recommend for front doors, meaning that they have been tested to withstand drill attacks and bolt attacks for at least five minutes and can withstand being kicked in. Look for those with an anti-pick mechanism, too.
Depending on the location of the property, a cylinder lock might also work for a front door. These are anti-snap, anti-bump, anti-drill and anti-pick locks.
In many instances, a single lock is sadly not enough so it is likely that secondary security will need to be discussed with rim locks, chains and bolts all offering further protection from intruders.
Windows are another vulnerable point in the home, where ironmongery accessories can protect and provide vital peace of mind. For example, window locks, restrictors and bolts are all to be recommended in addition to double or even triple glazing on all windows.
As noted previously, modern accessories now offer complimentary security to the traditional with remote cameras controlled by smartphones and doorbell cameras just two options that give the homeowner extra security protection.
Taken as a complete solution, the mix of robust ironmongery and a modern security camera will be the package that offers 100% peace of mind to the homeowner.
George Boyd has more than 170 years of experience in architectural ironmongery.
A version of this article appeared in the March edition of Professional Builders Merchant. Click here to see the full digital issue via the PBM website.
