NEWS


ERA celebrates 185 years in the security business


ERA, one of the UK’s leading home security and fenestration component providers, is celebrating its 185-year anniversary.


Founded by John Reynolds in 1838, ERA has grown from a one-man locksmith business in Fletcher’s Lane, Willenhall, to a national home security provider with more than 185 employees. The milestone is a reflection of ERA’s unwavering commitment to providing customers with the highest standards of product


innovation and service, whilst setting the benchmark for compliance and quality. The business’ continued success and growth is a testament to the hard work and dedication of its employees, with almost a third of the team enjoying over 10 year’s service. In the last 18 months alone, ERA has supported thousands of customers across the UK, supplying more than 42 million pieces of hardware from its extensive portfolio of mechanical


products, decorative furniture and its expanding range of smart security solutions. Helen Downer, President


of Tyman UK & Ireland, said: “Celebrating 185 years in operation is a significant achievement for the business and we are extremely proud to be recognising almost two centuries of success. Our longstanding focus on putting our customers and employees first has been the key to reaching this milestone.


“Also, at the centre of our business has been our commitment to innovation, and driving change that will shape the future of the industry. From introducing the first ever five- lever multipoint lock, to the


Southern Trident leads the way in environmental responsibility


Southern Trident has been at the forefront of environmental stewardship, establishing itself as a carbon-neutral company. All coir sourced by Southern Trident is Soil Association organic approved, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to sustainable and organic practices. As an early adopter and supporter of the Responsible Sourcing Scheme it joins the call for a more robust measurement of responsibility, consumer awareness and a focus on product quality, in short ensuring the growing media works and gives expected results.


The success of 2023 has been underscored by Southern


Trident’s triumph at Glee, where the company clinched the coveted ‘Growing Materials’ award for its innovative expanding Houseplant range. Furthermore, Southern Trident was recognised with the ‘Sustainability Award’ at Four Oaks, reinforcing the company’s commitment to offering products that not only resonate with consumers and retailers but also contribute positively to the environment. The company also won the ‘Garden Care Product of the Year’ at the 2023 DIY Week Awards.


Looking ahead to 2024,


Southern Trident continues the expansion of the world’s only carbon-neutral growing media,


Tradespeople struggling with green skills gap


Research from Kingfisher plc, owner of B&Q and Screwfix, has found tradespeople are seeing growing demand for projects to make UK homes ‘greener’ but many do not feel they have the skills needed to take on the jobs.


Over half of tradespeople have said they’ve noticed an increase


in requests from customers for jobs that will make their homes more sustainable, from installing a heat pump to water efficient bathroom fittings, over the past five years. However, almost one


the Harmony Gardens range. This step is a testament to Southern Trident’s unwavering dedication to sustainable practices and its commitment to growing this essential sector of the business and demand from garden centres for additional products in the range. Steve Harper, CEO at


in four (22%) feel they do not have the knowledge or skills to retrofit homes to make them greener. Fewer than one in five tradespeople know how to fit a solar panel (15%) or a heat pump (17%). More than one in four (28%) said a lack of government support for training was the reason why they felt they didn’t have the knowledge of skills to retrofit homes, while more than one in five (23%) said that they didn’t know where to look for information about green skills training. To ensure the UK has enough


Southern Trident, is excited about the company’s achievements, stating: “We continue to be humbled by the recognition of our products and the success of 2023. Our commitment to environmental responsibility has not only set us apart in the market but has also been acknowledged by prestigious awards. As we move into 2024, we are excited to expand our Harmony Gardens range, further solidifying our position as leaders in carbon- neutral growing media as well as the other sectors we trade in. Commercially our products sell, the new Houseplant compost is gaining rapid distribution in retailers large and small and flying off the shelves.”


tradespeople to help deliver its net zero targets, Kingfisher is proposing three policy areas where government could make a meaningful difference, as follows: Stronger career advice in schools to encourage young people to take up a trade career; hiring incentives to support SMEs in taking on, training and retaining apprentices; and cost of living support to ensure trade apprenticeships are financially viable for young people. Read more on this story and the latest industry news online at: www.diyweek.net.


New Travis Perkins branch set to create 14 jobs in Snetterton


Travis Perkins is opening a new branch in Snetterton at Ada Cole Avenue at the beginning of December. The new branch is set to


create 14 jobs, is 2.29 acres in size. As part of Travis Perkins’ commitment to minimise carbon emissions by 90% this site will include electric forklift trucks and electric charging points. These innovations will help to deliver


4 DIY WEEK NOVEMBER 2023


on its ambition of decarbonizing its fleet and becoming a net-zero carbon producer.


The new Snetterton branch will also include a brand new Benchmarx kitchen display showroom offering customers a wide range of high-quality kitchen ranges. It will also feature a brand new Travis Perkins Hire facility that allows customers to hire tools, plant


and equipment.


It will also include extensive stock holdings of bricks, lintels and timber.


Branch Manager, John Newell says about the new opening: “We’re really excited to be opening our doors to the tradespeople and builders of Snetterton, and our 14 strong team will do what matters for the trade. This branch will have


everything they need, when and where they need it, and will deliver them value, convenience and consistency in a sustainable branch. We’re looking forward to welcoming and supporting all of our new customers with choice, quality, and brilliant service day-in, day-out and offer a fantastic delivery and collection service that doesn’t compromise them on time.”


release of our TouchKey solution, to our progressive sustainability commitments, we have always been dedicated to working with our trade partners to create opportunities, meet demand and exceed expectations.”


Jewson branches taken over by Big Brew to support mental health in construction


More than 40 Jewson branches became hubs for mental health support earlier this month, as the builders merchant teamed with charity Band of Builders to host The Big Brew. Designed to raise awareness of mental health challenges in the construction industry, The Big Brew is an annual campaign which encourages tradespeople, installers and builders to come together over a cup of tea to support one another.


In total, 45 Jewson branches hosted a Big Brew, aiming to strike up conversations on the topic of mental health and promote the free and confidential counselling service that Band of Builders offers. This year, the event was held in conjunction with On The Tools, the UK’s largest online construction community in the UK, which found during recent research that 93% of UK tradespeople have been impacted by mental ill health in some way. The findings also showed that tradespeople are 26% more likely than workers in other industries to experience mental ill health, and that less than a third (32%) of employed UK tradespeople who have experienced mental ill health have access to free counselling or helplines from their employer.


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