As we move into the warmer months, it’s not surprising that security becomes a key focus for trade professionals, as statistics show that burglars ramp up activity during the spring and summer months, experiencing a 10% increase in domestic burglaries*.

As a result, understanding the latest security legislation is paramount and merchants need to be practical about stocking quality and reliable products to anticipate and satisfy the increased demands from their customers.

Here’s how stocking British Standard products can help you to lock in security sales this summer.

The most common standards for door and window security include PAS 24, BS 3621, TS007 and TS008. To achieve accreditation, products are tested for weather tightness, endurance and security to form part of the BSI’s standards for maximum security.

Stocking British Standard door hardware such as cylinders, handles and hinges, lets your customers know that they are getting reliable products that will stand the test of time and meet government requirements.

This, in turn, should reduce the number of call outs for clients. Additionally, merchants should make their customers aware that having British Standard hardware fitted can reduce homeowners’ insurance premiums by up to 5%, making it a worthwhile investment to save money.

Offering British Standard door and window furniture also provides merchants with the opportunity to upsell additional products to meet the maximum security standard and make properties as protected as possible. For example, if a customer is buying a cylinder lock, why not suggest a new cylinder pull and handle to accompany the door set and achieve a higher level of security.

Lastly, approved Document Q, the latest addition to the Building Regulations, represents the first time that security has been legislated for by the state. Security is being brought to the forefront of the industry and it’s important that merchants advise and encourage customers to purchase compliant products.

PAS 24:2016 covers the enhance security performance requirements for doorsets and windows, and is the primary reference in Approved Document Q. Having a consistent security standard makes it easier for merchants to provide customers with information about compliant hardware, as well as delivering a clear standard when it comes to security. This makes the specification process much more straightforward and time effective, and merchants should urge trade professionals to stock compliant products as part of their upsell.

Having standard compliant security products is a necessity for properties, and therefore provides merchants with a number of opportunities to sell to a wide range of markets including: local authorities, specifiers, homeowners, house builders and housing associations.

*Halifax Insurance

Hannah Adkins is marketing executive for security specialist, Yale.