Two of HOPPE UK’s door hardware experts have received recognition this year from the Institute of Architectural Ironmongers (IAI).

Andy Matthews, HOPPE UK’s head of sales for UK and Ireland, was awarded the IAI’s most prestigious accolade – the IAI Fellowship Award – for 2016. Mr Matthews was praised for his tireless work championing the value of IAI membership, and in particular promoting the Registered Architectural Ironmonger (RegAI) qualification.

RegAI is a significant and meaningful qualification, which must be renewed every year. Registered Architectural Ironmongers are required to demonstrate the highest possible standards of education and professionalism, and must prove they are fully up-to-date with industry standards, regulations and legislation. HOPPE UK is one of the most qualified hardware manufacturers and suppliers, with five RegAIs in the company, all of whom help to improve door and window hardware specifications and add value to HOPPE’s services to the market.

Mr Matthews is a professional sales manager who has worked in the architectural ironmongery industry for nearly 30 years and has been part of the HOPPE sales team for almost 10 of those. He became national chairman of the IAI in 2011 and took the organisation forward, revitalising the national AGM and receiving the Guild of Architectural Ironmonger’s (GAI) Award for Services to the Institute at the end of his tenure in 2013. He currently serves on the Guild’s executive committee.

Karen Nelson is also one of HOPPE’s RegAIs and is business development manager at HOPPE with specialist expertise in hinges. She has 15 years’ experience in the industry and has been with HOPPE for a year.

Ms Nelson has now also been appointed as chairman of the IAI’s Midlands branch.

Although this is one of the Institute’s most active and well-supported branches, Ms Nelson has strong ambitions to increase the number of qualified architectural ironmongers attending its meetings and maintaining CPD to gain RegAI status. She also intends to grow the branch’s charitable fund-raising efforts. Over the last few years, IAI Midlands branch members have raised almost £1,000 to support the YETGA Theatre School.

Ms Nelson said: “HOPPE provides huge support to the IAI and the GAI, and encouragement to me, Andy and others in the business who want to give something back to the industry.”