Access Control VS Cremone Bolts - 30-1 Years in...

Louise Frost, Search Manager at Door Controls Direct, a trusted provider of comprehensive door control solutions, sits down with their Managing Director, Gary Hewitt, to discuss the evolving world of safety and security.

This might be a little early, but 2025 will mark Gary’s 30th year in the architectural ironmongery industry. Why wait for the future when the present is full of insights? Let’s dive in now—30 years, 1 year at a time.

Gary and I have known each other since 2010. In those 14 years, how has the safety and security landscape changed? And where does Door Controls Direct stand compared to the days of Oasis vs. Blur, Terry Venables, and Euro ’96 football fever?

Also, what's next? With the company gaining momentum, what’s the new big thing driving the future of door hardware, physical security, and passive fire protection? Keep reading to find out.

L: Tell me about your journey in our industry to date.

G: It was 1995, I had just married and moved from a builder’s merchant to an architectural ironmongers’ trade counter in Yeovil. Back then, brown smocks hung on pegs, and vintage joinery tools were on display. There was a deep heritage in the industry, but things have changed a lot over the years.

The trade counter was the best place to learn. Hands-on experience, building knowledge, serving your time. Four years and a Guild diploma later, I moved upstairs to the specification department. A1 plans, architect calls, and faxes—seeing projects come to life before your eyes was exciting.

Back then, everything was knowledge-led. Manufacturers invested in training, and I worked closely with locksmiths on master key systems. As someone who's been around a while, I feel that personal touch and bespoke approach has faded over time.

With my silver award diploma and solid understanding of sales and specification, I moved into management. Through various roles, I became a director in 2016 and Managing Director in 2018. The traditional path was slow, but it worked. Now, the challenge is how to speed up the process without losing quality.

Knowledge is everything in this industry—and at Door Controls Direct. It's the foundation of everything we do.

L: What are the challenges now compared to what they used to be?

G: The focus used to be on security—master key systems, door hardware, and locking mechanisms. Now, safety is top of mind. People rely on us to keep them safe, and that’s become a bigger priority than ever. We haven’t lost sight of security, but it’s now layered with safety solutions.

L: You’re leading a business through tough times—recession, pandemic, cost-of-living crisis—what keeps you up at night?

G: My main concern is the team. Their development, retention, and wellbeing. If they aren't passionate and eager to grow, we can’t achieve our goals. We want to create a supportive environment where people thrive.

Outside the company, supply chain issues remain a problem. Plus, the rise of AI-generated misinformation is a growing threat. We need to ensure our customers get accurate, reliable information to protect people and premises.

Other concerns include government budget cuts and unclear regulations. Without strong guidelines, it’s hard to provide the right solutions. But our team is ready to help if the framework is there.

L: How are you setting the company apart in the industry?

G: We're going digital-first. This isn’t just marketing jargon—it’s our strategy. By hiring a Marketing Director and investing in SEO, brand, and digital content, we're modernizing a traditional sector. Our edge is not just products, but our knowledgeable team and customer-focused approach.

L: What’s the focus for the future?

G: Knowledge is still key, but so is our brand. We’re building on our 100-year legacy while embracing digital growth. With rising construction insolvencies, we’re focused on long-term relationships with customers, suppliers, and staff to stay resilient.

L: What’s the best advice you’ve received or would pass on to someone?

G:

• Do more of what you enjoy.
• Work with people you like.
• Stay focused on your goals.
• Don’t take work home with you.

Past, present, and future. Thank you, Gary, for sharing your journey, thoughts, and vision for the future of Door Controls Direct.

A final word from Gary: The industry is changing fast, and many companies are trying to be everything to everyone. But that’s not sustainable. At Door Controls Direct, we’re focusing on what we do best—door control solutions, with knowledge and reliability at the core.