Welcome to ‘Making An Entrance Weekly’

Welcome to the very first edition of Making an Entrance Weekly — your go-to source for insights, trends, and conversations shaping the world of doors, hardware, entrance solutions, and access systems.

I’m Steve Dickinson, a 30+ year veteran of the entrance solutions industry. I've led turnarounds and successful businesses in this field - learning every single time that success demands alignment around clear narratives, from board room to shop floor.

In 2025, I founded Brighter Futures Podcasting, and I host the Making An Entrance podcast, which delivers insightful conversations with leading industry players. Please check out my profile for more details and links to the podcast.

If you’re reading this, you’re likely part of the vibrant global community that designs, manufactures, installs, specifies, or advocates for the products that literally open doors to safety, security, efficiency, and style in our built environment.

Whether you’re running a dealership in Birmingham, Boston or Bochum, leading innovation at a major manufacturer, specifying for large-scale projects, or simply passionate about how entrances impact everyday life, this newsletter is for you.

Why “Making an Entrance Weekly”?

Every building tells a story — and the entrance is its first chapter. In an industry that’s evolving faster than ever, we need a space to explore what’s next: smarter access, more sustainable materials, stronger security, and the policies that affect us all.

This weekly newsletter and my Making an Entrance podcast will work in tandem to deliver:

•  Fresh industry news and market updates

•  Deep dives into emerging technologies (think AI, smart doors, biometrics, and IoT integration)

•  Spotlights on sustainability, energy efficiency, and green building trends

•  Profiles of innovators, trade associations, and real-world projects

•  Thought-provoking discussions on global challenges and opportunities

•  Practical tips for professionals navigating regulations, supply chains, and client expectations

All delivered straight to your LinkedIn feed in bite-sized, informative editions.

The Industry We’re Entering Together

The global windows and doors market (including hardware and entrance solutions) is on a strong upward trajectory. Recent estimates place the sector at around USD 200–250 billion in 2025, with projections showing steady growth — often in the 4–6% CAGR range through the 2030s — driven by urbanization, infrastructure booms (especially in Asia-Pacific), renovation waves in mature markets, and rising demand for high-performance, energy-efficient products.

More specifically, I'll typically be focusing on the automatic entrance solutions segment (including fire and security doors) which I regard as the most relevant match for “entrance solutions", as it emphasises modern, tech-enabled access — and it’s valued in the USD 20-25 billion range.

Key forces shaping 2026 and beyond include:

• Sustainability at the forefront — energy-efficient materials, low-carbon manufacturing, and compliance with tightening building codes worldwide.

• Smart integration — from app-controlled locks and automatic operators to AI-enhanced security and seamless smart-home connectivity.

• Security & accessibility — heightened focus on fire-rated systems, touchless solutions, and inclusive design.

• Global supply chains & trade — navigating tariffs, material costs, and international standards in an interconnected world.

These trends are exciting — but they also highlight a shared reality: many of the biggest opportunities and challenges cross national borders.

A Stronger Global Voice — Building on What Works

Our industry is already well-served by outstanding trade associations. In North America, groups like DASMA, IDA, BHMA, and WDMA set standards and drive education. In the UK, the DHF and ADSA champion safety and quality. Europe benefits from the BVT in Germany, ARGE (for locks and hardware) and EuroWindoor. Similar dedicated bodies exist in Australia, China, India, and beyond.

These organisations excel at local and regional advocacy, certification, and member support — work that’s irreplaceable.

Yet as supply chains globalise, regulations harmonize (or clash), and sustainability goals align internationally, there’s growing potential for even greater collective impact.

Imagine a collaborative framework — perhaps a federation-style alliance inspired by ARGE’s successful European model — where national and regional associations voluntarily come together on cross-border issues: influencing global standards bodies, responding to trade policies, sharing best practices on smart tech and green innovation, and amplifying our sector’s voice in international forums.

In light of the worldwide political focus on tariffs - which has intensified dramatically in 2025, and shows no signs of easing in 2026 - a collaborative global framework for our industry has become more important than ever.

This isn’t about replacing anyone — it’s about giving existing industry experts a bigger platform, reducing duplication on global matters, and ensuring the entrance solutions industry is heard as one powerful, unified force when it counts.

This isn't just about defence; it's about turning these global challenges into opportunities for a more resilient, globally competitive sector.

In an era where trade policies can shift overnight, speaking with one amplified voice ensures our industry's priorities are heard and protected - for the benefit of manufacturers, installers, specifiers, and end-users everywhere.

I’d love to hear your thoughts: Do you see value in stronger global coordination? What cross-border challenges keep you up at night? Reply to this post or drop me a message — let’s start the conversation.

What’s Coming Next

In future editions and podcast episodes, expect spotlights on:

•  The rise of smart entrance systems in 2026

•  Sustainability success stories from around the world

•  Interviews with association leaders, innovators and international project specialists

•  Quick regulatory updates affecting exports/imports/safety

Thank you for subscribing — your support means the world, as we launch this journey together.

Here’s to making a stronger entrance solutions industry, one edition at a time, one podcast at a time.

Best regards,

Steve

Founder | Brighter Futures Podcasting

P.S. If you haven’t already, hit that Subscribe button (or share this with a colleague who should be in the loop). The more voices in the room, the richer the discussion.