Archives for February 2016

GGF Welcomes New President

At the biennial event, in front of 100 guests made up of GGF Members, industry dignitaries and GGF Group employees, Giles Willson, GGF Managing Director presented an overview of the GGF infrastructure and some history of the GGF Presidency before introducing Brian Baker, GGF Immediate Past President, who then welcomed Andrew as the new President of the GGF.

On becoming GGF President, Andrew commented, “I am pleased to accept the role of President of the GGF. It’s been an organization that I have always fully supported since I joined as a Member over six years ago. It’s both an honour and privilege and I will be doing my best to help our Members over the next two years.”

Nigel Rees, GGF Group Chief Executive added, “We are delighted Andrew is now President and he follows in a long line of very committed and exemplary GGF Presidents. In the last two years, our immediate past President Brian Baker helped steer the GGF through tough times and his input was considerable on many fronts. Andrew has a hard act to follow but I am more than confident he can help the GGF move forward.”

Giles Willson, GGF Managing Director commented, “I am looking forward to working with Andrew over the next few years. There are some testing times ahead with our political campaigning and forthcoming legislation. However, there’s also some very exciting times coming up with the GGF’s 40^th anniversary celebrations next year and in the summer this year, the GGF is moving to a new building with state of the art meeting facilities. As President, I am sure Andrew will contribute a lot to these major projects and many more.”

Immediate Past President, Brian Baker of Glassolutions said, “I wish Andrew all the very best in his new role. I have no doubt his industry knowledge and passion for the GGF will drive the Federation through the challenges facing companies in our industry.”

Andrew summarised, “This has been a memorable occasion and I’d like to thank Members, GGF Staff, and the trade media for coming to the President’s Reception. I can assure everyone that being a hands-on person, I will be attending as many GGF meetings as I can across the UK to listen to Members views and concerns. As the GGF Group grows, I’ll also be looking for opportunities to increase and improve the benefits and services for our Members. I am looking forward to helping the GGF, its Members and the industry during my tenure as President.”

Pyroguard on fire in 2016

Members News | 23.02.16

Pyroguard announces exciting changes at the company with the recent appointment of Neil Tilsley as Chief Executive, who joined the company on 1st January 2016, and a major investment programme into manufacturing facilities in the UK and France.

Neil brings a wealth of experience in the manufacturing and construction engineering sectors and has previously held commercial and general management roles with organisations including Abloy UK, NG Bailey and most recently Polypipe Ventilation, where he oversaw a period of significant growth including three strategic acquisitions.

Neil’s appointment coincides with the completion of a >£1m investment programme into its manufacturing facilities in Haydock, UK and Seingbouse, France. This investment has included new resin mixing equipment and a semi-automated racking system at the UK site and delivers further improvements to the company’s cuttable fire glass products in terms of improved processability, tighter thickness tolerances and improved optical performance.

Commenting on his appointment and the investment activity, Neil said: “Pyroguard is a leading brand in the fire rated glazing sector, with a team with a wealth of technical knowledge and a first rate customer service. I look forward to leading the company through a period of further investment for growth, building upon our market-leading product portfolio and excellent customer relationships to increase our share of the global fire resistant glass market.”

Triple Passive House Certification for Edgetech UK

Members News | 16.02.16

Edgetech UK, the leading voice for energy efficient windows, has been accredited with Passive House certification for three of its Super Spacer® products, reflecting its total commitment to energy performance in buildings. Super Spacer Premium has been certified with the Passive House Institute’s best available energy efficiency class stamp of phA+ whilst Super Spacer TriSeal/T-Spacer Premium and Super Spacer TriSeal/T-Spacer Premium Plus have both been accredited with phA standard. All three of Edgetech’s spacer bars significantly exceeded the required minimum specific edge resistance and were certified for the Arctic climate component efficiency class stamp, as well as for all climate zones with lower demands. Alan Fielder, Sales & Marketing Director at Edgetech UK said: “I’m delighted to hear that the Passive House Institute has recognised that these spacer bars are eligible for use under the Passive House standard – a simple approach to building super energy efficient homes.” While Passive House only accounts for a small percentage of buildings in the UK, many more developers and specifiers look for products that offer top thermal efficiency. The Passive House Institute also considers hygiene when certifying spacer bar components. By reducing condensation and maintaining comfortable humidity levels, Super Spacer can virtually eliminate the potential breeding ground for mould growth and associated health problems. Super Spacer’s qualities have made it popular for hospitals and medical facilities all over the world. Alan continues: “This acknowledgement from the Passive House Institute further secures Edgetech’s place as the leading voice for energy efficient windows.”

GGF RESPONDS TO VAT CONSULTATION

Legislation, News, Politics | 08.02.16

The GGF’s response on behalf of its Membership outlined concerns regarding the absence of energy efficient glazing in the list of energy saving materials for the reduced rate of 5% VAT. The GGF also urged the UK Government to bring its reduced rates in line with the provisions of a European Directive which permits EU countries to apply reduced rates for “provision, construction, renovation and alteration of housing, as part of a social policy”.

Giles Willson, GGF Managing Director commented, “Replacement windows and doors have not previously been included within the reduced VAT rate despite being vital energy saving products which could legitimately qualify under the criteria described in the European Directive. It is time for the UK Government to comply with EU legislation and to appreciate the importance of energy efficient glazing in the broad economic, social and environmental context.”

The GGF’s response also listed considerations for HMRC to include in the any forthcoming changes to VAT on energy saving materials including;

Provision for a whole house approach to energy saving materials being used to make properties energy efficient.
That the primary reason for replacing windows and doors is now for improving energy efficiency (43% – source Palmer Research Report 2014).
The GGF Membership estimates a growth of 20% in the sector if 5% VAT is awarded. This would be a significant boost to a sector which has been steadily declining since 2002.

To support the response the GGF provided an estimate of the financial impact to the Treasury if windows and doors were to be included in the reduced VAT category and drew comparisons with the increase in other areas of taxable revenue.

The GGF also cited projected market statistics from the Palmer Research Report and highlighted the popularity of the Green Deal pilot which showed that 85% of over 2000 homeowners sampled in 2012 wanted energy efficient glazing.

Should the VAT rate for installation of windows and doors in the domestic sector be reduced to 5%, the GGF has offered to work with Government to develop suitable guidance and training for the industry sector to implement the change within the short timescale and to avoid any confusion in a sometimes complex supply chain.

Giles Willson concluded, “We have collaborated for the last six weeks with our Members, other industry bodies and GK Strategy our political advisors before submitting this response. Our messages are clear and we are willing to meet with officials from HMRC to help them plan a smooth implementation of our proposals should they be included in the policy changes.”

The outcome of the consultation and any changes to the Government’s VAT policy are likely to be released in the summer with any changes being included in the Finance Act in Autumn 2016. Meanwhile the GGF will continue to work with Members, other construction industry trade bodies and Government departments to try and enforce change.

GGF GROUP FIT SHOW SEMINARS

Events, News | 08.02.16

The GGF Group is delighted to announce that it will be presenting on seven different topics covering nine presentation slots over the three days of the show.

Giles Willson, GGF Managing Director commented, “It’s a particularly strong line up of speakers at this year’s FIT Show seminars covering a broad range of subjects. We are once again happy to present at the UK industry’s largest trade show.”

THE GGF GROUP SPEAKERS AND TOPICS

Day One. 12 April – Show Opens 10am – 5pm

10:30-11:00

FENSA demystifies MTCs and the Building Regulations

Dave Mechem,
FENSA

14:45-15:15

Glazing in Conservation Areas
Alan covers the key issues that glazing companies face when installing modern windows in conservation areas.

Alan Burgess,
Chairman,
GGF Heritage Products Group

15:15-15:45

Consumer Issues
Brian demonstrates how the GGF is making it easier for companies to deal with consumers.

Brian Smith,
GGF Director of Home Improvement

Day Two. 13 April – Show Open 10am – 5pm

10:30-

11:00

A simple guide to FENSA PAYG for infrequent installers

Tim Lowin,
FENSA

12:10-12:40

Consumer Issues
Brian demonstrates how the GGF is making it easier for companies to deal with consumers.

Brian Smith,
GGF Director of Home Improvement

15:00-15:30

The NEW GGF Conservatory Guide for Installers
Russell and Mark present the new GGF Conservatory Guide which covers all the very latest developments, legislation and products in the conservatory market.
This seminar will also include a free copy of the new GGF Conservatory Guide for UK Installers and Specifiers worth £150.

Russell Day,
GGF Technical Officer

Mark Hanson,
GGF Conservatory Association Chairman

Day Three. 14 April – Show Open 10am – 4pm

10:30-11:00

Consumer Issues

Brian demonstrates how the GGF is making it easier for companies to deal with consumers.

Brian Smith,
GGF Director of Home Improvement

12:10-12:40

The NEW GGF Energy Savings Calculator
Giles presents an exciting new GGF product that will be part of a new suite of digital tools for installers

Giles Willson
GGF Managing Director

12:45-13:15

Here’s how simple it is to get Energy Rated Windows & Doors in your own name!

Dr. Gary Morgan
BFRC

The FIT Show Seminar programme is developed by industry experts and focuses on key issues of the day that affect window, door and conservatory businesses in the real world. The objective of every seminar is that delegates will leave armed with knowledge and information that they can put to work the minute they leave the theatre.

The seminars may be Free to attend but they offer huge value for every delegate. Regulations, finance, market conditions, business advice, sales tips, installation advice – a huge range of subjects will be covered once again, presented by carefully chosen experts in their own field.

Seminars are free to attend to registered visitors to the Show, please register your attendance here and simply indicate which seminars you plan to attend.

The full programme and profiles of the speakers can be found on the FIT Show website https://www.fitshow.co.uk/seminars

VISIT THE GGF GROUP AT THE FIT SHOW

If you are going to The FIT Show, feel free to visit the GGF Group Stand in Hall 3, Stand 306 where you can find out how the GGF Group brands including FENSA, BFRC, GGFi and the GGF can help your business.

THE MASTER FITTER CHALLENGE SPONSORED BY FENSA

In addition, FENSA is sponsoring one of the main features of The FIT Show, The Master Fitter Challenge competition. This year it is taking place on the first two days of the show in the Atrium/Foyer area of the Telford Exhibition Centre. The entry date for companies has now passed with the finalists being selected in the next few weeks. The winners will be announced at The FIT Show Gala Dinner on the evening of Wednesday 13^th April.

The FIT Show promises to be yet another special event in the industry’s calendar. A showpiece of the industry’s finest companies and the GGF Group is delighted to be involved across many of the key features of this award winning exhibition.

Sentencing Council Introduces Changes To Penalties For Health And Safety Convictions

Health, Safety and Environment, News, Politics | 05.02.16

The Sentencing Council has now issued new guidelines for health and safety offences and corporate manslaughter which came into force from Monday 1 February 2016. The introduction marks a significant change in penalties for companies who are found guilty of Health and Safety breaches.

Practioners and legal experts in the field of Health and Safety agree that the guidance will improve consistency and fairness and lead to better informed and proportionate sentencing decisions. Companies convicted of serious breaches of health and safety law will find it could have a significant financial impact to their business.

In these new guidelines the courts will now be required to not only take into consideration the turnover of the organisations involved but also the culpability and the harm (risk and actual) in making their decisions. A comprehensive list of tables for offences which specify in detail the starting points and maximum penalties permitted has been published.

Many Health and Safety professionals in the industry have attempted to measure how cases prosecuted in 2015 would be judged under the new system. It is clear that, in cases against organisations with considerable turnover, the financial impact would have been high and potentially damaging. Cases in 2015 where penalties of £300,000 were handed down would now under the new guidelines, attract fines of millions of pounds.

Phil Pinnington, GGF Health, Safety and Facilities Manager, “At this early stage it is very difficult to gauge the full impact of these changes to companies in our industry, however the GGF Health and Safety Committee, which is due to meet next week will discuss and evaluate the possible impact and will shortly produce an assessment along with any additional guidance that may be required. The GGF will publish the Committee’s analysis in due course.”

To read the Sentencing Council’s guidelines to these changes please click here https://www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/HS-offences-definitive-guideline-FINAL-web.pdf

Express Glazing on the railways

Members News | 03.02.16

Please see news about Express Glazing and GGF in article on pages 66 to 68 in February 2016 publication of Railway Strategies at https://issuu.com/schofieldpublishingltd/docs/railway_strategies_issue_126_februa/68

Our comprehensive list of member services

GGF Welcomes New President

Pyroguard on fire in 2016

Triple Passive House Certification for Edgetech UK

GGF RESPONDS TO VAT CONSULTATION

GGF GROUP FIT SHOW SEMINARS

Sentencing Council Introduces Changes To Penalties For Health And Safety Convictions

Express Glazing on the railways

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Archives for February 2016

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