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Archives for April 2016

GGF Supports Construction Marketing Awards

Events, News |

The Awards raise the profile of the industry’s marketing professionals and their achievements. Supported by The Chartered Institute of Marketing Construction Industry Group (CIMCIG) the awards are an invaluable opportunity for recognition.

James Lee, Head of GGF Group Marketing and Member of CIMCIG commented, “The Construction Marketing Awards offer a unique opportunity for marketing practitioners in the building industry to be rewarded for all their outstanding work. Given the prestige now attached to the Awards, I encourage all marketing professionals, companies and agencies in the glass and glazing industry to enter.”

The 2016 awards are now open for entries

Download Rules of Entry CMA 2016

New to the Construction Marketing Awards 2016 is a light-hearted competition for the Best Promotional Giveaway, with the winner voted for on the night of the Gala Awards Dinner. Find out how to enter here.

To review last year’s awards visit the CMA news area to read about the 2015 winners and view the 2015 shortlist of entries.

For more information visit the CMA website

 

Stephanie Bennett an Obituary

Membership News, News |

Staff and Members of the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) were saddened to hear of the recent passing of Stephanie Bennett after her long battle with health issues for many years.

Stephanie was very well-known in the glass and glazing industry and a special lady who inspired and supported many for over 20 years – firstly with Solaglas and more notably with Rankins Glass – one of the GGF’s earliest and longest standing Member companies.

Being a particularly pro-active GGF Member, Stephanie started off attending the Fire Resistant Glazing Group meetings, then going on to be vice-chair for the London Region for six years whilst also being part of the Marketing Communications Committee since the mid-1990s.

As Marketing Manager at Rankins, Stephanie displayed great energy, enthusiasm and solid organisation and planning skills. Working closely with owner Cliff Rankin, she launched/developed key industry events, which are still part of the industry’s calendar today.

The GGF Media Lunch and People in Glass (PIGS) came about because of an original event called “Champagne Charlies” which was organised by Stephanie and Cliff. This exclusive media event, invited all the key editors and publishers to discuss industry issues and new products over a few refreshments.

The annual Glassman’s Lunch, though started by Cliff Rankin was a great success because of the meticulous planning and strong promotion by Stephanie that has undoubtedly contributed to making it the annual fixture it is today. Alongside the Glassman’s Lunch, Stephanie also set up a unique social event called Women in Glass (WIGs) which was exclusively for the women in the glass and glazing sector. 

Stephanie’s son Patrick said, “She loved working in the industry and missed it dearly after she left. She was a passionate advocate of the women working in the industry and is why she set up WIGs (Women in Glass). We hope that some of her friends from her time in the glass industry can join us to pay their respects next week.” 

Stephanie leaves behind her husband, Stephen…children Emma and Patrick, and three grandchildren.

The GGF has sent its sympathies to Stephanie’s family at this sad time, the funeral arrangements are outlined below for those who wish to pay their respects.

Date: Tuesday, May 3rd.

Service:

Burial:

Wake:

 

GGF LAUNCHES NEW CONSERVATORY GUIDE

News, Politics |

 

 Launched on April 13th at The FIT Show at Telford International Centre by Russell Day, GGF Technical Officer and Mark Hanson, Chairman of the GGF Conservatory Association, the new Guide includes the latest up to date information reflecting the changes in the legislative and regulatory landscape.

 The history of the Guide goes back to February 2007 when the Conservatory Association, through their technical working party, originally produced this industry leading publication to provide a Good Practice Guide for companies selling, designing, specifying and installing Conservatories. This invaluable industry resource was revised in January 2012 as regulations and legal requirements changed. Throughout 2015, the Conservatory Association Technical working party worked consistently and meticulously to ensure the new Guide was launched in the first quarter of 2016.

 Russell Day commented, “Since 2012, there has been a modest increase in the number of glazed extensions being built, the proportion of standard, Building Regulation exempt conservatories now represents a significantly lower proportion of these structures. The new guide addresses the many issues and demands the industry is now experiencing such as the increase in non-exempt conservatories, conservatories with enhanced features to meet the aesthetic aspirations of homeowners and an increase in the number and complexity of structural Orangery type glazed structures.

 Mark Hanson added, “Consumers installing modern conservatories in their home now expect them to be everyday living spaces for throughout the year. I am pleased the GGF has revised the Guide to reflect the homeowners’ expectations and the legislative changes to incorporate a wider range of glazed structure requirements within the Guide.”

 The recent changes include;

  • Extending the permitted development rights in England and Wales and included additional Annexes to the guide addressing the issues relating to:

–       Building near to Sewers and Lateral drains owned by local Water Companies (found in Annex B of the new Guide). The GGF has also worked with Water UK, the Association representing water companies in England and Wales, to develop a procedure that will be adopted by all Water Companies to streamline the process of obtaining agreement to build near to the Water Companies assets.

  • Guidance for renovating an existing conservatory when replacing a glazed conservatory roof with a solid roof and the possible effects on the existing exempt nature of the conservatory (found in Annex C of the new Guide).

The new Guide will be sent in printed format to all GGF Members. In addition, the Guide will be available for free download from the Members Area of the GGF website and if extra printed copies are required Members will be able to order them at a special Members’ discount from the GGF shop https://shop.ggfmembers.com/. 

 

GGF Energy Savings Calculator Given Digital Refresh

News, Politics |

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has revamped its online Energy Savings Calculator, bringing the benefits of the latest technical data and a responsive, intuitive design to this powerful tool for consumers and industry alike.

The GGF Energy Savings Calculator makes it possible to calculate the potential energy savings a household could enjoy as a result of installing more energy efficient windows. The results provided include forecasted reductions in CO2 emissions, carbon usage and annual energy costs.

The original GGF Energy Savings Calculator (launched over 8 years ago) was consistently one of the most visited pages on the GGF website, where last year more than 100,000 consumers sought information on buying glass and glazing for their homes. The new calculator is now located on MyGlazing.com, the website designed by the GGF specifically for consumers.

As well as allowing homeowners to research their purchases and the effects of installing energy-efficient windows, the GGF Energy Savings Calculator is an excellent tool for GGF Members to use as part of the sales process.

The advantage of being able to show a homeowner a calculation based on their own home rather than a generic estimate is obvious however Members can show their customers how installing windows with different Window Energy Ratings (verified by BFRC) will change the ongoing future energy usage and cost savings to be had.

James Lee, Head of GGF Group Marketing commented, “If you deal directly with consumers, you can now use the consumer friendly calculator to show your customers approximately what their potential future savings could be as a result of upgrading their windows. The beauty of this new fully digitalized version is the speed and ease of its functionality. It is a vast improvement on the original and another digital tool that Members can use when communicating with homeowners.”

The GGF encourages all Member companies to use the GGF Energy Savings Calculator to show their customers the potential savings when installing energy-efficient windows. The GGF will soon be sending out information to Members on how they can link to the calculator direct from their website.

https://www.myglazing.com/ggf-energy-savings-calculator. 

 

GGF LAUNCHES NEW WINDOW AND DOOR GUIDE

News, Politics |

Launched at The FIT Show on 14 April by Michael Sulston, GGF Technical Officer this latest publication is an update of the 2011 version and is in response to the recent revision of the British Standard BS 8213-4: 2016 Windows and Doors –Part 4: Code of practice for the survey and installation of windows and external doorsets.

The new Guide has been re-designed and edited by a Technical Working Party of the GGF Window and Door Technical Committee. As well as complementing the British Standard, it reflects the feedback received from GGF members, along with the expertise of specialists covering all the elements of window surveying and installation including; window design, glazing components and hardware for both windows and doorsets.

Michael Sulston commented; “The Technical Working Party was very careful to ensure that the GGF document in no way contradicted the British Standard. To achieve this it has gone through a rigorous review allowing all sections of the home improvement sector to comment whilst the Technical Working Party continually monitored both the new guidance and Standard to ensure there was no conflicting information. The completed guidance is a true reflection of modern working practices rubber stamped by those that actually carry out such work.”

The GGF has also added important and helpful Good Practice Notes throughout the guide. Due to their protocols, the British Standards Institute (BSI) cannot include such notes within their publications.

This new revised edition also includes;

  • Updates relating to fixing techniques
  • Clearer insight on the requirements for enhanced security
  • The latest versions of the Approved Documents relating to the Building Regulations
  • The latest recommendations in the handling and removal of asbestos
  • Enhanced and clearer graphic illustrations, tables and diagrams

 

Steve Rice, GGF Director of Technical Affairs added, “These updates will make the GGF Good Practice Guide, the publication of choice for all issues relating to the survey and installation of replacement windows and doorsets in England and Wales. It is a welcome newly revised edition to the GGF’s library of technical publications.”

The new revised Guide is now available for free download from the Members Area of the GGF website https://www.ggf.org.uk/members.

Note on further changes:

The latest Guide may be subject to further revision in June/July in event of changes Following a recent Government (Department of Communities and Local Government) review of the position regarding Approved Document B guidance for replacement windows and the overall scope of the works to be covered. It is expected that the outcome of the review and the scope will be completed by 30th June 2016 and Government guidance will follow soon after.

Following the outcomes of the review, the GGF will make any necessary changes to the Guide and send a printed copy to every Member. If extra printed copies are required thereafter Members will be able to order them at a special Members’ discount from the GGF shop https://shop.ggfmembers.com/ in July/August. 

 

THE FIT SHOW JOINS GGF

Events, News |

Since the FIT Show was started up in 2012 (with the first show in 2013), the GGF has always supported the UK industry’s biggest trade show with promotion, technical support and sponsorship. In March this year, the relationship was strengthened further when the GGF and The FIT Show co-exhibited and supported each other at the Fensterbau Frontale exhibition in Germany.

Paul Godwin, Managing Director of The FIT Show commented, “The Fabricator Installer Trade Show – The FIT Show – has quickly become the recognised showcase for the window, door, glazing and conservatory industry and it was a natural progression for us to join the GGF, the recognised official body for the industry. We are privileged to be accepted and to enjoy a unique position alongside the other members that manufacture and install so many of the products represented at The FIT Show. We look forward to working with and supporting the GGF and its members.”

Andrew Glover, GGF President added, “It’s great to see such an important company joining the GGF. Following the work that FIT have been doing over the last few years, it’s a real asset to have them within membership. I look forward to welcoming them to the GGF Members’ meetings.”

Nigel Rees, GGF Group Chief Executive concluded, “We welcome The FIT Show into Membership and I am sure they will bring a lot to the Federation. We have worked with Matthew and Paul for many years long before the FIT Show started. It almost goes without saying that The FIT Show has been a huge success and the GGF has been both proud and pleased to have been part of it. We look forward to continuing our strong working relationship.”

 

GGF LAUNCHES NEW FIRE RESISTANT GLAZING VIDEO

News |

The video is now available to view online on the GGF website and visually shows the effects of why Fire Resistant Glazing should be used and just as importantly why it should be installed correctly.

Fire-resistant glass has been designed to protect lives and prevent fire damage to property and should be an important part of any building where there is a fire safety risk. Getting the specification and installation right is critical. Fire easily exposes any weaknesses. And risks simply must not be taken – as this new GGF video shows.

Kevin Hulin, Chairman of the GGF Fire Resistant Glazing Group, commented “The new video clearly demonstrates the potentially catastrophic effect when normal glazing is used instead of fire resistant glazing as part of a building’s fire prevention strategy. Fire resistant glazing systems that have been fire tested and third party accredited, provide cost effective protection for people’s safety and for buildings in the event of a fire breaking out.”

You can watch the new GGF video ‘Getting It Right vs. Getting It Wrong’ online https://www.ggf.org.uk/groups/fire-resistant-glazing-group/video

To find out more about the GGF Fire Resistant Glazing Group please visit the Group page https://www.ggf.org.uk/group/fire-resistant-glazing-group

GGF Training is currently running Fire Resistant Glazing Installer Training courses for installers of fire-resistant glazing, not to describe how to carry out glazing but to give an appreciation of why best practice aspects are particularly important. It provides glaziers with a risk-based approach for avoiding mistakes, in line with the latest legislation; and prepares them with the explanations required in describing to clients, and those responsible for buildings, why important aspects require particular care and consideration. 

To register your interest in attending a Fire Resistant Glazing course, please do not hesitate to visit the GGF Training website; https://www.ggftraining.com/training/fire-resistant-glazing-training . Specific details (dates, venues, costs, locations) can be found under the Course Search & Booking section with additional course dates and locations to be released shortly.

 

GGF GROUP FIT AND READY

Events, News |

The GGF Group is looking forward to The FIT Show at Telford Exhibition Centre next week with a packed schedule of promotional, educational and networking activity across all three days of the show.

Nigel Rees, GGF Group Chief Executive commented, “With an anticipated visiting audience of over 8000 visitors, we will be aiming to increase the profile of the GGF Group’s brands at the FIT Show. We are looking forward to a busy and exciting three days with new product launches, great networking opportunities and ongoing support for the show’s main features the Master Fitter Challenge and the Seminar Programme.”

The GGF Group will be promoting its four participating brands in Hall 3 on Stand 306. In addition, FENSA will be headline sponsor of the Master Fitter Challenge competition which dominates the entrance (foyer area) of the show and is a major feature of the show with the winner being announced at the FIT Show Gala Dinner – which will be attended by representatives from the GGF Group.  

The GGF Group presence will also be prominent within the FIT Show Seminar Programme with no less than 9 presentation slots which will feature the launches of; FENSA Window energy Ratings (WERS), the New GGF Conservatory Installation Guide, the redesigned and digitalized Energy Savings Calculator and the new GGF Window and Door Guide.

As well as new product launches, the GGF Group Seminars will also provide key information to help business on areas such as; Consumer Rights, Glazing in Conservation Areas, Installation of Conservatories, Windows and Doors, Building Regulations, Window Energy Ratings and much more.

As Headline Sponsorship of the Master Fitter Challenge (MFC) competition, FENSA will not only be actively promoting the benefits of FENSA and FENSA WERs throughout the first two days of the show in the MFC display area but will also be holding a special all day event in throughout the final day of the show. The “Save Money – Get it Right First Time!” promotion will show companies how much time and money they could save by ensuring they are working legally and to FENSA’s professional installation standards. This will take the form of;

The finished exhibits from MFC with storyboards outlining the building regulations and compliances.

A rolling PowerPoint presentation on a large plasma TV screen in the middle of the MFC area to promote FENSA and its portfolio.

Life size graphic of window and door graphic to illustrate safety glass/glazing

A Minimum Technical Competency information point and sign up at the end of the stand area to help companies/individuals sign up for the training and MTC qualification to ensure they “get it right first time”.

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 and GGF Training and the GGF can help your business.

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

To pre-register for The FIT Show please Register Here

 

GGF Launches National Competition on MyGlazing.com

News |

‘Window with a View’ is an online competition that invites the UK public to nominate and then vote for the UK’s best window with a view. The GGF is targeting consumers nationwide by inviting them to visiting to take a picture from a window that boasts a spectacular view and enter it into the competition onMyGlazing.com. The UK public will then have the chance to vote for their favourite image online, with the ultimate winner to be crowned the UK’s Best Window with a View.

The competition runs from March until September 2016 and will play out across three stages: a nominations round, a vote to decide regional winners, and a vote to decide the national champion.

After the nominations round closes, an esteemed judging panel made up of leading professionals from the architecture, design, tourism, journalism and photography industries will meet to choose four shortlisted entries from each UK region. Nominations will be judged on creativity, originality and the ‘wow factor’. After a public vote, the winner for each region will be announced in July 2016 and put forward to the national final. The UK’s Best Window with a View, once again voted for by the public, will be announced in September 2016.

By voting for their favourite entry at MyGlazing. com, members of the public will go in the draw to win some fantastic prizes.

How does this benefit GGF Members?

The GGF is investing in a large PR campaign based around the ‘Window with a View’ competition, aimed at boosting the number of visitors toMyGlazing.com, raising awareness of the site, and spreading the word about the benefits to homeowners of using a GGF Member company. We anticipate an increase in traffic visitingMyGlazing.com, and as a result a rise in the number of enquiries made to Members listed on the site.

James Lee, Head of Group Marketing and Communications, said: “This is a very exciting campaign for the GGF andMyGlazing.com. The expected press coverage from this competition should raise awareness of the GGF brand, the MyGlazing website and subsequently the GGF Members operating in the home improvement sector.”

The Window with a View campaign results and progress will be presented at GGF Members’ Day on 29th September at the Botanical Gardens in Birmingham.

 For more information on the Window with A View competition, visit www.myglazing.com/wwav or contact the Marketing Department on 020 7939 9128

Refresh PR commented: “MyGlazing is a fantastic free resource for homeowners to get glass and glazing advice, information and inspiration. Through the Window with a View competition, we’re aiming to boost awareness of the brand so consumers can familiarise themselves with the website’s offering and the services provided by the GGF. The Window with a View competition is a fun and interactive way to engage with the public while encouraging them to think about the benefits of modern, clear, energy-efficient glazing. Given the competition’s visual nature, it lends itself well to securing coverage and publicity across social media and other online channels, as well as in more traditional, print media.” 

 

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