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Archives for October 2017

GGF Looks Forward to ‘Special’ G17 Awards

Events, News |

As one of the main sponsors of the G Awards since it started, the GGF has no fewer than 17 reasons to look forward to this year’s showcase event

With 16 Members nominated as finalists and the GGF ending its own 40th Anniversary celebration with a special Lifetime Achievement Award, G17 promises to be a very special event.

James Lee, GGF Director of Group Marketing commented, “2017 has been a memorable year for the GGF with the Federation commemorating its 40th anniversary. We have held celebrations throughout the year at GGF and industry events, so it is fitting that the climax of our landmark year will take place at the G17 Awards with the GGF Lifetime Achievement Award.”  

With 16 GGF Member companies in the running for awards across all the categories it promises to be a truly special occasion for all connected to the Federation. 

James added, “We are delighted to see so many GGF Members nominated as finalists and it is a reflection of the high quality of our Membership. We wish them all the very best for G17.”

The GGF Members that have been shortlisted as finalists for the awards are as follows:

COMPONENT SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR

  • Edgetech
  • Mila

CONSERVATORY INSTALLER OF THE YEAR

  • SEH BAC

CUSTOMER CARE INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR

  • Everglade Windows
  • Glassolutions
  • Mila
  • SEH BAC

FABRICATOR OF THE YEAR

  • Glazerite UK Group
  • Roseview
  • Solidor

GLASS COMPANY OF THE YEAR

  • Fire Glass UK

INSTALLER OF THE YEAR

  • Sedgefield Windows
  • SEH BAC
  • The Window Company (Contracts)

NEW PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

  • Deceuninck
  • Synseal

 PROMOTIONAL CAMPAIGN OF THE YEAR – RETAIL

  • SEH BAC
  • Solidor

PROMOTIONAL CAMPAIGN OF THE YEAR – TRADE

  • Mila

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR

  • Synseal Group
  • VEKA

G17 UNSUNG HERO AWARD FINALISTS

  • Chris Lloyd, Saint-Gobain Glass
  • Danny Barnett, Solidor
  • Gabriela Hammond, VEKA
  • Melanie Jacobs, Glazerite

COMMERCIAL PROJECT OF THE YEAR

  • Glassolutions
  • Pilkington UK
  • Saint-Gobain Glass
  • The Window Company (Contracts)

The GGF wishes all Members nominated, the best of luck at the G17 Awards which takes place on 17 November at Park Lane Hilton. 

 

Glass Charter Progress for the Window Company (Contracts) Ltd

Membership News, News |

The Window Company (Contracts) Ltd has been recognised at Silver 3 level in the GGF GLASS Charter merit scheme

In 2016 The Window Company (Contracts) Ltd took part in the first group of audits against the GGF GLASS Charter. The culture of the business and the evidence provided clearly showed they were a company that recognised the clear link between safety of employees and customers with success.

They achieved Silver Level 2 at the first go, the highest level any Member of the GGF has reached the first time around.

The company have been keen to progress in the scheme and invited Phil Pinnington, GGF Director of Health and Safety, to conduct a further audit earlier this year. The audit identified that recommended improvements had been made from the previous visit and therefore in recognition of their sterling work the company was awarded Silver 3.

Phil Pinnington commented: “David and his team are excellent ambassadors for safety in the industry and it is highly likely they will be the first Member company to achieve Gold standard.”

David Thornton, MD of the Window Company Contracts added, “Everything around the GLASS Charter is positive for us – it helps to strengthen the Health and Safety culture which already exists here and it brings us positive recognition from our commercial clients. We’re now focused on the incremental improvements we need to achieve Gold and we’re excited by that challenge.”

About the GGF GLASS Charter merit scheme

In 2001 the glass industry took up the Government’s Revitalising Health and Safety Initiative. In partnership with both industry and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) the Glass and Glazing Federation launched the GLASS Charter (Goal; Less Accidents, Safer Sites). In 2016 the scheme was updated in line with the Health and Safety Executive’s 5 year strategy.

The merit scheme is open to all GGF Members no matter the size of business, sole trader to multi-national companies. The unique advantage is that it focuses on systems appropriate to the size and nature of the business whilst applying a set of common standards.

To find out more about GLASS Charter, you can download the GLASS Charter booklet.

Tower Bridge wins MyGlazing.com Window with a View award for 2017

News |

MyGlazing.com competition to celebrate window views and energy efficient glazing finds its winner in spectacular glass walkway high above the River Thames

At the end of September, voting closed in the national round of the MyGlazing.com Window with a View competition. With an outstanding shortlist made up of 11 finalists, including Cloud 23 in Manchester and Dolbadarn Castle in Wales, an incredibly close public vote revealed Tower Bridge in London as the winner of this year’s competition.

Despite some fierce competition from runners up The Lighthouse, Glasgow, and Emirates Spinnaker in Portsmouth, the stunning view from London’s Tower Bridge eventually took the national crown.

Tower Bridge’s Window with a View-winning glass floor is 11 metres long, 1.8 metres wide and made up of panels weighing 530kg each.

There’s one on each of the attraction’s high-level walkways, overlooking one of the most famous bridges in the world but also providing a spectacular bird’s eye view of London life from above the River Thames.

First ever Home with a View winner announced

New to this year’s Window with a View competition was the launch of Home with a View, allowing the public to submit a picture taken from inside a house. The competition allowed us to admire a range of spectacular images from inside UK homes.

The overall winner of the competition was ’Home on the Lake’ in Stratford Upon Avon which gave us a glimpse into a cosy family environment overlooking a beautiful lake – something we’re not all lucky enough to enjoy!

About the Window with a View competition

With the Window with a View competition, MyGlazing.com celebrates the UK’s most spectacular views and promotes the benefits of modern, clear and energy efficient glazing both in the home and out of it.

Since February, people working in and visiting tourist attractions and public buildings had been encouraged to submit photos of their favourite views through windows across the UK on MyGlazing.com.

A judging panel of industry experts from the worlds of architecture, tourism, photography and art then selected the four best views from each region, which went on to a final public vote to find the overall winner.

 

Smart Aluminium

Members News |

We are offering glazing solutions to both the Commercial and Domestic markets.Already we have completed projects using SMARTWALL Thermal shopfront screen and door system , and also SHOPLINE.

Contracts Manager / Estimator

Members News |

Peter Free is taking early retirement after a lifetime spent in the Glass & Glazing Industry . The job can be viewed on Indeed. Bootle Glass wish to thank Peter for his valuable contribution over the last 5 and a half years and wish him and his wife Carole a long and happy retirement.

Forty customers mark a decade with Edgetech

Members News |

Forty of Edgetech’s most valued customers are celebrating ten years of working with the Coventry-based warm edge experts.
As part of an event held earlier this year to mark a decade since Edgetech began manufacturing in the UK, the firm brought representatives from a number of long-standing customers to the stage to present them with a trophy commemorating their relationship.

A special video was also screened that saw Sales & Marketing Director Alan Fielder and Head of Marketing Charlotte Davies interview some of those customers, and learn more about how working with Edgetech has helped their business.

“Our relationship with Edgetech has been hugely beneficial to us,” commented Ian Sims of Double R Glass. “In the fifteen years we’ve been working with them, we’ve never once considered switching to an alternative spacer.”

David Laing of Cleartherm commented: “When I saw a fully-automated line using Super Spacer for the first time, I saw the future. This was in the US in 2006, and at the time we were still running a semi-automated line back home. After seeing that, it wasn’t long before we had a fully-automated line ourselves – and we’ve never looked back.”

Kevin Wheatman of Hurst Plastics commented: “Over the last decade, Edgetech has established itself and Super Spacer as market leaders – and that’s been a massive help to us as a business. Customers know and respect the Edgetech brand, and that means they have more confidence in our products as a result.”

Edgetech Managing Director Chris Alderson commented: “At Edgetech, we strive to build lasting, mutually supportive relationships with our customers – and we’re extremely proud that we can count so many successful businesses as loyal, long-term clients.

“It was fantastic to be able to celebrate those partnerships, and demonstrate our commitment to maintaining and deepening them in the years ahead.”

Watch the full customer interview video online on Edgetech’s website: https://www.edgetechig.co.uk/1815-2/

GGF Annual Report Shows Strength and Stability

News |

The GGF has released its Annual Report for the year ending 31st December 2016

The GGF Annual Report 2017 highlights the Federation’s outstanding financial performance in 2016 which was significantly boosted by the sale of the GGF’s offices in London Bridge and the subsequent relocation to Rushworth St, Southwark in October 2016.

Phil Pluck, GGF Group Chief Executive, commented: “The GGF now has considerable financial stability that will allow the Federation to continue to invest in the infrastructure and resources to improve our services for the benefit of the Membership.”

The GGF’s greatly improved support for consumer facing Members is also featured within the Report. In February 2016, the GGF gained approval from the Chartered Trading Standards Institute for its Consumer Code of Practice. On the back of this approval the GGF revamped its consumer support package with increased consumer protection, an improved conciliation service to help resolves disputes between GGF Members and consumers, plus the development of the award-winning consumer advice website MyGlazing.com.

The Report also underlines an outstanding year for the GGF Technical and Marketing departments. Throughout 2016 the GGF launched or revised over one third (45) of all its Technical publications. On the Marketing and PR front, GGF brand awareness levels reached new heights of over 33 million readership across print and online media.

Phil Pluck added: “The GGF is now in its strongest ever position, but we will not rest on our laurels as there’s always room for improvement. The Federation will continue to promote the highest standards to the industry, in the political arena and to consumers.”

John Agnew, GGF President concluded, “2016 was a year of transition for the GGF, but all the changes were made in the best interests of GGF Members. The Federation is now best placed to serve Members better than ever, to ensure they cope with the many challenges ahead.”

Download the Annual Report now from GGF Publications: GGF Annual Report 2017

The Lives of Two Brians

Membership News, News |

As the GGF celebrated the Federation’s 40th Anniversary at its annual Members Day, the occasion proved extra special for two long-serving GGF Members

Brian Baker (former GGF President and interim Chief Executive) and Brian Waldron (Chairman of the GGF Standards Committee) have been recognised for Outstanding Service to the Glass and Glazing Federation.

Brian Baker

Brian Baker started in the industry in 1979 with Solaglas and first engaged with the Federation in 1981. He has been intensively at the forefront of the GGF for the last 7 years and was arguably the most active GGF Member as Chairman on many specialist groups and committees. In one single year, Brian attended over 120 GGF meetings.

In 2009, Brian became a Member of the GGF Board and in 2014-15 was elected GGF President. In the second half of 2016, he was also acting President and Chairman of the GGF Board in preparation for the new President’s inauguration in 2017. Brian planned to retire at the end of 2016, but the GGF asked him to step in as interim Chief Executive until May 2017, when Phil Pluck was appointed the role. From major decisions as a Board Director to a having significant input into GGF technical publications such as the Safety and Security Glazing Good Practice Guide, Brian’s contribution across many facets of the GGF has been immense over the decades.

Brian Waldron

Brian Waldron’s commitment and service to the industry goes back almost 50 years to 1969 when he started with Pilkington Brothers Ltd in the Technical Sales Laboratory mainly on ‘glass strength’ testing and development of impact test methods. He was also involved in the ‘Mathews v Kember’ case. This started with testing safety products from all areas of the UK market. The objective being to ensure that the ANZI Z79.1 test methodology could be taken on for the classification of ‘flat safety glass and safety plastics’ in the UK market which became a British Standard in 1981.

Since then he has served on many GGF, British, European and International technical committees and is widely regarded as the global glass and glazing industry’s technical guru in particular on the safety glazing and standardisation.

Brian is the only individual in the GGF Membership who has been part of a GGF committee or specialist group since the Federation was formed 40 years ago. He has had an input into every GGF technical document that has ever been published and contributed to the very first GGF Glazing Manual in 1978. He is considered the foremost expert witness in the industry and is still going strong representing the GGF on international technical panels and chairing the GGF’s Standards Committee. Suffice to say that when he does decide to retire, he will be irreplaceable.

On receiving their awards both commented:

Brian Baker: “I had planned to retire a few years ago but when I am asked to help out, it seems I just can’t refuse. I would like to thank everyone for all their help over the years. I’m pleased to have played my part in the GGF and truly honoured to receive this award from the Federation.”

Brian Waldron: “I remember the GGF when it started in 1977, in small rented offices at Mount Row in Mayfair and I am pleased to have been part of its incredible success over the last 40 years. I will continue to be involved with the GGF as maintaining the highest technical standards is of paramount importance in our industry. I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of all those who have contributed to the GGF technical groups and committees.”

GGF launches new guide to the Planning Process for windows & doors in England

News, Politics |

New 24-page publication covering Planning requirements for window and door installation available as free download for GGF Members

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has published a new guidance booklet designed to help its Members understand and adhere to Planning requirements in England.

A Guide to the Planning Process and its effect on the Replacement of Windows and Doors in England gives an overview of the Planning System as it affects the installation of windows and doors in England (Scotland and Wales have separate regulations).

The publication includes an explanation of the Planning System, the principles guiding Planning decisions and the different types of Planning Permission.

It also addresses an important change of emphasis between the Planning Act of 1990 and the National Planning Policy Framework of 2012. The latter Act reflects a greater recognition of the need to ‘conserve’ rather than ‘preserve’ and to balance wider benefits of environmental, social and economic considerations when making decisions on heritage assets.

Additionally the guide features an easy-to-use flow chart for determining whether a homeowner already has Planning Consent to replace windows and doors through Householder Permitted Development Rights.

GGF Members can download this publication for free from the GGF website: A Guide to the Planning Process

GGF presents on fire resistant glazing at Fire Door Safety Week seminar

News, Politics |

The GGF was pleased to be involved with 2017 Fire Door Safety Week, with FRGG chairman Stephen Bond presenting on fire resistant glazing at the campaign’s Fire Door Safety seminar

The Fire Door Safety Week campaign, run by BWF Certifire, took place from 25 September to 1 October this year and the GGF was present at a special Fire Door Safety seminar held at The Build Centre in London on 28 September.

Stephen Bond of Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, chairman of the Fire Resistant Glazing Group (FRGG), gave an informative presentation about getting fire resistant glazing right. The key topics covered followed the consistent theme of Fire Door Safety Week including component performance, specification, compatibility, traceability, and certification.

Best practice for fire resistant glazing was discussed in detail to ensure that the correct glass, glazing seals, glazing beads, fixings and frame were fully compatible under the required fire conditions.  Further details can be found in the GGF Guide to Best Practice in the Specification and Use of Fire-Resistant Glazed Systems with some printed copies being available to those attending.

Stephen explained the different performance benefits of integrity and insulated fire resistant glazing and illustrated examples with video clips, one of which can be viewed on the GGF website.  The full range of smoke control, heat insulation and integrity performances are available to ensure the correct protection can be provided for people and property. Fire Door Safety Week also gave those attending time to ask questions about regulatory requirements and product performance.  These ranged from escape corridor requirements to the performance of non-fire rated glass types.

 

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