Archives for September 2018

GGF Group company Borough IT has launched a new part of its website aimed at keeping its clients informed and entertained – Rob’s Blog, written by the company’s own Rob Saunders.

Rob’s Blog is to be a fortnightly platform for Borough IT Business Development Manager Rob Saunders. The new column will offer a fresh perspective on Borough IT’s communications as Rob sharing opinions, hints, guidance and even some of his leisure pursuits.

On launching his new blog, Rob commented, “I am excited about this new way of communicating with our customers and any potential customers. As it is informal, expect the unexpected!”

In his first blog entry, Rob shares his experience of GGF Members’ Day, unveils the new Borough IT electronic brochure and there’s also a bit of fun – in the Bonus Ball Game where you can win an Amazon Echo Dot.

Visit: Rob’s Blog on the Borough IT website

The Glass and Glazing Federation is delighted to welcome the following companies into GGF Membership.

Jewel Windows Limited

The Jewel Windows team are experts in the installation of double glazing, conservatories & roofline products. The experienced & reputable company is based in Ash Vale, Surrey and has been supplying quality double glazing in the local area for many years.

> jewelwindows.co.uk

High Level Maintenance Solutions Limited trading as Cheshire Glassmasters

High Level Maintenance Solutions Limited trades as Cheshire Glassmasters and is located in Withington, Manchester.

> enquiries@cloudywindowreplacement.co.uk

Join the Glass and Glazing Federation

GGF Membership consists of companies from all glass and glazing sectors and we welcome all types of companies including those that are suppliers to the industry.

> Learn more about GGF Membership

The GGF has launched two new training programmes for installers and surveyors with a particular focus on quality delivery.

In recent years there has been a view in the industry that the quality of finish has been in decline. Indeed, a high proportion of the conciliation cases brought to the GGF relate to the lack of quality in all its aspects.

This is costly for the business in putting things right for the customer and in the loss of reputation and referrals. It is therefore essential that training solutions are in place to provide both GGF Members and Non Members the opportunity to enhance their skills with a focus on quality of workmanship and finish.

To this end the Glass and Glazing Federation has launched two new training programmes aimed at glazing professionals who already have some experience in the sector but wish to hone their skills with a particular focus on quality delivery.

GGF training for installers and surveyors

As is to be expected of training delivered by the GGF, the focus of our new Installer Training and Surveyor Training courses is quality delivery, customer satisfaction and a professional approach to business.

The course outlines are based on a modular programme and will be delivered by a GGF industry expert. Installer training is delivered over one or two days depending on the level of detail required, while surveyor training is delivered over one day.

Alternatively, individual ‘top up’ modules can be selected in areas where there are identified skills gaps. With a maximum of 12 delegates per course, we are now taking bookings for what we expect to be popular courses.

[one_third]

[/one_third]

[two_third]

“When it comes to customer satisfaction it makes sense to get it right first time and to be confident and proud of your service delivery.

Our new training courses are a great opportunity for employers to ensure their installers and surveyors receive specific training in quality delivery.”

Richard Hearn, GGF Head of Membership and Training

[/two_third]

[full_width]

As the leading trade association for the glass and glazing industry the GGF aims to develop, monitor and maintain standards and professionalism within the sector.

With this in mind, the Federation is constantly looking for new training methods to help further skills and knowledge for people who work in the glass and glazing industry.

GGF Member discounts & exclusive accreditation

While GGF Installer and Surveyor Training is open to all current and aspiring glazing professionals, GGF Members will benefit from preferential pricing representing a 57% discount on Non Member rates.

GGF Members also have the exclusive opportunity to progress towards the GGF Quality Mark – participation in the GGF Installer Training 2 day programme or GGF Surveyor Training course provides the opportunity to progress towards GGF Quality Installer or GGF Quality Surveyor status.

> View course information, learning outcomes and dates
> Register online via Eventbrite

[/full_width]

The Glass and Glazing Federation is pleased to announce Kevin Buckley has accepted the permanent position of GGF Group Chief Executive.

The news should be welcome to GGF Members as it confirms the stability and long term commitment the GGF Board has made, to ensure the Federation moves forward in the right direction with a permanent and experienced leader heading up the organisation.

John Agnew, GGF President commented, “On behalf of the GGF Board and the Members, I would like to congratulate Kevin in his new permanent role and I have no doubt he will continue the sterling work he has done for the GGF Group over the past year. We all look forward to him leading the GGF and our subsidiary companies on to greater achievements for the benefit of all connected to the Federation.”

With close to thirty years’ senior management experience, Kevin has been instrumental in growing and developing international companies such as technology and telecoms giant NEC and in various strategic and leadership roles with diverse organisations such as Hertfordshire Local Authorities and university start-ups. Kevin aims to use his considerable expertise in business development and transformational management for the GGF’s advantage.

On accepting the role Kevin commented, “I am delighted to accept the position on a permanent basis. For the last twelve months, I have been an interim employee of the GGF Group, working initially on the GGF’s commercial subsidiaries before taking on the role of interim Group Chief Executive. With our long term strategies firmly in place and the support of great staff and our Members, I look forward to helping the organisation grow and develop across all parts of the GGF Group.”

The GGF was saddened to hear of the recent passing of Maurice Anders of T. A. Anders & Co Ltd, a Founder Member of the Federation.

Maurice was 91 when he passed away, having worked in the glass industry all his life. He went straight into the business on leaving school during the war, following the death of his father who had established T. A. Anders & Co in 1931 after leaving Pilkington Glass.

The family were from St Helens and it is believed there were members of the Anders family working at Pilkington Bros since the 1840s. When Maurice joined the business was located in Rusholme, Manchester.

Maurice met his wife to be, Jean, whilst an apprentice at R H Armstrong in Salford in 1944 and together they moved the business to railway arches in Manchester city centre in the early 1950s and then to Liverpool Street, Salford in 1959.

Following the announcement that a new underground railway would be built running practically below the factory, Maurice had to move once more and this time to Frederick Road on the site of his and Jean’s former employer, R H Armstrong, in 1986. Here the business remained until 2017 when, despite being in his ninetieth year, Maurice was still taking an active interest.

Having been involved in the Plate Glass Association (PGA) and the Flat Glass Council (FGC) and then Glass and Glazing Federation, he continued to play an active role well into his eighties, attending meetings in London and until recently still making an appearance at the annual Glassman’s Lunch.

Even into his nineties he would come to T. A. Anders’ new premises on Guinness Road, Trafford Park, to dispense his wisdom, sage advice, sharp (and dry) wit to others and all who met him were keen to listen.

Peter Stuttard, GGF Regional Manager who knew Maurice well, commented, “Maurice was a true gentleman and will be very sorely missed by so many, my sincere sympathies go to his family and friends.”

Steve Rice, GGF Director of Technical Affairs, added, “I was very sad to hear the news of Maurice’s passing, a loyal GGF Member and a great industry man, but most importantly a truly great person. My thoughts are with his family at this time.”

The GGF on behalf of its staff and Members sends sincere condolences to the Anders family at this difficult time.

Maurice Anders, 1927 – 2018

For friends, former colleagues or GGF Members who knew Maurice, his funeral is taking place at 11am on Saturday 15^th September at Agecroft Crematorium, Langley Road, Salford, M27 8SS.

The family has requested that no flowers be sent but would prefer a donation be made to the British Heart Foundation. 

The GGF is delighted to welcome Slimline Glazing & Aluminium Systems into Membership.

Slimline Glazing & Aluminium Systems brings concepts in structural glazing, aluminium design and manufacturing into reality and is at the forefront of the specialist glass market with unique and contemporary design innovations.

From glass bridges and staircases to free-standing external glass structures, Slimline Glazing delivers seamless structural solutions from design through to installation. Being justifiably proud of their reputation in the sector, Slimline offers the highest level of expertise and customer satisfaction and with an in-house architect and preferred building contractors they are able to handle projects of any size in commercial and domestic markets.

On joining the Federation, Abigail Chapman, Company Secretary of Slimline commented, “We are pleased to join the GGF and we aim to take full advantage of key benefits such as the technical support, sharing and gaining market knowledge and the multiple networking opportunities provided by the GGF.”

Richard Hearn, GGF Head of Membership and Training added, “We are delighted that Slimline has joined the Federation and look forward to mutual benefits.”

> Learn more about GGF Membership

We recently visited Lancing Glass Works to present their team with a special award recognising four decades – and counting – of continuous GGF Membership.

GGF Member Lancing Glass Works specialises in the supply and installation of double glazed windows and conservatories for domestic and commercial customers, as well as a wide range of replacement doors, splashbacks for the kitchen and mirrors. Based in Lancing, it covers all areas throughout Sussex including Worthing and Brighton.

The company was started by current Managing Director Mark Goldsmith’s stepfather in 1972 and when the Glass and Glazing Federation was formed in 1977, Lancing Glass Works became one of its original Members.

Celebrating our Founder Members

As part of the Federation’s 40th Anniversary celebrations in 2017, we held a special event to recognise those that have been with us since day one – our Founder Members.

We were glad to be joined by representatives of many of our Founder Members on the day, however as some companies were unable to attend we’re making sure to deliver their special awards in person.

Richard Hearn, GGF Head of Membership and Training, recently visited the team at Lancing Glass Works and presented Managing Director Mark Goldsmith and Director Tony Jefferson with their GGF Founder Member award.

Speaking from the company’s premises where thank-you letters from satisfied customers are proudly displayed, Mark said, “It was a real pleasure to receive this award and a real honour to receive this from the Glass and Glazing Federation.”

Mark explained that the majority of their business comes from customer referrals and this year has been very busy. He added, “We have a great team who continuously support our customers to give them the best possible service.”

Richard Hearn commented, “It is easy to see why Lancing Glass Works has a long and successful history as customer satisfaction is at the heart of their ethos.”

> Learn more about GGF Membership