Archives for May 2019

Following months of preparation and planning the GGF reflected on an enjoyable event as thousands of visitors attended the three-day show spread across three halls at Birmingham’s NEC from 21-23 May.

The GGF stand was a mixture of topical presentations, hospitality and a mini-golf game which many found fun as they attempted a hole in one.  
In other parts of the exhibition, the GGF presence was evident with eight presentations in the FIT Show Seminar programme and with over 30 GGF Members exhibiting at the show.

Kevin Buckley, GGF Group Chief Executive commented, “This was my first time attending FIT Show and I found it an interesting and useful event. I was also pleased to engage with so many Members who were either exhibiting or visiting.”

Richard Hearn, Head of Membership and Training commented, “I was pleased to participate in the new Skills Thursday initiative. We were able to highlight our focus on professionalising the industry through our “Training the Industry” campaign which upskills and trains Installers and Surveyors. The Skills Thursday debate was a great platform to share views and consider the solutions through effective industry collaboration. Andy Clegg our Chief Trainer and his team set a great challenge with their window and door installation build including 10 faults to identify – this tested even the best of the best who came along to our stand.”

James Lee, GGF Director of External Affairs, added, “We did a huge amount to increase our profile at this year’s show and I was pleased with our build up, the preparation and the PR for the event. Our stand was well designed for a diverse audience who I feel enjoyed visiting whether it was for information on joining, technical support, training advice or just a social visit. The videos we displayed on the screens seemed to be well received and visitors enjoyed our golf hole in one competition. One outstanding feature of this year’s show was the build and design of the stands. It’s clear our industry put a lot of thought, time and investment into making FIT Show visually stunning.”

The winners of the GGF FIT Show “Hole in One” Golf draw were:

Day 1: Neil Blanchflower

Day 2: Stacey Leahy 

Day 3: Martin Greenfield

Congratulations to all three winners and each will receive a bottle of bubbly. 

It was barely one hour into the FIT Show when Kevin Buckley, GGF Group Chief Executive provided visitors to his opening seminar with some food for thought, as he shared the GGF’s findings from the extensive research conducted by the Federation in 2018. The GGF’s market research set out to gauge market sizes and trends, but just as important, it was devised to give Members a platform from which the GGF could listen to expectations and concerns and enable the GGF to look for solutions to help companies prepare for changes in an ever-evolving business environment.

The GGF surveyed hundreds of leading companies in the UK market asking for their views on business growth, the barriers to growth and also their perspectives on key issues affecting the industry. Here are the key highlights and commentary from the presentation.

On business growth in 2019:

• Over half of companies in the UK industry expect to grow
• A quarter expect no growth
• One in ten companies expect a decrease in business

On employment in the industry:

• 31% of companies expect to increase their number of employees
• Over 50% expect their workforce to remain at the same level

On the barriers to growth

• 4 in ten companies felt increasing competition in the market would prevent growth
• One third felt there could be a reduction in demand for their products 
• 40% felt their business would struggle to grow because of the lack of available skilled labour
• Almost half of those surveyed (46%) believed economic uncertainty would be a barrier to business growth.

During his presentation, Kevin commented on the pending issue of the UK leaving the European Union. “We are acutely aware of the issues ahead including the potential impact of Brexit with or without a deal. Concerns such as increased skilled labour shortages, potential materials shortages and of course the maintenance of technical standards have been high in our priorities.
The GGF has been extensively involved in discussions with government and other construction trade bodies on this subject. We have been cascading information to our Members and the wider industry via trade, political and the broader media to help the industry prepare for the worst-case outcomes. However, the most useful advice I can offer is, “be prepared”. There’s a lot of information out there and the GGF is helping members to navigate and understand it.”

Energy efficiency was the next area addressed by Kevin as he revealed the following in his presentation.  

• Over half of companies experienced an increase in energy efficiency business in 2018
• The sector that experienced the highest increase was residential replacement with almost three quarters of companies seeing an increase.
• The main barriers to growth for energy efficient products were:
  • Over half believed lack of government initiatives was a factor
  • Lack of consumer awareness of the benefits of energy efficiency (just under half of respondents felt this was a cause preventing growth in the sector)
  • Just over one third felt Government policies and legislation didn’t endorse energy efficient glazing

In light of these results, Kevin added, “The GGF is highly proactive on the promotion of energy efficiency and healthy homes. There’s a great deal going on behind the scenes and we’re involved in; the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Energy Efficiency, roundtable discussions with local and national Government departments and holding dialogue with Ministers to local councillors through to senior civil servants. We are also in collaboration with key partners such as British Energy Efficiency Federation, Construction Products Association and National Home Improvement Council. In addition, we have been responding to consultations such as the recent review of the rate of VAT for energy saving products and lobbying for glazing to be included in the 5% rating instead of the 20% rating.”

The seminar also covered the growing concern around shortages of skilled labour in the industry. The GGF research showed that 40% of companies see it as growing problem affecting their business. Respondents to the survey also indicated the type of training they need and this has resulted in the GGF developing its “Training the Industry” programme.

The GGF survey on training showed:

• 58% of companies want surveyor training
• 48% want installer training
• 44% want Fire Resistant Glazing Training

Kevin commented, “When we received the results of the training survey last year, we set out our training strategy and in October 2018, we launched our first training courses as part of our broad training programme. Today we are offering accredited training courses in five different locations across the UK and Ireland covering Installation, Surveying and Fire Resistant Glazing Installation. We’ve also recently spoken to government, calling for reform on the subject of Trailblazer apprenticeships in our sector and more recently, as a supporter of the Building our Skills campaign, we are keen to raise visibility of careers in our industry to school leavers and people of all ages who are looking to change career. Our industry has many positive career paths and we were pleased to be part of the Skills Thursday debates during the FIT Show.”

On his debut at FIT Show, Kevin summed up the experience, “It is my first visit to FIT Show and to be asked to do such a broad and important presentation in just 20 minutes, at the very start of the show, was fairly challenging. However, I hope those who attended, found the information shared both interesting and useful. These are just some of the findings from our research and we will be revealing more in depth research data later this year at our Members’ Day in September. Finally, I would like to thank the FIT Show organisers for the opportunity to present at the exhibition.”

The FIREX International exhibition at ExCel London is just 3 weeks away and the GGF is pleased to offer all Members a VIP Ticket to Europe’s only dedicated fire safety event.

Your VIP ticket includes:

• Access to the VIP Lounge
• Access to exclusive meeting areas
• Charging stations and free Wi-Fi
• A selection of food and drink options
• Fast track entry to the show
• 1.2.1 meetings service

FIREX International will host 130 exhibitors from all over the world at ExCeL London, 18-20 June and the GGF will be exhibiting at stand number FX715 – a 30m2 space situated in a prime central position near the entrance of the show.

Visitors to the GGF stand will see live glass exhibits showing the before and after effect of fire, heat and smoke on glass. In addition, the GGF will have video demonstrations and a live speaking slot – Adrian Blaydon will present “The Importance of Fire Resistant Glazing” on Thursday 20 June at 11.50am, in the Expert and Guidance Theatre. All those attending will also receive a free printed copy of the GGF Fire Resistant Glazing Best Practice Guide (retail value of £150).

At the show the GGF is also promoting Fire Resistant Glazing Installer Training, with a 20% discount voucher given free to all those visiting the GGF Stand.

If you are planning to attend this outstanding exhibition, please make sure you get your VIP Pass by registering via this link:  https://registration.n200.com/survey/31xccjoxu2vxi/register?cid=prtnr_Vs_DRV20190402%7C4&actioncode=PRT41

To book your place for the GGF seminar by Adrian Blaydon please book via this link:  https://www.firex.co.uk/agenda?query=20190620

The GGF Scotland Annual Golf Tournament proved a great success as Members and guests enjoyed fine weather at Gourock Golf Club in Inverclyde.

The results:

The winner was Joe Hague of Promac (guest of Clearthinking Software)

The runner up was Ian Moffat of Arc Fleet Services (guest of Supaseal)

Third place went to Rob Small of CENSolutions

The nearest the pin prize went to Hugh Eadie of CR Smith (guest of Supaseal)

The Longest Drive went to John Mannell of Prentice Glass

Congratulations to all the winners, though from the feedback it seems everyone was a winner.

Alex Gray, GGF Scotland Chairman and Managing Director of Supaseal Glass commented;

“It was an outstanding success. The weather was great and the course was superb with spectacular views. It was great to see so many enjoying themselves and congratulations to the winners. I’d also like to thank Ann-Marie Waugh from the GGF who organised and promoted the whole event. Once again her hard work made the event a great success.”

Mark Hickox of Thermoseal added, “Great day as usual.  Amazing scenery – glad I had a buggy!”

Paul Gibbs, (guest of Clearthinking Software) said “What a fantastic setting for a great day of golf and friendship – Four Stars all round”

Rob Small of CENSolutions concurred, “Great course, great weather, perfect people! Shame my golf had to spoil it.  Thank you GGF.”

Ian Moffat, (guest of Supaseal) added, “Gourock is always a welcoming club.  The course was in great condition and the staff were very helpful and friendly.”

Thomas O’Neill, (guest of Saint-Gobain) commented, “It was a brilliant day, weather was fabulous but golf………..terrible!  Still it was very well organised, lovely host and there’s always next year!”

Joe Beattie of Gennaro Glass added, “It was a great day out.  Fantastic views, just wish my golf had done the course justice!”

Derek Conway (guest of Saint-Gobain), “A fantastic day, well organised and great company.  Will definitely attend again – if invited!”

Mike Bryant (guest of Supaseal), “A fabulous day as usual.  Great club, great host and great company.  Look forward to next year!”

Nat Boyle (guest of Saint-Gobain), Superb day with great company, great food – beats working any day!

David Skirving of Saint-Gobain added, “Great day – shame about my golf though! Lovely views and really enjoyed (and survived) the walk around the course!”

Richard Mannell of Prentice Glass had a different take, “It was my first round of golf for 13 years and it showed, but what a great day and a great course.  Will see you again next year.”

John Mannell, Chair of GGF London Region and General Manager of Prentice Glass commented, “Even though I couldn’t putt, it was a perfect day.  Stunning views and a great crowd.  Thank you for organising.”

Final word to Alan Hyde, Chair of GGF Kent, Surrey and Sussex Region and Sales Director of Thermoseal, “A fantastic day as always. Great company and well organised by Ann-marie.”

Members of GGF Scotland meet every quarter, to find out more about GGF Scotland meetings and events please contact Ann-marie Waugh, GGF Regional Executive on email amwaugh@ggf.org.uk.

Two years ago at the Glass Performance Days (GPD) event in 2017, the Jorma Vitkala Award of Merit was created to recognize outstanding individual contributions to the glass industry.
This award was presented to Jorma Vitkala himself as the first-ever recipient at GPD’s 25^th Anniversary event.
Every two years, this award will continue to be granted during each GPD opening ceremony to a new recipient who has been selected through an international nomination procedure. 

“GPD has become the reference for the industry in terms of knowledge management and networking. Three days at GPD gives you a year’s worth of learning, contacting industry colleagues or looking for innovation and new business opportunities. All this would not be possible without the personal touch of Jorma Vitkala,” says Jean-Paul Hautekeer, Global Strategic Marketing Director – High Performance Buildings, Dow Europe.

The award was created for 25th GPD anniversary to recognize Jorma Vitkala’s long-standing contributions to developing GPD into one of the most prestigious events in the industry.

“While the highlighting and personification of the award is a very concrete and effective publicity step, we wish to underline that it is for the common good and progress of the glass industry that the award is instituted,” Hautekeer says. “Continued innovative progress and bold new solutions will keep the applications of glass at the forefront for designers, industries and research institutions, and provide us with effective competitiveness in the choices of materials and solutions for building, automotive and interior decorating. This award is our special tribute to leading contributors in the development of the glass industry.”

At the end of 2018, a committee of representatives from GPD sponsors and selected group of international glass industry media representatives was established to open the international nomination procedure to all, as well as to screen the recipients.   

The committee has received numerous outstanding nominations of contributors that made a significant impact on the development of the international glass industry through innovative products, processes, systems, construction, design or architecture. All nominations were supported by a brief description of the nominee’s relevant merits and contributions.

The following people have been nominated for this year’s Jorma Vitkala Award of Merit based on their excellent work in the international glass industry:

James O’Callaghan                                               EOC

James Carpenter                                                   Carpenter Design Associates

Tim Macfarlane                                                     Glass ltd

Gérard Savineau                                                    Consultant (Former Solutia)

Valerie L. Block                                                       Kuraray

Graham Dodd                                                          ARUP

Mario Boschi                                                            Retired (Saint-Gobain)

Phillip Davies                                                            Retired (Dupont)

Ennio Mognato                                                          SSV

Francis Serruys                                                          Saint-Gobain

Margaret Webb                                                           IGMA

Julia Schimmelpennigh                                             Eastman

Professor Joe Minor                                                    Texas Tech University

Ulrich Sieberath                                                            IFT Rosenheim

Don Mathieson                                                            DMS Australia           

John Colvin                                                                      Consultant

Ren Bartoe                                                                        Vesuvius

Norbert Wruk                                                                   NSG

Larry Carbary                                                            Dow

Luc Moeyersons                                                            Everlam

Mauro Overend                                                            Cambridge

Alexander G. Chesnokov                                                Moscow Glass Institute

Alberto Bertolini                                                            Isoclima

Timo Suomi                                                                        Ayrox

Lisa Rammig                                                                       EOC

(John) Brian Waldron                                                Consultant

Ian Ritchie                                                                         Ian Ritchie Architects

Guillermo Garcia                                                            Heliotropetech Inc

The final decision on the winner of this year’s award will be made by secret ballot among the nomination committee. Jean-Paul Hautekeer, chairman of the committee, will count the votes. This year’s winner will be announced at the GPD Opening Ceremony on June 26, 2019.

The nomination committee:

The GGF has organised a special presentation on the 14th June at the GGF offices for all Members operating in the glass or glass related sectors. The GGF has invited the organisers of VITRUM (one of Europe’s leading exhibitions for glass processors, manufacturers, machinery and component suppliers) to present on the benefits of exhibiting and visiting VITRUM.

This exclusive presentation will be followed by an Italian lunch sponsored by VITRUM/GIMAV and all Members (particularly glass processors and manufacturers) are invited to this unique event.

The organisers of VITRUM (held in Milan 1-4 Oct) are GIMAV, the trade association of Italian manufacturers and suppliers of machinery, equipment and special products for glass processing. 

Dr Dino Zandonella Necca, who is President of GIMAV’s Equipment Suppliers Group will deliver the presentation.

James Lee, GGF Director of External Affairs, commented, “Over the last 4 years, GIMAV has welcomed the GGF to various events involving the international glass community in Dusseldorf, Venice and Milan.  At these events, Dino and his colleague Laura Biason have proved to be very engaging presenters, imparting their wide knowledge of glass processing machinery and tools. This presentation is a must, for all glass processors and manufacturers who want to reach a wider audience.”

At this year’s VITRUM exhibition in October, the GGF will have an exhibition stand offering hospitality options for visiting and exhibiting GGF Members. At the show the GGF will be promoting technical standards for glass processing and manufacture as well as promoting its membership to the international glass industry.

If you would like to attend this presentation on VITRUM, then please contact London Region Secretary, Peter Stuttard by email pstuttard@ggf.org.uk  

To find out more about VITRUM please visit the website https://www.vitrum-milano.com/

The GGF and its group of commercial subsidiaries are ready for a fantastic FIT Show at Birmingham’s NEC (21-23 May) with a range of promotions, prizes and presentations on a stand packed full of surprises.

On the stand the GGF will have demonstration area with technical, training and health and safety experts happy to share their knowledge and take questions from visitors.

In addition, the GGF stand will have large wide screen monitors with videos displays highlighting the benefits of the GGF and its subsidiary brands.

Of a less high tech nature, the stand will also feature a mini putting green. All visitors are invited to try their luck or show off their golfing skills with entry into a prize draw for a “hole in one”.

Training is a major theme at this year’s show and the GGF is featuring heavily in this area with Andy Clegg of Fenestrology providing live product demonstrations each morning and afternoon on the stand. Richard Hearn, GGF Head of Training will also be in attendance to take any questions or booking for the GGF’s accredited training courses for installers and surveyors.

To complement the training demos and seminars the GGF is also giving away money off vouchers offering 20% off all GGF Training Courses booked using the training vouchers. Visitors can collect their 20% off training vouchers from the GGF stand F40.

On the stand the GGF will also be giving away, branded items such as pens, memory sticks and stress balls and all visitors to the stand on the Late Night Tuesday (6pm to 8pm) can expect a fun surprise. If you are planning to extend your visit into the first evening of the show then please feel free to visit the GGF stand and enjoy the fun.

Though there is a lot happening on the GGF’s stand there’s also a lot going on off it in the FIT Show Seminar Programme.

The GGF and its commercial companies are delighted to support and participate in the FIT Show Seminar Programme at this year’s show. Kevin Buckley, GGF Group Chief Executive, will present the opening seminar on 21 May at 10.30am in the Insight Theatre in Hall 20. In his presentation, Kevin will cover the major issues affecting the industry such as; the impact of Brexit, fire safety, energy efficiency and the skills shortage in the construction industry.
Kevin will reveal some interesting findings from the GGF’s recent extensive market research and underline how the GGF is leading the way by helping companies cope with the issues that are changing in the trading environment.

The GGF and it’s subsidiary companies are presenting eight seminars in total, please see the schedule below:

To book your place at the seminars please visit and book when you pre-register: https://www.fitshow.co.uk/sessions-2019#/seminars/

With seminars, promotions, competitions, demonstrations and presentations, the GGF and its commercial companies are planning to make a big impact at FIT Show 2019. All are welcome to visit the GGF Stand F40 in Hall 20.

You can pre-register instantly by visiting the registration page: https://fitshow-visitor.reg.buzz/Website

We look forward to welcoming you to FIT Show 2019

FIREX International at ExCeL London on 18-20 June 2019 has finalised its packed agenda of timely, informative and entertaining seminars, presentations, case studies and educational sessions.

Hosted in the dedicated Expertise and Guidance Theatre, this comprehensive programme is rich with sessions covering tall building safety, passive fire protection, case studies, compliance after Brexit and more. The agenda is designed to help fire safety professionals enhance their knowledge, engage with fire thought leadership and stay up-to-date on the critical trends, products and legislation shaping the sector.

Some of the many highlights of this year’s programme include:

• Double Fatality Fire and the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations 2015 – a real-world case study highlighting the importance of smoke alarms in rented properties
• Defining the competency in the Fire Industry with FIA Qualifications – how best practice, legislation and standards define the FIA’s fire industry qualifications
• Review of Government response to Hackitt/ADB review and impact on passive fire protection – insights from the Dame Judith Hackitt’s independent review into building regulations and fire safety
• The Development of Tests to assess the performance of video fire detectors – a presentation exploring the development of new tests to assess video smoke and flame detectors
• The Fire Industry after Brexit: Approvals and Compliance – how to prepare for the implications Brexit has for fire safety regulations in the UK
• Update on the Competency Steering Group – WG2 Installers – an update on industry efforts to create an overarching competence body for the fire safety sector

The programme is led by a litany of world-renowned speakers, experts and industry leaders reflecting some of the most significant thought leadership the fire safety profession has to offer. The calibre of these guests is what sets the FIREX International seminar programme apart, and visitors will have the chance to quiz them on critical fire protection issues.

The seminar programme gives visitors a unique access to the ideas, products and innovations at the heart of the industry, helping them shape their fire safety strategy and stay one step ahead of the industry. Visitors can discover new ways to upskill themselves and their employees, and address concerns surrounding new technologies and complex issues such as tall building safety, reducing fire fatalities and key legislation.

Register for your free ticket to FIREX International 2019 from 18 – 20 June, using this code: www.FIREXInternational.co.uk/GGF2

If you have any questions, email: FIREXcustomerservice@ubm.com

To find out the GGF plans for FIREX please visit: https://www.ggf.org.uk/ggf-set-to-raise-profile-of-fire-resistant-glazing/

FIREX International returns to ExCeL London on 18-20 June 2019 with a packed agenda of timely, informative and entertaining seminars, presentations, case studies and educational sessions…and the GGF is at the heart of it all.

FIREX International will host 130 exhibitors from all over the world at ExCeL London and the GGF will be exhibiting at stand number FX715 – a 30m2 space situated in a prime central position near the entrance of the show. Visitors to the GGF stand will see live glass exhibits showing the before and after effect of fire, heat and smoke on glass. In addition, the GGF will have video demonstrations and a live speaking slot in the Seminar programme.

The exhibition is completely free to attend and here are some of the things you can expect from Europe’s only event dedicated to fire safety.

Expert Guidance and Training

Hosted in the dedicated Expertise and Guidance Theatre, the comprehensive seminar programme is rich with sessions covering tall building safety, passive fire protection, case studies, compliance after Brexit and more. The agenda is designed to help fire safety professionals enhance their knowledge, engage with fire thought leadership and stay up-to-date on the critical trends, products and legislation shaping the sector.

Over three days you will have access to 25+ hours of complimentary seminars and workshops offering you valuable insights into key development areas in the fire safety industry, including the ongoing Grenfell Inquiry and passive fire protection.

Adrian Blaydon, GGF Technical Officer, is presenting in the seminar programmes on “The Importance of Fire Resistant Glazing”.

Looking forward to the event, Adrian commented, “Following the Grenfell Tower fire and Hackitt Review, we all need to take even more responsibility and report signs of where fire safety is an issue. At FIREX, we will be showing the importance of Fire Resistant Glazing systems with focus on the product performance, its specification and installation.”

The GGF will also be offering promotional vouchers for its Fire Resistant Glazing Training course.

Simply visit the stand and you will receive a 20% discount voucher when you book your place on the GGF’s accredited training course on fire resistant glazing installation and specification.

Latest Fire Safety Technology

At FIREX, thousands of the latest fi re safety products will be showcased by leading exhibitors from all over the world including TBA Protective Technologies, InproEurope, The A1S Group and Checkmate Fire Solutions. The BRE Group will also host the LPCB RedBook Pavilion, a high-profi le destination where visitors can speak with manufacturers of quality certifi ed products.

Meet global manufacturers and local distributors for a full overview of the market. It is a chance to get face time with innovators and source and compare the latest technologies.

Network, Network, Network

It can be hard to efficiently manage your event schedule, so FIREX provides a complimentary matchmaking tool which enables visitors and exhibitors to connect and book meetings ahead of the show. There are many social spaces at the event where you can catch up and network with industry colleagues, including the FIA Bar.

You can also connect with hundreds more exhibitors, suppliers, buyers and visitors across security, safety and facilities management at FIREX’s co-located trade-shows: IFSEC, Safety & Health Expo and the Facilities Show.

The next edition of FIREX International takes place 18-20 June 2019 at ExCeL London.

To see the full FIREX Seminar Programme please visit https://www.firex.co.uk/agenda

The GGF is pleased to announce that there will be a special networking event on 4^th July for all GGF Members who have joined the Federation in the last 18 months.

The event will start at 11.00 am at the GGF Offices in London and will include:

• A guided tour of the GGF Members Area including the GGF’s historic timeline
• Presentations from the GGF’s senior management
• An outline of the Members Benefits and how you can use to them to give your business the competitive edge
• An overview of the GGF’s specialist groups and regions
• A buffet lunch and networking opportunity with fellow members 

If you have joined the GGF in 2018 or 2019, then you are welcome to attend this event exclusively for new GGF Members.

To book your place please email marketing@ggf.org.uk quoting “New Member Event”.