Archives for February 2020

NürnbergMesse has decided to postpone FENSTERBAU FRONTALE and HOLZ-HANDWERK. The exhibition duo will not take place as planned from 18-21 March 2020, but at a date in 2020 yet to be specified, in Nuremberg. The reason for the postponement is the increased spread of the coronavirus (COVID 19) and corresponding feedback from customers and industry representatives.

The organisers hope that the industry will understand the decision to postpone. The aim of every exhibition has to be to create a special experience for exhibitors and visitors likewise and to enable networking and expansion of existing business relations. Unfortunately, this goal cannot be achieved under current circumstances.

The GGF had planned to host a UK Pavilion at the show and is now in awaiting more information from the organisers on the new date more necessary information on the further organisational process.

Following the outstanding success at last year’s FIREX International, the GGF has decided to once again exhibit at the show to promote the importance of fire-resistant glazing to an international audience of those responsible for fire safety in buildings, from architects through to contractors and facilities managers.

FIREX International 2020 takes place on19-21 May 2020 at ExCeL London and is the

UK’s largest event dedicated to the fire safety profession.

The show connects more than 130 suppliers of innovative products and solutions with thousands of engaged visitors from over 70 countries. The event is completely free of charge and its comprehensiveness has established it as an essential global hub for sharing and demonstrating fire safety excellence. 

With major fire incidents constantly in the headlines, FIREX International is more important than ever for creating a transparent, effective and progressive industry meeting the fire safety challenges of 2020, driven by the show’s guiding ethos of making life safety ‘a right, not a privilege.’

The GGF will also have a presence in the seminar programme (time and date for this has yet to be confirmed) however all GGF Members are welcome to visit the stand which will show the GGF FRGG Video “Getting it Wrong, Getting it Right” and copies of the Best Practice Guide in Fire Safety will also be available to visitors to the GGF Stand – number FX525.

On the news that the GGF will be exhibiting at FIREX, Steve Bond, Chairman of the GGF Fire Resistant Glazing Group 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. I am pleased the GGF will be exhibiting at FIREX, to highlight the importance of Fire Resistant Glazing systems with a focus on the product performance, its specification and installation.”

The show is the perfect platform for the GGF to communicate its messages but it also ideal for sourcing the very latest products and solutions across passive fire protection, fire prevention and fire detection. It is a unique opportunity for you to meet and build connections with major, industry-leading suppliers.

Your free pass also gives you access to an extensive programme of seminars, workshops and keynote speeches designed to help you increase your knowledge, boost your career, stay aligned with legislation and new developments. Taking place at the “Expertise and Guidance Theatre”, you can learn from top industry experts and thought leaders covering diverse topics such as the aftermath of Grenfell, recent legislation and best practice.

And with thousands of visitors in attendance, FIREX International presents you with unrivalled networking experience. Each year, the show attracts manufacturers, installers, end-users and consultants eager to do business, ensuring you can get a broad overview of the market, add valuable new contacts to your address book and guarantee a return-on-investment.

One of the most unique aspects of FIREX International is the opportunity you have to engage with an enormous network of professionals and suppliers from related industries at eight free-to-attend co-located shows. You can grow your expertise and find new avenues to expand your business with insights from security, health and safety, facilities management, smart buildings, workplace wellbeing, forensics and emergency services with your FIREX International event badge.

FIREX International is an essential date on the fire safety calendar. To learn from experts, share best practice and enhance your ability to protect people and assets, get your free all-access pass now.

The GGF is pleased to announce that it has agreed once again to be the headline sponsor of Glazing Summit, which takes place on Thursday 8^th October 2020 at Edgbaston Stadium and Conference Centre, Birmingham.

On the GGF’s continuous support, John Agnew, GGF Managing Director commented:

“We are pleased to be headline sponsors of this important industry event and look forward to having a significant contribution, to ensure it’s a day of healthy debate covering the key issues affecting our industry.”

The event will attract representatives from throughout the supply chain including fabricators, installers, trade-counters, glass processors, systems houses and component suppliers.

In 2019, over 400 leaders from across the glass and glazing industry – with combined UK sales of over £1billion – came together for the industry’s bigger ever conference which proved a resounding success.

James Lee, GGF Director of External Affairs commented, “We are pleased to continue our support and once more headline sponsor Glazing Summit. There are many issues and challenges facing our industry from achieving the Government’s zero carbon 2050 targets to fire safety and the Grenfell Inquiry phase 2 as well as the impact and implications of Brexit. It promises to be an interesting event with no doubt many different opinions from all sides of the industry.”   

The Glazing Summit is a must for all business owners, directors and senior management from across the entire glass and glazing supply-chain. It’s a one-day jam-packed conference covering a wide range of industry topics.

Glazing Summit Founder, Andrew Scott, MD of the Ascot Group summarised; “I’m delighted the GGF has once again agreed to be the headline sponsor of this unique event. The industry really got behind the Glazing Summit last year and I feel the calibre of names that have already committed to the event shows how valuable it is. Last year, the event exceeded all expectations and as the market evolves, a platform for CEOs and business leaders to come together, learn and share information has become paramount.”

This year will see a fresh new line-up of key-note speakers, including respected industry leaders, trailblazers and proven experts.

For more information on booking your place there, call 01934 808293 or email hello@glazingsummit.co.uk or visit https://www.glazingsummit.co.uk/

It was a memorable and enjoyable occasion as a guest list comprising of GGF Members, Senior Staff and Members of the trade media, welcomed Mark Austin as the new GGF President at the President’s Reception at The Landmark Hotel, London on 4^th February.

In a speech laced with interesting facts and good humour, Mark started his address with an overview of the political background that the industry and country finds itself in.

“2020 is not only a leap year, but the start of a new decade, and it’s a decade that starts with considerable change and challenges for our country and industry. With the UK having left the European Union for better or worse on 31^st January. There’s still an air of uncertainty in the business world, so trade organisations like the GGF will become increasingly important to not only help companies cope with change but also to help shape the future of our industry. I don’t have 2020 vision, but I doubt back in 2010 we’d have all been expecting that 10 years later we’d no longer be in the European Union and seeking to do trade deals with the rest of the world as a matter of urgency.”

The presentation took a lighter tone as Mark provided a brief outline of his considerable background in the industry and also touched upon his 14 years in the professional football industry with Wycombe Wanderers F.C. and quipped “as you may gather my work was off the field of play and not on the pitch”.

In 2007, Mark agreed to join family-owned and run independent double-glazing manufacturers and installers Hazlemere Window Company Ltd as Marketing Director and during his presentation, he thanked his colleagues for their support.

“I have worked for Hazlemere Windows in High Wycombe for the last 12 years and in 2011 Hazlemere became Conservatory Outlet Dealers who are also GGF Members. Without their support, I would not have been able to become the Chairman of the GGF Windows & Doors Group back in 2017, sit on the GGF’s Home Improvement Executive, nor have been able to join the GGF Board of Directors in September 2018. I’d therefore, like to sincerely thank my Managing Director Rachel Braham-Hill, my Chairman Stuart Braham and my CEO Tony Beale for their trust and backing, plus enabling me back on 1st April 2019 to reduce my hours to 3 days a week in order to be able to do the GGF President’s role justice. What you have each done for me, along with your unwavering support for me is very much appreciated and I can assure you it never has been, and never will be taken for granted.

The Landmark Hotel was the setting for the President’s Reception and it was an apt choice as Mark explained in his speech,

“It is rather fitting that today’s Presidents reception is in the Landmark Hotel, and it’s got nothing to do with my name being Mark! One of the meanings of the word landmark is that its “an event or discovery marking an important stage or turning point in something.”

We are not gathered today in the Empire Room because the GGF wants to become an Empire, but simply to celebrate and landmark how far this exceptional membership organisation has come with your support, and how proud the GGF is to be able to count each of you as GGF Members.”

Mark conveyed his praise to the GGF staff and commercial companies for their contribution and successes over the last few years and referenced some outstanding facts;

On the GGF’s Technical influence: “The GGF technical team has produced over 120 technical publications that integrate the most current international, European and British standards. The GGF sits on all the major standards committees of ISO, BSI and CEN where the GGF cascades Members’ technical comments, suggestions and concerns to help shape the standards that regulate our industry.”

On the GGF’s Political Voice: “The GGF’s voice to Government has grown stronger over the last decade on major issues such as Fire Safety, Energy Efficiency and more recently on Brexit. This is clearly evidenced when the Government commissioned the GGF to inform and help guide companies who manufacture, supply and install glass and glazing products to get ready and deal with the UK leaving the European Union. Thanks to James Lee, GGF Director of External Affairs, the GGF secured a £50,000 Government Grant to develop a new web portal “The Brexit Hub” to help GGF Members and the industry prepare for the impact Brexit may have.” 

On the Federation’s Membership growth: “In the last 8 years, the GGF Membership has grown considerably with 220 new Members joining the GGF since 2012. To put this in context, the GGF has around 470 Members in total, so it’s a healthy number of relatively new companies who have joined the Federation.”

On Marketing and Brand Awareness: Last year was the highest ever visitor numbers to the GGF website and its consumer advice website MyGlazing.com. Over 300,000 users visited these sites and when combined with the tens of millions the GGF reaches with its trade and consumer PR, it’s clear that the GGF’s audience, as well as its influence, is growing.”

On Training: “In 2019, a major topic of discussion was the importance to our industry of both training and qualifications, which culminated in an open forum with many GGF Members represented to debate the issues further. Since then we’ve reviewed the training and qualifications currently in the UK market, and I am delighted to announce that in the coming months, we will be launching a new GGF Training and Qualifications Academy. This vehicle, working with industry and training providers partners, will provide both training and qualifications opportunities to GGF members, and is a platform that we can use to add further schemes to help train the future generation of people we need in our industry sector.”

Mark moved from GGF successes and plans to the GGF’s commercial subsidiaries with praise for their achievements to date and also acknowledging their vital services to the industry.

“At present the Commercial Managing Director Anda Gregory is on maternity leave, having left the 5 commercial businesses in the very capable hands of each of the commercial business heads, overseen in her absence by Chris Beedel, Head of FENSA. The commercial businesses all continue to make a vital contribution to the GGF Group.

In terms of the GGF’s commercial businesses, many GGF Members use the insurance services of InstallSure (formerly GGFi), one of the largest IBG providers in the Double Glazing industry.

BFRC is the largest & most recognised window and door energy rating service in the industry and again is widely used by GGF members, as well as the whole supply chain, in particular for compliance by installers for Approved Document L.

RISA is a relatively new company to the GGF, and they carry out thousands of assessments, inspections & audits across the UK, undertaking both pre-installation evaluations as well as post-installation assessments.

FENSA was the first GGF Commercial company to be set up 18 years ago, and it continues to go from strength to strength, having overseen 14 million FENSA window and door installations since 2002. Every day more than 6,000 windows & 1,000 doors will be installed by FENSA Approved Registered Installers. To date, approximately 62 million individual window and door products have been installed by FENSA registered installers since 2002. Quite staggering numbers that everyone associated with the GGF Group can be rightly proud of.”

Steve Rice, GGF Managing Director is set to retire at the end of February with John Agnew taking over the role from 1^st March and Mark in his speech paid tribute to both employees.

“Under Steve Rice’s leadership championing the technical department for decades, the quality of GGF Technical output remains strong and is for many in the industry the go-to place for technical advice, guidance and help. The GGF’s renewed focus on improving our technical offering and access for GGF Members will continue under incoming GGF MD John Agnew following Steve’s retirement on 28^th February after 30 years loyal and faithful service. My sincere and grateful thanks to you Steve for your dedication to the GGF, we all wish you every happiness and good health in your retirement.

As President, I can tell you I’m absolutely delighted along with the rest of the Board about John Agnew’s appointment to take over the reins from Steve. Not only does John bring an understanding of the industry having been Managing Director of Independent Glass for many years, but also as my predecessor as President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, John has a firm grasp of the GGF. I very much look forward to working with you John during my 2-year tenure as President.”

In his closing remarks, Mark reassured Members of his commitment and responsibilities as GGF President.

“The GGF as the industry’s leading trade organisation, and voice to the government, has also achieved a huge amount for the industry and its members since its formation in 1977. The Federation has undoubtedly a unique place in this industry and a responsibility to serve its Members and the wider industry.

As President, I will never forget that I’m here to represent you as Members, and furthermore I’m able to bear witness that ever since I was elected to the Board of Directors that every Member of the Board makes decisions always very mindful of the fact we are your custodians, and all Members like yourselves. I’m therefore extremely humbled and honoured to be your President for the next two years.

As President, I will ensure we continue to listen to Members and act in their best interests to ensure the GGF and all connected to it, go from strength to strength. Thank you for your much-appreciated support.”

The inaugural annual GGF Chairpersons’ Forum took place at AluK Design Studio in London, on 4 February, with 31 Members attending to represent the GGF Technical Groups, Committees and Board as well the GGF Regions/Countries.

Chaired by Greg O’Donoghue, former GGF President and Chair of the GGF Marketing and Communications Committee, the meeting heard reports from; 13 Technical Groups; 3 Committees, 9 GGF Regions and 3 Countries which covered topics they wanted to be addressed to the GGF Board. 

After the meeting, GGF President Mark Austin commented: “It was important for the GGF Board collectively to hear first-hand the concerns of the broader membership in one meeting. We will continue to listen and act to improve the GGF for the membership.”

Chairman, Greg O’Donoghue added, “It was a very successful day and the commitment and passion from GGF Members were clearly in evidence with more than 90% of the GGF’s Chairs in attendance. I would like to thank them for making the effort and time to attend this meeting and for their contribution to the discussions. This event can only make the GGF more unified and transparent for Members, regardless of their size, status or location.”

At the Forum, 30 reports were heard, from all different parts of the Federation with the main topics of discussion being; training for the industry, compliance with industry standards, GGF governance and structure as well the Federation’s internal function and how they can work more effectively for the Membership.

John Agnew, incoming GGF Managing Director commented, “Listening to Members issues from practically all sides of the Federation was both important and very interesting. The GGF will now look for viable solutions to help the GGF recruitment and retention strategies going forward.”

James Lee, Director of External Affairs and Secretary of the Chairpersons’ Forum added, “The Forum has proved to be highly productive and I have no doubt, the follow-up actions will improve Members’ benefits and the GGF’s internal operations. My thanks to all the Members for their input and support and also to AluK Design Studio for use of their premises and their assistance with the smooth running of the Forum.”

IT’S ALL ABOUT 2021 ON THE UK PAVILION

The GGF is pleased to announce that FIT Events will be sponsoring an Afternoon Drinks Reception on the UK Pavilion (Hall 4A-Stand 305) at Fensterbau Frontale 2020 in Nuremberg.

The Afternoon Drinks Reception is the perfect networking event for Fensterbau visitors, where the UK Pavilion has become a prime destination for companies visiting the window and door industry’s largest international trade show. At the Reception (12 noon to 3pm) on Thursday 19^th March, guests can discuss FIT Show 2021 directly with FIT Show organisers who will be taking bookings for the show which has now been moved to next year.

Nickie West, Event Director, commented on the sponsorship deal, “We are delighted to be involved at Fensterbau through sponsoring the Reception. It promises to be a unique event that will promote FIT Show 2021 and attract both international and UK visitors. FIT Show 2021 will be the biggest and best yet as companies will be able to connect with every element of the supply chain – the UK’s only dedicated event for the window, door, flat glass, and components market.”

The FIT Show started in 2013 and has become the UK’s premier trade fair for the Glass, Glazing and Fenestration industries. At the 2021 Show, visitors can expect to see:

• The latest timber, aluminium and UPVC windows and doors
• New hardware and furnishing solutions
• Flat glass processing equipment and machinery
• The latest tools and software
• Unrivalled opportunities to network and do business

James Lee, GGF Director of External Affairs commented, “I am delighted FIT Show will have a presence at Fensterbau on the UK Pavilion. With this latest sponsorship deal and event now in place, the GGF and the co-exhibitors are now looking forward to an extremely busy week (18-21 March) at Fensterbau Frontale.”

With approximately 100 square metres showcasing the best of British, the GGF is hosting the UK Pavilion, taking the theme “Britain Means Business” to the international industry and bringing together seven prominent UK brands who will be presenting and demonstrating their latest products and services.

The co-exhibitors on the UK Pavilion are:

BSI Group – the business standards company that helps organizations make excellence a habit.

Business Pilot – a CRM / ERP system built by installers for installers, that will improve your business performance

Fenestrology – The Fenestration Consulting Specialists for conciliation, pathology reports, remediation, management services and training

Glazpart – the leader in plastic glazing accessories and ventilation

GQA Qualifications – the Glazing Industry’s Specialist Awarding Body

RITEC International – developer and manufacturer of the only complete system for glass renovation, ‘non-stick’ protection and maintenance.

FIT at Fensterbau – Afternoon Drinks Reception

Invitations for the Afternoon Drinks Reception sponsored by FIT Show will be available in the next few weeks but if you are planning to attend, best pencil the date, time and location in the diary.

Afternoon Drinks Reception Sponsored by FIT Events

Thursday 19^th March 2020

12 noon to 3pm

UK Pavilion Hall 4A / Stand number 305

Fensterbau Frontale, Nuremberg

For more details of this event please contact marketing@ggf.org.uk

To find out more on Fensterbau Frontale 2020 please visit https://www.frontale.de/en

The GGF has welcomed the decision by the Organisers of FIT Show, to revert the show to a biennial format with the next event confirmed to take place on Tuesday 25th to Thursday 27th May 2021 at the NEC Birmingham.

The decision now means that there will not be a FIT Show in 2020. However, the GGF views the change as a very positive step in what is still an uncertain political and economic climate with the UK set to leave the European Union this month.

James Lee, GGF Director of External Affairs commented, “The GGF has fully backed the FIT Show from the very start going back to 2013 and will continue to support and promote the show for 2021. This decision has many advantages for our industry which will no doubt be affected by the transition of Brexit over the next twelve months. With the FIT Show now scheduled for 2021, it will give companies more time plan and budget for the UK’s premier fair for the glass, glazing and fenestration industries. The GGF will have brand presence at the show and we hope to be able to share more of our plans in the next few months.”

The FIT Show has proved to be a great success in the industry since its inaugural show in 2013 at Telford. Since then it has become bigger and more prestigious, moving to Birmingham NEC and developing new features for the increasing number of exhibitors and visitors.

The decision to revert back to a biennial event proves the FIT Show is listening to its customers to ensure the industry has a trade show to be proud of, Nickie West, FIT Show Event Director commented, “We have listened to the many active voices in the FIT Show community and will return the event to its most popular frequency, and everything that has made it a success. We can now pursue that enthusiasm and focus on delivering a fantastic FIT Show in 2021”

John Agnew, GGF Managing Director commented, “Given the economic and political backdrop affecting the UK at present, I fully understand and support this decision by the FIT Show Organisers. The GGF has always been supportive of the show and this will continue, to make sure the 2021 event gives the entire industry welcome boost.”   

To find out more about FIT Show 2021, please visit https://www.fitshow.co.uk/

The GGF is delighted to announce that Clearview magazine has agreed to be Media Sponsor for the GGF UK Pavilion at Fensterbau Frontale 2020 in Nuremberg 18^th-21^st March.

Steve Sidebottom, Clearview Managing Director commented, ’Clearview has been at the forefront in terms of supporting UK companies at Fensterbau and has exhibited as part of The UK Pavilion organised by GGF. We are delighted to be sponsoring the UK Pavilion at Fensterbau 2020 and will be covering the event comprehensively in Clearview magazine and Clearzine online. UK visitor numbers are on the increase to this prestigious industry exhibition and we are once again committed to supporting the UK Pavilion.’’

The sponsorship will increase the coverage of the UK Pavilion at Fensterbau as James Lee, Director of External Affairs explains, “The UK Pavilion has become the number one destination for UK companies visiting Fensterbau Frontale. We are pleased that Clearview has agreed to sponsor as they have been part of the UK Pavilion since we started it in 2016. I have no doubt their participation will increase the UK industry’s awareness of the UK Pavilion and our profile at the show.”

The UK Pavilion is in Hall 4A Stand #305 and all UK companies going to the show are welcome to visit the UK Pavilion to meet the co-exhibitors. 

As well as the host exhibitor GGF, the co-exhibitors on the UK Pavilion are:

BSI Group – the business standards company that helps organizations make excellence a habit.

Business Pilot – a CRM / ERP system built by installers for installers, that will improve your business performance

Fenestrology – The Fenestration Consulting Specialists for conciliation, pathology reports, remediation, management services and training

Glazpart – the leader in plastic glazing accessories and ventilation

GQA Qualifications – the Glazing Industry’s Specialist Awarding Body

RITEC International – developer and manufacturer of the only complete system for glass renovation, ‘non-stick’ protection and maintenance.

The GGF has also announced that FIT Events will be sponsoring an Afternoon Drinks Reception on the UK Pavilion on 19^th March from 12 noon to 3pm.

For more details of this event please contact marketing@ggf.org.uk

To find out more on Fensterbau Frontale 2020 please visit https://www.frontale.de/en