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When homeowners use a GGF Member company to carry out windows, doors or conservatory work, they are investing in professional workmanship and service of the very highest standard. Companies requiring flat glass or glazing products from a GGF Member can also be assured they are dealing with the best companies in the industry. So if you are wanting to improve your home or property, or simply need a glass and glazing product or service, why not browse our directory and contact a GGF Member Company in your area.

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Archives for April 2021

Technical Team thanks Members for their input

News, Technical News |

In October 2020, a new feature of the GGF website was set up to allow Members to have greater input into the technical documents that are in the review/production process.

The Technical Team introduced the “Technical Documents Feedback” which allows all Members the opportunity to preview new and existing documents (under review) and offer comments and suggestions, The page is regularly populated with PDF versions of the latest GGF draft Technical Documents, including Datasheets and Trade & Consumer Guidance booklets.

Following an outstanding six months that has seen many documents updated and launched, the section is now waiting for the next series of draft documents to be uploaded in May.

In the meantime, the GGF Technical Team has posted a thank you note to all Members for their input to the draft technical documents over the last six months.

Government increases rapid testing

COVID 19, Health, Safety and Environment, News, Politics |

Everyone in England is now able to access free, regular, rapid COVID-19 testing.

Rapid lateral flow tests show results in under 30 minutes, and by taking them we can take the ‘next step safely’, protecting our loved ones, customers, workmates and friends as we continue to cautiously ease restrictions.

Secretary for State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock said:

“Around one in three people have coronavirus without any symptoms, so getting tested regularly is one of the simplest and easiest ways we can keep ourselves and our loved ones safe. I’d encourage everyone to take up the offer and test twice a week.”

“Alongside the successful roll-out of the vaccination programme, rapid testing will be one of our most effective weapons in tackling this virus and ensuring we can cautiously reopen our economy and parts of society that we have all missed.”

“The British people have made a tremendous effort throughout the pandemic and I am confident they will do the same now by taking up this offer of free, rapid tests.”

Getting a rapid test

Getting a rapid test is quick and convenient. Regular, rapid testing will be delivered through:

  • a home ordering service, which allows people to order lateral flow tests online to be delivered to their home
  • workplace testing programmes, on-site or at home
  • community testing, offered by all local authorities
  • collection at a local polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test site during specific test collection time windows
  • testing on-site at schools and colleges
  • collection from participating pharmacies

If testing at home, individuals will need to register their results online or by calling 119. They should self-isolate if they get a positive result and order a confirmatory PCR test.

Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 – a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – should book a PCR test online or by calling 119.

GGF Technical Officer Required

Membership News, News, Technical News |

Planned expansion of the GGF Technical Department has created a requirement for an additional Technical Officer with a background in the Fenestration industry. Knowledge of both domestic and commercial product is a distinct advantage.

Experience in a production or technical position (min. 5 years) is essential for this position. This is a unique opportunity to work in a small but integral department within the UK’s largest trade association. You should have excellent people and communication skills and feel comfortable both in creating and presenting technical information to professionals in the Industry.

  • Solid technical knowledge including relevant BS/EN/ISO Standards and Building Regulations.
  • Ability to attend sites to inspect and report on fenestration disputes which may also include glass inspection.
  • Provide secretarial services including minute taking at specialist technical meetings
  • Assist Regional Managers by providing technical support at regional and country meetings
  • Respond to technical queries from members and building professionals through email and by phone.
  • Provide occasional technical articles for GGF regular e-letters to members
  • Create or update Datasheets & guidance documents through Working Groups
  • Regularly attend & report at Technical Department meetings
  • Be willing to travel to meetings and site visits throughout the UK. Although these are generally designated to nearest Technical Officer, you must be prepared to provide cover.
  • Job is predominantly home based although you may occasionally be required to be based in our offices in London. Flexible working options will be considered.

Salary will be commensurate with experience. Travel expenses, subsistence, mileage allowance and a company credit card is included. A laptop and mobile phone will also be provided.

Please write in the first instance to GGF Senior Technical Officer David Borland at dborland@ggf.org.uk along with a current CV.
Closing date is 30th June.

Connect to GGF Training on Social Media

News |

To create greater awareness of the new GGF Training courses and to keep the industry fully up to speed with instant communications, the GGF in conjunction with training partner Total Support Training has set up three new social media accounts in Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter.

On the new accounts, James Lee, GGF Director of External Affairs commented, “Outside of training, there’s a lot of GGF activity that we already post and share on social media, so it made perfect sense to create new separate social media accounts for GGF Training, to enable more focused messaging on the development and availability of courses.”

Sam Alderton of Total Support Training added, “Through social media we will be providing updates of GGF Training Courses as and when they happen, including news of any new courses and details such as dates, prices and content of existing courses.”

John Agnew, GGF Managing Director added, “This strategic communications decision gives GGF Training a new and individual platform to promote our courses and qualifications. I would ask that all Members who are active on social media, to connect to the new accounts and share our information to help the industry upskill and become more qualified.”

Click on the links below to connect with GGF Training:

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GGF-Training-163578515381197

Twitter https://twitter.com/GGFTraining

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/ggftraining/about/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ggftraining/

GGF advises Members to stay safe as lockdown restrictions ease

COVID 19, Health, Safety and Environment, News |

As lockdown restrictions ease around the UK, GGF Members are advised to still adhere to the GGF and Government guidance to make sure that employees and customer stay safe.  

Summary of the situation

All UK

All non-essential retail including showrooms can open

Construction work can continue

Sales activities can continue

Door to door canvassing can continue

Republic of Ireland

All construction work and outdoors maintenance can continue

From the 17th of May all retail including non-essential retail can open.

COVID secure operations

COVID secure requirements remain in place and are due to be reviewed in due course as each nation develops through their relaxation plans, but as it stands there is no end date published for COVID secure operations. It is vital that all member continue to operate under the COVID secure guidance for their nation or local government to ensure that we do not see a resurgence of the virus.

On the easing of restrictions, John Agnew, GGF Managing Director commented, “It is with some relief for all consumer facing companies that the restrictions are now being eased. With all the Government statistics going in the right direction, the GGF advises all members re-opening retail premises to operate under the GGF and Government COVID-secure guidance.”

James MacPherson, GGF Health, Safety and Environment Manager added, ““It’s great to see that the Government testing and vaccination programme are having a significant impact and numbers of cases, hospitalizations and fatalities are coming down. However to make sure that we don’t slip back into another lockdown, it is vital that everyone behaves responsible and takes the necessary precautions. If members need any support or guidance on this I urge them to utilize the GGF, check our COVID safe guides or contact the GGF Health and Safety department directly.”

All companies in the industry can access and download the GGF specific guidance via the GGF website. Please see links below:

GGF COVID Safe guides

COVID Safe guide for consumers

COVID Safe guide for Installers

COVID Safe guide for manufacturing and the supply chain

Conformity Marking

Uncategorized |

There is no question that despite the lengthy negotiations between the UK and the EU prior to the signing of the Brexit Agreement at the eleventh hour, many elements of future trading were not put in place. This is certainly true for the Construction Industry when it comes to compliance with the Construction Products Regulations (CPR) which had been a legal requirement in the UK since the 1st of July 2013.  

The EU Construction Products Regulation 305/2011 was originally intended to remove technical barriers to the trade of construction products in the European single market. It placed obligations on manufacturers, distributors and importers of construction products to ensure that product covered by a harmonised European Standard (hEN). The CPR requires all construction products within the scope of a hEN, must have a Declaration of Performance created by the economic operator and the product must be CE marked. 

The UK Government’s intention to continue with CPR was confirmed with the introduction of Statutory Instrument No. 465 in 2019 followed by Statutory Instrument No. 1359 in 2020. 

It is clear in the first few months of 2021, that the original intent of CPR to allow free movement of compliant product throughout the EU is now working against that principle and has created a barrier for free movement of product. Here are some areas of concern for our members. 

UK Testing Centres cannot certify products for the EU market 

The EU will not accept test reports, either new or existing, issued by UK testing bodies. This is contradicted by the EU stating that acceptance of test reports has to be made by the individual organisation.  

This requires to be clarified by Government. 

Under the Northern Ireland Protocol, UK Approved Bodies can act as UK Notified Bodies to enable CE marking for products destined for Northern Ireland.  

This anomaly needs to be rectified. 

If a product is being placed on the European market, it will require the use of an EU Notified Body to enable affixing of the CE mark. 

It is also important to note that from the 1st January 2022 the UK will cease to recognise CE marking in Great Britain and EU products will also have to switch to UKCA marking. It is yet to be established if EU test reports will be accepted in support of UKCA marking. 

A duplication of testing and conformity assessment if product is placed on both the UK and EU market including the Republic of ireland. 

The issue with AVCP3s 

The use of AVCP3 requires an Initial Type Test (ITT) to be issued by a Notified Test Laboratory, after which a manufacturer can self-certify. This historic data would have been sourced from a Notified Body either in the UK or elsewhere in Europe. The change from EU Notified Body to UK Authorised Body should have no effect on its validity. 

UK test reports are no longer recognised by the EU (as at 1st January 2021). This unilaterally invalidates all existing AVCP3 testing carried out in the UK. For the EU market these tests must be repeated or redone at an EU27 Notified Body in order to affix the CE mark (unless for the Northern Ireland market, see above) 

Duplication of testing to hEN and newly assigned UK Designated Standards when they are exactly the same is completely unnecessary and would incur needless costs to the UK manufacturer. The UK have agreed to accept CE marked product from the EU until 31st December 2021 which is not reciprocated creating an unlevel playing field until that time.UK test houses cannot carry out all relevant tests for our industry and have historically been undertaken by EU laboratories 

If there is no UK Approved Body able to carry out specific testing previously carried out by EU test houses and the Updated Memorandum of Understanding between Government and UKAS states that only UK Approved Bodies have to be used to enable manufacturers to affix UKCA marking. For those products that can be tested by UK Authorised Bodies, the additional workload from the EU may cause substantial delay in receiving results due to the limited capacity of the testing houses. 

With no UK facility to carry out some of these tests and possible capacity issue, how can this work? 

There are other issues relating to the operational side of Conformity Marking but I have chosen to focus on the practical side in this article. Members can be assured that the GGF is in regular and frequent discussion with Government in regard to dealing with these problems and how we are able to assist. We are also working closely with other associations through the Construction Products Authority (the CPA) as almost all other sectors of the Construction Industry face the same problems. Our colleagues in Europe are also campaigning with the European Parliament as this situation will also affect them in the same manner after the end of 2021. 

At the time of writing we are aware that the MHCLG and UKAS are hoping to provide at least a temporary measure to resolve these issues very soon. However, the ideal solution would be in the form of a Mutual Recognition Agreement covering product testing by EU Notified Bodies and UK Approved Bodies.  

A subsequent article on the Northern Ireland Protocol and Conformity Marking will be published in a future edition of Members First. 

The GGF will keep members informed on any changes to this situation. Members wishing more information should contact the Technical Department at technical@ggf.org.uk   

Masterframe’s BBA Certification is continued with a clean bill of health

Members News |

Masterframe Windows is one of the very few vertical slider manufacturers to have achieved the British Board of Agrément “Whole of Life” performance tested status for all the sash windows it produces. The onerous 20, 000 cycle endurance test simulates a “whole of life” test to prove longevity and guarantees a full BBA approval.  This means that every single component, even the balances and window furniture is subject to this third party scrutiny.

To explain what their certification stands for and the considerable weight it carries in the industry, the BBA website describes it as follows “BBA Agrément Certificate is a mark of excellence based on rigorous national and European standards that validate a construction product’s specialist formulation, capability and uniqueness. Certification is an achievement that delivers the power of product confidence, industry satisfaction and market leadership.”  Read more about the BBA here https://www.bbacerts.co.uk/.

However the most important thing about this certification is that once it is achieved, it does not end there. The company must consistently prove, at BBA audits twice annually, that the product is being manufactured to the same quality standard as originally specified and agreed.

 

Ray Rabett, Technical & Compliance Director for Masterframe Windows says “We were very pleased to receive a clean bill of health as a result of our recent BBA audit on 12 April 2021.  The audit was carried out remotely, but with the same detailed checking processes in place to ensure that we had not dropped our quality standards in any way. 

This includes checking that windows are being made to the same size and specification as originally tested with the correct reinforcement, using the same materials as documented and agreed, with all the same checks and balances in place for quality control. Factory conditions, storage conditions, processes and records are all checked in great detail and even the position of screws are tested for conformance to the original Quality Plan.

The outstanding advantage for our trade and commercial customers is that they are assured of a consistent quality product that has been scrutinised by a third party from start to finish.  They can therefore return to Masterframe time and time again with great confidence, knowing that the high standards of quality will not alter.”

Masterframe Windows is committed to product and service excellence and have several other accreditations which can be viewed here:   https://www.masterframetrade.co.uk/about-us/accreditations/. 

If you are looking for a specialist, award winning sash window manufacturer, please speak to our knowledgeable sales team on 01376 510410 or e-mail sales@masterframe.co.uk.

 

 

 

Interview with the President

Glassi, Membership News, News |

Tony Smith of Pilkington United Kingdom Ltd part of the NSG Group, has been a long-standing Board Member of the GGF and was elected President in December 2020. In this, his first interview as President, Tony shares his industry background, views and optimism of the future of the GGF. 

When did you start in this industry?

I started in the Aluminium Extrusion Industry in the 1970’s when it was the predominant material for Windows & Door framing for both domestic and commercial applications and it still has its place alongside PVCu, Timber & Steel. I have held a variety of roles within our sector, but over the last 15 years serving as UK&I Business Development & VAP Manager for founder GGF member, Pilkington UK Limited, an exciting and wide-ranging role that involved work with Government, Industry, our UK operations and R&D departments.

How long have you been involved with the GGF?

I cannot be sure of the exact date but over 12 years. I started attending meetings as an observer for Pilkington, I was invited to join the Board of BFRC, then moving into the Glazing Executive and eventually voted in as Chair of Glazing Executive from where I became GGF Vice President and it’s now an honour to have the responsibility of the GGF Presidency for the next two years. This route is open to any Member, such a route will ensure that the top role is as a result of hard work and commitment to the industry’s main trade organisation.

What are the challenges facing the industry?

Whilst there are the normal challenges of economic stability, and dealing with the current pandemic etc. as an Industry we need to get our collective voice heard by Government. We need to ensure that we help Government understand our products better and what role they can play in helping society move towards net-zero Carbon. Recently the sector has been initially overlooked in key issues such as the debate around the use of Laminated Safety Glass. At GGF we have corrected that, and I believe we have shown that we can produce high quality information for Government. We also need to look at the development ‘Road Map’ for our products, we cannot rely on maintaining the ‘status quo’. We need to boldly innovate and bring products to market that will benefit consumers and wider society.

What are your overarching objectives for the GGF?

The objectives are clear, externally, we need to build on the 40 plus years of GGF Activity with Industry, Consumer and Government through our service offerings. Through our wider technical services, we provide support to our entire industry and many do not realise this. We also need to raise the greater awareness of the value that our organisation provides widely and not just to our membership. Internally we need to build on the existing offerings from Group companies, FENSA, RISA & BFRC through dedicated business development activities. We are a service business, our employees are key to our businesses, we need to ensure that we focus on our employees by developing them, building on their strengths, and establishing a culture of excellence and work safety.

As GGF President, what will be the key political issues you will be focusing on during your tenure?

We need to further improve our communication with Government, with GGF Group businesses we represent around 8000 companies making GGF by far the largest sector body. We have been building strong relationships and improving cooperation with British Glass and the Flat Glass Manufacturers Association whilst maintaining links to Construction Products Association, FMB, NHIC, BWF, BPF and Cab to name just a few. We are a key industry player, through the Competent Persons Scheme, FENSA, we have been responsible for the certification of the installation of around 64 million windows & doors to date, through BFRC we are an integral part of the Building Regulations, our WER scheme plays a major part in compliance with the Regulations. Both businesses work for Government, Industry and most of all the consumer.

Energy efficiency is a priority if we are to get to Net Zero within the Governments timetable, they need to understand the scale of the problem, over 100 million Windows and 30 million doors need to be upgraded. Fabric first is the key to solving the problem, we need to see improved housing design utilising the available glazing technology and existing buildings brought to modern standards by improvements to the building fabric first.

Fire Safety Glass technology in relation to Fire Safety needs to be better understood. Our industry has been producing high performance products that provide incredible resistance to fire. We are currently engaged with MHCLG / OFR Consortium in the review of the use of laminated safety glass in balconies & balustrades. GGF working with Members have provided much needed evidence to Government on the performance of standard laminated safety glasses following extensive furnace testing at NSG Pilkington facilities in Germany. Based on the GGF findings presented to Government we are confident that the unfortunate ban on the use of laminated safety glasses will be lifted relatively quickly.

Training and skills are also areas where our industry is sadly lacking the Government funding needed to train and upskill employees to the highest standards. The GGF has set up a training partnership with Total Support Training offering many full and part time courses and qualifications to drive training in the industry but more Government support is needed. Training funding could also help companies attract people to the industry as the standards improve and training is integrated into a clear career path.

Local government restrictions on glazing in conservation areas is also impacting our sector with over three million homes being affected by the Article 4 Directions imposed by local councils. The GGF is aiming to help local authority conservation officers and building control departments appreciate the need for modern energy efficient glazing in older buildings, to improve lifestyles, the buildings themselves and the environment.

The inconsistency in councils is also a frustration for consumers and companies with different council applying different interpretations of the Article 4 Directive. Modern energy efficient glazing enhances buildings it is not detrimental and can now be manufactured to blend in with the surrounding buildings seamlessly.

What’s your message to Government?

The GGF is the leading trade body for the glass, glazing and fenestration industries with a mine of industry information and a pool of world experts of glass and glazing products, systems and services. We are a keen to support and work with Government to improve people’s lives, their homes, their health and the environment – engage with us and together we can change things for the better.

What’s your message for the GGF Membership?

There’s never been a more crucial time for companies to be part of the GGF. We are facing many challenges and the way to navigate a path through these difficult times is to be united and to help each other by being part of the Federation. The GGF has the resources to help companies of all sizes from all sides of the industry. Use the resources, the comprehensive technical library, the numerous regional and technical meetings, the technical and health and safety services and the many other benefits. Be part of something bigger and use the GGF to grow your business and deliver excellence for your customer.

At the present time, what’s your message to home improvement companies?

We have worked tirelessly with Government, primarily BEIS, on the issues for our sector generated by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. With the COVID pandemic continuing to have significant impact the sector, I’d strongly advise that all home improvement companies follow the extensive GGF Safe guidance, to ensure that you work safely in other people’s homes. By doing so, you will not only protect yourselves and your customers, but you will also protect the NHS and save lives.

What’s your message to the wider industry?

GGF Members operate to the highest industry standards to deliver state of the art products combined with highly professional services. They also have access to the comprehensive GGF technical and health and safety library of over one hundred publications written and produced by industry experts with decades of industry knowledge. It is because of this specialist knowledge combined with product and service excellence that architects, building and project managers, designers, specifiers and construction contractors across the UK and internationally, choose to work with GGF Members. I can tell you that its exciting times at GGF we are embarking on a period of significant development – be a part of the GGF ‘Team’ to bring increased success to your business.

New Technical Homepage

Glassi |

This month sees the launch of the new Technical Homepage on the GGF website.

As well as an obvious re-design, the aim of the new Homepage is to provide a more informative service primarily for GGF Members but also to show non-Members and the wider industry such as architects, specifiers and building designers, the many technical services the GGF offers.

David Borland, Senior Technical Officer explains;

“Rather than provide a generic who we are page, we wanted to provide up-to-date information on matters which are relevant to our members and give them a more immersive experience.”

The concertina style drop down design has multiple sub-sections for the user’s convenience and ease of navigation. 

A visit to the Technical Homepage shows sections such as Latest News and Events which provides details of upcoming events such as webinars and technical forums. Each topic providing links to relevant documents or booking forms.

The Latest News and Events sub-section will also include recent events such as the two Technical Forums; the “Ban on Laminated Glass for facades and balconies” and “The Future Homes Consultation” with full video coverage and documentation links.

The new Technical Homepage will also house relevant information and links to Government and trade information that may impact on Members’ business.

The Consultation sub-section contains details and links to all current Consultation documents and covers both the UK and ROI. Some of these consultation will also link to webinars in the Events section if relevant.

A complete list of industry standards from BSI (UK standards), CEN (European standards) & ISO (international standards) that are currently under review, shows the current status of each standard and relevant dates for response to the relevant standards body (BSI, CEN or ISO).

Members can also find, view and download the most GGF Technical Report on the Technical Homepage. The information is presented in such a way that Members can either downloaded from the page in either full typed form or as a PDF copy of the Meeting presentation.

David Borland concluded, “We very much see this a stepping stone to providing an interactive and informative source of important information for our Members and are keen to receive feedback on how they believe it can be further improved. In the meantime, I am sure that Members will find the experience of finding GGF technical documents and information far easier than ever before.”

You can visit the new GGF Technical Homepage here

Adding real value for the benefit of Members

Glassi |

The GGF Marketing and External Affairs team has had a productive first quarter with one of the major highlights being the recent launch of the GGF Digital Marketing Toolkit.

James Lee, GGF Director of External Affairs explains the background to the exciting new service for Members and also how digital technology is making a real impact on the GGF’s own marketing strategies.

How did the idea come about for a digital marketing toolkit for GGF Members? 

The new Toolkit stemmed from a suggestion from the Members of the GGF Marketing Communications Committee (MCC) who met via video during the first national lockdown in April 2020. The MCC Members are at the sharp end of the industry so they could see what was happening and that remote communication was dramatically increasing because it was the only way allowed under the Government restrictions at the time. At the following meeting in July, we put some more substance behind the planning and realised that, going forward if Members were aware of and knew how to use the digital marketing tools available then they would have a distinct advantage in the market.

What does the new digital marketing toolkit consist of?

The first task was commissioning a web developer to deliver the project. So we appointed SLX Marketing who worked on GGF websites and search engine marketing. They are experts in the field and GGF Members deserve the best. Initially, we thought, one video and about 50 slides in a PowerPoint presentation would cover it. However as we started going through it piece by piece, we soon realised this was a project that had to be done comprehensively. Having gained a post-graduate diploma in digital marketing, I am fully aware of the sheer enormity of the subject. So we pulled it together in the 12 most practical tools that Members could use and then put a video and PDF document for each sub-category. All are now fully accessible to watch on screen and to download. Making the project more holistic has taken more time but it will provide greater options and more knowledge for Members to apply to their businesses.

What areas of digital marketing does the toolkit cover?

It starts with planning and goes through to areas such as measurement, audience building, content and media management, through to social media, lead generation, search engine marketing and customer service. There’s also a module on how to use the GGF’s digital marketing channels to benefit members’ business. These are the most suitable at present and some GGF Members will already be using these tools superbly whilst others may not have even started. The beauty of the Digital Marketing Toolkit is that there is something for everyone. It can be used as a reference checkpoint for seasoned digital marketers or a training guide for new marketing staff or the how to manual for a company looking at developing their entire business model. It’s extremely fluid and will be on the GGF website for Members as a permanent service to use at their convenience. 

Will there be additions to the Digital Marketing Toolkit?

Yes there will be additions and the GGF will update Members when this happens. The technology is always evolving so we will be keeping a close eye on what’s coming out that could be a useful for the benefit of GGF Members. This new service is not just for during and coming out of the pandemic, it will be in place for many years and naturally will be updated as the technology evolves. 

What would you say are the main benefits of digital marketing? 

It clearly saves time and cost over traditional marketing methodology. It also has developed to such a point where it’s become so user friendly that it’s become much easier to understand and use. In addition, it has taken a lot of the effort out of marketing. If done correctly, communication channels with customers can be created very quickly and easily. Also if done smartly, customers can find you easier than ever before.

What’s your message to GGF members about this new product?

Use it to your full advantage. I recently had the product valued by an independent Digital Marketing Consultant and the value of the Toolkit and its content was placed at over £1000. This was based on the costs one would incur if they had to go on training courses or ask a consultant for this knowledge and information. This a great GGF benefit that will save you time and money and if applied to best effect could really grow your business.

In the coming months, James Lee will be attending GGF Regional Meetings to provide an update on the GGF’s Marketing and External Affairs and will also take questions and feedback on how Members are finding the Digital Marketing Toolkit. You can also email James direct of you have any feedback or questions. Please email marketing@ggf.org.uk

Tribute to Stephen Byers… the Father of ‘Non-Stick’ Glass Surface Technology

Glassi |

On 6 March 2021, the glass industry and the GGF sadly lost a popular and respected character. Stephen Byers passed away peacefully from pneumonia aged 79, with wife and business partner Karen Byers by his side.

Stephen, with Karen, will forever be known as the pioneers of the ‘non-stick’, easy clean glass industry. The inseparable couple had to fight hard and challenge the industry and transform perceptions and attitudes towards the protection and maintenance of glass surfaces. Stephen was a visionary with their high quality ClearShield glass surface technology that over the years many have attempted to imitate, or even pass off.

Born in Texas in 1941, Stephen graduated from Missouri University with an MBA and degree in Chemistry. He then worked for multinational chemical companies and in 1977 moved to the UK for a two year assignment. In that time, Stephen met Karen and decided to remain in England. They married in 1981 in Denmark, Karen’s home country.

In that same year, Stephen investigated the concept of ‘non-stick’, easy-clean glass and subsequently acquired rights to new potential technology for the protection of various surfaces. Extensive research and improvements followed, and the new technology was branded ‘ClearShield’.

ClearShield was initially tested extensively on glass in the marine environment to prove it was easier to clean and keep clean. Stephen remarked, “If ClearShield works on glass in the harsh marine environment, it’s going to work in any environment!”. After successful small scale marine trials, ClearShield was ready to be launched commercially.

However, selling the concept to the glass industry would be a mammoth task; they displayed staunch determination and unwavering dedication to raising awareness on the corrosion of glass, and most importantly how it may be avoided or corrected. And their efforts paid off.

Consequently, Stephen and Karen single-handedly created a new and global industry for the protection of glass surfaces, now firmly accepted by the whole of the glass and construction industry. ClearShield led the couple to develop a unique, fully-integrated system to renovate, protect and maintain glass: the ClearShield System® (later rebranded the ClearShield Eco-System®).

Stephen and Karen renovating and protecting the glass magrodome with ClearShield on board the QE2 in 1985

In 1985, they treated their first cruise ship, the QE2. This was a prestigious project indeed, and would pave the way for treatment to other cruises liners: to date, ClearShield has been applied to over 60 cruise liners.

Richard Branson and his crew onboard Virgin Atlantic Challenger II – treated with ClearShield to optimise visibility – passes Bishops Rock Lighthouse to break the record for the fastest transatlantic surface vessel crossing in 1986

In 1986, Stephen and Karen helped a certain Richard Branson break the world record for the fastest transatlantic surface crossing. Richard’s powerboat, Virgin Atlantic Challenger II, had her exterior glass treated with ClearShield, making it resistant to the harsh sea spray and optimise visibility. This saved the crew precious time from having to stop and clean the glass.

HRH Prince Charles displays great pleasure in demonstrating ClearShield on BBC’s Tomorrow’s World programme in 1987

With awareness of ClearShield increasing, Stephen and Karen formed Ritec International Limited in 1987. That same year, ClearShield won the Prince of Wales Industry Award for Industrial Innovation & Production. Those of you of a certain age may recall HRH Prince Charles throw a bucket of mud against a large piece of glass half-treated with ClearShield on the BBC’s Tomorrow’s World programme, the mud effortlessly running off the protected side. Even at trade shows, visitors will spy Ritec’s ‘mud dome’ demonstration units and say they remember seeing the technology demonstrated on said programme; certainly ClearShield has made a lasting impression to some!

Ritec were – and continue to be – members of the GGF (Glass & Glazing Federation). Over the last 30 years, Stephen worked relentlessly with the GGF to begin development of some industry standards, and to make health & safety and ethics driving factors in the growth of this new industry. He held various positions, including Chairman of the London Region from 2006-10 as well as being a founder Chairman of the GGF Modified Glass Group in 2013. For 10 years, Stephen also served on the GGF Marketing and Communications Committee and was on the GGF Glazing Executive for 7 years.

Stephen and Karen’s achievements were recognised in 2019 by the GGF when they received an award for Outstanding Contribution to the Industry, a fantastic honour.

From humble beginnings, Stephen and Karen’s technology is today used in more than 70 countries on commercial and residential buildings as well as on ships and other transport vehicles, and in many other applications. ClearShield has also won several international awards on the way. However, what is less known is that they introduced crucial innovations such as a ground-breaking system for the protection of glass and ceramic electrical insulators with their VoltShield System™, as used by the National Grid.

But it is not just his business achievements Stephen will be remembered for. His determination, positivity, kindness and graciousness will never be forgotten. Stephen Byers, you will be sorely missed.

From the Top

Glassi, News |

Welcome to the spring issue of GLASSi.

Firstly, I express my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Stephen Byers, who sadly passed away a few weeks ago. I knew Stephen very well and shared many GGF meetings and social occasions with both Stephen and his wife Karen. In this issue of GLASSi, we pay full tribute to Stephen, who was a very popular and respected GGF Member for over three decades. He will be sorely missed.

As we enter the new season, we sincerely hope that the UK is on the road to recovery from the huge disruption and restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Over the last 12 months, the future has at times looked very bleak for business and society as a whole. The future though is now looking a lot brighter with the Government’s roadmap to recovery, the easing of restrictions combined with the success of the Government vaccination programme. This is as result of the rates of infection, cases and fatalities decreasing.

As the situation has evolved the GGF has worked closely with Governments, local authority partnerships and health and safety experts to ensure you receive the latest information and guidance. We will continue to work with all the relevant bodies to ensure you and your staff are protected with the most up to date and best possible guidance. 

Though there is much optimism, there is still no room for complacency and we should all continue to follow the guidance, protect the NHS and save lives.   

Brexit

Since the last edition of GLASSi, the transition period for the UK to leave the EU ended on 31st December 2020.

With the UK no longer being part of the EU, there have been and still are difficulties for companies who import and export. Members have reported problems with administration at customs, delays in transportation, price increases in haulage generally and containers specifically. In addition, the industry has also seen a change to the regulations around CE Marking and the UK has now introduced a new UKCA Marking system which all companies will have to adhere to if their products fall within scope of the Construction Products Regulation. The GGF Technical Team are working with MHCLG (Government Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government) and our fellow Trade Associations in making representations on behalf of members to try and make this process as straightforward as possible for companies who place products (within scope) on the market.

In this issue of GLASSi, David Borland, GGF Senior Technical Officer has produced an update on the current status regarding CE Marking and UKCA Marking.

Energy Efficiency

The Government recently announced that the Green Homes Grant Scheme launched last September has been cancelled. Since the launch of the scheme (which did not consult with huge parts of the construction and glass & glazing sector in advance of its launch), the GGF raised concerns to Government over the restrictive PAS 2030 accreditation gateway to becoming an approved installer to carry out measures and also the glazing element of the scheme which only allowed for single glazing to be replaced as a secondary measure. The GGF also made representations to Government that Competent Person Schemes should be used as an alternative or complimentary to PAS2030.

Though this scheme hasn’t worked for our industry, the GGF is continuing talks with Government over future schemes that will hopefully have more emphasis on glazing.    

GGF Products and Services

In the first quarter of 2021, the GGF team have been extremely productive to increase and improve your benefits.

On the health and safety side, we have launched the new Health and Safety Webinar Programme which is freely available for all Members to attend. The next webinar is on “Managing Mental Health during COVID-19” and is on April 6th. You can book your place at this webinar here.

The GGF Digital Marketing Toolkit was launched recently and includes free access to 12 video webinars accompanied by PDF presentation files for free download. The digital marketing toolkit has a content value of over £1k, so I encourage all Members to take full advantage to grow their online audience, customers and business using digital technology.

Also on the marketing and PR front, the GGF is continuing its consumer campaign Stay Safe with MyGlazing.com following the success of the campaign in 2020 when over 200k consumers looking for advice through the pandemic visited the MyGlazing.com website for advice. The campaign was also publicised in over 100 consumer publications reaching millions of homeowners.

The GGF Technical team in that last 12 months has published 42 new technical publications and is continuing up review and update a further 26 as part of the ongoing technical documentation review process. In addition, the Team organised two exclusive Technical Forums in February and it was great to see over 100 GGF Members attend via video link, “The Ban on Laminated Glass in Facades and Balconies Forum” and then just a few days later attend the “Forum on the Government’s Future Homes Consultation” which will impact the Building Regulations approved documents L (energy efficiency) and F (ventilation).

Members Meetings

In the first few months of the year we have already seen an increase in Members meetings and particularly in the Regional meetings, Window Film Group and Heritage Window Group. With Member engagement increasing via video meetings, we are looking at returning to face to face meetings once the lockdown restrictions allow such gatherings. We will of course keep you updated on when this will happen and rest assured we will also be continuing with the video conferencing as well as face to face meetings, to enable all Members to engage regardless of distance and time.

An up to date list of GGF Members Meetings for 2021 can be see here. Please feel free to contact the assigned GGF Secretary if you want to find out more about our meetings and/or if you wish to attend any of the Members Regional or Technical meetings.

Finally, I was delighted to see all parts of the GGF membership represented at the Chairperson’s Forum (held on 18th March). With 33 Chairs/Representatives at the Forum it was an exceptional attendance and many of the points raised by Members have been fully taken on board and will be address by the GGF Board and Staff. A full report of this meeting will be issued to all who attended to cascade to all Members.

We look forward to working on your behalf to help your business through these trying times.

Enjoy GLASSi

John Agnew
Managing Director  

Great start to 2021 for GGF Health, Safety and Environment

Glassi |

James MacPherson, GGF Health, Safety and Environment Manager, reflects on productive first quarter of 2021 and looks ahead to the rest of the year with great optimism.

Whilst a lot of work was done in the later months of last year laying the ground work for what we are starting to see now it has been great to see the member value increasing from the Health, Safety and Environment team at GGF. So what’s happened so far this year then?

COVID

COVID is still here and the whole GGF team has been working to support our members and guide the way forward. The journey is still long but there is light at the end of the tunnel now with normality starting to become in sight in a few months.

The Glass Charter

As we discussed last year the GGF Glass Charter was in need of an urgent review. This review is well underway and parts of that approach we have started to see already. Our aim with the review is to take to become more evidence based using the most modern and forward thinking scientific research in safety and health to make a more inclusive approach that enables and empowers members to be successful! In the coming weeks you will been asked to complete a survey to help us review the glass charter and guide the future of Health, Safety and Environment. It is vital that as many Members as possible get involved in this because this will tell us what you need, and that is with completing the survey will enter you into a prize draw which will be announced soon so keep your eye out for that!

Lunch and Learn Health and Safety Webinars

A main focus of the new Glass Charter will be given Member access to as much help support and guidance as possible and part of this is the new Health and Safety webinars that kicked off with a standing keynote from Jason Anker MBE and Sean Toon up next we will be talking with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) about how to manage mental health at work, then we have a whole series of monthly webinars covering the basics of safety and more in-depth technical and cultural ideas to support all Members no matter where they are in their safety journey. 

Code of Practice and Guidance

Late last year and early this year we have seen two new guides for our Members, we produced the “COVID Safe Guide for Manufacturing and the Supply Chain” to ensure that we are supporting all our Members.

In addition to this we have re-written the “Asbestos Cement in Rainwater Goods and Domestic Soffits” Code of Practice to bring it up to date but also to make it more helpful to Members. That why we engaged with Members who deal with this on a daily basis to understand the challenge in reality and then engaged with the leading asbestos approving bodies in the UK to make sure everything was correct.

What’s Next?

The relaunch of the Glass Charter is an exciting project to look forward to with a new approach is that is inclusive and forward thinking and lead by safety science. The framework we have developed will drive improvement enabling GGF Members to go beyond compliance and become successful resilient business’ with strong cultures to deal with whatever the future may bring.

GGF

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