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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maurice Anders, 1927 – 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

> Learn more about GGF Membership

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

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

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

Celebrating our Founder Members

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

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

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

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

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

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

> Learn more about GGF Membership

The perfect blend of financial expertise and glazing know-how.

In many respects, one of the unique strengths of GGFi is its position within the fenestration industry. Not only does it share an office with the GGF team – putting it in close contact with the glazing sector’s leading trade association – but it’s also located close to the heart of the UK’s financial markets.

This places the GGF Group company in an enviable place with access to the best of both of the worlds in which they operate.

First-hand knowledge of the glazing sector

As a provider of quality bespoke insurance in the glazing sector, access to the industry knowledge and technical expertise of the GGF has helped the GGFi team gain a thorough understanding of their clients and their clients’ needs.

They understand the unique challenges of running a glazing company, which can include problems that arise with suppliers and manufacturers as well as changes to the technical and regulatory landscapes. The GGF has a wealth of glazing experience within its ranks and GGFi can call upon this knowledge to help them provide unmatched support to their registered businesses and policyholders.

GGFi Claims Handler Tom Fellowes commented, “Having a close relationship with the GGF has proved to be very valuable in helping us resolve complex claims. The knowledge contained really helps us drill down on some of the more technical and challenging situations that can arise when our insurance policies are put to the test as a result of a claim.”

At the heart of the insurance sector

GGFi is handily located just down the road from the City of London, the epicentre of the UK insurance market. This is where the headquarters of numerous large brokers as well as Lloyd’s of London can be found, collectively where the vast majority of insurance business within the UK takes place. This gives the GGFi team easy access to countless insurance resources and enables them to meet quickly with key partners within the industry.

Jaspreet Harrar, Business Analyst for Correlation Risk Partners works closely with GGFi in providing Insurance Backed Guarantee (IBG) products.

She underlined the value of this proximity: “With GGFi being so close to our offices, it makes communication so much easier. Of course, we can communicate over the phone or via email, but nothing beats the engagement of a face-to-face meeting. Especially when facing complex or involved discussions, it is easier for us to meet up with the GGFi team at short notice and go over things in detail.”

There are also a large number of insurance seminars and workshops held within the City of London on a wide variety of relevant topics. Attendance at these events enables GGFi staff to ensure that their knowledge of the insurance industry is kept up to date. Market developments and regulatory changes can have a significant impact on how GGFi operates and by extension on the services they can provide to customers.

By ensuring that GGFi is on the pulse with regards to the glazing sector and the insurance industry, the company is well-placed to provide their clients with expert knowledge and competitive rates.

Learn more: Visit the GGFi website

A GGF Member company has been recognised for the unique role it played in helping FENSA register an unprecedented 13 millionth installation earlier this year.

DG Solutions draws on a range of PVCu windows, doors, porches, conservatories and roofline products as well as a wealth of industry experience to deliver bespoke solutions for its clients.

The GGF Member company has offices across the South of England and this June it installed six windows and two doors at a property in Oxfordshire. Little did it know it had just completed the 13 millionth installation to be registered through the FENSA self-certification scheme for replacement doors and windows.

It was a highly anticipated milestone for FENSA and one celebrated as both symbolic of the great work done every day by its members and evidence of its status as the largest and longest serving Competent Person Scheme in the fenestration industry.

Recognition for a special installation

Anda Gregory, Managing Director of FENSA, visited the team at DG Solutions to present Business Manager Thomas Ward with a special certificate recognising his company’s landmark installation.

Anda commented, “I was delighted to meet DG Solutions and award our special Certificate of Achievement for carrying out the 13 millionth installation in FENSA’s history. It is recognition of the great work that both DG Solutions and FENSA do to ensure homeowners have their windows legally installed to high professional standards.”

Thomas said that it was marvellous to discover that DG Solutions had processed the lucky 13 millionth FENSA registration.

He commented, “This accolade is just the icing on the cake following a lot of hard work in the restructuring of our business model and product offering, which we hope will move the company to the next level.”

Reaping the rewards of FENSA membership

DG Solutions has more than 30 years’ experience in the replacement window and door industry and has built a strong reputation by delivering excellent customer service alongside an extensive range of products and services.

Though a FENSA installer since 2012, the company continues to discover new ways to benefit from its FENSA membership.

Thomas explained, “We are now starting to take greater advantage of the free BFRC opt-in for FENSA members, meaning we can use our manufacturers’ energy rated products and brand them as our own rated products. I have no doubt this will give us a further edge in the market place.”

FENSA celebrates its members

For FENSA, the registration of 13 million installations over just sixteen years signals the efficacy of a scheme founded at the request of Government in 2002.

Chris Beedel, Director of Membership, commented, “This achievement highlights how successful the scheme has become in a relatively short period of time. It also shows the coverage and trust in the FENSA brand and the loyalty of FENSA members. We have 6000 installer companies who clearly want to maintain high industry standards by ensuring their homeowners have legally and professionally installed windows and doors.”

FENSA, a GGF Group company, was established as a Competent Person Scheme in response to Building Regulations for double glazing companies in England and Wales. As the market leader, FENSA is the largest and longest established Competent Person Scheme within the replacement window and door industry. Its role for FENSA members is to enable companies to self-certify compliance under the Building Regulations without the need for a separate assessment from Building Control.

> Learn more about FENSA

RISA – the GGF Group’s inspection and auditing company – has announced the appointment of Dave Mechem as Operations Director. Dave has been with RISA since January 2016 when he transferred from FENSA with the majority of his inspection team.

Dave started his career on “the bottom rung of the ladder” working as an apprentice for a small installation business owned by his family. He quickly progressed, becoming an installer then subsequently branching into surveying and servicing. In time the company grew and as a result was able to invest in a PVCu fabrication factory, enabling it to manufacture frames for its own needs and also to supply to the wider trade. Dave helped start this part of the business and at this time moved away from installing and into managing the factory.

In 2002, Dave became an inspector for FENSA’s independent inspection supplier in the South East region, and later transferred to the South West. He was promoted in 2008 to Inspection Manager, responsible for a team of inspectors that covered England and Wales.

Upon his latest promotion to Operations Director, Dave said he is “determined to continuously develop and refine the inspections process – providing RISA’s clients with a constantly improving service.”

On accepting the role Dave commented, “I am excited and honoured to be given the chance to help shape and grow RISA into a leading inspection provider.”

The aim for RISA is to become United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) accredited to demonstrate its impartial, professional, fair and robust inspection services to the construction industry.

Dave added, “I feel privileged to have worked with some fantastic fenestration professionals over the years and I have learnt a lot from all of them. I have a first class team with varied skill sets and I am looking forward to great achievements in the future.”

RISA offers independent and impartial inspection and auditing services to the fenestration and construction industries in line with relevant legislation and standards. It is the sole provider of inspection services for FENSA.

The GGF is delighted to announce that one of the Federation’s Founder Members, Holdens-SupaSeal, has successfully achieved Bronze Level 2 in the newly formatted GGF GLASS Charter Merit Scheme.

At June’s GGF Midlands Regional meeting in Solihull, Regional Chairman Dr Bernard Lowe awarded the GLASS Charter Certificate to Holdens-SupaSeal.

Holdens-SupaSeal was audited in April 2018 and was successful in meeting the standards required to attain Bronze Level 2. During the audit, it was clear that a fair amount of self-examination had taken place, which evidentially resulted in a considered approach to applying Health and Safety Regulation to the business.

The business leaders are committed to a sustainable program improvement, Ron Benson, Holden’s Health and Safety Manager commented, “It was a pleasure to be awarded with The GLASS Charter at Bronze Level 2 that followed a high standard process. This a great process as it does not matter what level you achieve first time round because the guidance and information is there to help you achieve a higher level, which we aim to do.”

The GLASS Charter Merit Scheme is a framework that GGF Members can access to validate their progression on improved safety standards. This seeks to recognise the commitment of the business, leadership and the inclusion of the workforce in safety excellence. Since its relaunch in 2016, Member companies from across the spectrum have submitted themselves to a no cost audit. The merit scheme is open to all GGF Members, no matter the size.

The GGF is pleased to confer the status of Bronze Level 2 to Holdens-SupaSeal in recognition of what they have achieved. Phil Pinnington, GGF Director of Health and Safety, added, “Holdens-SupaSeal’s acknowledgement of good Health and Safety is a credit to their commitment. Ron has successfully engaged with the workforce to get them involved in safety management.”

Learn more: GLASS Charter Merit Scheme