Promoting the highest industry standards
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.
We repair every aspect of uPVC windows & doors from locks, handle’s and hinges to the plastic frame and the glass.
We do all domestic glazing repairs on uPVC, wood, aluminium and metal windows and doors. We specalise in services to Housing Associations and are also FENSA registered for new window, roofline and cladding installations.
Evander is the UK’s leading provider of glazing and locksmith services for domestic and commercial properties. Every year Evander attend over 120,000 properties, providing 24-7 emergency response and fulfilment services, making the places where you live and work safe, secure and smart.
Emergency make safe and boarding
Repair and replacement of glass and glazing, frames and systems
Lock repair and replacement
Door repair and replacement
Home improvements – windows, doors, conservatories, garage doors
Bespoke specialist glazing installations
FENSA and TrustMark Accredited
Commercial Glaziers – for all Glass, Glazing and Window Films- 24/7.
Emergency Number: 020 7619 6900 (24hrs) – but Normal Office Hours for technical enquiries.
24 Hour Emergency repairs. Tender Work, Reactive Maintenance, Site Work, Express Service, Free survey with advice & estimates.
Please email us at :- sales@expressglazingcontractors.co.uk
Please see our website for all our services offered at :- www.expressglazingcontractors.co.uk
Here for all your Glass, Glazing and Applied Window Films requirements, 24-hour emergency repairs, tender work, maintenance contracts, site work, express service, advice & estimates.
Express Glazing Contractors was formed in the late 1970’s, and over the years we have had to live up to the name “Express”, which being conveniently situated in Central London, allows us to offer a prompt and competitive service.
Express Glazing Contractors experience, together with their products and services, is extensive being built over many years through economics highs and lows, storms, civil disturbances, terrorist attacks, working from the top of the highest buildings, to below ground, whilst providing a professional and rapid service of glass, glazing and applied window film to their diverse range of customers.
From initial enquiries to specifications, Express take over the project or emergency completely and see it through to a satisfactory, reliable and prompt completion.
It was reported in the media that a salesperson representing a double glazing company (who was not a Member of the Glass and Glazing Federation) is alleged to have “preyed on the elderly” by selling a vulnerable pensioner two new doors for nearly £6,000 when all she actually needed was for a handle to be repaired – a job that would have cost approximately £50.
The story came to light after the pensioner’s son confronted the salesperson the next day while filming the encounter, and later posted the footage on social media.
MyGlazing.com’s consumer rights expert, Brian Smith, Director of Home Improvement at the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF), commented:
“While the company in question is not a GGF Member, the incident is very disappointing for the glazing industry as a whole and you have to question in this case what prompted the salesperson to sell two new doors to the lady. No doubt the company involved will be urgently reviewing their policy and processes on how they deal with vulnerable consumers as a result.”
Vulnerable consumers are those whose circumstances put them at risk of making an incorrect or inappropriate decision, or who are at risk of receiving inferior goods or services.
Brian Smith added: “This incident underlines the importance of the GGF Consumer Code of Practice, which gained approval this year under the Chartered Trading Standards Institute’s Consumer Code Approval Scheme (CCAS). In our Code of Practice, which all consumer-facing GGF Members have to follow, we have an entire section on protecting vulnerable homeowners. A more detailed Guide is also issued to our Members.”
All GGF Members that deal directly with consumers are required to comply with the GGF Consumer Code of Practice, including the following with respect to vulnerable consumers:
The GGF considers it reasonable to ask for a maximum of 50% initial deposit for made to measure products such as windows and doors, although many ask for much less.
Read more: GGF Consumer Code of Practice
Brian Smith summarised: “For the best consumer protection in the industry, I would advise all homeowners to use a GGF Member company. Not only is the standard of work at the highest professional level, but our Members are following an approved Consumer Code of Practice and offer the GGF’s free deposit indemnity scheme and free conciliation scheme. Our consumer support aims to give homeowners peace of mind when using GGF Member companies.”
Need a glazing professional? Find a GGF Member company near you
The GGF congratulates Saint-Gobain on its 350th brand anniversary and evaluates strong working relationship.
Saint-Gobain companies have been GGF Members since the early 1990s and today the Saint-Gobain Group is still as active as ever in the Federation. With representation at over 20 Specialist Groups and Committees Saint-Gobain and its subsidiaries continue to contribute to the GGF’s collective technical expertise for the benefit of the industry.
Brian Baker, current GGF President, has worked with the Federation on behalf of Saint-Gobain companies since they joined the GGF. Most of Saint-Gobain’s input in this period has come from or through Brian. It was therefore fitting that on GGF Members’ Day, 1st September 2015, Brian accepted a special GGF award to commemorate Saint-Gobain’s 350th anniversary.
On receiving the Award, Brian commented:
“It was a genuine privilege to accept this award to mark the 350th birthday of Saint-Gobain. It is extra special to accept it as GGF President on an occasion such as Members Day. Though it was a pleasant surprise, it really shouldn’t have been when one considers all the work, time and effort shared between Saint-Gobain and the GGF to advance the industry.”
From the Federation’s perspective Saint-Gobain has played an important part in the development of the GGF technical information and expertise. Here’s a timeline of how the relationship has developed over almost 4 decades.
(The antecedents of the Flat Glass Association were the Plate Glass Association, the records for which go back to 1880’s. There is more evidence in the Minute Books held at GGF Head Office of the Glass & Glazing companies meeting for their common interests a century earlier in 1780)
Giles Willson, GGF Managing Director commented:
“It’s important for the GGF as the industry’s leading trade organisation to have large global players such as Saint-Gobain on board to help drive our strategy and activity. Since the GGF was formed, we have grown stronger because of the quality of our Members. Saint-Gobain have made and continue to make an invaluable contribution, in particular on the development the GGF’s technical information that has served our Membership and the industry so well for the many years. I wish them all the best in this landmark year.”
Steve Rice, GGF Director of Technical Affairs added:
“I congratulate Saint-Gobain on their 350th brand anniversary. It is especially pleasing for me to see their success and longevity in the industry because I have been involved with the company and Brian since they joined the GGF over 25 years ago. Technical publications such as the Glazing Manual and the Safety and Security Good Practice Guide would simply not have held the same authority had it not been for Saint-Gobain’s and Brian’s time, effort and expertise.”
On presenting the GGF’s special award, Nigel Rees, GGF Group Chief Executive added:
“The GGF felt it was only appropriate to make this gesture as Saint-Gobain is the oldest brand in our industry and the company and its subsidiary companies have contributed so much to the GGF and the industry over many years. It is particularly fitting that Brian as President accepted the award as his work with the GGF on so many fronts has been and still is exemplary. On behalf of all connected to the GGF, my sincere congratulations to all at Saint-Gobain on their 350th anniversary.”
Brian Baker, summed up:
“The relationship between Saint-Gobain and the GGF grows stronger every year and I am pleased the Federation has acknowledged our work, knowledge and strong relationship with this special award to celebrate 350 years of the Saint-Gobain brand. I have no doubt that both organisations will continue to work together for many years to come, not just for their mutual benefit but to improve standards, information and expertise across the entire glass and glazing industry.”
The GGF will yet again be in attendance at the political party conferences this Autumn to raise Members concerns across a range of political campaigns including:
The GGF has long argued for a reduced rate of VAT for energy efficient windows and doors, from the current 20% rate to a 5% rate – to bring energy efficient glazing into parity with other energy saving products. In addition, the GGF supports the wider campaign to cut the VAT on home improvement, repair and maintenance work from a rate of 20% to a rate of 5%.
The GGF have been raising awareness of potential problems over the current wording of some parts of the Bill, to avoid confusion for consumers and to protect businesses from potential “rogue consumers”.
The GGF’s ongoing campaign to urge all those involved in fire safety (including regulation, design, installation etc.) to advocate an integrated approach to fire safety.
A significant number of GGF Members who manufacture, supply and install conservatories have found that homeowners wishing to build conservatories on their properties are being hampered as a result of the change of ownership of private sewers. The GGF has developed industry guidance which outlines best practice for installing conservatories or extensions in cases where building work may go near to a sewer. Given the absence of a water companies’ code of conduct, the GGF is campaigning for this guidance to be adopted by the water companies, in order to provide clarity for consumers who wish to extend their homes.
The GGF’s key focus is on improving the energy efficiency of households and commercial premises. Since 2011, the Federation has been lobbying all of the main political parties to provide evidence and advice on how to better incentivise the schemes to boost the energy efficiency of the UK’s building stock.
Nigel Rees, GGF Group Chief Executive commented, “We have a full on itinerary at the Party Conferences with face to face meetings with MPs and MEPs responsible for energy, employment, local government and planning, skills, treasury and tax. We look forward to attending various events and sessions to raise and discuss our concerns to Ministers and policy makers. With 2015 being an election year and with a great degree of uncertainty around the outcome, it is important we reach as many key influencers as possible.”
Party Conference Dates and Venues:
As well as Senior GGF staff attending, the GGF’s political advisers and public affairs firm GK Strategy will also have representation at all three party conferences on the Federation’s behalf. GK Strategy are in the line-up of guest speakers for GGF Members’ Day (30th September) where they will present an update of all the GGF’s political campaigns.
The GGF was pleased to see TrustMark – the Government-backed quality mark for reputable tradesmen – relaunched last week by Consumer Minister Jenny Willott, with new improved standards of consumer protection under a renewed master licence from the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).
In one of the first major announcements from the joint industry and Government industrial strategy for construction, ‘Construction 2025’, Peter Hansford, the Government’s Chief Construction Adviser, will also emphasise the Government’s strong commitment to TrustMark and call upon more firms to get behind the scheme which is central to boosting the reputation of tradesmen and consumer confidence in the domestic repairs, maintenance and improvement market.
TrustMark’s relaunch brought together more than 100 invited guests from industry and consumer protection groups at a reception in Westminster. The Consumer Minister announced the new core criteria – the Government-endorsed standards at the heart of the TrustMark scheme – and urged the whole industry to meet these new standards, which cover customer service, good trading practices and technical competence.
Nigel Rees, GGF Group Chief Executive commented “The Glass & Glazing Federation has been involved with TrustMark since its launch in 2005 and we are pleased to still be involved in 2014 with this relaunch and the new core criteria. We have no doubt the further increases in enquiries by householders this year will be of major benefit for GGF Member companies.”
Some of the key changes to the TrustMark core criteria include:
Being an existing scheme operator, the GGF will be adapting to the new core criteria over the next 12 months. All new scheme operators who apply after the relaunch will be assessed against the new core criteria from day one. The core criteria will also be reviewed and updated every year from now on to maintain the drive for higher standards.
Commenting on the launch of the new TrustMark standards, Consumer Minister Jenny Willott, says:
“TrustMark gives consumers more confidence in their tradesman when spending their hard earned cash. Every trader who has signed up to the scheme has been independently assessed for their competence.
“We want to put rogue or unscrupulous tradesmen out of business. One of the best ways to do this is to pick out the best businesses, so people know where to turn first for their home improvements, maintenance and repairs.
“I would encourage all legitimate and honest tradesmen to sign up to this scheme.”
Peter Hansford, Government’s Chief Construction Adviser, says:
“TrustMark is pivotal to improving the reputation of the UK construction industry which is why we committed to relaunch it as part of our industrial strategy. Improving the image of the industry with the public is particularly important if we’re to attract the next generation into exciting careers in construction.
“I know the Government is committed to supporting TrustMark, expanding the scheme to include a greater proportion of the industry, and promoting the new core criteria standards and the industry and consumer groups that support them. It wants to see more trade bodies, industry groups and any organisation with a panel of approved contractors joining TrustMark this year so that it can grow to cover much more of the sector.”
The relaunch also marks the start of a sustained consumer marketing campaign for TrustMark to raise consumer awareness of the benefits of using TrustMark-registered firms through major PR and social media campaigns. This includes a communications and video programme, which has been developed around the theme of ‘tools to talk’ and a new weekly consumer advice blog written for TrustMark by Steve Playle, a well known and respected trading standards expert, is part of the programme.
Companies can sign up to TrustMark when they join the GGF – an approved TrustMark Scheme Operator. For more information on how to join the GGF visit www.ggf.org.uk/join or email membership@ggf.org.uk
For further information on TrustMark visit www.trustmark.org.uk
The GGF in conjunction with the Cut the Vat Campaign Coalition is sponsoring research company Experian, to further examine the economic, environmental and social impact of a reduction in VAT on housing renovation and repair work.
Upon completion of the research, a new report will be launched at a Cut the Vat Campaign Reception on Monday 3rd March 2014 at the Terrace of the House of Commons to an audience of MPs, Ministers, Government officials from relevant departments and selected media representatives.
The Cut the VAT Campaign Coalition is an alliance of more than 60 charities, trade associations and business groups including the Glass and Glazing Federation, the Federation of Master Builders and the Home Owners Alliance. This broad coalition of organisations continues to make a strong case for a reduction in VAT to 5% on housing renovation and repair and the new research will re-examine the evidence with a particular focus on the economic benefits over the period of the next Parliament.
Experian last looked at this proposal in 2011 when VAT was increased from 17.5% to 20%. At that time their research demonstrated that a targeted reduction in VAT to 5% on housing renovation and repair would provide a total economic stimulus of more than £20 billion by 2020. The same research stated that this reduction would create more than 32,000 extra full-time equivalent construction jobs by the end of 2015.
Nigel Rees, GGF Group Chief Executive commented, “A single cut in VAT on housing renovation and repair work would help millions of households upgrade their homes and make them more energy efficient. A VAT reduction would not only reduce the cost of living, but it could also improve the economy, create more jobs and help much needed growth for SMEs. In addition, enabling homeowners to make their properties more energy efficient will help the UK meet its carbon reduction targets by lowering the emissions from our existing housing stock.”
The GGF will make the research report available for download to all Members week commencing 3rd March 2014.
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