FROMTHEEDITOR
PROUD SPONSOR OF INDUSTRY NEWS
Forecast for summer is grey …
But it ’ s not as bad as you think .
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LOOKING AT SOME OF THE PRODUCT updates in this month ’ s Clearview , you may be forgiven for thinking we ’ ve switched to black and white printing , but with the trend for grey doors , windows , soffit , and fascia showing no signs of slowing down , as so the response from suppliers and manufacturers has had to match demand . So , while we are currently enjoying a heatwave in many parts of the UK ( or we were as I sat down to write this letter ), there is set to be a grey outlook for us all too , from a design point of view , at least . Following on from the classic white , then woodgrain options , grey has certainly taken the fenestration industry by storm , I wonder what it will be next ?
Responding to market trends in this way , is just one of the methods that fenestration businesses are coming up with to not just meet end-users ’ expectations but also to match the needs that their own customers demand and deserve . When looking through the pages of this month ’ s Clearview I was very impressed at all the different ways that suppliers , fabricators , and installers , are all offered support throughout the supply chain to make sure there are no weak links . And , while many cite the market as being relatively ‘ flat ’ at the moment , it is encouraging and inspiring to see that this hasn ’ t been met with a defeatist attitude but rather one that is creative and challenging . From marketing support , to factory and showroom expansion , improvement of online materials , to significant investment into design and development , and exciting events and exhibitions taking place across the industry , this ‘ don ’ t give up ’ mentality is one to be admired .
Conversely , I was saddened to read about the exploitation of labour workers and risk to human rights that is particularly prevalent in the construction industry , and I would urge readers to pay attention to the national campaign by the GLAA and NCA ; taking heed of the advice of how we can all help eradicate modern slavery once and for all .
Finally , at Clearview we like to celebrate the achievements in our industry especially when it comes to trade anniversaries , new partnerships , and business milestones . But there is also an extra special ‘ Happy Birthday ’ we ’ d like to wish this month , and that ’ s to us . July 2018 marks the 200th issue of Clearview magazine so we ’ d like to thank all our readers for their continued support , and I ’ d personally like to thank all the team for their hard work every month .
Gemma , Editor
Progress during tough times
John Agnew , GGF President , reflects on the last 24 months at the Federation …
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IN THE LAST TWO YEARS the Glass and Glazing Federation ( GGF ) has received wide coverage in the trade media for many successes as well as for some highprofile departures .
Since 2016 , the GGF Board on behalf of its Members has devised a long term strategic plan . This plan is now being implemented to ensure the GGF remains as the leading trade body in the glass and glazing industry , delivering high quality services and benefits for its members .
As with any significant structural change in an organisation , it is inevitable that staff will join and leave during the transition . It is unfortunate that some personnel decided to leave , and also disappointing that some appointments haven ’ t worked out the way the GGF Board had initially expected . However , it is reassuring that most of the key long term GGF staff remain with the Federation and its group of commercial companies , and are consistently delivering the benefits and service our members and customers deserve .
From some quarters , criticism has been levelled at the GGF Board , though it must be emphasised that GGF Board Members have been elected by the GGF Members to make decisions for the benefit of the broad GGF Membership . The GGF Board positions are unpaid , voluntary roles and Board members are elected from all parts of the Membership and the supply chain .
Substantial progress has been made in the last two years and
today we are starting to see the benefits with record numbers of companies joining and staying with the Federation , continuous development of technical guidance and publications , new online platforms and unprecedented high levels of brand awareness in trade , consumer and the mainstream media .
There is no doubt with our talented , dedicated staff and our loyal members we will continue to make progress on many fronts over the coming months and years as we see our strategic plans for improved services and greater member engagement fully realised .
The GGF and its subsidiary companies are arguably in their strongest ever positions and collectively we will build on this going forward for the benefit of the Federation , its Members and all connected to the GGF Group .
www . ggf . org . uk
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