Clearview National March 2016 - Issue 172 | Page 33
INDUSTRYNEWS
NEW MEMBER FOR TRADE BODY
»»THE GLASS AND GLAZING
Federation (GGF) is delighted to announce
that The Profine Group has joined the GGF.
Stefan Seidel, Managing Director, Profine
UK received its GGF Membership Certificate
from GGF President, Brian Baker, at the last
GGF Conservatory Association Window and
Door meeting of 2015 in Birmingham.
Shift in
Perspective
on Fire Safety
Brian Smith, GGF Director of
Membership, commented: “I am pleased The
Profine Group has joined the GGF. With
its vast experience of the sector, technical
expertise and its high profile in the industry,
I am sure it will be a great asset to the
Federation.”
Brian McDonald, Commercial Manager at
Profine UK, commented: “The Profine Group
look forward to being part of the industry’s
leading trade body and to working with the
GGF, not only for our own benefit but also
that of the fenestration industry.”
Brian Smith added: “Profine is the latest of
several of the industry’s leading companies to
join the GGF in the last year. We are delighted
they have joined and it can only strengthen
the GGF and the industry as a whole.”
For more information on The Profine Group
visit www.profine-group.com/en/
»»THE GLASS AND GLAZING
Federation (GGF) continues to raise
concerns based on feedback from
companies in the glass and glazing industry,
that all is not entirely well in the provision
of fire safety measures in buildings.
On 5 January, Government announced
that responsibility for fire prevention and
rescue now moves to the Home Office.
The change is said to “support a radical
transformation of how the police, fire and
rescue services work together.” From 1
April 2016 staff working on national fire
policy will also transfer across from the
Department of Communities and Local
Government (DCLG).
Giles Willson, GGF Managing Director,
commented: “Following the Government’s
announcement we are naturally concerned
there will be compromises made between
Government departments with relation to
fire safety in buildings. We have outlined
the consequences for our industry on
the GGF website homepage which we
hope everyone responsible for fire safety
in buildings will consider in view of the
forthcoming changes.”
To read the full consequences for fire
safety as identified by the GGF please
visit the GGF website http://www.ggf.org.
uk/news/shift_in_perspective_on_fire_
underlines_ggf_initiatives
Email [email protected]
If you are interested in joining the GGF
please visit the Federation’s website
www.ggf.org.uk/join
RESPONSE TO VAT CONSULTATION
On 3rd of February 2016, the GGF responded to the
HM Revenues and Customs (HMRC) Consultation
on “Changes to the reduced rate of VAT for Energy
Saving Materials” as published on 9th December 2015.
»»THE GGF’S RESPONSE, ON BEHALF
of its Membership, outlined concerns
regarding the absence of energy efficient
glazing in the list of energy saving materials
for the reduced rate of 5% VAT. The GGF
also urged the UK Government to bring its
reduced rates in line with the provisions of
a European Directive, which permits EU
countries to apply reduced rates for “provision,
construction, renovation and alteration of
housing, as part of a social policy.”
Giles Willson, GGF Managing Director,
commented: “Replacement windows and
doors have not previously been included
within the reduced VAT rate, despite being
vital energy saving products that could
legitimately qualify under the criteria
described in the European Directive. It is time
for the UK Government to comply with EU
legislation and to appreciate the importance of
energy efficient glazing in the broad economic,
social and environmental context.”
Should the VAT rate be reduced, the GGF
has offered to work with Government to
develop suitable guidance and training for the
industry.
www.ggf.org.uk
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