Clearview National November 2019 - Issue 216 | Page 18
PROUD SPONSOR OF
INDUSTRY NEWS
INDUSTRYNEWS
GGF PRESIDENT DELIVERS SPIRITED SPEECH TO MEMBERS
At the recent Glass and Glazing Federation’s Members’
Day annual conference, the GGF President, John
Agnew delivered a spirited speech that clearly showed
Members the Federation’s intentions going forward.
» » ENTITLED THE “THE FUTURE OF
the Federation”, John Agnew provided a brief
background of the GGF’s roots stressing that it
was set up to provide one consolidated voice for
its Members and the industry, pointing out that
though the present challenges facing our industry
are quite different, the GGF’s initial mission and
purpose is even more relevant today.
ON MEMBERSHIP:
“The Federation needs to continue to build
on its technical offerings for Members, this
is a key function and an expanded technical
function will bring valuable benefits to our
Members. Support for members, large or
small, will be important to assist Members
compliance to standards and specifications.”
ON INDUSTRY ADVOCACY:
“The GGF must continue to act as a key
opinion leader and opinion former with
Government and other critical stakeholders.
The GGF is the trusted voice of the
industry and continued member engagement
is needed to ensure their voices are heard. A
recent example of the GGF being a trusted
voice of industry is the request from Heathrow
Airport, for the GGF to write the glass
specification for domestic dwellings impacted
by the new runway.
Advocacy on behalf of the industry to
improve our operating environment (standards
and regulations) will be pivotal to ensure that
the GGF remains the “go-to” organisation for
an authoritative respected opinion because the
GGF represents the key stakeholders of the
industry i.e. members.
We need to ensure that we are the leading
trade body for our sector and continue to
earn the respect of industry and Members and
increase recognition from Government.
The Industry needs to understand the value
of the work we do – unpaid and unfunded –
on a national and international scale, essential
work, we carry out on behalf of Members and
non-members alike, which ensures that we in
the UK are not disadvantaged by those with
alternative agendas.”
18 » N OV 2019 » CL EARVI E W- UK . C O M
ON CLIMATE CHANGE:
“The Government, on our behalf has
committed to Net Zero Carbon by 2050 to
help combat climate change. It is essential we
all play our part. We will need to continue to
work with Government to ensure that we get
a fair regulatory change deal for our sector
– the GGF must and will lead this critical
issue for not just the industry but our overall
environment.”
ON TRAINING:
“Following a survey of members, the
Federation has provided training courses this
year on installation and surveying with the
installation course proving to be the most
popular. The installation and surveying courses
are now accredited by GQA Qualifications.
Using external facilitators, the Federation
will be adding to the courses available in
2020. Examples of courses that may be offered
include Emergency Glazing and Fire-Resistant
Glazing. The courses offered will be targeted in
geographical areas to assist participation.”
ON THE GGF BOARD:
“Although the GGF Board has received
critical press over the last three years in
relation to change, essential organisational
changes have been made where necessary by a
fully united and dedicated Board, supported
by a strong management team, for the benefit
of the business and Members.
All businesses need change to revitalise,
change culture and practices, generate
enthusiasm and excitement and create the
opportunity for the business. Whilst some
changes have been difficult, our core team
of key senior managers has remained strong
and intact throughout. Staff promotions have
been made within the business to build on our
individual employee’s strengths and to bring
benefit to the wider business.
The GGF Board are aware that there is a
need to find a way in which members can
interact more directly with the Board. The
GGF Board has therefore decided that from
February 2020, a Chairperson’s Forum will be
held on an annual basis. This new assembly
will invite the Chairs or Vice-Chairs or a
nominated Member from their group to
provide representation from all the Executives,
Committees, Groups and Regions in the
Federation.”