DECEMBER 2024 | 15 |
Read online at www . proinstaller . co . uk |
News |
||||
|
departments , especially on topics such as skills and sustainability , while Mussa discussed competency , specifically in the upcoming Mandatory Technical Competency review .
Triple glazing , sustainability and learning from failure
Another panel discussion followed , exploring the ‘ Marmite ’ topic of triple glazing . As expected , the session saw some robust opinions , both from the panel ( Glazpart ’ s Dean Bradley , Gareth Jones of Solar Fabrications and Rehau ’ s Mark Gajda ) and the audience . Discussion centred on the appropriateness of when to use triple glazing – Mark saying that “ you wouldn ’ t use a Ferrari on the school run ” – and that , often , housebuilders see triple glazing as an easy way of reducing U-values , when things such as better insulation could be used instead .
Following this were two keynote sessions , starting with a presentation from Lee Glover , sustainability & Net Zero delivery manager at Saint-Gobain Glass , who told the audience about the company ’ s award-winning Glass Forever recycling initiative , which re-manufactures waste glass into high-performance glazing products . He also got the room to think about their own supply chains and how the industry can embrace circular economy principles .
|
Up next was an interesting session from industry veteran Martin Troughton , whose career has seen him work in the marketing departments of each of the ‘ big three ’ window installers – two of which ( Everest and SafeStyle ) have recently gone bust . In his presentation , Martin explored what went wrong for the ‘ big boys ’, and how the bubble burst for them almost overnight . He also gave advice to help smaller companies fall into the same traps .
People first
Rounding off the day were two sessions that put the focus on the people in your company . Mental health was the focus of an enlightening and at times emotional panel discussion chaired by Richard Abrahams , managing director of Elmhust Windows and a passionate advocate of mental health awareness following his own struggles with depression and burn-out . The other panellists – Nat Weaver of Ashfen Windows and Doors ; Andy Stevens from the Build Network UK and consultant psychiatrist Dr Robert Baskind – shared their own experiences of coping with mental health challenges . You could hear a pin drop in the room as Andy candidly spoke about his attempt to take his own life , waking up in hospital with a new view on life and a drive to turn it around .
|
The last session of the event explored new approaches to meeting the skills challenge . Two Marks – Mark Handley , partnerships manager at Building our Skills ( who soon became ‘ Yorkshire Mark ’) and Mark Capper , head of development , lifestyles and work at Mencap – explained how traditional approaches to meet the need for skills in the sector haven ’ t worked . Yorkshire Mark discussed how Building Our Skills is hosting roadshows across the UK to showcase fenestration to young people who may be considering a vocational career . The roadshows have been well-received by the industry and students alike . Mark Capper , meanwhile , spoke about Mencap ’ s programme of giving people with learning disabilities placements in workplaces . Despite being the final session of a busy day , hands shot up to ask questions and explore ways of getting involved in both the roadshows and placement scheme .
Networking
Outside of the conference , delegates had the opportunity to visit the event ’ s numerous sponsors and exhibitors , who each had a space to demonstrate the latest products and technologies . The area was buzzing during the breaks in the conference , with delegates and sponsors alike catching up with old acquaintances and forging new relationships .
|
Then , after the event came the gala dinner , which saw delegates and sponsors connect in a more informal setting . Following a three-course dinner , Ollie Ollerton , star of Channel 4 ’ s SAS : Who Dares Wins , gave an inspiring talk on resilience and mental health , which got a rousing reception . Running alongside the dinner was a charity auction , which raised over £ 4,500 for Kelly ’ s Heroes – a truly staggering amount !
Reflecting on the day , Chris Beck , editor of GGP magazine , said : “ This year ’ s Glazing Summit brought together leading names from across the sector for a day of thought-provoking discussion about the topics that are most pressing to today ’ s business leaders .
“ We are looking forward to growing the event in 2025 with an even better conference programme and even more value for our delegates and sponsors .
“ On behalf of everyone at MA Business , I ’ d like to thank our speakers for giving up their time to present at the summit , and our sponsors , without whom the event wouldn ’ t be possible .”
Details of the 2025 Glazing Summit will be available soon . For more information about any of the sessions at this year ’ s event , or to provide feedback , contact chris . beck @ markallengroup . com
|