John Agnew , Managing Director , GGF

No doubt we will see challenges aligned with the wider performance of the UK economy , the collapse of Safestyle is a stark reminder of that . Industry forecasts currently range between a decline of 5-10 % in the RMI sector for 2024 before a more positive outlook beyond the next 12 months . The commercial sector outlook remains more positive for the coming year .

Making Waves in UK Government

Noteworthy in the last 12 months is the progress made by the GGF in engaging with relevant government departments . These discussions focused on the significant role the industry can play in reducing the country ’ s carbon emissions and contributing to solutions for the ongoing energy crisis .

In November , the GGF Team had a meeting with Rishi Sunak ’ s special advisor at 10 Downing Street , which gave us an opportunity to discuss the data contained within the document “ A Window of Opportunity ”.

Subsequently , conversations and engagements will be ongoing into 2024 and the foreseeable future , with GGF President Natalie Little and Head of Government and Advocacy Chris Beedel invited to have lunch at the House

of Lords with the National Home Improvement Council , chaired by Lord Stunell . Throughout the coming year , the GGF will continue to make connections and create discussions with the relevant government departments on the industry ’ s behalf .

This positive dialogue and inclusion in discussions signals a collaborative effort towards addressing environmental concerns and positioning the glass and glazing sector as an integral part of the solution to the nation ’ s energy crisis .

Future Homes Standard

It would be hard to ignore the repercussions the current Future Homes Standard consultation will have for the industry . The initial reaction has been one of surprise that triple glazing has not been included as predicted and that it will be seen as an opportunity missed . The step-change in building performance that we expected to see hasn ’ t materialised and there is no doubt this will dominate conversation in the first half of the year as responses to the consultation - in early March - are submitted , and the subsequent impact for our sector becomes clear .

GGF Recycling Schemes

Throughout the year , the GGF Recycling Scheme went from strength to strength . Its launch in 2021 consisted of a collection service for uPVC and aluminium and this past year saw the launch of a timber service , followed shortly

by a second expansion of the scheme to now include glass .

The post-consumer cullet collection service is unique in the industry and is one that has the potential to change the landscape for our sector to showcase our commitment to sustainability and be a valuable selling point to homeowners who care more and more about the origin of their products .

the industry will now have a destination for the next generation of talent looking to forge a career in the sector

Whilst the scheme is currently available from ‘ the Midlands up ’, we are currently looking to expand it further to include the South of England as soon as is viable , so that we have a nationwide scheme in place in 2024 .

GGF Training

The persistent skills shortage in the industry has been a lingering issue for several years and won ’ t be solved overnight , however , 2023 has been encouraging , showing a determined effort is being made by industry leaders to upskill the next generation of talent in their businesses and we expect this to continue in 2024 . The GGF Skilled Pathways Scheme , running alongside the GGF attending numerous Apprenticeship Fairs to attract school and college leavers into our industry , will have an increased importance for the federation in 2024 . Combined with a new dedicated Jobs Board run by the GGF and FENSA , the industry will now have a destination for the next generation of talent looking to forge a career in our sector .

Whilst the sector will see some challenges in the coming 12 months there is a host of innovative work being undertaken to ensure that , as always , we showcase the positive impact our sector can have . I for one am looking forward to seeing that work come to fruition .

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