The GGF is the primary trade association for companies that make , supply or install flat glass and related products , and the Federation now represents more than 60 % of the industry ’ s turnover . Things were very different back in 1977 when the GGF was formed . The average house price was £ 13,650 , inflation was 15.8 %, a gallon of petrol was 15p , a loaf of bread was 9p , and the average wage was just £ 32 a week . A black and white TV licence was £ 8 , and cell phones were being trialled in Chicago . They weighed 2.5 pounds and took ten hours to charge with 35 minutes of talk time . Unthinkable today , but there was no worldwide web .

Alan Burgess – managing director of Masterframe Windows – recalled those days as he took on the mantle of GGF Presidency . Alan is no stranger to the Federation – he is a former chairman of GGF Home Improvement Executive , current Chairman of the Heritage Window Group and a main GGF board director .

He started his career at Crittall-Hope ( the aluminium and steel window and door company ) in 1972 , five years before the GGF began . He said : “ We had 400 draughtsmen and one mainframe computer , drawings were done by hand , and lead times were 12-16 weeks .”

The processes may have changed but Alan ’ s philosophy about the business has not . He believes it should be decent , honest and truthful , with a passion for good products and great customer service .

In an engaging inauguration speech in front of over 80 invited guests , Alan covered the challenges ahead and outlined his aspirations for the federation .

On becoming the GGF ’ s 23rd president , he said : “ I am delighted to be appointed President of the GGF for 2017 . With over 45 years ’ experience in the industry , combined with many years on several boards and committees with the GGF Group , I know first-hand the kind of challenges involved . I am also aware of the substantial personal commitment required and I will ensure the good work of the current board members and former presidents is continued and developed .”

Taking on the world

Outlining challenges for the future , Alan said : “ We used to trade with the whole of the world , not just Europe . We could regain that but we need to invest in people , processes , products and services . We must relearn how to export our expertise , knowledge , and those products and services .

“ Challenges for the industry include rising fuel costs , glass and material shortages , exchange rates , skills shortages - 80 % of London ’ s labour force is European

– and tighter government legislation .

“ The ongoing challenge for the GGF itself is how do we engage with ministers to ensure the government appreciates the importance of our sector ? For example , why can ’ t we start a Royal Charter of Glaziers , and raise our profile even further with consumers ?”

He said members also had to consider factors like Brexit , devolved government , EU legislation , and ways to attract buyers , homeowners and specifiers .

He added : “ It ’ s a great year to be GGF President as 2017 marks the GGF ’ s 40th anniversary . We have 37 founder members who have been with the federation continuously for 40 years and since 1977 , the GGF has grown considerably . In recent years more companies have joined and discovered the many benefits of membership .

“ I am now looking forward to helping the GGF and its members - regardless of company size and status – and I hope my personal attributes of fairness and due dil-