Pro Installer May 2019 - Issue 74 | Page 12

12 | MAY 2019 News Read online at www.proinstaller.co.uk WE’VE ONLY JUST BEGUN… In April 2018, the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) ap- pointed Kevin Buckley as interim Group Chief Executive. 12 months on and Kevin is pleased with the success so far as he marks the progress the GGF has made under his tenure. In this short space of time the industry’s leading trade body has a considerable list of achievements including: • Expanded and reconfigured the GGF Regional team with two new Regional Managers as the GGF’s continues to facili- tate over 40 regional meetings per year which attract both existing and new Members. • Launched the GGF Training programme with accredited courses for installers and surveyors to enhance perfor- mance in the workplace. • Continued to promote and de- velop the GLASS Charter – the GGF’s health and safety scheme to help you provide a safer working environment on site, in factories and during transit. • Launched a new intranet system to improve internal communications and enhance staff engagement and to devel- op greater team work. • Established three distinct po- litical strategies for fire safety, energy efficiency, skills and training. The renewed political focus on these topical areas benefits not just GGF Mem- bers but the entire industry. • Created a new External Affairs department to focus more on media relations, po- litical relationships and PR. • Worked closely with govern- ment on issues associated with Brexit – an area the GGF is constantly updating as the timeframes and implementa- tion shifts. • Rejuvenated the approach and activities of the GGF Heritage Group to help businesses overcome the restrictions imposed by local authorities on companies operating in the heritage or conservation sectors. Optima Casement Windows at the heart of a major renovation project Profile 22’s Optima Case- ment Windows were a central part of a £1.3 million renovation project at Woldgate School and Sixth Form College in Pockling- ton near York In May 2017, Woldgate School secured £1.3 million for im- provements to its buildings from the Department for Education. The funds were to cover work including the removal and re- placement of external walls not of brick construction, as well as windows and doors. The older buildings would also have their roofs replaced as part of the project. Profile 22 Approved Window Contractor Kingfisher Windows was appointed principal contractor for the works. The company un- dertook the design, manufacture and installation of the window element of the project and worked closely with trusted sub-contrac- tors. Optima from Profile 22 is one of the most widely specified commercial systems thanks to its impressive list of benefits that help specifiers meet even the most demanding of require- ments. For Woldgate School, grey on white casement windows were specified with grey tinted solar control glazing on south facing elevations. Working together for reliable service Sheffield Window Centre • Launched new GGF Brand guidelines and a new sharper logo • Launched the new GGF web- site – making it easier to nav- igate across all digital devices and platforms • Recruited over 50 new Mem- bers into membership • Launched a new Members only fortnightly e-newsletter called “Members First” to en- sure that all Members receive GGF news first and in a clear and easy format. • Hosted and organised high profile events including Members Day and the recent President’s Reception. Though a lot of work has been done, Kevin is keen to point out that it’s only the beginning of the GGF’s long term strategies. In the next few months the Federation also plans to have a strong pres- ence at FIREX, Glass Performance Days and VITRUM, as well as a ‘new Members’ introduction event for the 4th July. But first comes FIT where Kevin will be presenting on the industry issues at 10.30 in the Insights Theatre (Hall 20) at Birmingham’s NEC on 21st May. Book your place at: https://www.fitshow.co.uk/ sessions-2019#/seminars/ www.ggf.org.uk (SWC) has been manufacturing high quality PVC-U windows, doors and conservatory products, with a reputation built on deliv- ering a reliable and trustworthy service, backed up with honest advice and first class customer service. Established in 1975, many of its employees have been there for 15+ years, providing a consistent level of service. Over the years, VBH has provided products and support to help SWC maintain its reliable reputation. As well as a great variety of first-class prod- ucts with dependable deliveries from stock, VBH has helped with technical support for specification and testing. SWC uses a variety of greenteQ door and window hardware, as well as third-party products supplied by VBH. Adrian Gale, VBH’s Regional Sales Manager, comments: “Our VBH24 webshop and product configurator make it easy for SWC to order the correct hardware for even the most complex installa- tion. But in addition we are always happy to help with technical ad- vice – particularly when products, or the regulations governing them, change.” www.vbhgb.com GGF Confirms Plans for Festerbau Frontale 2020 The Glass and Glazing Fed- eration (GGF) has once again agreed to host the UK Pavilion at Fensterbau Frontale in Nuremburg on 18-21 March 2020. Having exhibited at Fensterbau since 2014, the GGF UK Pavilion is now a fixture and feature of the show and has become one of, if not the, key destination for visiting companies wanting to either sell into the UK or buy UK products for their own markets. GGF is holding an initial Fensterbau 2020 meeting on the 13th June at the GGF offices and welcomes com- panies interested in co-exhibiting. GGF Members will be given a special discounted rate of 20% off the co-exhibiting costs. If you would like to find out more about exhibiting on the GGF UK Pavilion at Fensterbau Frontale or would like to attend the Fensterbau meeting at the GGF Offices on 13th June, then please contact James Lee, GGF Director of External Affairs by email [email protected] To find out more about Fensterbau Frontale 2020 please visit: www.frontale.de/en