Trade Organisations
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By Ben Wallace, managing director of the Glass & Glazing Federation. I’m writing this as the newly appointed MD of the GGF. I’ve been with the GGF since 2012 and becoming the MD was a very proud moment for me personally. It also gives me a huge opportunity to drive the federation forward and become the powerful voice and positive influence the...
By Jon Vanstone, chair of Certass Trade Association. As chair of multiple industry committees, I have a front-row seat to the evolution of competence requirements across the built environment. With the Industry Competence Steering Group (ICSG) now restructured as part of the Industry Competence Committee (ICC) under the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), the changes coming down the line are set...
By David Palmer, GGF technical officer. The Glass and Glazing Federation, serving its members and the wider UK industry since 1976, is recognised for its wealth of technical expertise, its commitment to improving skills & competency, and for being the most influential trade body in the industry. But did you know that the GGF also offers a range of consultancy...
Jon Vanstone, chair of Certass TA, argues that showrooms have become a vanity project in a digital age. As we head into 2025, a trend in the glazing and home improvement sector is becoming increasingly clear: the traditional showroom is on its last legs. Once an essential tool for customer engagement, the showroom is beginning to look more like an...
By John Mannell, GGF technical officer. The glass and glazing industry is justifiably proud for the continued innovation and technological advances it has made for decades now and it could certainly be argued that in many facets we lead the way in the wider construction sector on that front. As the leading trade federation in our industry, the GGF is...
By Jon Vanstone, chair Certass TA. Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way consumers shop for everything from everyday items to major home renovations, including window and door installations. For years, homeowners have relied on local tradespeople – experts who have built their reputations through word-of-mouth recommendations and quality workmanship. However, the rise of AI in consumer decision-making has introduced...
Concept Glazing has claimed the FENSA Installation of the Year Award with the trophy presented to the winning installer at the 2024 G Awards. The FENSA Installer of the Year Award recognises and celebrates the exceptional work done by FENSA approved installers throughout the year, with around 500,000 FENSA installations annually entered through an automatic system based on homeowner feedback...
By Jon Vanstone, chair, Certass Trade Association. Glazing is full of hardworking, talented individuals who often start as solo operators. They build a solid reputation, attract clients, and soon find themselves at a critical crossroads: How do I scale my business from a one-man band into a larger enterprise? It’s a question that I often hear, requiring careful planning, smart...
The GGF has harnessed the power of AI to develop a new online training initiative. We talk to John Mannell, GGF technical officer, to find out more. In a massive boost to its evolving range of member benefits, the Glass & Glazing Federation will be launching its brand-new online training platform, including its instructors ‘Clara’ (Comprehensive Learning And Resource Academy)...
The Glass and Glazing Federation’s new online training and development platform, incorporating its dedicated online tutor ‘Grace’, (which stands for Glazing Resources & Career Education) will launch to all current and prospective GGF members during a webinar to be held on 4th November. According to the GGF, this dynamic LMS (Learning Management System) will make it easier for members to...
The British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC), has unveiled a brand-new website, offering the user not only a fresh and updated feel, but more functionality as well as practical help and support. Richard Sellman, managing director at BFRC, explained: “It’s no secret that we’ve been working on reinvigorating the BFRC brand, having recently launched our new look logo as well as...
RISA has launched a new and improved website, one that is designed to offer installers and homeowners a more professional and user-friendly experience, as well as providing a modern and intuitive platform to showcase the range of outstanding services on offer from the GGF Group’s inspection provider. Dave Mechem, director of Inspection and Assessment at RISA, commented: “The new site...
Ben Wallace, managing director of the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF), looks at the value of learning from other people’s expertise and explains what all sectors of the industry have to gain from attending the industry’s Glass Conference this October. Any successful business will have an eye on the future and be thinking about how to drive the company forward...
As the industry navigates an era of unprecedented change, it’s clear that the landscape of construction is shifting. This evolution is driven not only by technological advancements and new materials but also by a significant cultural shift sweeping the sector. The recent activity of the new government underscores this momentum, with early term announcements indicating a strong commitment to transforming...
Ben Wallace, managing director of the Glass & Glazing Federation answers some key questions about October’s Glass Conference, which is being staged in partnership with FENSA and FIT Show. Q: What first prompted the idea of Glass Conference? Ben Wallace (BW): The GGF holds more than 100 technical meetings and events every year. In addition to the Members’ Day, every...
As Chair of Certass Trade Association, I have the privilege of engaging with professionals throughout the built environment. Our industry is vital in creating safe, energy-efficient, and aesthetically pleasing buildings. However, as we navigate the evolving landscape of building regulations and safety standards, one theme stands out above all: competence. The Grenfell Phase 2 Inquiry report is going to hit...
By Tom Butler, head of sales and marketing, Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF). We’ve spoken previously about how the glass and glazing industry has a big problem when it comes to awareness of our sector as a potential career for school leavers. That awareness is pitifully low currently and we are faced with a long-term battle to give the sector...
By Jon Vanstone, chair Certass TA. When I entered the BSR Conference 2024 at NEC Birmingham, I could feel the anticipation in the air. Over 1,800 delegates had gathered, and most were eager to explore the heart of what competence truly means in the building and glazing industries. It was a gathering of minds, all intent on exploring how we...
By Jon Vanstone, chair of Certass Trade association. The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has long stood as a beacon of guidance and strategic planning for the UK's construction sector. In its latest Bi-Annual Review for 2023 and the Plan for 2024, the CLC recaps the year's achievements and challenges and also charts a course for future endeavours. This announcement comes...
By The Window Company (Contracts)’ chair, David Thornton. While supply issues right across the market are obviously having a serious impact on fabricators, lead times and operational efficiencies, in most cases it is installers, operating at the sharp end of the industry, who are actually bearing the brunt. In the commercial market, where there are sometimes penalties for late completion...
