Hot topics

The supply chain crisis and sustainability will both feature heavily in discussions at this year’s Glazing Summit.

The one-day conference, which takes place on Thursday, October 21 at Edgbaston Stadium and Conference Centre, Birmingham, will feature a combination of debates, discussions, and keynotes.

Each panel debate/discussion will consist of four expert panellists and a debate host to ask the questions.

Andrew Scott, Glazing Summit founder, said: “The industry is in a strangle-hold with global material shortages, manufacturing delays, and spiralling costs. While some companies report record sales, without the materials to fulfil the orders, the impact can be devastating.

“Tempers are flaring as customers are repeatedly let down while an unexpected surge in demand for home improvements has exacerbated the problem. Some suppliers are doing better than others, and we want to find out the reasons why, and look at how the quality, delivery and cost issues can be resolved.

“We can’t have our heads in the sand and must face up to the supply chain crisis – which is exactly what the Glazing Summit will do.”

Attendees will be able to have their say on the supply chain debate thanks to interactive Q&A and polling platform app Slido.

Another question that will be asked is: how will the construction industry – and the fenestration sector specifically – adapt to a sustainable future and contribute to climate change?

“The UK is facing a hugely daunting and ambitious task of cutting emissions by 78% by 2035, let alone reaching net zero carbon by 2050, and manufacturers and installers will have to play their role if we are to hit those targets,” Andrew said.

The debate will also discuss whether the industry can step-up to meet the environmental, social and corporate responsibility (ESG) demands that are now becoming the norm across many business sectors.

“Greater awareness of climate change and the economic risks has caused ESG considerations to rise up corporate agendas with a growing demand for more sustainable development options from employers and investors,” Andrew said.

“The industry will need to respond to that demand. and ESG factors will become a significant driver when it comes to company strategy for long-term growth in the future.”