Topical industry issues the focus of successful GGF Members Day

Almost 100 delegates attended an enjoyable and informative day at as the GGF hosted its Annual Members’ Day at The National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull. The exclusive Members event hosted by GGF President, John Agnew, opened on a sombre note, as the Federation paid tribute to Maurice Anders of T A Anders Co, a Founder Member of the Federation. The programme then opened with a business review by Kevin Buckley, GGF Group Chief Executive who highlighted the GGF’s work on the political, technical and training side as well as revealing that the GGF has recruited a record 54 companies into the membership this year.

Kevin then held the formal Annual General Meeting with the Federation’s 2017 accounts approved and the GGF’s bankers and auditors re-elected by the Members present. Delegates then heard presentations by keynote speakers from the very different fields. Broadcaster and journalist, Declan Curry gave his take on the political and economic landscape ahead of Brexit and Steve Wycherley, Management Coach and Director of The Continuum, showed why good motivated employees matter are critical to business success and highlighting how companies should focus on keeping their best talent. The GGF staff presented on the industry’s most topical issues with Russell Day, Director of Home Improvements providing a highly informative presentation on the impact the Grenfell Tower fire has had on the industry and how it will shape future regulation of fire safety. Anda Gregory, Managing Director, GGF Commercial, presented on the progress and planning of the GGF’s commercial subsidiaries following her appointment earlier this year. During Anda’s speech, DG Solutions (GGF and FENSA Member) were congratulated for installing the 13 millionth installation registered through FENSA – the industry’s largest competent persons scheme for the installation of windows and doors in England and Wales.

Training was a subject that came up several times throughout the course of the day and Richard Hearn, GGF Head of Membership and Training, conveyed his plans for the GGF’s training programme, which kicks off on 9th October at the GGF offices with a two day installation course followed by a surveying course on the 25th October also at the GGF Offices. John Agnew, GGF President, introduced the Members of the GGF Board before informing the audience governance of the GGF Board and mapped out the plans to review the composition of the GGF Board. Kevin Buckley, Group Chief Executive then joined John on stage, to take questions from Members in the Open Forum session which covered topics such as the GGF Board, Insulating Glass Units and the issue of Glass shortages which that some Members are currently experiencing.

The afternoon was a less serious affair as Members enjoyed lunch and then three Members received well deserved awards. Firstly, Founder Member, Holdens Supaseal received an award to mark their 50 years of outstanding service to the industry. GLASS Charter (the GGF’s health and safety merit scheme), certificates were awarded to Slimline Glazing who achieved Bronze Level and to The Window Company Contracts, who are the first company ever to achieve Gold Level in the GLASS Charter. To round the day off, the GGF held a fun quiz to test Members knowledge of the GGF staff. The winner of the bottle of bubbly and congratulations went to Irene Smith of Rehau. In summing up the successful day for the GGF, John Agnew, GGF President commented “It was a superb day, with a great balance of topical presentations from our expert speakers. I was delighted to meet and receive positive feedback from so many Members. The day also provided the perfect platform for the GGF to set the record straight in relations to recent media speculation and to clearly show that the GGF Board and staff are united in acting in the interests of Members.” Kevin Buckley added, “It was great to meet Members, hear their concerns and to assure them the GGF is the key trade body to support their business. My thanks go to all the GGF Staff, Members, guests and our sponsors who made Members’ Day a truly excellent event.” The presentations from the day are available for all Members to download from the GGF website Members’ Area.