The GGF has reacted to the news of the Government extension of the transition period for the end of recognition of the CE mark in Great Britain has been extended until 1st January 2023. MHCLG (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government) on Tuesday 24th August updated its Guidance providing practical information
The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) Group is pleased to announce strategic changes to its management structure, to focus on improving services and further development of the GGF and its subsidiary commercial companies, FENSA, BFRC, Installsure and RISA. The following changes have been made with full approval of the GGF
As lockdown restrictions continue to ease around the UK, the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) advises all companies to be cautious and still adhere to the GGF and Government’s guidance to make sure that employees and customer stay safe. On 12th April, the Government guidance was updated to state that
The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has issued revised guidance for Home Improvement companies and sub-contractors operating in England during the current National Lockdown, following confirmation from Government officials of a new interpretation of the guidance for in-house selling during the pandemic. The general Guidance on the subject of sales,
The Glass and Glazing Federation, GGF, has announced two new appointments. The federation has appointed a new vice-president and a new director for Home Improvement. Stephen Payne, the deputy managing director of Britelite Windows has been chosen to fill the role of vice-president. Stephen has been appointed to this new
The GGF has reacted to the news of the Government extension of the transition period for the end of recognition of the CE mark in Great Britain has been extended until 1st January 2023. MHCLG (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government) on Tuesday 24th August updated its Guidance providing practical information for placing construction products on the GB market. The Government announcement stated; “Businesses must prepare for the end of recognition of the CE mark in GB and affix the UK marking using a UK-recognised ‘approved body’. Our intention is to end recognition of the CE mark by 1 January 2023. Current rules will remain in place until legislation is laid to end recognition of the CE mark. Businesses should comply with the new UK regime, as soon as possible. This includes use of the UK mark in GB. To allow businesses time to adjust, some CE marked goods, that meet EU requirements, may continue to be placed on the GB market. However, we intend for this arrangement to end on 1 January 2023, and businesses should ensure they are prepared for the new system before it comes into effect after we have laid legislation.” On hearing the confirmation, David Borland, GGF Senior Technical Officer commented: “Though we anticipated there would be an extension, we are relieved that the extension period has been confirmed, giving companies an additional twelve months to comply with UKCA marking.” Over the last two years, the GGF has been in discussions with MHCLG (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government) on the issues (testing and certification) around the continuous implementation of the Construction Products Regulation and CE marking post–Brexit. The concerns raised by the GGF still remain and the Federation is constantly pushing for a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) that would be accepted by the EU27 before the legislation expires at the end of next 2022. David Borland continued, “The EU has refused to recognise test evidence for AVCP3s (Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance 3) since 1st January 2021 if supplied by a UK testing body. This will still mean additional testing costs for UK businesses notwithstanding the possible backlog of products to be tested. So whilst we are relieved for the extension, we remain cautious about the future of testing and certification for UK products. On behalf of our Members, we will continue dialogue with Government and hope for a smooth transition to UKCA marking.”
The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) Group is pleased to announce strategic changes to its management structure, to focus on improving services and further development of the GGF and its subsidiary commercial companies, FENSA, BFRC, Installsure and RISA. The following changes have been made with full approval of the GGF Board and the Senior Management Team of the GGF Group. With immediate effect, GGF Managing Director John Agnew will assume overall responsibility for the operational activity of GGF (trade federation), GGF’s central internal services (HR, Finance and IT), and all subsidiary commercial companies. All GGF trade federation management, heads of central cervices & subsidiary commercial company heads will report to John Agnew in their day-to-day roles. Also with immediate effect, Anda Gregory will assume the new role of Chief Development Officer and take full responsibility for the business development activity of the GGF Group, including the trade federation, the central internal services and subsidiary commercial companies. All employees of GGF, the trade federation, central internal services and subsidiary commercial companies will report to Anda on all matters relating to the development of the business processes and systems and more importantly Anda Gregory will lead the development of the GGF Group’s products and services to all GGF Group shareholders, stakeholders and customers. Both John and Anda will continue to report to the GGF President, Tony Smith, acting on behalf of the GGF Main Board. On the new structure, GGF President Tony Smith stated, “This is an exciting time for the GGF Group of businesses, and these changes will enable us to drive the businesses forward creating excellent opportunities for our employees, customers, and shareholders.” On her new role, Anda Gregory commented, “I’m really excited by my new role as it will free up time to work on developing the business in a positive way, which is hard to do effectively around business as usual. And it’s great knowing that the commercial businesses will continue to be well looked after with John Agnew at the helm.” John Agnew concurred, “The changes that we have made in roles and responsibilities, will position the GGF Group of businesses to really focus on operational activities, whilst also developing the opportunities for business growth. This a very positive change for the whole organisation and I look forward to working with my colleagues as we embed the new structure for the benefit of all parts of the GGF Group.” Anda added, “The pandemic has given us the opportunity to reflect on what will work best for the businesses and the group as a whole. Standing still isn’t an option if we are to retain our leading positions in the glass, glazing and fenestration sectors. I’m very much looking forward to the new challenges and working on exciting initiatives for our industry.” Companies who are part of the GGF and its subsidiary commercial companies, should benefit significantly from these changes, with the new and sharper focus to take advantage of the raft of opportunities emerging as the industry recovers from unprecedented times. The new structure, will enable the GGF Group to grow quicker and improve all aspects of the business, from revenues, profits and investment, through to better processes, systems and a sustainable business that can enable a secure long term future for many in the industry. Tony Smith concluded by sharing his thoughts from a strategic perspective, “For many years, the GGF and its commercial companies have operated well but often independently. These changes will see the GGF Group make better use of its specialist skills across the organisation to improve the delivery of existing services and be more effective in the joint promotion of the GGF and its subsidiary commercial companies. I am sure all connected to the GGF Group will join me in extending our best wishes to John and Anda in their new roles.” The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) is the primary trade association for companies that make, supply or fit flat glass and related products representing more than 60% of the industry’s turnover. As such the GGF is the recognised leading authority for employers and companies within the flat glass, glazing, window, home improvement, plastics and window film industries. This includes double glazing, Energy Efficient Windows, replacement windows, doors, conservatories, applied film, hardware, safety glazing, sealants, fire resistant glass, emergency glazing, decorative glass, secondary glazing, solar control and plastics. The GGF provides information for homeowners, professional specifiers and anyone seeking professional and unbiased information on any aspect of glass and glazing in the UK. GGF members supply replacement windows, doors, conservatories and Energy Efficient Windows in all framing materials including Aluminium, PVC-U, Steel and Timber. The GGF is a great promoter of energy efficient glazing and the GGF’s Carbon Calculator enables homeowners and others to see how much money and carbon can be saved by installing new Energy Efficient Windows. Architects and Specifiers are well supported with a range of literature and professional advisors to assist with all aspects of specification and related issues. GGF Members sign up to the Federation’s Code of Good Practice and are vetted before being accepted. A free conciliation service is provided for mediation between customers and supplying member companies when required. For further information go to: http://www.ggf.org.uk or for consumer information generated by the GGF please visit www.MyGlazing.com
As lockdown restrictions continue to ease around the UK, the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) advises all companies to be cautious and still adhere to the GGF and Government’s guidance to make sure that employees and customer stay safe. On 12th April, the Government guidance was updated to state that all retail (including showrooms, garden centres and concession stores) in England is now permitted to open. Wales and Scotland re-opened showrooms earlier in April and in Northern Ireland retail is expected to re-open by the end of April. In the Republic of Ireland Government will re-open retail on 4th May. In addition, the Scottish Government also announced that non-essential work in people’s homes can resume in Scotland from 26th April. The GGF wrote to the Scottish Government regarding this matter in March, urging that this restriction be removed and aligned with the rest of the UK, where working in people’s homes has been allowed since last year. On the news of the restrictions be lifted, John Agnew, GGF Managing Director commented, “It is with some relief for all consumer facing companies that the restrictions are now being eased. With all the Government statistics going in the right direction, the GGF advises all companies re-opening retail premises to operate under the GGF and Government COVID-secure guidance.” James MacPherson, GGF Health, Safety and Environment Manager added, “It’s great to see that the Government testing and vaccination programme are having a significant impact and numbers of cases, hospitalizations and fatalities are coming down. However to make sure that we don’t slip back into another lockdown, it is vital that everyone behaves responsible and takes the necessary precautions. If companies need any support or guidance on this I urge them to utilize the GGF website and check our COVID safe guides.” All companies in the industry can access and download the GGF specific guidance via the GGF website. Please see links below: GGF COVID Safe guides COVID Safe guide for consumers COVID Safe guide for Installers COVID Safe guide for manufacturing and the supply chain
The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has issued revised guidance for Home Improvement companies and sub-contractors operating in England during the current National Lockdown, following confirmation from Government officials of a new interpretation of the guidance for in-house selling during the pandemic. The general Guidance on the subject of sales, published on the Government’s website, as detailed below remains the same and is unlikely to change for the next few weeks. “Door-to-door sales should not take place, and sales activities should be conducted remotely (such as by phone, online, or mail).” The slightly more relaxed interpretation of the rules around the restrictions may allow for sales people to enter the home, if necessary but it is vital for all individuals who are entering a property to ensure they are following the Safe Guidance and social distancing guidelines. John Agnew, GGF Managing Director commented on the change, “Government officials have recently confirmed directly to the GGF that if selling and surveying in England cannot be done remotely, then companies and their sub-contractors can conduct pre-booked in-house sales and surveys, if carried out within the Safe Guidance.” The GGF recommends that consumers are offered a remote appointment in the first instance and that advises companies, who cannot sell or survey remotely to ensure they do so, in a controlled and measured manner. John Agnew added, “The GGF recommends that any in-house selling activity should start in February to ensure a responsible and gradual industry approach.” The GGF also advises that all individuals entering a home to carry out work should use the NHS Test and Trace App which can be downloaded from the NHIS website https://covid19.nhs.uk/. On the subject of door to door canvassing, the Government is clear that this activity should not be undertaken at present and this has been underlined by the GGF. In a statement issued to its Membership, the GGF highlights that local authorities in England can issue a prohibition notice on businesses. The GGF’s Primary Authority Partnership confirmed “the (current) level of risk to public health met the requirements for local authorities to be able to issue prohibition notices to businesses as allowed by the regulations”. Companies should be mindful of this possible sanction if they ignore the advice and continue to canvass. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is responsible for enforcing COVID secure guidance in terms of how you are working. The HSE has the power to issue an enforcement notice on any business that is not operating in accordance with COVID secure guidance creating a potential risk to public health and safety. With the restriction on in-house selling slightly relaxed, and if the pandemic health statistics show the situation is improving, the GGF expects the Government to ease the restrictions gradually over the coming weeks and months. In the meantime, the GGF has urged companies who can continue to operate, to do so responsibly and within the spirit of the guidance. John Agnew summarised, “The published GGF and Government Safe Guidance has not changed, all companies who can continue to operate should ensure they follow the safe guidance to safeguard their employees and customers, and to protect the NHS and save lives.” To access the very latest GGF and Government guidance please click on the links below: GGF COVID Latest News Page GGF COVID Guidance Table GGF COVID Guide for Manufacturers and the Supply Chain GGF COVID Guide for Installers GGF COVID Guide for Homeowners
The Glass and Glazing Federation, GGF, has announced two new appointments. The federation has appointed a new vice-president and a new director for Home Improvement. Stephen Payne, the deputy managing director of Britelite Windows has been chosen to fill the role of vice-president. Stephen has been appointed to this new position by the GGF board and elected by his colleagues on the Home Improvement executive. His appointment starts with immediate effect. Stephen has been working in the glass and glazing industry in January 1984 with Britelite Windows. Stephen started his career as a junior surveyor and has worked his way through the ranks of the company to deputy MD, overseeing a large section of the business. In his new position of the GGF board, Stephen will be required to continue the work to channel resources in order to reap the most benefits for their members and the glass and glazing industry on the whole. Stephen will be supporting the GGF President John Agnew, as well as the board and the federation’s members. Russell Day will be replacing Brian Smith as the director of Home Improvement. Russell has worked for 25 years in the window and door industry and is also a trained engineer. During his career, Russell has apparently been the technical director of Abbott Joinery and has also been involved in the development of PVC-U window cavity closer systems. The Home Improvement section of the company is of vital importance to the GGF and in his new role as director, Russell will be required to make sure that the GGF members continue to receive the best technical support possible as well as the most up to date information about the changes in the government policy and legislation. No doubt, both of these two new appointments will be successful going forward, and both Russell and Stephen have spent a number of years gaining experience in their respective fields which will make them assets to the Federation.
