POSITIVE RESPONSE TO GGF GREEN DEAL DEBATE

Posted 21/11/2011

The GGF Green Deal Debate captured the interest of many GGF Members and the Federation was pleased that members of all sizes, profiles and regions across the UK attended on Thursday November 17th in Birmingham.

The event was moved to a larger venue to accommodate the numbers attending and included presentations from Giles Willson, GGF Deputy CEO and Director of Technical Affairs as well as Pamela Mulcahy of GK Political – the lobbying firm that has worked closely with GGF on Green Deal from the outset.

Giles Willson commented on the response from members, “The GGF Green Deal Debate provided essential background knowledge and facts for the Government’s initiative for energy efficient measures but more importantly it gave our membership a great platform to air their views and concerns. As a result, this has equipped the GGF with genuine industry feed back to start work on the Green Deal Consultation document which DECC (Department of Energy and Climate Change) are about to publish soon.”

The debate included presentations, Q&A sessions and break off workgroups to allow members the opportunity to discuss the burning issues on the Government’s flagship policy.

Pamela Mulcahy commented, “It was great to members and to have the opportunity to update them on the work GK Political has been doing on behalf of the GGF. We feel it’s highly important that we’re able to provide members with as much information as possible about the Green Deal. We’ll continue to work with government to achieve the best possible solution for GGF members, and hope that the soon to be published consultation document will contain workable models for Green Deal provision that will guarantee access to the market for members of all sizes.”

GGF Members Comments on the GGF Green Deal Debate

“It often difficult to get a handle on what's fact and what's fiction on Green Deal and until the consultation is released, nobody truly knows the facts. That said, one source that's always dependable is the GGF. They may not have all the answers but they have been at the forefront of discussions with Government for the past two years. This GGF Green Deal Debate updated Members with current thinking, objections and opportunities that may present themselves. Warmly supported by a strong attendance from members, workshop groups enabled in-depth review of every segment of Green Deal and being in small groups allowed 100% participation and contributions, ensuring GGF fully received members’ views which will help the Federation lobby policy makers for manageable energy reduction schemes. It was an excellent and worthwhile event….Chairman of the event and Chairman of the GGF Home Improvement Executive Chairman, Alan Burgess, Owner/Managing Director of Masterframe

“It was a really refreshing and informative debate. I got the sense that the GGF were really on the ball with the Green Deal developments to date, but that they were also extremely eager to hear from their members as to how the Government could improve it for our industry. The GGF have made some excellent contacts with the people in Government driving this initiative and they are well placed to ensure that the views of its members are listened too. There was a wide variety of companies both large and small at the debate and some excellent ideas were put forward.”…Mark Warren, Managing Director of Lister Trade Frames.

“The Government’s Green Deal program presents great challenges for the Industry and the GGF Members debated the impact of the Government’s Green Deal. It was good that companies of all sizes came together for a constructive day of learning, debate and policy formation. The GGF’s organisation of a members’ only event in which to understand and debate all the issues was of great benefit to all involved…Martin Tarrant-Jones, Chairman of Crystal Windows & Doors Ltd

“An extremely well organised event that helped give some perspective to the different issues facing both large and small GGF member companies within the Federation. It was a great shame that the final Green Deal Consultation document hasn't been published, though I believe everyone left the day with a better understanding and also feeling a little less threatened. There's been a lot of good work from GK Political and GGF, hopefully we can now get a robust solution that's simple to work with and benefits all members.”…Grant Matthews, Head of Product Development, Everest Windows.

This was an excellent GGF event that debated the controversial subject of the Green Deal in relation to the window industry. Though I feel the majority of the delegates who attended still have reservations as to the benefit to the Green Deal, I sensed a warm approval and acknowledgement from GGF Members that their understanding of the Green deal had been enhanced. I am sure all the delegates now eagerly await the publication of the proposals in order to formulate a response to the Government’s Green Deal Consultation… Shaun McAllister, Divisional Operations Director Anglian Windows.

“A very well organised event hosted by the GGF today with very grown up discussion about the potential opportunities or threats of Green Deal. I went to the meeting with an open mind about the Green Deal, and now I am more aware of the potential threats and opportunities for the industry.”…Matthew Glover, Owner of Conservatory Outlet

The full outcome, suggestions and all members’ feedback of the GGF Green Deal Debate will be compiled into report form and all the members who attended will be sent a copy of the report via email. If any other members wish to receive a copy of the report and the presentations then please contact the GGF 020 7939 9101 or email info@ggf.org.uk

The GGF wishes to thank all the members who attended the Green Deal Debate and for the much valued contribution. Following the success of the Green Deal Debate, the GGF is already planning for a follow up event in Spring 2012.

Find out more:

Go to the GGF Green Deal Section:

http://www.ggf.org.uk/green-deal-faqs