Archives for May 2026

When a business with nearly 250 years of heritage chooses where to invest its time and voice, it’s never a decision taken lightly.

However, for Kenrick & Sons, joining the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) was a natural step.

Not only was this decision made to support its own growth, but it supported Kenrick & Sons’ role to actively shape the future of the industry.

As the recognised voice of the glass and glazing sector, the GGF brings together companies from across the supply chain to represent collective interests at the highest level.

For Kenrick & Sons, this influence was a key factor.

“The GGF ensures our industry’s voice is heard at the highest levels,” explains Martin Smith, General Manager at Kenrick. “Its technical knowledge and advocacy work are instrumental in helping government make informed decisions that impact our sector. Being part of that conversation is incredibly important to us.”

In an increasingly regulated environment, having a central body that not only understands legislation, but actively engages with policymakers, is becoming more important than ever.

Membership provides businesses with a direct connection to that process – ensuring that they are not only informed but actively represented.

Beyond advocacy, the value of the GGF membership lies in its ability to bring the industry together.

Kenrick has praised the GGF’s extensive programme of events and specialist technical groups, including the annual GGF Members Day.

“These forums provide valuable opportunities to share expertise,” continued Martin. “It’s key to collaborate with industry colleagues and help customers maximise the value of their hardware choices.”

The Federation’s focus on long-term sustainability also plays a critical role.

With the skills gap continuing to challenge the sector, initiatives such as the Skilled Pathways Scheme demonstrate a clear commitment to supporting the next generation of talent.

For members, this provides reassurance that the industry is not only addressing today’s challenges but actively preparing for the future.

For Kenrick & Sons, joining the GGF is about being part of something bigger – contributing to an industry-wide effort to raise standards, strengthen collaboration, and ensure the sector continues to evolve with the times.

As the industry navigates increasing regulatory, environmental, and commercial pressures, that collective approach is an essential driving factor.

For more information about the GGF and how it can support your business’ growth, please visit www.ggf.org.uk or call 0207 939 9100.

For further press information please contact:

Shannon Bailey

e. shannon@lascomarketing.co.uk

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has been intensifying its efforts to champion high-quality apprenticeships and promote the glass and glazing industry as a credible, long-term career pathway. Through political engagement, collaborative sector work, and hands-on participation in major apprenticeship events, the GGF is reinforcing its commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent.

As the UK construction sector faces a growing skills shortage alongside regulatory reform, attention is increasingly turning not only to how many apprentices enter the workforce, but how well they are trained once they do.

A central focus of recent activity has seen the GGF continue the work of the Apprenticeship Coalition, a 31-member group led by the British Woodworking Federation (BWF).

The Coalition has been engaging with government in response to proposed reforms to the apprenticeship system, including greater flexibility in end-point assessment and the forthcoming transition from the Apprenticeship Levy to the Growth & Skills Levy.

Chris Beedel from the GGF has been raising concerns with Neil Coyle MP, highlighting that proposed reforms risk diluting essential competence standards if independent assessment requirements are weakened.

With glass and glazing playing a critical role in building safety, the Federation has warned that lowering assessment rigour could reduce installer competence and reduce compliance with the Building Safety Act.

“Encouraging more people into apprenticeships is something the industry fully supports. We need skilled individuals entering the sector to secure its future,” explains John Mannell, Technical Officer at the GGF. “However, competence must remain at the centre of any reform. Independent assessment provides assurance that individuals are properly trained, objectively assessed, and capable of delivering safe and compliant work.”

For the GGF, the issue is not resistance to chance, but the need to ensure balance.

“Flexibility within the system can help increase participation,” continues John. “But flexibility must not come at the expense of consistent and independently verified standards. In safety-critical sectors such as glazing and fenestration, public confidence depends on it.”

To safeguard standards, the GGF continues to push for constructive dialogue with government and has invited Neil Coyle MP to meet at GGF offices to explore practical solutions that encourage apprenticeship uptake without compromising safety.

As the recognised voice of the glass and glazing industry, the Federation believes it has a responsibility to ensure policymakers understand the practical implications of reform for those delivering regulated building elements.

Alongside its policy work, the GGF is actively promoting careers within the sector at major events across the UK.

On  29^t January, the organisation took part in the National Apprenticeship and Further Education Event in Liverpool. Following an intense few days of preparation, the GGF team spent the day engaging with more than 200 students considering future career options.

Thanks to the support of industry representatives including Martin from Bootle Glass, Simon Swift from FENSA, Chris Ferris, Ray Moss, and Sarah Hutchinson from the Glass & Glazing Federation.

The GGF was able to showcase the breadth of opportunities within glazing, from installation and processing to specialist and creative glass disciplines.

The enthusiasm shared throughout the day reinforced a common message from employers: many who enter the sector build long and rewarding careers within it.

Momentum continued on the 5^th of February at the CITB NI Apprenticeship Event in Belfast, where the GGF supported employer members such as Mourne Windows & Doors and Turkington Windows.

The strong turnout highlighted both the appetite among young people to explore vocational routes and the sector’s commitment to attracting new talent.

These outreach efforts sit alongside the GGF’s Skilled Pathways for Trainees programme, delivered via the GGF Training Hub. The initiative provides structured routes into the industry, offering recognised qualifications and clear competency benchmarks to support both employers and apprentices.

By combining advocacy at government level with practical support for training deliver, the federation aims to ensure that workforce growth is matched by professional competence.

For the GGF, building talent and protecting standards are inseparable priorities.

“We cannot talk about strengthening the industry’s future without investing in the people who uphold its standards,” concludes John. “The GGF will continue working collaboratively with government and industry partners to ensure apprenticeship reform supports growth, while maintaining the competence framework that keeps our buildings safe and our sector trusted.

As reform discussions continue and the skills agenda remains high on the political agenda, the federations position remains clear.

Attracting new entrants is vital, but it must be achieved without compromising the high standards that define professional glazing.

For more information about the GGF and how it can support your business’ growth, please visit www.ggf.org.uk or call 0207 939 9100.

For further press information please contact:

Shannon Bailey

e. shannon@lascomarketing.co.uk

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has appointed Lauren Mawford as its Director, marking a significant step in the organisation’s continued evolution and long-term strategic development.

Lauren has been with the GGF for almost four years, working across a range of functions within the Federation. During that time, she has developed a detailed understanding of the needs of the Federation’s diverse membership.

In her new role at the helm of the GGF, Lauren will focus on strategic leadership, decision-making and long-term planning. She will lead the Federation team and oversee all key operational areas, including membership, technical, training, consultancy and advocacy.

Working closely with the CEO and Board, she will ensure organisational alignment and delivery against the GGF’s strategic priorities.

“I’m incredibly excited to step into the role of Director”, says Lauren. “A key part of this role is making sure everything we do is aligned and delivering value to our members, while maintaining the high standards the GGF is known for.

“For members, this means a more joined-up experience, clearer communication and a continued focus on technical excellence and standards. It also allows us to think more strategically about how we grow, innovate and deliver long-term value.”

A central focus for Lauren will be ensure the GGF remain the voice of the industry, while strengthening collaboration across the wider GGF Group, ensuring closer alignment between businesses, sharing expertise and maximising value for members across the whole organisation.

Lauren is also the first woman to hold the position of Director at the GGF.

“It’s something I’m really proud of”, Lauren explains. “The industry has traditionally been male-dominated, but we are seeing positive change: not just in representation, but in how we think about leadership and diversity of perspective.”

Her appointment comes at a pivotal time for the glass and glazing sector, as regulatory, environmental and commercial pressures continue to reshape the built environment. With a strong internal track record and a clear strategic focus, Lauren’s leadership will play a key role in shaping the next phase of the Federation’s development.

For more information about the GGF and how it can support your business’ growth, please visit www.ggf.org.uk or call 0207 939 9100.

For further press information please contact:

Emma Gange

t: 07701 006780

e: emma@lascomarketing.co.uk