From the Top

From the Top

2020 is a year that we will not forget as it has been undoubtedly one of the most challenging ever not just for business but for society in general. In this special winter edition of Glassi, we reflect on not only the challenges but also the achievements that the GGF and the industry have made despite the extremely difficult trading environment.

When I took up my position as GGF Managing Director at the start of this year I could never have envisaged how the first 12 months have panned out. Back in January, coronavirus was just a news headline from China, but it soon became a reality in the UK and we have witnessed incredible changes in all walks of life. Throughout the pandemic we have all witnessed the resilience of our industry and from the GGF perspective, the way our Members have collaborated to find solutions for not just themselves but for the GGF and the wider industry.

Though the pandemic has been and still is the greatest barrier in the business environment, the GGF has also had to tackle other major issues throughout 2020.

In July, the Government announced the Green Homes Grant Scheme to create employment and boost the home improvement market. The announcement had a negative impact on our sector as many consumers delayed commitment to their home improvements by several months until they saw the full details of the scheme.

Though the GGF welcomes any initiative that helps consumers upgrade their properties, this scheme’s criteria was less favourable to our industry. The scheme has been extended to March 2022 but despite the GGF asking for changes to the glazing elements within the scheme and for the approved installer criteria to change, it has been made clear that there will be no further changes.

We believe this scheme is just a start and that more schemes will follow as the Government aims to achieve its Zero-Carbon 2030 and 2050 targets. In view of this, the GGF will continue dialogue with the Government Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) on any future schemes. Our broad proposals will be for more inclusive schemes and for replacement windows and doors to be based on performance upgrading and to be included as a primary measure.

In the last 12 months, the GGF has also had to adapt to the circumstances. Due to the pandemic, we had to temporarily close our offices though staff still operated from home. We also had to conduct meetings via video links and this will continue for at least the first quarter of 2021. One of our big successes in 2021 was running a ground-breaking three-day event of 12 live video webinars in September titled Members’ Week. This replaced our usual Members’ Day event and was very well received by our Members who tuned in to presentations on the economic and political landscape, the key technical issues affecting our industry, the new GGF digital marketing toolkit and the latest developments on how glass is being used in digital media.

Members’ week also featured open forums and panel discussions on Brexit, Health and Safety, Technical, Training and Environmental issues. The online forums were particularly useful to hear Members’ concerns and views on the issues affecting their businesses. Only by listening to Members can the GGF form strategies to resolving issues and help Members.

2020 also saw departmental change at the GGF with new leadership and structure in our technical department with Ben Wallace and David Borland both being promoted to Senior Technical Officers, plus the appointment of James MacPherson as Health, Safety and Environment Manager. In addition, two new technical officers, Steve Chappell and Kevin Jones joined the GGF to further boost our technical team. In this edition of Glassi, there are special articles on the significant progress made in the areas of technical and health and safety.

On the marketing side the GGF can reflect on an outstanding consumer campaign in 2020. The Stay Safe with MyGlazing.com which offered consumers guidance on using glazing companies during COVID-19, has attracted over 135,000 consumers to MyGlazing.com and has also featured in over 120 consumer/lifestyle press publications with over 100 million opportunities to see the GGF and MyGlazing.com brands online and in the printed press. The campaign which ran from August to the end of November exceeded expectations and will continue to run in the first quarter of 2021.     

Finally with the Brexit Transition Period ending in a few weeks, there is still uncertainty whether the UK will leave the EU with or without a deal. Either way, the GGF will ensure you receive any relevant information as and when it happens. 2020 may have been a year we would wish to forget but we can learn from it. The last 12 months has demonstrated that the GGF is only as good as its Members and I would like to thank you all for your continued and exceptional support.

Have a happy festive break and a healthy and prosperous 2021.

John Agnew
Managing Director