GGF reflects on productive year to date

Though it’s been a turbulent time for the industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact, the GGF has made significant strides in the first six months of the year. Through a combination of good planning, investment in people and high levels of productivity, the GGF has supported Members through this tough trading period.

The facts and statistics below show how the GGF has delivered like never before, in the first half of 2020.

Investment in people

In January, John Agnew was appointed Managing Director
In March, to reinforce the GGF’s Technical team of experts, the Federation appointed two new Technical Officers:
- Kevin Jones
- Steve Chappell

In July, James MacPherson was appointed the GGF’s new Health, Safety and Environment Manager

Political Engagement

Since January, the GGF has had presence and input into the following political forums:

Government Repair Maintenance and Improvement (RMI) Work Stream run by BEIS
Government Housing Work Stream run by MHCLG
National Home Improvement Council Strategic Forum
Construction Products Association (CPA) Trade Association Council
CPA Committees such as Technical, External Affairs and Sustainability
British Energy Efficiency Federation (BEEF) Plenary
BEIS and Glass Manufacturers Forum
Glass for Europe External Affairs Committee
Parliamentary Group for Energy Studies

Plus weekly engagement with Government departments:

BEIS (Business Energy and Industrial Strategy)
MHCLG (Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government)
HSE (Health and Safety Executive)
Prime Minister’s Office

In 2020, the GGF has also engaged with Ministers in the devolved Governments of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

Publications

So far this year the GGF has published 20 new publications including:

17 new and/or updated Technical Datasheets on Channel Glass, Window Film and Visual Quality of Glass
Two new industry Safe Guides to help companies through COVID-19 (now downloaded over 3,500 times)
A new Consumer Guide to Conservatories and Orangeries, the most comprehensive in the industry

Technical representation

The GGF Technical Team has represented GGF Members at the following committees this year:

Glass for Europe Technical Group
Construction Products Association (CPA) Technical Committee
CPA Industry Response Group
Approved Document B (Fire Safety) Working Party
CEN (Central European Norms/Standards) Committee
Fire Sector Federation Technical Committee
BIM (Building Information Modelling) Fenestration Relevant Authority Committee

Campaigns

In the first six months of the year the GGF has:

Invested in a new Consumer Confidence promotional campaign
Launched the Think Glass campaign on MyGlazing.com
Continued the political campaigns on Fire Safety, Energy Efficiency and Skills/Training
Rekindled the Cut the VAT campaign

Brand Coverage

The latest independent media monitoring report shows that from 1^st January to 30 June, the GGF has:

Featured in 276 articles across all media
Provided over 5.2 million opportunities to view the GGF brand
Released 48 press releases

Online stats

It’s also proving to be a good year so far for the GGF web site www.ggf.org.uk and the online audience with:

An increase of 18% on web visits v 2019
An increase of 20% page views v 2019
Uploads of over 150 pieces of new content
Creation of 4 new sections on GGF.org.uk
Implementation of two online trade surveys and one consumer survey

On the outstanding half yearly report, John Agnew, GGF Managing Director commented:

“Throughout the pandemic, the GGF has supported its members and the wider industry like never before. We have invested resource, time and thought, to continuously improve our high level of services. As we move into the second half of the year, we will produce even more as we continue to invest and work to help our Members and the industry rebuild their businesses. We have very challenging but exciting times ahead”

Though it has been a productive six months the GGF is now looking ahead to continuing to support its Members to the expected high levels.

This month, the GGF will re-commence its Technical Consultancy service. In August, there will be a thorough review of its Health and Safety service and in September the GGF Members Day will be delivered in a completely new and extensive format.

Busy times and even busier times ahead, for the GGF and its Members.