The GGF Technical team offers the support you need to help your business. Whether it’s a call for information and advice from a GGF Technical Officer, an update on a technical group or it’s a technical issue you feel the GGF should be raising to standards committees or at Government level, then feel free to contact the GGF Technical Team.

David Borland – Head of Technical Department

With over 40 years of experience in the industry, David is well placed to provide both practical and technical advice to members. Starting as an Apprentice Glazier in his early years, David moved into IGU production. A passion for product development seen him expand into other areas of glass production such as toughening, pre-processing, decorative glass and laminated glass. He was the Project Director for the planning, purchasing and commissioning of the World’s first Jumbo PVB Laminating line based in Glasgow.

A turn in direction seen David moving into fabrication and installation of aluminium windows and doors, both commercial and domestic. The addition of uPVC windows and Doors was a natural progression.

Latterly, his experience and knowledge offered opportunities to move to and work in the Middle East, India and Malaysia.

Steve Chappell – Technical Officer

With over 20 years’ experience in the glass industry in technical and commercial roles Steve started out as a Technical Advisor for a major UK glass company providing design advice and technical support on all aspects of glass and glazing. Delivering a technical consultancy service in-house to branches and their customers nationwide, to design professionals, the industry and the general public. From answering the question ‘What glass specification do I need here?’ to keeping the designer, specifier, processor and installer abreast of the latest technical developments, installation procedures, changing legislation and national standards.

More latterly, prior to joining the GGF, Steve was in a technical-commercial role involved in the design, specification and supply of architectural and structural glass projects, specialising in point fixed glazing systems from design inception through to specification with supporting calculations utilising finite element software packages.

Along with his general duties Steve deals with most Structural Calculations for members and the architectural sector using MEPLA software.

Kevin Jones – Technical Officer

Kevin has nearly 20 years’ experience within the fenestration industry covering many aspects of PVC u windows and doors including estimating, fabrication, installation and extrusion.
His most recent role was as the Standards, Accreditation and Quality manager for one of the largest PVC u window system houses in the UK. Working closely with the system house design team Kevin was a key part of the new product launch team, where his passion for new products and technologies was valued by the wider team.

The role also allowed Kevin to gain significant experience of product standards and testing which developed skills that he hopes will be of value to GGF members.

Kevin has worked closely with industry certification schemes such as Secured By Design, BBA and the British Standards Kitemarks and is well placed to assist with any product certification queries our members might have. He has worked with category 1 national house builders and the NHBC and has a good knowledge of new build specifications, British Standards and Building Regulations.

John Mannell – Technical & Consultancy Officer

With 15 years’ experience in the industry John has had both hands-on experience in glazing and fenestration, studied with City and Guilds College in Architectural Stained Glass and Kiln Forming, through to completion of GQA’s Level 7 in Construction Senior Management.

Whilst having a practical background in installation of prefabricated systems and extrusions John has prided himself in working with designers, architects and engineers to meet bespoke designs for both domestic and commercials applications.

David Palmer – Technical Officer

David Palmer joins the GGF Techncial Department bringing with him 12 years of techncial experience in the industry. Beginning his tenure at Vitral, the bespoke roof glazing arm of Velux, as a technician and subsequently progressing to become Senior Project Manager, working on some prestigious projects such as Blenheim Palace and St. Andrew’s Golf Course. He relocated to Yorkshire to join Guardian Glass where he spent nearly 6 years as a technical advisor.

Both roles saw him work closely with all stages of the supply chain including design support & calculations. Working with architects and consultants, site visits with main contractors, project design development with system houses & cladding companies, to processing assistance with IGU suppliers and after sales support.

Click here to see our GGF Technical Team organisational chart outlining the technical areas of expertise and responsibility for each member of the technical team.

Richard Sellman

Technical Manager, Thermoseal Group Ltd

Richard has been involved in the UK Insulating Glass Unit Market since the mid-1980s, initially as a development Chemist working on the development of Insulating Glass Sealants and later in more commercial roles, both marketing and sales, for two large multinational organisations.

He has attended the GGF Glazing Components Group meetings since the 1980s and is currently

• Joint Chair of the Components/Insulating Glass Manufacturers Group
• Chair of the Glazing Executive
• Representative of the GGF at B/520 Glass and Glazing in Building Standards Committee
• Representative for BSI (British Standards Index) at CEN TC129 WG4 (the committee responsible for EN1279 – the European Standard for Insulated Sealed Glass Units.

Currently, Richard is Technical Manager for Thermoseal Group Ltd, responsible for all of the technical development and Quality systems, including the implementation and administration of ISO 9001:2015.

Paul Kellett

Head of Quality & Technical, Anglian Windows Limited.

Paul has been part of the home improvement industry for over 38 years, mostly in a senior technical role but also as part of multi-disciplinary business management teams.

He has been involved with the GGF and other trade bodies for much of this time, helping shape and create product standards and codes of practice for the industry.

Being an experienced chair of trade body committees with memberships representing a wide variety of interests, both technical and commercial, Paul has chaired the GGF Insulating Glass Manufacturers Group and is currently a Member of the GGF Standards Committee as well as being Chair of the Home Improvement Technical Group (often referred to as the GGF Hi-Tech Group).

As Head of Quality and Technical for Anglian Windows Ltd, Paul is responsible for Quality Assurance of manufacturing, product and system accreditations and product design and development.

As well as his broad experience of membership trade bodies, Paul brings to the GGF Board a deep understanding of the industry issues, manufacturing and installation across the supply chain.

On joining the GGF Board in March 2020, Paul commented, ‘I have joined the GGF Board at what is undoubtedly a very challenging time for the Federation and its Members. I am looking forward to playing my part in ensuring we have a sustainable yet dynamic Federation that can continue to provide the support which our members need and deserve.”

Mark Gadja

Head of Technical Services and Certification Manager, REHAU Ltd

Mark has been with REHAU Ltd for 20 years, initially as a Design Engineer before taking up various positions including Head of Quality REHAU UK for the windows and automotive sector

His successful career path includes experience in working to ISO 9001 & TS 16949 and working with organisations aiming to – identify, document, implement and maintaining controlled improvements, to ensure customer expectations are met

‘’I have a good understanding of all aspects of our industry and over the years have developed close working relationships throughout which, assists with my role within REHAU Ltd and, will further assist to establish a positive and valued position within the GGF with an aim to contribute towards improving support and guidance given to all our members ’’

Mike Butterick

Marketing Director of Saint-Gobain Glass

Michael is the Marketing Director of Saint-Gobain Glass United Kingdom and Ireland. He has thirty years’ industry experience in the glass and glazing, and window systems industry. 

His academic background includes a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from Nottingham University, and a degree in Design and Technology from Loughborough University.  Michael also has professional marketing qualifications gained through the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and from Cranfield University School of Management.

Michael is Chair of the Flat Glass Manufacturers’ Association (FGMA).

Dave Broxton

Managing Director of Bohle Ltd

Dave Broxton, Managing Director of Bohle Ltd for 13-years, primarily tasked with developing and implementing strategic business plans as well as defining company policies, maintaining relationships with stakeholder’s and driving organisational success through strong leadership skills and results driven methodology.

An excellent communicator with 32-years involvement in the glass and glazing industry, primarily in sales and marketing roles within both large PLC’s and SME’s with an in depth knowledge of trade media and events. A strong background in Corporate Governance and lengthy experience within Member organisations, including 12-years within the GGF, with 6-years as Regional Chair and participation on several working parties.