Spotlight on the President

Spotlight on the President

Mark Austin of Hazlemere Windows became the GGF’s 25^th President in January. In this exclusive interview, Mark shares his background in the industry, his thoughts on the GGF as well as his journey to the Presidency.

Q/ Congratulations on your new role as GGF President. Did you ever imagine when you started in this industry you would attain such a position with the main trade body?

The short answer is no, I could not have imagined being GGF President but I am humbled and honoured to accept the role. .

My journey in the industry is not hugely complicated as I have been with the same company that I started within the industry 12 years ago.

After 5 years running my own bespoke furniture business and 14 years in marketing management roles in the football industry, I started with Hazlemere Window Company in 2008 at their High Wycombe offices as Marketing Director.

In 2011, Hazlemere struck a dealership agreement with Conservatory Outlet who were and still are GGF Members. Hazlemere then joined the Federation in 2015 and I became a regular attender at the joint GGF Window and Door Group and Conservatory Association meetings. I was elected Chairman of the Window and Door Group in 2017 which meant I was required to be part of the Home Improvement Executive (HIE). In 2018, I was elected to the Chairmanship of HIE and therefore required to represent HIE on the GGF Board. In 2019, I was then elected as GGF Vice-President. It has been a fairly rapid rise and a journey full of very interesting developments and no shortage of challenges. 

Worth noting that though I was happy to take these roles, I would have been unable to do so had it not been for the backing of Hazlemere’s senior management team; Managing Director Rachel Braham-Hill, Chairman Stuart Braham and my CEO Tony Beale. Their trust and unwavering support has enabled me to give a lot of time to the GGF and I have now gone to a 3-day working week to do the GGF President’s role justice.

Q2/ How do you view the GGF’s position in the industry?

The GGF is undoubtedly the industry’s leading trade organisation, our voice government and the technical authority in our sector. It has achieved a huge amount for its Members and the industry since its formation in 1977. As GGF President, with the help of the GGF Staff and Members, I will endeavour to continue this great work on all fronts including; technical, political, health and safety and business support for the benefit of the membership and to maintain our position in the industry.

Q3/ Do you have a message to the GGF Membership as the new President?

I am looking forward to being President for the next two years to serve and represent GGF Members. During my time as President, I can assure Members that I will never forget that I’m here to represent them, and furthermore since I was elected to the Board of Directors, I can assure Members that every member of the GGF Board are always very mindful of the fact we are your custodians, and make decisions and act in the best interests of the Members.

I would also add, that the GGF fully empathises with all Members – individuals and companies – who are being affected by the Coronavirus. Rest assured the GGF Board and staff will do everything it can to support you through these difficult times. Stay safe and well and to prevent the virus spreading please follow all the government guidance so we all get through this together.