DOORS & WINDOWS
New president marks 40th anniversary
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THIS YEAR MARKS THE 40TH anniversary of The Glass and Glazing Federation ( GGF ). The Federation also welcomed its new President Alan Burgess at a special reception at The Building Centre in London . Clearview and Pro Installer were happy to accept an invitation for the party .
The GGF is the primary trade association for companies that make , supply or install flat glass and related products , and the Federation now represents more than 60 % of the industry ’ s turnover .
Things were very different back in 1977 when the GGF was formed . The average house price was £ 13,650 , inflation was 15.8 %, a gallon of petrol was 15p , a loaf of bread was 9p , and the average wage was just £ 32 a week . A black and white TV licence was £ 8 , and cell phones were being trialled in Chicago . They weighed 2.5 pounds and took ten hours to charge with 35 minutes of talk time . Unthinkable today , but there was no worldwide web .
Alan Burgess , Managing Director of Masterframe Windows , recalled those days as he took on the mantle of GGF Presidency . Alan is no stranger to the Federation , he is a former chairman of GGF Home Improvement Executive , current Chairman of the Heritage Window Group and a main GGF Board Director .
He started his career at Crittall-Hope ( the aluminium and steel window and door company ) in 1972 , five years before the GGF began . He said : “ We had 400 draughtsmen and one mainframe computer , drawings were done by hand , and lead times were 12-16 weeks .”
The processes may have changed but Alan ’ s philosophy about the business has not . He believes it should be decent , honest and truthful , with a passion for good products and great customer service .
‘ I know first-hand the kind of challenges involved ’
In an engaging inauguration speech in front of over 80 invited guests , Alan covered the challenges ahead and outlined his aspirations for the federation .
On becoming the GGF ’ s 23rd president , he said : “ I am delighted to be appointed President of the GGF for 2017 . With over 45 years ’ experience in the industry , combined with many years on several boards and committees with the GGF Group , I know first-hand the kind of challenges involved . I am also aware of the substantial personal commitment required and I will ensure the good work of the current board members and former presidents is continued and developed .”
Brian Baker and Alan Burgess
TAKING ON THE WORLD Outlining challenges for the future , Alan said : “ We used to trade with the whole of the world , not just Europe . We could regain that but we need to invest in people , processes , products and services . We must relearn how to export our expertise , knowledge , and those products and services .
“ Challenges for the industry include rising fuel costs , glass and material shortages , exchange rates , skills shortages - 80 % of London ’ s labour force is European – and tighter government legislation .
“ The ongoing challenge for the GGF itself is how do we engage with ministers to ensure the government appreciates the importance of our sector ? For example , why can ’ t we start a Royal Charter of Glaziers , and raise our profile even further with consumers ?”
He said members also had to consider factors like Brexit , devolved government , EU legislation , and ways to attract buyers , homeowners and specifiers .
He added : “ It ’ s a great year to be GGF President as 2017 marks the GGF ’ s 40th anniversary . We have 37 founder members who have been with the federation continuously for 40 years and since 1977 , the
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