Clearview National November 2016 - Issue 180 | Page 6

INDUSTRYNEWS

Members day success
The 3rd Annual GGF Members Day was hailed a
great success by Members, sponsors and guests.
»»HELD AT BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL
Gardens on 29th September, the event
welcomed 135 delegates for a day of
presentations, open debate, awards and
networking for GGF Members.
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION
The day started off with a fitting tribute to
Nigel Rees, GGF Executive, who is retiring
at the end of 2016. In his opening speech,
Brian Baker, GGF Immediate Past President,
commented, “In his 22 years at the Federation,
Nigel has been instrumental and the driving
force behind the formation of the GGF’s
commercial companies. He can’t be praised
highly enough for his efforts and the GGF is
what it is today because of Nigel’s leadership
and commitment to improving the Federation.
Nigel has also been the figurehead of the GGF
and has, for many years, represented the GGF
in the Houses of Parliament in the GGF’s
political lobbying with parliamentarians and
cabinet ministers. On behalf of the GGF, I
wish him all the best for his retirement and
thank him for his outstanding contribution to
the GGF.”
Nigel Rees then took the stage to highlight
the growth of the GGF under his tenure
and to outline the recent changes at the
GGF, including the new structure and
formation of The Helix Group. Nigel ended
his presentation by announcing the GGF’s
imminent move to new premises at Rushworth
St in Southwark.
Declan Curry at
GGF Members Day

After the event, Nigel commented, “I was
pleased to clarify the Federation’s current
situation to our Members. It has been an
unusual time for the Federation with several
major changes happening in quick succession,
however the Federation has never been in a
stronger position. Our recently published
Annual Report clearly shows our financial
stability, activity and commitment to our
Membership. With the Federation moving to a
new, larger office with better meeting facilities,
our staff will continue to deliver a high level of
benefits for our Members. Our Members Day
event gets better each passing year and I’d like
to thank all the GGF staff and Members for
making the event so memorable.”
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Members Day consisted of a strong line
up of keynote speakers from the fields of
politics, broadcasting, architecture and digital
marketing.
Declan Curry, business journalist, presenter
and broadcaster, started the presentations
at the event with a speech on the current
economic landscape before introducing
the other speakers for the day, including;
architect, Bruce Nicol of Dow Corning,
Matthew Palutikof of GK Strategy and
Graham Hansell of SLX the digital marketing
specialists.
GGF senior managers also presented with
Brian Smith, Director of Home Improvement
and Membership outlining the GGF Benefits

Brian Baker at GGF
Members Day

and how Members can use them, Steve
Rice Director of Glazing and Technical
Affairs updated delegates on technical issues
and James Lee, Director of Marketing and
Communications highlighted the progress of
MyGlazing.com.
The GGF Chairmen’s Forum, moderated
by Declan Curry, saw some lively debate on
subjects such as compliance with technical
standards, glazing in conservation areas, the
GGF Consumer Code of Practice, Health
and Safety and Training.
PRESENTATIONS & THANKS
The day also included a special award to
mark founder Member Stevenage Glass’s 50th
Anniversary. From old to new the GGF also
presented Membership certificates to its three
newest Members, Leekes Ltd, SIG Windows
and Crittall Installation Services.
Brian Baker closed proceedings and invited
all Members to a celebratory drinks reception
after the event. At that point, John Agnew,
Chairman of the GGF Glazing Executive,
took to the stage to thank Brian for his many
years of working on the GGF Board. Brian
is set to retire at the end of the year and steps
down from the GGF Board. In a moving
speech, John Agnew commented, “On behalf
of the GGF Board and Members, I’d like
to thank Brian for all his efforts over many
years. The GGF would not be in the strong
position it is in today without Brian’s immense
contribution.
www.ggf.org.uk

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