The exclusive Members event hosted by GGF President , John Agnew , opened on a sombre note , as the Federation paid tribute to Maurice Anders of T A Anders Co . Ltd , a Founder Member of the Federation .

The programme then opened with a business review by Kevin

Buckley , GGF Group Chief Executive who highlighted the GGF ’ s work on the political , technical and training side as well as revealing that the GGF has recruited a record 54 companies into the membership this year .

Kevin then held the formal Annual General Meeting with the Federation ’ s 2017 accounts

approved and the GGF ’ s bankers and auditors re-elected by the Members present .

Delegates then heard presentations by keynote speakers from the very different fields . Broadcaster and journalist , Declan Curry gave his take on the political and economic landscape ahead of Brexit and Steve Wycherley , Management Coach and Director of The Continuum , showed why good motivated employees matter are critical to business success and highlighting how companies should focus on keeping their best talent .

The GGF staff presented on the industry ’ s most topical issues with Russell Day , Director of Home Improvements providing a highly informative presentation on the impact the Grenfell Tower fire has had on the industry and how

it will shape future regulation of fire safety .

Anda Gregory , Managing Director , GGF Commercial , presented on the progress and planning of the GGF ’ s commercial subsidiaries following her appointment earlier this year . During Anda ’ s speech , DG Solutions ( GGF and FENSA Member ) were congratulated for installing the 13 millionth installation registered through FENSA – the industry ’ s largest competent persons scheme for the installation of windows and doors in England and Wales .

Training was a subject that came up several times throughout the course of the day and Richard Hearn , GGF Head of Membership and Training , conveyed his plans for the GGF ’ s training programme , which kicks off on 9th October at the GGF offices with a two day installation course followed by a surveying course on the 25th October also at the GGF Offices .

The presentations from the day are available for all Members to download from the GGF website Members ’ Area .

www . ggf . org . uk

Despite extensive media coverage about the dangers of inadequate fire protection in offices and homes since the disaster , less than 20 % of tradespeople polled have seen an increase in demand for fire safety products or parts such as replacement intumescent strips for fire doors .

The results are published in support of Fire Door Safety Week ( 24 September – 30 September ) which aims to raise awareness of the importance of fire doors in saving lives .

The poll followed a national survey of 2,000 adults across the country , carried out by online trade supplier IronmongeryDirect and supported by the Fire Industry Association . The results

illustrate an alarming lack of general public awareness of the life-saving role of fire doors which are a legal requirement in all commercial , public and multi-occupancy buildings .

A particularly disturbing outcome was that 70 % of respondents would not know who to contact if they

noticed a problem with a fire door . In addition , almost one in two people surveyed admitted that they do not know how to identify a fire door .

Ian Moore , CEO at the Fire Industry Association , said : “ Fire doors are one of many essential elements to keeping safe from fire . In

all cases , a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment should be carried out by the responsible person - usually the building owner . A fire risk assessment should determine , through thorough inspection , any potential risks or hazards so that they may be resolved . If you are worried about hazards

and risks from fire , you can always contact us , the Fire Industry Association , for free and impartial information and we will be able to direct you to an expert on the subject .”

This research highlights the need for tradespeople and the wider public to be more aware of the essential role that fire doors play in keeping them safe . Fire doors are specifically designed to withstand fire for between 30 and 240 minutes and , when used correctly , they can make a significant difference in saving lives and protecting buildings .

In addition , 34 % of people nationally said they would prop a fire door open to let in fresh air or give easier access , among other reasons .

According to the British Woodworking Federation , the organisation behind Fire Door Safety Week , three million fire doors are installed each year . However , they remain a significant area of neglect and should be regularly checked and maintained by those responsible for the upkeep of the building .

The safety campaign says that fire doors are often the first line of defence in a fire and their correct specification , maintenance and management can be the difference between life and death for building occupants .

Visit www . ironmongerydirect . co . uk / fdsw for a video guide on fire door safety .