Clearview National March 2016 - Issue 172 | Page 33

INDUSTRYNEWS NEW MEMBER FOR TRADE BODY »»THE GLASS AND GLAZING Federation (GGF) is delighted to announce that The Profine Group has joined the GGF. Stefan Seidel, Managing Director, Profine UK received its GGF Membership Certificate from GGF President, Brian Baker, at the last GGF Conservatory Association Window and Door meeting of 2015 in Birmingham. Shift in Perspective on Fire Safety Brian Smith, GGF Director of Membership, commented: “I am pleased The Profine Group has joined the GGF. With its vast experience of the sector, technical expertise and its high profile in the industry, I am sure it will be a great asset to the Federation.” Brian McDonald, Commercial Manager at Profine UK, commented: “The Profine Group look forward to being part of the industry’s leading trade body and to working with the GGF, not only for our own benefit but also that of the fenestration industry.” Brian Smith added: “Profine is the latest of several of the industry’s leading companies to join the GGF in the last year. We are delighted they have joined and it can only strengthen the GGF and the industry as a whole.” For more information on The Profine Group visit www.profine-group.com/en/ »»THE GLASS AND GLAZING Federation (GGF) continues to raise concerns based on feedback from companies in the glass and glazing industry, that all is not entirely well in the provision of fire safety measures in buildings. On 5 January, Government announced that responsibility for fire prevention and rescue now moves to the Home Office. The change is said to “support a radical transformation of how the police, fire and rescue services work together.” From 1 April 2016 staff working on national fire policy will also transfer across from the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG). Giles Willson, GGF Managing Director, commented: “Following the Government’s announcement we are naturally concerned there will be compromises made between Government departments with relation to fire safety in buildings. We have outlined the consequences for our industry on the GGF website homepage which we hope everyone responsible for fire safety in buildings will consider in view of the forthcoming changes.” To read the full consequences for fire safety as identified by the GGF please visit the GGF website http://www.ggf.org. uk/news/shift_in_perspective_on_fire_ underlines_ggf_initiatives Email [email protected] If you are interested in joining the GGF please visit the Federation’s website www.ggf.org.uk/join RESPONSE TO VAT CONSULTATION On 3rd of February 2016, the GGF responded to the HM Revenues and Customs (HMRC) Consultation on “Changes to the reduced rate of VAT for Energy Saving Materials” as published on 9th December 2015. »»THE GGF’S RESPONSE, ON BEHALF of its Membership, outlined concerns regarding the absence of energy efficient glazing in the list of energy saving materials for the reduced rate of 5% VAT. The GGF also urged the UK Government to bring its reduced rates in line with the provisions of a European Directive, which permits EU countries to apply reduced rates for “provision, construction, renovation and alteration of housing, as part of a social policy.” Giles Willson, GGF Managing Director, commented: “Replacement windows and doors have not previously been included within the reduced VAT rate, despite being vital energy saving products that could legitimately qualify under the criteria described in the European Directive. It is time for the UK Government to comply with EU legislation and to appreciate the importance of energy efficient glazing in the broad economic, social and environmental context.” Should the VAT rate be reduced, the GGF has offered to work with Government to develop suitable guidance and training for the industry. www.ggf.org.uk C L E A RV I E W-U K . C O M » M AR 2016 » 33