Pro Installer February 2017 - Issue 47 | Page 16

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PRO NEWS

FEBRUARY 2017 PRO INSTALLER
www . proinstaller . co . uk

COST OF LIVING WORRIES POST-BREXIT

The day-to-day cost of living in Britain will likely be weighing more heavily on people ’ s minds post-Brexit , according to research by insolvency and restructuring trade body R3 .
A survey of over 2,000 British adults by R3 / ComRes found that one-in-four ( 25 %) say they are more pessimistic since the referendum , compared to 17 % that are more optimistic . However , Andrew Tate , president of R3 , says : “ Despite the commotion and commentary around the outcome of the vote , for most individuals the decision to leave the EU hasn ’ t affected how they view their personal finances . While we wait to see what form ‘ Brexit ’ will take , the day-to-day cost of living will likely be weighing more heavily on people ’ s minds .” “ The pre-referendum warnings about the consequences
of Brexit look like they are still playing on the minds of a sizeable proportion of the population .” Younger adults ( 18-24 year olds ) are twice as likely ( 40 %) to be more pessimistic since the vote to leave compared to 55-64 year olds ( 20 %). Andrew Tate continues : “ It was reported that the younger generation were the least likely to vote in favour of the UK leaving the EU so it ’ s perhaps not surprising that they are most concerned about the impact .” Those who are extremely or very worried about their debt are more likely to be concerned about their finances following the vote to leave the EU ( 47 %) than
those who are not at all worried ( 18 %). Andrew Tate adds : “ The general sense of uncertainty that the decision to leave has brought will be particularly unwelcome for those that were already concerned about their finances . While it ’ s easier than ever to borrow cheaply , there isn ’ t the same sense of stability about what will happen down the line to the UK economy which makes planning future repayment more difficult .” In January , the then US president-elect Donald Trump praised Britain as “ smart ” for opting out of a European Union that he believes is dominated by Germany and on the brink of collapse , in an interview
with a former Tory leadership contender , Michael Gove . Mr Trump promised to draw up a trade deal with the UK “ quickly ” after Brexit and said he could understand why voters chose to leave in last year ’ s referendum .
www . r3 . org . uk

SEARCH CONTINUES FOR CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Back in September , Nigel Rees announced his retirement after 14 years as chief executive of the Glass and Glazing Federation ( GGF ). The company has now begun the recruitment process for his successor . However , the board could not arrive at a consensus to appoint any of the candidates and will now begin the recruitment process again .
Due to these unforeseen circumstances , the GGF Board has unanimously agreed to appoint Brian Baker , former GGF president and current chairman of the board to act as interim chief executive until a new permanent chief executive is appointed . Alan Burgess , GGF president-elect commented : “ Finding the perfect replacement for Nigel
‘ Brian couldn ’ t be more passionate about the GGF , its staff and members ’
is perhaps the single most important appointment we as directors are likely to make . “ In anticipation of a large leadership vacuum at the GGF , I am delighted that our retiring president , Brian Baker , has most kindly agreed to step into this role until the arrival of the new CEO . As president for the past three years and vice president for two years ’ prior , Brian couldn ’ t be more passionate about the GGF , its staff and members .”
www . ggf . org . uk