Pro Installer September 2015 - Issue 30 | Page 38

38 SEPTEMBER 2015 PRO INSTALLER GGF NEWS www.proinstaller.co.uk GGF Annual Report Highlights A Good Year Glass and Glazing Federation GGF Annual Report 2015 for the year ended 31st December 2014 The Glass and Glazing Federation has released its Annual Report for 2014, showing a highly productive year against the recovering economy. New Consumer Website To Help Homeowners The GGF has launched a new website called MyGlazing. com, to help consumers make informed decisions when it comes to choosing the right windows, doors and conservatories for their homes, as well as the right companies and tradespeople to supply and fit glass and glazing products. Nigel Rees, GGF Group Chief Executive commented: “It makes perfect sense for the GGF to introduce this online resource for homeowners. For many years the Federation has run schemes and produced literature to help and guide consumers, this new site aims to promote our work and our Members’ professionalism when dealing with homeowners.” As well as providing easy to understand information around the benefits of installing energy efficient glazing, MyGlazing. com offers an interactive energy efficiency calculator to help homeowners work out how much they could save on their energy bills by upgrading their windows and doors. Consumer protection is another key feature highlighted on MyGlazing.com. The website features advice on guarantees, choosing a reputable installer and how to ensure your project is secured via a free deposit protection scheme which safeguards up to 50% of contract value or £12,500 - whichever is less (the best deposit protection scheme in the industry). Visitors will also be able to find out how they can take advantage of a conciliation service offered to those who are unhappy with the work carried out on their property. James Lee, Head of GGF Group Marketing and Communications, said: “MyGlazing.com aims to help consumers make the right choice for their home, so their selection and installation, be it for windows, doors, conservatories, or any other home improvement glass products, runs as smoothly as possible.” MyGlazing.com includes an easy search function to enable consumers to easily find a GGF Member company to supply and/or fit their new glass and glazing products. GGF Members who are consumer facing will be listed on the site’s directory and will have their own profile page as well as being able to feature their promotions, news and case studies. MyGlazing.com was previewed at the GGF Members Day 2015, on 1st September 2015 and launched on 3rd September. Visit www.MyGlazing.com to find out more. GGF President, Brian Baker of Glassolutions Saint-Gobain, stated: “Against this more stable economic climate and with signs of positive change, the Glass and Glazing Federation met its targets within a substantial strategic plan that saw significant progress on many fronts. The year saw steady growth in recruitment and delivery of several high quality technical products and services whilst on the marketing side the online metrics showed outstanding growth. Most importantly, the GGF achieved its operational objectives and remained in a financially stable position.” Nigel Rees, GGF Group Chief Executive commented: “Our Annual Report reflects a positive year for the GGF in which we enjoyed a high retention rate and our Membership once again stood up to the trading pressures in yet another difficult year. Last year 30 companies joined the Federation, many of which are high profile businesses in the industry.” The Annual Report highlights the Federation’s hard work on technical, political and legislative issues and shows outstanding online results from strong marketing and communications strategies, including a 21% increase (120,000) unique visitors viewing the GGF website www.ggf.org. uk and a 13% increase in unique page views (510,000). Nigel Rees concluded: “This Annual report shows the GGF is fulfilling its promises to Members. There are many challenges facing the industry but working together we can not only cope with the pressures but also grow. I thank all Members for their much valued input and continued support.” ANOTHER SPECIAL DAY FOR GGF MEMBERS For the second consecutive year, GGF Members’ Day was a resounding success as 130 delegates filled Glaziers Hall, London on the 1st September for a day of presentations, launches, awards and networking. The second GGF Members’ Day consisted of a strong line up of keynote speakers from the worlds of politics, retail, broadcasting, market research, government and the public sector. Brian Smith, GGF Director of Home Improvement presented the GGF’s consumer offering, highlighting the success of the GGF Conciliation Scheme and how consumer facing Members should use the unrivalled GGF Deposit Indemnity scheme to gain greater consumer confidence. In addition, Brian also explained the new GGF Consumer Code of Practice which all Members must adhere to. At the end of the consumer presentations, James Lee, Head of Group Marketing provided a preview of the GGF’s new consumer website, myglazing.com and outlined the overarching objectives behind what was described as being “one of the most exciting projects ever undertaken by the GGF.” It was a very special day for one Member as GGF President, Brian Baker accepted a special award on behalf of his company, Saint-Gobain to commemorate their 350th anniversary. Nigel Rees commented: “SaintGobain is the oldest brand in our industry and have contributed so much to the GGF and the industry over many years. It is particularly fitting that Brian as President accepted the award as his work with the GGF on so many fronts has been and still is exemplary.”