The Next Chapter – Evolution in Action

Businesses are increasingly looking for practical support, technical expertise, advocacy and guidance to navigate a more complex operating environment. The GGF is evolving to help.

The glass and glazing industry is facing a period of significant change. From increasing regulation and competence requirements to economic pressure and growing expectations around compliance, businesses across the sector are being asked to adapt faster than ever before.

At the same time, expectations around what trade bodies should deliver for their members are also changing.

Director Mawford

Earlier this year, Lauren Mawford was appointed Director of the GGF, becoming the first woman to hold the role in the Federation’s history.

Having already spent several years working within the organisation across health and safety, commercial and operational roles, Mawford believes the industry is entering a period where support, guidance and strong representation are becoming more important than ever.

“There are some really significant challenges facing businesses at the moment,” she said. “We have economic pressures, regulatory changes, global uncertainty and a huge amount of information businesses are trying to keep up with all at once.

“I think that creates a real need for organisations like the GGF because members are looking for support, guidance and expertise to help them navigate those changes.”

Mawford says her experience outside and within the industry has helped her understand the pressures many businesses within the glazing sector are currently facing. She said: “A lot of our members are trying to balance running successful businesses while also keeping up with changing regulation and compliance requirements. That is not always easy, especially for smaller businesses that may not have large in-house teams supporting them.”

Working for members

Mawford continued: “We work really hard to support members through advocacy, technical expertise, training and practical business support.

“We are speaking directly with government, engaging with consultation groups and helping members understand what regulatory changes actually mean in practice.”

That support has become increasingly important as the industry adapts to major changes including the Future Homes Standard, the Building Safety Act and wider Construction Product Reform.

“The regulatory environment is becoming much more demanding,” said Mawford. “That means businesses need access to reliable technical support and clear information more than ever before.”

Alongside technical guidance and advocacy, Mawford also believes the Federation itself needs to continue modernising the way it communicates with the industry. One of her priorities since stepping into the Director role has been ensuring the GGF becomes more visible and more vocal about the work it does on behalf of members.

“I do not think we have always shouted loudly enough about what the GGF actually does,” said Mawford. “We provide a huge amount of value across technical support, training, health and safety, HR support, advocacy and member services. Historically we probably have not communicated that strongly enough.”

Smaller firms

For smaller businesses in particular, Mawford believes those services can make a real difference. She said: “We have a very diverse membership base,” she said. “Some members have their own HR departments, compliance teams and technical specialists internally, yet many smaller businesses do not have those resources.

“That is where the GGF can really help support businesses and give them access to expertise they may not otherwise have.”

Cultural change

Mawford also believes the industry itself is changing culturally. She said: “Having worked within construction for more than 10 years, I have seen clear progress in the number of women entering senior positions across the sector. When I first worked in construction, it was still very unusual to see women in leadership roles or even regularly on site.

“That has definitely improved over the years. I think the more women that come into the industry, the better it will be. “Increasing diversity brings fresh thinking and will help modernise the sector more broadly.

“The glazing industry has traditionally been quite quiet compared to other parts of construction. I think we now need to become much better at promoting the opportunities within the industry and showing people what a great sector it can be to build a career in.”

Staying fit for purpose

Looking ahead, Mawford says her focus is on helping ensure the Federation remains fit for purpose as the industry continues to evolve. That includes strengthening collaboration across the wider GGF Group, modernising services and making sure members continue to receive practical value from membership.

She said: “My role is really about helping lead the organisation forward and making sure we are continuing to evolve alongside the industry. There is a huge amount of change happening right now, but there is also a huge opportunity for the sector.

“We want the GGF to be recognised as the voice of the industry. An organisation that businesses trust, rely on and see as an essential part of helping them succeed.”

Picture: GGF Director, Lauren_Mawford.

www.ggf.org.uk