From: James Lee, Director of External Affairs,
Glass & Glazing Federation

In response to the excellent and encouraging letter last week from Sioned Roberts of AluK, I felt it only fair to highlight, that though some messages and guidance have been confusing (from all Governments) as the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved, the GGF has consistently been at the forefront to help all companies in the industry.

Whether it has been lobbying and getting clarification from Government, to supplying the very latest information and guidance to the industry, the GGF has led the way to help, not only GGF Members, but the entire industry through this crisis.

The GGF’s position throughout this pandemic has always been to follow Government Guidance. We have constantly beaten that drum and will continue to do so. The information we are aligned to and distributing is not mere opinion, rumour or speculative clichéd predictions, it is based on the factual guidelines as published by the Government.

Any points in the Government Guidance that have caused confusion or weren’t perhaps clear enough, the GGF has directly pressed Government for the clarification and in mostly all cases we have received it and then immediately informed the industry. An example of this was on Friday 22 May, the Government responded to the GGF to clarify that showrooms could re-open – as long as the social distancing guidelines and health and safety guidance were adhered to.

The GGF received this confirmation via email from BEIS (Dept. of Business Energy & Industrial Strategy) and communicated it to the industry within hours.

It was also pleasing to read Sioned’s positive comments around; the amount of guidance now available, her positivity regarding the return to work for the industry and her call for collective support.

The GGF is fully supportive of all in the industry pulling together that is why the GGF’s recently launched Safe Guides for homeowners and home improvement companies are completely free for all companies in the industry to download and use.

We have also produced over 40 articles and breaking news stories in the last few months, again for all in the industry to read freely on our websites or via social media and/or via the trade media - where many of the articles have been submitted for even wider distribution.

The GGF COVID-19 strategy has been collaborative. Listening to members and non-members’ views and concerns, lobbying and working with Governments and related construction industry trade bodies as well as holding and attending regular video-conferences and tele-conferences, have been part of the GGF’s daily activity.

In summary, may I take this opportunity to thank Sioned for such a refreshingly positive letter. We are living in extraordinary times and there is much to be done. The GGF aims to continue to work with Members, companies, Government, other construction trade bodies and the media, to help the industry overcome this crisis and return stronger than ever.