Overboard

When an organisation says goodbye to three MDs, three CEOs and two Presidents in a little over two years, the first question that comes to mind is what would shareholders of a PLC think if it displayed such a record? Of course, the GGF does not have shareholders as such but it does have several hundred member companies and, if the feelings of some former execs are anything to go by, the biggest difference is that members have less of a say when it comes to the accountability of the board.

It should be warning enough when any organisation has a top-level turnover to rival your average kamikaze squadron, but when words like ‘transparency’ and ‘democracy’ keep recurring in the murmurings of those departed, perhaps it is time a few of those on the inside were asking why.

We would be very interested to hear what some of those members think, and even more so if they have any thoughts on what could be done about it.

Over to you,

Chris Church Editor

Please send all your news stories to news@the-glazine.com

This Week's News

MD McAllister departs GGF after five months

Shaun McAllister today confirmed to The Glazine that, as of yesterday, he is no longer managing director of the Glass & Glazing Federation.

The move – only days after the organisation was still quoting him as MD in press releases – is the latest in a succession of board and top-level departures in a little over two years including a former MD, two successive presidents, two CEOs, and the MD and CEO of two of the GGF’s subsidiary bodies.

McAllister today told The Glazine: “If there is any good to come out of this, then I do hope that the members will rise and take back control of their Trade organisation.

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Emplas acquires
Padiham Glass

Emplas today announced the acquisition Lancashire-based IGU and glass processing business, Padiham Glass for an undisclosed sum and with immediate effect.

Emplas managing director Ryan Johnson, said: “With significant changes in the glass sector and continued consolidation in the IGU supply chain, we have taken the strategic decision to acquire Padiham Glass. This will give Emplas greater control of our IGU supply and means that we will be able to not only guarantee the integrity of our own supply chain but also that of its existing customers.”

The move also means that all glazed units supplied by Emplas move to Saint-Gobain’s Planitherm range with immediate effect.

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Era acquires Zoo Hardware

Security manufacturer Era has announced the acquisition of Carlisle-Based architectural hardware supplier Zoo Hardware for an undisclosed sum.

Darren Waters, CEO of Era said: “Era already has a well-established presence in the residential hardware market under the Era and Fab&Fix brands, so Zoo’s strong reputation in the commercial hardware market is an excellent fit with the strategic goals of our business. We have been impressed by Zoo’s rapid growth over the past 7 years and their relentless focus on quality and value.”

Robin Graham, founder and managing director of Zoo Hardware added: “Architects and contractors across the country have grown to rely on Zoo for hardware that represents outstanding value for money without ever compromising on quality. Our wide range of products under the Vier, Rosso Maniglie, Fulton & Bray and Foxcote Foundries brands, mean we can always offer the right hardware solution whatever the project or application.

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Survey shows hardware’s pit of despair

Nearly nine out of ten installers have reported problems with pitting hardware in the last year – and fewer than a quarter were happy with the way their supplier dealt with the problem – according to a survey published by Brisant Secure this week.

The Ultion and Lock Lock manufacturer questioned installers and, of the 270 who replied, 88% have reported pitting problems on their hardware in the past 12 months and only 22.5% said they were happy with how their suppliers were handling the pitting problems.

Nick Dutton CEO of Brisant Secure said the research had highlighted ‘failures in epidemic proportions’. He added: “The evidence is more than compelling that the industry is facing a backlash due to hardware pitting and the way in which warranties are managed. I would suggest that the current 240/480 hour standard is completely inadequate and that we need a standard that reflects the fact that the furthest point from the sea in the UK is Coton in the Elms in Derbyshire, which is just 70 miles from the coast.

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Winning women make
IAI history

Four women have made Institute of Architectural Ironmongers history by becoming the organisation’s first all-female line-up in its annual awards.

The IAI Fellowship Award for an individual who has shown a longstanding and ongoing commitment to the IAI over at least 10 years, went to Teresa McQuay, managing director at JEB Supplies, for her commitment to staff training and development through the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers’ (GAI) education programme.

The Paul Lewis Award for Customer Service, sponsored by Royde & Tucker, went to Sarah Lewis, specification manager at Lorient, because of her commitment to educating customers about the importance of fire door hardware.

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