Why the GGF is changing with the industry

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 evolving.

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

For the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF), that means evolving alongside the industry it represents.

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, Lauren 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,” explains Lauren.

“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.”

Lauren joined the GGF Group in 2022 after spending more than a decade working within engineering and construction.

Her background spans compliance, health and safety and operations, including senior operational roles within construction businesses working across the UK.

That experience, she says, has helped her understand the pressures many businesses within the glazing sector are currently facing.

“A lot of our members are trying to balance running successful businesses while also keeping up with changing regulation and compliance requirements,” she explains.

“That is not always easy, especially for smaller businesses that may not have large in-house teams supporting them.”

For Lauren, one of the GGF’s biggest responsibilities is helping simplify that process.

“We work really hard to support members through advocacy, technical expertise, training and practical business support,” she says.

“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.

Lauren believes many businesses are only now starting to realise how significant some of these changes will become over the next few years.

“The regulatory environment is becoming much more demanding,” she says.

“That means businesses need access to reliable technical support and clear information more than ever before.”

Alongside technical guidance and advocacy, Lauren also believes the Federation 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,” she explains.

“We provide a huge amount of value across technical support, training, health and safety, HR support, advocacy and member services, but historically we probably have not communicated that strongly enough.”

For smaller businesses in particular, Lauren believes those services can make a real difference.

“We have a very diverse membership base,” she says.

“Some members have their own HR departments, compliance teams and technical specialists internally, but 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.”

Lauren also believes the industry itself is changing culturally.

Having worked within construction for more than 10 years, she says she has 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,” she explains.

“That has definitely improved over the years, and I think the more women that come into the industry, the better it will be.”

She believes increasing diversity brings fresh thinking and helps modernise the sector more broadly.

“The glazing industry has traditionally been quite quiet compared to other parts of construction,” Lauren says.

“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.”

Looking ahead, Lauren 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.

“My role is really about helping lead the organisation forward and making sure we are continuing to evolve alongside the industry,” she explains.

“There is a huge amount of change happening right now, but there is also a huge opportunity for the sector.”

For Lauren, the future of the Federation is clear.

“We want the GGF to be recognised as the voice of the industry,” she concludes.

“An organisation that businesses trust, rely on and see as an essential part of helping them succeed.”

For more information about the GGF and how it can support your business’ growth, please visit www.ggf.org.uk or call 0207 939 9100.