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Andrew and Matthew Glover, managing directors of West Yorkshire Windows and Conservatory Outlet respectively looked closely at what membership of the GGF could offer – and promptly committed themselves to join!

The brothers, co-organisers of GlassTalk, the highly successful event launched to provide a networking event in March when Glassex was postponed, have very successful businesses and a reputation for being at the cutting edge of window and Conservatory retail sales, extensively using television and press advertising and slick marketing.

“It all began when I asked ‘Why should I join the GGF?’ on my blog Renegade Conservatory Guy” explained Matthew. “I received a number of opinions and the balance fell in favour of joining. GlassTalk was to provide the final open debate but by then, after a visit from Ian Chisholm, we had already decided.

“There is a lot going on behind the scenes at the GGF, such as lobbying for standards, involvement in the new Building Regulations and such issues as WERS, which are enabling us to sell a lot of A Rated windows. We are both very happy to support – and be supported by – the GGF and encourage others to look closely at the benefits – and join.”

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) is the primary trade association for companies that make, supply or fit flat glass and related products representing more than 60% of the industry’s turnover. As such the GGF is the recognised leading authority for employers and companies within the flat glass, glazing, window, home improvement, plastics and window film industries. This includes double glazing, Energy Efficient Windows, replacement windows, doors, conservatories, applied film, hardware, safety glazing, sealants, fire resistant glass, emergency glazing, decorative glass, secondary glazing, solar control and plastics.

The GGF provides information for homeowners, professional specifiers and anyone that is seeking professional and unbiased information on any aspect of glass and glazing in the UK. GGF members supply replacement windows, doors, conservatories and Energy Efficient Windows in all framing materials including Aluminium, PVC-U, Steel and Timber.

Architects and Specifiers are well supported with a range of literature and professional advisors to assist with all aspects of specification and related issues. GGF Members sign up to the Federation’s Code of Good Practice and are vetted before being accepted. A free conciliation service is provided for mediation between customers and supplying member companies when needed.

Conservatory Outlet is a manufacturer of uPVC double glazing, windows, doors and conservatories based in Wakefield, West Yorkshire.

Home-owners across Lancashire and Cumbria are looking to conservatories, orangeries and other home improvements as a faltering property market forces movers to stay put and improve their homes.

The recent credit-crunch and well-documented fall in house prices has meant that many simply cannot afford to move home and are forced to seek home improvements to enhance their living space.

The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors recently reported that housing transactions are at their lowest point since 1978. According to research from Sainsbury’s Bank, this has led to 21% of homeowners contemplating improvements over the next 12 months as opposed to moving house.

Reports suggest that 5.3 million homes are planning some form of structural work – of these, 1.2 million are looking to build a conservatory.

As one of the most versatile ways to improve your home, conservatories are cool in summer, warm in winter and can be used all year round. They can be used for entertaining, as an elegant dining or casual sitting room. A conservatory could also make the perfect home office environment, a playroom for the kids, or even a kitchen.

It is this versatility which makes conservatories one of the most popular forms of home improvement.

In addition to this, erecting a conservatory could save the hassle of moving home, which studies show to be one of the most stressful experiences that most people face in life.

A spokesman for Planet South Lakes, specialists in conservatories & orangeries across Lancaster, Kendal and Barrow-in-Furness had this to say.
“Conservatories are a great way to add extra living space and improve the value to your home. If you are not in a position to move, then a conservatory is certainly something you should consider.”

“We are expecting to be very busy over the next 12 months and beyond, as more and more people experience the benefits of our conservatories.”

For further information on Planet’s Conservatories & Orangeries, freephone 0800 612 2255 or contact us online.

After the resounding success of GM Fundraising’s Ride 4 Hope, it’s now time to start publicising the charity bike ride ‘Cycle India 2010 – for Heal Charity‘ organised by Matthew Glover, Managing Director of Conservatory Outlet.

Cycle India 2010 – for Heal Charity.

If you fancy a challenge, and would like to join Matthew, then the main bullet points are:

Charity Bike Ride in India
January 2nd – January 11th 2010
Cycling 200 miles through Karnataka countryside
There’ll be a bit of sightseeing
A great reason to get yourself fit
We’re looking for 50 cyclists from the UK to take part
Cyclists must raise £2500 for Heal
Fundraising goes to helping orphaned and destitute children
You’ll get to meet the children you have helped

The bike ride organised for January 2008 was a real success, and raised over £100,000 which is now being used for developing new projects in India and helping fund the flagship Heal Childrens Village in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India.

For more information about Cycle India, please visit: http://www.cycleindia.org
For more information about Heal, please visit: http://www.heal.co.uk