GGF President Michael Butterick has issued a clear warning to the glass and glazing sector on the business-critical impact of regulation and the need to adapt fast to an era of unprecedented change.
Speaking at the GGF’s Industry Connect event, held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Mike warned that the regulatory framework was now “more complicated and challenging than it has ever been before,” and that the sector must treat compliance and engagement with policymakers as core strategic priorities, not a back-office task.
He said the publication of the Future Homes Standard was just the tip of the iceberg, with even bigger changes for the sector coming down the line with an expected revision of Document Q.
Speaking in front of an audience of 250 GGF and FENSA Limited members, Mike said that effective engagement with government was more important than ever, highlighting the work of the GGF Consultation Response Group, a cross-industry forum which coordinates responses to government consultations on behalf of the industry.
He underlined that rising regulatory expectations come with serious consequences for those who fail to meet them. Citing a recent Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) report, which he noted it revealed a “deep structural compliance issue” in the sector.
Mike advocated for better point of sale conversations with the end consumer to support them in selecting products which made homes, warmer, more comfortable, secure and to help prevent overheating.
He also highlighted the importance of sustainability and product circularity, including as an opportunity to attract new talent to the sector, by demonstrating real environmental impact.
This built on a theme first raised by newly appointed GGF Director, Lauren Mawford, who framed the day around the theme of change and the need to drive up standards across the supply chain.