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Update: Registration is now open for the 2020 Fabricators Forum on 16 June in Birmingham. Get your free tickets now while spaces are still available at the essential event for all fabricators and system houses.

The first ever BFRC Fabricators Forum was a great success on January 31 as we brought together delegates from across the window and door supply chain to hear insightful presentations from our keynote speakers and to engage in healthy debate on a range of topics affecting the glazing industry.

Among the subjects on the table were legislation, regulation, training, testing and certification, and industry data. Of course energy efficiency was a key theme running through the whole event, which took place at the Royal Berkshire Conference Centre at the Madejski Stadium in Reading.

Host Paul Godwin opened things up at by introducing the BFRC team, led by Managing Director Anda Gregory and Operations Director Lis Clarke.

Left: Host Paul Godwin; Right: BFRC Managing Director Anda Gregory and Operations Director Lis Clarke

Anda and Lis outlined the BFRC’s background and current plans before BFRC Business Development Consultant Bob Morrissey took the stage to explain how energy ratings can be used as a valuable marketing tool. Bob drew on insights developed during his own experience as salesman for an installation company.

Russell Day, GGF Director of Home Improvements, was up next with the status of legislation and regulation in the industry and his perspective on the many challenges ahead.

After a hearty lunch, Gary Morgan, BFRC Technical Director, delivered a presentation touching on the issues around testing and certification. He was followed by Andrew Scott of Insight Data who provided a superb overview of industry data and how it is being used.

BFRC Technical Director Gary Morgan and Business Development Consultant Bob Morrissey

Gareth Jones, Managing Director of Profine UK, injected some light hearted humour as he delivered an engaging talk on training, skills and potential materials shortages in the industry.

It wasn’t all one-way traffic however as the audience had the chance to join in, resulting in some robust debate. This included some probing questions and shared insights generated from their own experiences, including Brexit preparations and how the start of the year has fared for their businesses.

After the forum, Anda Gregory commented, “It was a very enjoyable and productive day. Thanks to all who braved the weather and were involved in making this such a fantastic, interesting and well-attended event.”

Lis Clarke added, “The Fabricators’ Forum provided a great opportunity for the industry to come together to debate the issues. Being Europe’s number one energy rating organisation for windows and doors and being connected with thousands of companies throughout the glazing supply chain, BFRC is well placed to stage this kind of event.”

From a speaker’s perspective, Andrew Scott, commented, “It was good to be involved with the Forum and share my thoughts around data. Some great topics were tackled including a UK skills shortage and ageing workforce, a potential material's shortage in light of Brexit, and the latest thinking around building regulations and energy ratings. Well done to the organisers and all those involved.”

The event also gave those present a preview of some of our exciting new BFRC branding which will be fully launched in the spring. The day ended with Anda Gregory sharing some of our strategic plans for maintaining BFRC’s market-leading position.

Anda concluded, “The Fabricators’ Forum showed how BFRC provides the impartial visible proof that windows and doors will perform as promised. In 2019 we will be unveiling more plans to demonstrate why BFRC is the UK’s most trusted and most widely-used energy rating system and for manufacturers, systems houses, fabricators, installers and homeowners.”

Get your free tickets now for the 2020 Fabricators Forum in Birmingham

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