What is the Glass and Glazing Federation?

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) helps trade businesses demonstrate their professionalism. Joining a trade association like the GGF also shows you are committed to carrying out work to a high standard.

Such an organisation also works to reduce risks to consumers from rogue traders that work in the glass and glazing sector.

The Glass and Glazing Federation guidelines help with the best ways of working. These include a special Code of Practice.

Getting started as a glazing business

For anyone considering joining, you’ll need at least three years’ experience to join the GGF. So now might be the right time for you to begin building up your expertise.

Starting a glass and glazing business may sound challenging. But we’ve plenty of ideas to get you going.

What is the Glass and Glazing Federation?

The GGF is a trade association that exists for anyone that manufactures, supplies or fits glass and glazing products.

The Federation encourages tradespeople working with glass products and services to join. Whether your customers are domestic or commercial, there are plenty of membership benefits to consider.

The GGF represents over 8,000 trade businesses that are members of the organisation. They include:

• Installers
• Suppliers
• Manufacturers

You can be:

• An individual member
• A company member

Its wider roles are to provide the government with technical expertise and offer training. Like all trade associations, GFF provides a ‘voice’ for its members.

As well as glass and glazing work, your trade business could offer related services. As an example, your customers might also be looking for window coverings.

Operating in a wider context

GGF is well-connected with other glass and glazing organisations. It has links with:

• FENSA – the government-authorised Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme that monitors building compliance for replacement windows and doors
• BFRC – the British Fenestration Rating Council which verifies the energy performance of windows and doors
• RISA – provides independent inspections for the glazing and construction industries

What does the Glass and Glazing Federation offer members?

As a tradesperson, you can expect a range of support from the GGF.

This can include:

• Discounts on its services and training courses
• Use of the GGF logo and brand by your trade business
• Advice from technical officers, including health and safety advice
• Free recycling of uPVC, aluminium and timber frames
• Regular meetings and events
• Good Practice Guides
• The latest news and developments in the sector

On top of the practical benefits, many people will often check a membership of trade associations before choosing to proceed with work.

What are the Glass and Glazing Federation guidelines?

Helping to maintain high standards across the industry, the GGF has its own set of guidelines for tradespeople to follow.

Check out the Glass and Glazing Federation Good Practice Guide for a better understanding of what it expects from members.

Following the Glass and Glazing Federation good practice guide can help improve the quality of your work.

What you need to join the Glass and Glazing Federation

You’ll need to have certain skills and experience to join the GGF. Its vetting procedures might include visiting your business premises.

GGF requirements include:

• At least three years experience working in the industry
• Business accounts that show you are financially stable
• Committing to work to the GGF’s technical and commercial standards
• Agreeing for the GGF to monitor your business conduct

When you join, you’ll need to sign up to the GGF’s:

• Consumer Code of Practice
• GLASS Charter Health and Safety initiative

Is there a competent person scheme?

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ competent person scheme (CPS) helps tradespeople work to high standards. It is in charge of authorising competent person schemes.

In the glass and glazing sector, one place to find CPS schemes is with FENSA.

What does it cost to join the Glass and Glazing Federation?

Annual subscription fees for the GGF start at £300 per year. Start the application process by contacting the GGF.

They will then review the application and get in touch with you to progress your application.

How to find a GGF member

The GGF has a comprehensive search facility for locating members.

You can search across over 50 different types of glass and glazing-related products and services.

Viewers can also select tradespeople from very local (within five miles) to 100 miles from their location.

Why join a trade association?

People look for different things in a tradesperson. Top of the list for many is a highly professional, reliable and trustworthy expert in their chosen trade.

Show you mean business

Trade association membership is an official badge of quality. You can put a trade body logo on your:

• Vehicles
• Paperwork
• Website
• Email signatures
• Marketing materials

Quality assured

Like Checkatrade membership, Glass and Glazing Federation members are vetted, verified and approved. A trade association is there to:

• Ensure high standards for work
• Promote qualified professionals
• Reduce the risk of rogue traders

Along with other trade associations, we work hard to ensure high levels of quality in members. The problem of poor workmanship can negatively affect the reputations of all tradespeople.

Why join more than one trade association?

As a tradesperson working in the glass and glazing sector, having a membership with the GGF is an important step to consider.

Showing off your commitment to high standards, being with GGF can also help bring you more business. As can a membership with Checkatrade too.

Did you know, in 2024, we received over 1 million job searches for window/door/conservatory related jobs, and a further 58,000 specifically for glass and glazing?* That’s a healthy volume of customer interest to benefit from.

Our members receive help finding window fitting leads. There are lots of other benefits of Checkatrade membership too.

They include:

• Dedicated membership advice team
• Work guarantee up to £1,000
• Exclusive offers and discounts
• Up to 20% off Public Liability Insurance
• Reduced cost of workwear and branding
• Savings on other business essentials such as vans, fuel and materials

Key takeaways

• The Glass and Glazing Federation represents over 8,000 tradespeople and trade businesses
• You can demonstrate your professionalism and commitment to quality work by joining a trade association like the Glass and Glazing Federation
• Glass and Glazing Federation guidelines help tradespeople adhere to high work standards
• Support to tradespeople from the Glass and Glazing Federation includes discounts on training and technical support
• Your trade business can display the Glass and Glazing Federation logo prominently to let customers know you are a member

* Internal search data based on users of the Checkatrade.com website in 2024 – figures do not include searches for double glazing installation or repair