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Once again, an action-packed agenda has been put together for a 20-plus strong line-up of expert panellists to debate and discuss.

Andrew said: “Material shortages plagued the industry during the pandemic, but with skyrocketing price increases and the threat of energy shortages, some industry leaders fear the worst is yet to come. Our first debate, ‘New Supply Chain Crisis,’ will discuss whether the industry has recovered lead-times and customer service levels, and the likely impact of the energy crisis.

“Our people and skills debate follows and, with the world changing, for the glazing industry to attract quality staff, build trust with customers and raise business standards we must embrace new thinking and attitudes. We will ask whether the industry is doing enough to encourage women into the sector, and challenge taboo perceptions around mental health and well-being. “Then, with legislation driving change across the industry, our last debate of the morning will discuss the latest regulations including Part L and Part F of the building regs, Document Q and other changes on the radar. We’ll also ask how the industry is responding across the supply chain, and how we tackle those failing to comply. “With the industry responding to changing consumer trends and advances in technology, the first debate of the afternoon will ask what the future of innovation looks like, discuss the latest product innovations, and ask what opportunities there are for the industry to diversify and add value to avoid the ‘race to the bottom’ on price. “And with economic uncertainty and rising costs ready to take their toll, the final debate looks at how business owners and company directors can navigate through the fog. For some, economic uncertainty and rising costs will take their toll, particularly those servicing mounting debt, while for others, the future may present new opportunities to invest in growth or even acquire customers, suppliers or competitors.”

INSPIRATIONAL

As always, the Glazing Summit features dynamic keynote speakers to inspire. William Hobbs, Chief Investment Officer for Barclays Wealth Management & Investments, and frequent contributor of economic insight to Bloomberg, CNBC, and many other media outlets, will share his views on the economic outlook and what the road ahead may look like for UK business.

William, who has a master’s in international business and Economics from the University of London, leads the team focused on investment strategy and, as previous Head of Investment Strategy for Barclays UK, has also covered the global consumer sector. Legendary retail and customer experience expert Peter Cross, who was director of John Lewis and Waitrose for eight years and business partner of Mary Portas for 10, will also take to the stage and share his insights

on the future of shopping and how the home improvement industry can become irresistible to its target customers. “While the Glazing Summit is meant to inform and provide delegates with the right information, I also want those in attendance to be inspired and enthused, and to have the top man at Barclays Investments and a fabulous customer experience expert on stage this year is fantastic. Both keynotes will be hugely interesting and not to be missed,” said Andrew.

THE BIGGEST NAMES

Some of the biggest names are once again sponsoring and supporting the event, from industry giants Yale, who are headline sponsors, down, with Unique Window Systems sponsoring the Glazing Summit Dinner and Winkhaus as lanyard sponsors. Other big names include Reynaers, MACO, Edgetech, Dekko, Window ware, Glazpart, Shelforce, Carl F Groupco, Exlabesa, Cotswold Architectural Products, Caribbean Blinds, Hurst, UL Solutions, RW Simon, Chase Taylor Recruitment and Business Pilot.

Andrew said: “Backing for the Glazing Summit gets stronger every year and having these big names from across the industry supporting us really does show the calibre of the event and the standing of it. The industry continues to see the value of the event.

A PERFECT EVENING

While there are numerous opportunities throughout the day to network, the evening sees the Glazing Summit dinner. A champagne drinks reception, three course gala dinner and a spectacular after dinner speaker is the perfect backdrop to bring more than 200 of the industry’s most influential business owners, directors and key decision makers together. Held in the plush Edgbaston Banqueting Suite, it’s the perfect setting to relax, meet with colleagues, connect with potential customers, and key players from across the whole industry. Spaces are limited, and delegates are welcome to attend the Glazing Summit, the Dinner or both. A local taxi service is also available.

Andrew added: “After a day of discussion and debate, the Glazing Summit dinner is a fantastic evening of informal dining, great conversation and networking, and the perfect end to the day.”

“Backing for the Glazing Summit gets stronger every year and having these big names from across the industry supporting us really does show the calibre of the event."