I thought I’d share my thoughts on yesterday’s event for those who were unable to attend.
I think on the whole few would argue that it wasn’t a success. Sure we could have done a few things differently, and I’m keen to hear any constructive criticism (post your thoughts below).
Firstly, I would like to thank everybody who took valuable time out to attend. We had around 150 people there in total, which considering GlassTalk followed Interbuild/Glassex and the G09 event, was pretty good.
I would also like to thank those that took part in the ‘on the couch’ sessions. Although, he was far from keen on public speaking, I felt Chris Ball from MBA Associates made some good points. The main conclusions from his discussion seemed to be that there are still too many systems companies still in the UK, and although systems companies should support their fabricator base more, it should also be the duty of fabricators to stand up for themselves.
Dave Ruzicka of Sash UK reminded me why I’m proud to be a Yorkshireman! I love straight talking people, and Dave did not beat around the bush! He felt that systems companies are neglecting their fabricator base, and making big mistakes with some of the fabricators they are taking on. He pointed out that we have over capacity throughout the supply chain, and systems companies should not be taking on smaller fabricators of 25-100 frames per week. He argued that systems companies should work together and ensure that individuals guilty of serial phoenixing (whether deliberate or otherwise) should NOT be supplied again. Dave explained that he is no industry guru, and he didn’t have the answers. The feeling from the floor seemed to be that most people agreed with Dave’s sentiment, but getting systems companies to work together in this way would be a difficult thing to pull off. Dave accepted that it’s not just systems companies who need to play their part – fabricators have also been guilty of allowing installation companies to restart after leaving debts elsewhere.
The show piece ‘on the couch’ session was the glass pricing debate in the afternoon. Paul Godwin was joined on the couch by Steve Sutherland from Dortech (the originator of the Glass Pricing ePetition), Jeff Hooson from Custom Glass, Dr Alan McLenaghan (MD, of Saint Gobain UK) and Derek Dragten (Marketing Director, Saint Gobain UK). I have to say I was highly impressed with Dr Alan McLenaghan and his intelligent and persuasive arguments for the pricing policy Saint Gobain has followed in recent years. Arguably, Saint Gobain had everything to lose and little to gain from attending, and for that reason they should be applauded for attending Glasstalk, and defending their position. Nathan Bushell from the Glazine filmed the discussion in full and will be editing the footage down to a manageable video, which I am hoping can be shared on this site. Rather than me share my thoughts at this stage, I think it will be better for everyone to make their own mind up by watching the video.
Shome Mishtake Shurely
I was keen to avoid being ‘on the couch’ myself this time, as I feel we have now found the glazing industry’s very own Jonathan Ross. There are rumours circulating that he is related to Benito Mussolini which do seem quite compelling:
I made some great contacts yesterday, and it was good to catch up with many friends. I also feel I managed put things straight with a couple of people who I may have offended in the past. Unfortunately, I missed out on the opportunity to talk to some people, but the random nature of the ’speed networking’ meant paths didn’t cross.
Bar Sponsorship
I’m pleased to announce that this time the delegates were able to drink the entire bar sponsorship. A good effort by everyone! And a special thanks to the sponsors: Windows Active, Synseal, Veka/Network Veka, Window Widgets, Roofwright, Insight Data, Fab n Fix, Edgetech, MRA, Mila and Conservatory Outlet.
Will we do it again?
The night before the event we did debate whether we will be doing Glasstalk again next year. We decided to let the dust settle, get feedback and make a decision. I’m quite sure we’ll do it again, and probably down south next time. Again, your feedback will be very welcome to help us get the formula better for next time.
One final thing. Lyndsey Westcott of Empire Tapes volunteered to do a whip around for all the Mushbashers raising money for prostate cancer research. She managed to raise around £500 so many thanks to everyone who donated, and a special thank you to Lindsey!
Tags: custom glass, dortech, empire tapes, GlassTalk, glazine, mba associates, saint gobain uk, Sash UK
Well done to everyone who organised the event – great success.
Good day, great night paying the price today. Systems company should be able to set up fabricators on 25 frames a week. If a company like Sash loose customers to these people then they are doing something wrong either quality service it’s not all about price. If a customer gets the right quality at the right time he won’t ask another supplier for a price. They won’t fix it if it’s not broken
I think a uniform might just be the finishing touch….that air of authority….
I would like to add to Matthew’s thanks and say that, even though it’s been a lot of work, it is definitely worth it for me.
I met some new and old friends there, whom I’ll be keeping in touch with and some great contacts to speak to in the future.
Events like this have to happen, it’s good for us all.
Cheers
A brilliant day and evening with a very good cross-section from the industry, not just high-fliers boasting about their success but also “normal” everyday businessmen. Met more people very interested in our software than at Glassex (and Glassex was pretty good for us too)
A great day and evening, a lot slicker than March and the mix of networking and on the couch sessions with Godders worked well. A great value for money, informative and contact making day out. Very impressed in the way Saint Gobain UK handled what was potentially a hiding to nothing for them? It also gave me a better understanding of the scale of operations in glass manufacture and the decisions that have to be made when shutting down and restarting a line. With Fensterbau in the 3rd week of March next year timing of the next event is crucial, maybe this one was a little close to Glassex/G09 and attendance suffered a bit from exhibition fatigue. Fensterbau is a great opportunity to see how a windows/doors/glazing show can be if it has the visitors backing it every 2 years. Well done guys.
Unfortunately I wasn’t able to attend. But looking at the feedback it seems to have gone pretty well. Glad it all went well!
I think the day went brilliantly. Thank you to everyone for coming.
With getting on for 100 people new to glasstalk as well as many returnees this time that gives us almost 250 people looking forward to the next event. With a more central location, and a better time of year the next event could be very interesting indeed.
I received feedback that some people would like some smaller, shorter and topic focused events. Would that work? Potentially in conjunction with a large event once a year?
There has already been lots of very positive feedback and praise which is really nice. It looks like GlassTalk is hear to stay !
Thanks for putting together a good day & eve!
The networking tables worked well, but sometimes the mix on a table went flat if you had no interest in the products or companies – perhaps there could be some pre selection here? For example – a conservatory table, glass table etc??
p.s. Please do not publish email addresses – we will be swamped! Some bright spark will also sell them on, which would be even worse!
Saint Gobain uk on the Couch – very disappointing!
These guys were let off the hook! I am not surprised when no audience participation was allowed and the Chairman (Godwin) does their PR…
Steve Sutherland did well but failed to land the killer punches. The St.Gobain boss was clever and articulate…..his marketing sidekick was not!
It really worries me that these guys left thinking that they can get away with prices increases in a recession – oh, but they will give us some notice now! what a joke!
A major lost opportunity for the industry to knock some sense into the glass industry.
Guys — it was an awesome day — I thought the Glass Discussion in particular was quite ground breaking and credit to Saint-Gobain for turning up
Unfortunately, I had to leave just before the end of that discussion — hopefully I didn’t miss too much
And well done on the Time Keeping
Only one ‘criticism’ — the lunch food at the Metropole was much better — but really that is no big deal
A really good event again and I came away with some good ideas and new useful contacts. It was also beneficial to hear other points of view on the market, possible opportunities and what they want from their suppliers. The longer networking sessions were an improvement although the glass companies on the couch dragged on a bit too long (flogging a dead horse came to mind) I hope you continue with Glasstalk.
A great day…….thanks very much. Please, please, please do it again. I certainly will involve more people from Anglian next time.
This GlassTalk was my first and I would definitely come to the next one – if you don’t do it then someone else needs to!!
I thought it was great value and whilst I am not directly affected by the horrendous glass price rises I thought to get Saint Gobain ‘on the couch’ was a firm recognition of the value of GlassTalk. It was better to get them on the couch than in the corner and that type of discussion can only improve the relationships and help the industry in the future. Steve Sutherland was well prepared and did extremely well in the debate with a particularly articulate executive of St Gobain – again that approach and homework that would have been involved before ensures that the problem was taken seriously.
Paul did a great job of keeping the tone of the discussion progressive and bringing a little humour when it was needed – not easy to do but easy to sit back and think it is easy.
The Networking was really good – I thought Paul Godwin’s comments on guidance of short introduction and move round the table could almost have been an instruction and would have potentially made it even better. Not sure how you might do it but I thought more tables with perhaps 8 on each in 30 mins might have just given that little bit more time and space around the table (especially with the fat bastards – only joking!)
Venue works well for me and hotel was good.
Couple of other suggestions :
How about starting later (first brought up by Gary Morton) and running into the early evening so that we sit together for supper – might keep people engaged and involved better?
How about a comedian (Not Gary – although with a couple of others might work!) in the evening for an hour or so? Again just to keep people engaged and leave on a positive note.
For me it was probably the most useful day in the window industry and meeting around 60 people that I had not met before at a cost of less than £2.00 each would have been good value even if I had been born in Scotland!
Well done for starting it and look forward to the next one!
Bob Scott.
As for should you do it again, I think the answer to that is yes. That’s a bit selfish of me though. You lads put a lot of effort into getting it going along with John Twigge and Godders etc so the question is have you got the time to do it whilst looking after your own businesses.
I said to Matthew it is replacing Glassex which is perhaps a tad strong as they are both different events but what I meant was the networking at Glassex was always a highlight and that has now gone. Glasstalk easily brings that part back.
Well done – I thoroughly enjoyed myself and found your event most worthwhile. If you do decide to hold it again next year I will be ‘up for it’.
This was my first Glass talk, and I found it to be a very worth while. You guys done a great job, and should be applauded. Well Done. Even the mighty Godders impressed me (hurts me to say that!)
Well done again guys, looking forward to Glasstalk 3.
Maybe avoid half term next time if poss and I’ll be able to get Charles, Simon and Simmy to come.
Gentlemen,
In order to respond appropriately I was going to begin by quoting from one of Shakespeare’s sonnets but then I thought ‘no sod it, the bastard never reads any of mine’
Thank you for another fine day in splendid company – you did yourselves and us mere mortals proud.
Alan
WHAT CAN I SAY? I THOUGHT IT WAS A HUGE SUCCESS, I MET A LOT OF LIKE MINDED PEOPLE FROM ALL ACROSS OUR INDUSTRY IN EVERY SECTOR , OLD AND NEW FACES ALIKE, I HOPE YOU AND YOUR TEAM MANAGE TO PUT THE EVENT ON AGAIN WITH SOME SMALL AND SUBTLE DIFFERENCES, I THINK YOU COULD HAVE MORE ON THE COUCH SESSIONS WITH MORE QUESTION AND ANSWERS FROM THE AUDIENCE WITH NOT ONLY INDUSTRY LEADERS BUT HOW ABOUT SOME GOVERMENT OFFICIALS TO EXPLAIN ALL THEIR LEGISLATIONS ??, ALSO I WOULD JUST LIKE TO SAY WELL DONE DAVID RUZICKA AT LEAST HE HAS THE BALLS TO STAND UP AND SAY WHATS ON HIS MIND REGARDING PHEONIX COMPANIES , I`M SURE MOST PEOPLE SHARE HIS SENTIMENTS.
Below is the part we left out of the Fenestration News, in our preamble of the ‘glasstalk’ event
On the Pheonix/Pre-Pack arrangements
The phoenix operators, also called ‘pre-pack’ arrangements, are seen by government as instruments to save jobs. These arrangements are not about improving or growing an industry, it’s about massaging political performance and the desire for power. Where it gets stuck in the throat of others in the industry, it is they alone that are picking up the tab. Suppliers that go onto supply a phoenix operation are asking their existing customer s to foot the bill. This is the bit that is not fully taken onboard. When a company goes bust its debts are not absorbed by their supplier, they don’t just disappear. Supplier companies exist to make a profit and as such these debts have to be picked up by the remaining customers in increased prices. When a company goes bust, it also puts up the supplier’s insurance premiums, again it’s a cost passed on to their existing customers.
To this you have to factor in competing in the market place. A phoenix operation is clear of debts but profiting from the assets of their previous operation, meaning from the outset they can disadvantage the established companies on price alone.
The fault line here is that suppliers are treating their existing customers as mugs. Then again if your company is still buying from a supplier to a phoenix operation you are condoning their action, agreeing to these additional charges and agreeing with the practice. As such you are just as much to blame.
All the problems within the industry are in the hands of the individual companies and they are the only ones that can solve them. If you don’t like the idea of phoenix operations, and the fact you are being asked to pay for them by your suppliers, just switch suppliers – it will only take one or two companies with this attitude for the practice to die out overnight.
Removing the situation from the market place is not about coordination, or the involvement of an all encompassing trade body. Remember all Suppliers are just as desperate to hold on to existing business as they are to gain new. Give them the option of a loyal customer, or a known defaulter, and see attitudes change.
Ian McDougall
Hi Guys
Firstly well done on putting this event on in the first place.. It was good progress on the last one and is still evolving. One issue, stick to the agenda. The last two net talks should not have been canclled, that is why people are there !
None the less a bloody good day (and night….ouch)
I agree with with Gary McCarten about the contact details being distributed. If people want to know who is there they should attend.
Well done again
Morty
I thought it was a great day and night and I’m not surprised all the bar money was spent this time round as my head was testement to that in the morning. I thought the networking was as good as ever, although some of the contacts weren’t always relevant to me or other people round the table. I was a little put out, to say the least, about some of the “systems” bashing that went on and not something that I signed up for or came to hear, but then it is only someones opinion and I probably did have the opportunity to raise my concerns at the time. I would hope that you continue to do it again and would almost certainly come to the next one. Great day out Well Done.
Quote ….
Gary McCartan says:
November 5, 2009 at 8:00 am
Saint Gobain uk on the Couch – very disappointing!
These guys were let off the hook! I am not surprised when no audience participation was allowed and the Chairman (Godwin) does their PR…
Is this true
Ian, I completely agree with your statement. We as buyers have the opportunity to speak with actions.
The only problem is that ALL trade suppliers (that I am aware off) continue to supply phoenix companies, so where do you go?
I agree we can teach them a lesson, though.
Andrew Glover