Certass Trade Association (TA) has won a trophy for membership engagement at the 2022 Trade Association Forum (TAF) Best Practice Awards. Now in its 19th year, the awards recognise excellence, innovation and best practice among UK trade associations. The scheme is supported by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
Danelle Vanstone, head of member services, said that she was delighted by the award: “It is the pinnacle of the service we always try to deliver to the local businesses within the glazing industry,” she added.
“Historically, associations in the glazing sector have been funded by and focussed on large, national installation business and manufacturers. Certass Trade Association set out to change that, to give local installers real, practical support that is easy to access, and a platform where they can share their views, concerns and get up-to-date advice and information from those in the know.
“The Certass TA members-only Facebook forum has driven this throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond. It remains a lively platform where installers can get fast answers to technical queries, and business support from myself and Jon Vanstone, our chair.”
Emily Wallace, the TAF’s interim chief executive, said: “The judges were impressed by the scale and success of Certass’ membership engagement during the pandemic. Certass launched its members-only Facebook forum, and within 48 hours of launch, there were 150+ members. By the end of March 2020, they had 400. Today it remains a lively, engaging community with 850 members that regularly attend Certass’ Facebook Live events, ask questions of other members and engage with the team.”
Danelle said: “With the impact that the up-and-coming building regulation changes will have on our industry, our forum is the best place for installers to get their questions answered, through posts, comments and our regular Facebook Live sessions.” Installers can access the award-winning Certass TA Forum as part of their membership of Certass.
