George Lewis, Editor at PiGs said: “It was brilliant to see so many familiar faces alongside plenty of first-time attendees, all coming together from across England and Ireland to network, catch up, build new relationships and enjoy the unique PiGs atmosphere.

“There was a great energy in the room from when we opened the doors at 4pm for the PiGs Talking Shop with Glazpartners event, to way after the event was due to finish at 10pm, proving once again just how supportive this industry really is.

“A huge thank you to everyone who made the trip, and helped make the evening such a success, as well as our amazing sponsors who continue to support PiGs events across the UK and Ireland.”

The next PiGs networking event is in Bristol on 25 June.

To register for tickets, visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/people-in-glazing-bristol-tickets-1311869128879?aff=oddtdtcreator

The post PiGs Belfast event delivers a great night of networking appeared first on PiGs.

“PiGs AKA People in Glazing Society’s second event of the year, PiGs Belfast, has arrived!

“Our second event is a brand new addition for 2026, and it’s safe to say the excitement has been building for this one for a while. Taking PiGs to Belfast feels like a big moment, and we can’t wait to see the glazing community come together in a brand new city.

“We get things underway from 4pm with PiGs Talking Shop with Glazpartners, giving you that extra hour to get stuck into some proper conversation, share ideas, and connect directly with experts and industry peers in a more relaxed setting.

“From 5pm, we roll straight into the main networking event, where the room fills up, the volume rises, and the real PiGs atmosphere kicks in. Both sessions are taking place at White’s Tavern right in the heart of Belfast City Centre… the perfect backdrop for what promises to be a brilliant evening.

“And if you’ve left it late, don’t worry… there’s still time to join us. Grab your ticket here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/people-in-glazing-belfast-tickets-1311868507019?aff=oddtdtcreator

“A big part of why we’re in Belfast is down to Matt Thomas of Haffner, who first put Belfast on our radar as a must-visit city for PiGs. Fast forward to now, and here we are, ready to make it happen. Matt also joins us on this week’s episode of Two PiGs in a Pod, where he shares his story and, importantly, his top Belfast pub picks…

“If you’re making a night of it, you might want to add these to your “to-visit” plan:

• The Duke of York
• The Harp
• The Garrick (apparently the best Guinness in Belfast…)
• Fibber Magee’s to round things off

“Whether you’re coming for the conversations, the connections, or just a great night with great people, we hope you enjoy.

“And of course, we couldn’t put on these much-loved events without the help of our sponsors, so a HUGE thank you to them!”

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PiGs Talking Shop with Glazpartners offers guests an extra hour of networking to talk directly to experts from both PiGs annual sponsors, plus member companies from Glazpart’s Glazpartners initiative. Initially launched in 2023, Glazpartners now has more than 60 companies across the supply chain.

Sarah Ball, STY Master, says: “This new for 2026 initiative needed an enthusiastic partner, and we couldn’t have asked for better than Glazpartners.”

Birmingham saw an impressive line-up of experts, and Belfast is already attracting some top names. Already confirmed – and more will be added before the Belfast event on 23 April – are:

• Kevin Jones, Head of Technical at the Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF), representing technical leadership within the sector
• Edward Lawford, Glazpart Area Sales Manager for Ireland, plus Dean Bradley and Andy Lobban
• Paul Naish, Commercial Director at Soudal
• Paul McAuley of Rapierstar
• Andy Ball, MD at The Joinery Network
• Sarah Ball, STY Master, who will also be representing Women in Fenestration Network

To support promotion of the event, participating companies will receive branded social media assets as part of the PiGs Talking Shop with Glazpartners, helping to amplify visibility and engagement across the industry.

Sarah added: “We’re excited to bring PiGs Talking Shop with Glazpartners to Belfast and continue building on the success we saw in Birmingham. It’s all about connecting people, sharing knowledge, and strengthening our industry community.”

The Belfast event promises to deliver valuable discussions, expert perspectives, and meaningful networking opportunities for all involved.

If you are interested in joining this event as an expert or guest, please contact Sarah Ball at sarah@peopleinglazing.co.uk.

STY News will publish the final line-up in the next edition on 9 April 2026 – and on the PiGs socials.

To book your FREE ticket to PiGs https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/people-in-glazing-belfast-tickets-1311868507019?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

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The event is said to mark an exciting step for  the PiGs team, Sarah Ball and George Lewis, as it continues to expand its reach, tapping into what is currently a thriving and fast-moving Irish glazing market.

Strong early interest has already seen a number of Irish companies sign up to attend alongside individuals and companies from England and Scotland, underlining the appetite for the meaningful networking and collaboration PiGs brings at its events.

As with the other PiGs events, the Belfast gathering will offer a blend of insightful discussion and relaxed networking. Kicking things off will be the PiGs Talking Shop with Glazpartners, running from 4pm to 5pm at White’s Tavern, widely regarded as Belfast’s oldest city centre tavern, where the main event also takes place.

This session is designed for those looking to dive into more technical conversations, share expertise, and explore industry challenges in greater depth.

From 5pm onwards, the main networking event begins at the historic White’s Tavern venue, which will provide the perfect backdrop for bringing the glazing community together in an informal and engaging setting.

With momentum building and anticipation growing, PiGs is encouraging anyone interested in attending to secure their place now.

Tickets are available here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/people-in-glazing-belfast-tickets-1311868507019?aff=oddtdtcreator

Sarah and George said they are very much looking forward to welcoming attendees to a brilliant city and what promises to be a brilliant event.

For more information about the PiGs events, including the sponsors, visit: Events – PiGs

The post Four weeks to go until PiGs’ Belfast debut appeared first on PiGs.

The event once again brought together the whole industry supply chain for an evening of relaxed networking, conversation and connection, setting the tone for what will be no doubt another busy year for PiGs.

Before the main event got underway, the PiGs Talking Shop with Glazpartners session provided a positive and engaging start to proceedings. The informal technical discussion offered attendees the chance to share ideas, talk about current challenges and opportunities in the market, and connect with others from across the sector.

When the doors opened for the main PiGs event, the venue quickly filled with a buzzing crowd, with the 300 attendees making it one of the biggest PiGs gatherings to date.

George Lewis, Editor at PiGs, was blown away by the event, and felt it was a fantastic way to begin the year.

He said: “It was brilliant to see such a huge turnout for our first event of 2026. Birmingham has always been a strong event for us, but to welcome around 300 people to a brand-new venue made it an incredible night.

“The atmosphere throughout the evening was fantastic. It’s a reminder of how valuable PiGs is to the glazing community to have a place where the industry can regularly get together in person.”

George also paid tribute to the companies that help make PiGs events possible.

He added: “I know we say it all the time, but we’re hugely grateful to our Event Sponsors and Annual Sponsors who support PiGs throughout the year. Their backing allows us to continue putting on events like this for the industry, and we simply couldn’t do it without them.”

With Birmingham now complete, attention quickly turns to the next PiGs gathering. The next event will see PiGs head to Belfast for the very first time on Thursday 23 April.

To register for tickets to the event, visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/people-in-glazing-belfast-tickets-1311868507019?aff=oddtdtcreator

And to see photos from the first event of the year, visit our Facebook page: PiGs – Facebook

The post PiGs Birmingham kicks off 2026 events with record turnout appeared first on PiGs.

With more than 260 people already pre registered, this is officially the largest pre registration figure we have ever recorded for a PiGs event.

The appetite to get together, share ideas and strengthen connections across the glazing sector has seemingly never been stronger.

Birmingham has always been a one of our most well-attended events, and the buzz building around this event shows just how much the industry values face-to-face networking in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

As always, PiGs Birmingham will bring together fabricators, installers, systems companies, suppliers and service providers from right across the supply chain. Our events aim to create a space for meaningful conversations, sparking new opportunities and celebrating the people who make this industry what it is.

Any success we have at our events is down to our brilliant sponsors. We would like to say a huge thank you to our event sponsors, with their backing enabling us to host events that remain accessible and enjoyable for everyone attending.

The Birmingham event sponsors are: Bloomsbury Glass | Brownhills Glass | Comp Door | Doorfit Products Ltd | Geocel | GGP magazine (Glass and Glazing Products) | HOPPE Group – UK & Ireland | HSA Glass | Jotika Software Ltd – Software for glass | KuhnOdice UK | MSBC Group | Nationwide Windows and Doors | The Residence Collection | Universal Trade Frames Limited | Vista Panels Ltd & VITA Hardware.

We are also incredibly grateful to our Annual Sponsors, whose ongoing commitment allows PiGs to continue growing, evolving and reaching new heights in not only the events, but our ever-growing newsletter and podcast, Two PiGs in a Pod.

The support of our sponsors, combined with the enthusiasm of the industry, is what drives PiGs forward. We are proud to see the community expanding and strengthening with every event.

Following the conclusion of our Birmingham event, the next event will be a brand new PiGs in Belfast on 23 April, which we are very excited about. We cannot wait to bring the PiGs atmosphere to Northern Ireland and connect with even more brilliant people from across the sector in a completely new country.

You can already pre-register for tickets for this event here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/people-in-glazing-belfast-tickets-1311868507019?aff=oddtdtcreator

And for more information about the PiGs events, visit: Events – PiGs

The post PiGs Birmingham 2026 reaches new heights appeared first on PiGs.

The comprehensive industry report from Keystone is said to provide valuable insight into homeowner behaviour, buying motivations and decision-making trends across the UK fenestration sector. By supporting the research, Business Pilot is reinforcing its commitment to helping installers better understand their customers and adapt to an evolving marketplace.

“At Business Pilot, we’re passionate about giving installers the tools and knowledge they need to grow”, said Managing Director, Elton Boocock. “Keystone’s report delivers powerful, data-driven insight into what today’s homeowners are thinking and how they’re choosing to invest in their properties.

“Understanding consumer behaviour is essential in a market where response times, communication and professionalism can make all the difference. The more our sector understands its customers, the better positioned businesses will be to convert enquiries into contracts.”

The sponsorship aligns with Business Pilot’s mission to help installers operate more efficiently, respond faster, and create a seamless customer journey from initial enquiry through to installation and aftercare.

Alongside its support of Keystone’s research, Business Pilot has also announced its annual sponsorship of PiGs, continuing its long-standing commitment to supporting networking, collaboration and community within the glazing industry.

Elton added: “PiGs plays a vital role in bringing people together, sharing ideas and strengthening relationships across our sector. We’re delighted to continue our support for another year.”

Through strategic partnerships and continued investment in industry initiatives, Business Pilot remains focused on helping installers build stronger, smarter, and more resilient businesses.

To find out more please visit www.businesspilot.co.uk

The post Business Pilot backs industry with Keystone and PiGs sponsorships appeared first on PiGs.

Each PiGs Talking Shop session will bring together experienced technical experts from across the industry, giving guests the chance to ask questions, share concerns, and exchange ideas in a relaxed setting before the main PiGs event gets underway.

Sarah Ball, STY Master, said: “We’re really happy to have Glazpartners on board as a partner for Talking Shop, especially as so many of the technical experts involved come through the Glazpartners across the supply chain. It feels like a really natural fit.”

The sessions are designed to be open and inclusive, with any PiGs annual sponsor invited to put forward technical experts to take part. The aim is to encourage honest discussion, practical insight, and shared problem-solving. Then, people can stay for the main PiGs event without having change venue!

Talking Shop Experts on 26 February in Birmingham will include:

• Dean Bradley plus members of the Glazpart team
• Andy Holland, Technical and Marketing Manager, Rapierstar
• Dale Pegler, Technical Director, Council for Aluminium in Building
• Kevin Jones, Head of Technical, Glass and Glazing Federation
• Andy Clegg, Fenestration Consultant, Fenestrology
• Mark Gajda, Technical Services and Certification Manager, REHAU
• Paul Naish, Commercial Director, Soudal
• Alan Watters, Technical Director, Supalite Tiled Roof Systems
• Sarah Ball, Women in Fenestration Network
• Nickie West, FIT Show

Sarah added: “PiGs Talking Shop with Glazpartners is about creating the time and space for deeper conversations. It’s a chance to talk things through with people who really know their stuff and can help with ideas, information, and solutions.”

The post PiGs Launch “Talking Shop” Sessions Ahead of 2026 Events appeared first on PiGs.

The five sessions are scheduled throughout the year before each PiGs event and will be held in the same venues. Each Talking Shop will have technical experts from both Glazpartners and the wider glazing sector, available for informal discussions on industry and technical issues.

Along with Glazpart Sales Director Dean Bradley and members of the Glazpart team, the technical experts who have accepted the invitation to attend the first Talking Shop on 26 February in Birmingham are listed below.

• Andy Holland, Technical and Marketing Manager, Rapierstar
• Dale Pegler Technical Director, Council for Aluminium in Building
• Kevin Jones, Head of Technical, Glass and Glazing Federation
• Andy Clegg, Fenestration Consultant, Fenestrology
• Mark Gajda, Technical Services and Certification Manager, REHAU
• Paul Naish, Commercial Director, Soudal

Talking Shop with Glazpartners offers companies the chance to discuss industry issues and air concerns with technical experts who can help with ideas, information and solutions.

Andy Holland commented: “As one of the newest members of the Glazpartners programme, Rapierstar brings over 30 years of specialist expertise in fastener innovation to support the fenestration industry.

“We will be interested to hear Glazpartners view and happy to provide technical guidance to help Glazpartners meet evolving regulatory and quality demands to ensuring excellence from fabrication through to final fixing.”

Dale Pegler added: “I’m really pleased to be taking part in this new Talking Shop and representing the aluminium fenestration sector on behalf of the Council for Aluminium in Building.

“It offers great chance to step away from the formalities and have some honest, open conversations with people from all parts of the industry. It’s a brilliant way to kick things off, meet new faces and share ideas and knowledge in a friendly, informal setting.”

Kevin Jones added: “Regulatory change often affects our industry and with it comes challenges. I’m looking forward to hearing views and sharing our broad industry knowledge and know-how at Talking Shop with Glazpartners.”

Andy Clegg commented: “With so much going on in the fenestration sector, I’ll be delighted to attend the first Talking Shop. It’s a great opportunity for companies to come together in a social setting to discuss issues with industry experts. I look forward to hearing views, sharing knowledge and know-how for the benefit of Glazpartners.”

Mark Gajda added: “I’m looking forward to the new Talking Shop. It promises to be the ideal event to informally discuss industry issues and challenges face to face with like-minded people. I will be open to hear industry and regulation concerns and more than happy to share my expertise and technical guidance.”

Paul Naish commented: “Talking shop with Glazpartners is a great opportunity for us to meet with installers and fabricators and discuss the requirements for the sealants and adhesives they use and how we can support them with training, marketing and using Soudal products.  It is also a great opportunity for us to understand any challenges they face in terms of current installation methods and market legislation.”

Dean summarised: “We are delighted so many technical experts are coming to our Talking Shop next month. It promises to be an interesting, informative and enjoyable event.

“Our technical experts cover practically every part of the glazing supply chain and they are ready and willing to share their expertise to help other Glazpartners. The Glazpart team of experts will also be in attendance to impart their knowledge, so why not come along and meet the experts.”

If you are going to PiGs Birmingham in February and are interested in coming along an hour earlier to meet the experts at Glazpart’s “Talking Shop please email dbradley@glazpart.co.uk or sty@peopleinglazing.co.uk

To book your PiGs place please visit People In Glazing -Birmingham Tickets, Thu 26 Feb 2026 at 17:00 | Eventbrite

The post First technical experts revealed for Birmingham “Talking Shop” appeared first on PiGs.

The announcement follows the introduction of PiGs’ new Annual Sponsor Package for 2026, which is all about giving sponsors more visibility and better value throughout the year. For the first time ever, annual sponsors’ logos will be displayed at every PiGs event, showing just how closely the industry is backing the popular networking group. 

From the first event in Birmingham in just six weeks, annual sponsors will feature at all PiGs events plus receiving top billing on the PiGs events webpage and all Eventbrite booking pages.  

The list of our annual sponsors are as follows: APS, BM Data Solutions Ltd, Brisant Secure, Business Pilot, Clayton Glass, Crystal Units, Direct Trade (Yorkshire), DoorCo, Dufeu IT, Easy Vent by Patterson Rothwell, Emplas, Extrudaseal, FENSA, FIT Show, Forward Glass, GGF, Glass Express Midlands, GlasTrosch UK, Glazpart, Gretsch Unitas, Haffner Machinery, Hegla, Ikon Aluminium, Inagas, Jade Engineering, Kommerling, Mackenzie Glass, Morley Glass, Origin Global, Pilkington, Regalead, REHAU, RISA, RW Simon, Selecta Systems, Sobinco, Soudal Network, Supalite Tiled Roof Systems, The Joinery Network, Thermoseal, UAP, VBH, WindowWare and Zehnder Group UK. 

In addition, the individual announcements for sponsors will be published on social media tomorrow.  

Sarah Ball, STY Master, said the unprecedented support says a lot about what PiGs means to the industry: 

She said: “The Annual Sponsor Package is about recognising the support we get from the industry and giving something back. Having sponsors visible at every event helps strengthen connections and keeps PiGs doing what it does best.

“We’ve got some fantastic supporters, and they’re the reason we can keep PiGs events free to attend. Attendance hit record numbers in 2025, and the momentum going into 2026 is really strong.” 

PiGs is hosting five networking events during 2026: 

• Birmingham – 26 February 
• Belfast – 23 April 
• Bristol – 25 June 
• Newcastle – 24 September 
• Manchester – 12 November 

For more information, contact Sarah Ball on 07540 049655 or email sarah@peopleinglazing.co.uk, or visit: Events – PiGs

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