Unfair glass price hike petition gains momentum

A PETITION to highlight an unfair and dramatic hike in glass prices is being led by Huddersfield businessman Steve Sutherland.

Mr Sutherland, who is managing director of specialist glass architects Dortech, set up the petition through the Government’s recently created 10 Downing Street e-petition system.

Already 600 signatures have been added to the petition, which asks Business Secretary Lord Mandelson to investigate a 50% increase in glass prices.

According to Mr Sutherland three of the major suppliers put their prices up within weeks of each other – and all by the same amount.

Among them are Saint Gobain, Guardian and Pilkington.

“Fifty per cent is a very big round number to come up with,” he said.

“And one that they all have seemingly at the same time.”

Mr Sutherland said that fixed price costs were also not being honoured, which could see smaller firms without flexible cash flow go under.

“A project for us can take up to 12 months before payment,” he continued.

“If the prices quoted at the beginning drastically change and the firm can’t persuade the bank to cover the shortfall then I’m afraid it’s the end.

He said that although the price increase did not adversely affect his own business he was so angry for other smaller firms that he decided to launch the petition.

Dortech, which employs 60 staff and has a £10m turnover, specialises in commercial projects requiring complex glazing

“We might not have bite but at least we can bark,” said Mr Sutherland.

“The UK’s in recession. Everybody is cutting prices to survive. I believe in running a business ethically, and this is not ethical or right.”

Anyone wanting to add their signature to the petition can visit http:petition.number10.gov.uk/Glass-prices/