By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

NFRC president turns personal passion into powerful industry giving during his tenure. 

Leadership in roofing is often defined by technical expertise, advocacy and service to the industry. But for Colin McCorquodale, current president of National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), leadership is also deeply personal. 

During his tenure as NFRC president, Colin has chosen to champion the Cystic Fibrosis Trust as his official charity, dedicating his presidency to raising awareness and critical funding for this disease. The Cystic Fibrosis Trust plays a critical role in supporting individuals and families affected by cystic fibrosis through research, advocacy, clinical care support and education. More than 10,500 people in the U.K. are living with cystic fibrosis, a life-limiting genetic condition that affects the lungs and digestive system. Through groundbreaking research and patient support, the trust continues to improve lives while working toward a cure.

Through fundraising efforts across NFRC events and the support of the U.K. roofing community, Colin has already helped raise more than £50,000 for the charity, including an incredible £10,000 raised during the 2026 U.K. Roofing Awards evening. Held annually to celebrate excellence across the roofing and cladding industries, the U.K. Roofing Awards bring together contractors, manufacturers and roofing professionals from across the country. This year, alongside recognizing exceptional craftsmanshipand innovation, attendees rallied behind a cause that has become deeply meaningful through Colin’s leadership. 

In a personal message shared with roofing professionals, Colin explained why this mission matters so deeply to him. “This charity is fighting a condition with no cure and one which has had an impact on my wider family,” he shared, noting that throughout his presidency he hopes to raise both awareness and funds for the organization. 

What makes Colin’s efforts especially meaningful is the way he has brought the roofing community together around a cause that extends beyond business. Roofing has always been an industry built on relationships, family and helping others and Colin’s presidency reflects those values in a powerful way. From regional events to national celebrations like the U.K. Roofing Awards, the generosity of the roofing industry continues to shine through. 

As Colin concludes his term as NFRC president, his commitment to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust serves as a reminder that true industry leadership is about more than business success. It is about using your platform to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Through the generosity of the U.K. roofing industry, Colin’s passion project has not only raised significant funds but also increased awareness for families affected by cystic fibrosis across the country. 

To support Colin’s fundraising efforts and help make a difference for individuals and families living with cystic fibrosis, visit the Cystic Fibrosis Trust at www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk and make a donation today. 

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

RoofersCoffeeShop.uk joined roofing professionals from across the U.K. to celebrate award-winning craftsmanship, innovation and community.

The U.K. roofing industry came together in spectacular fashion at the 2026 U.K. Roofing Awards, recognizing the projects, companies and individuals who continue to raise the bar for excellence across roofing and cladding. Hosted by National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), the annual event welcomed more than 900 industry professionals to celebrate outstanding workmanship, safety and innovation from across the United Kingdom. 

This year’s celebration also highlighted the strong international relationships within roofing, as representatives from the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), National Slate Association (NSA) and Slate Roofing Contractors Association (SRCA) travelled from the United States to attend the event and celebrate alongside U.K. roofing professionals. Their presence underscored the global respect for the craftsmanship, technical expertise and industry leadership recognized through the U.K. Roofing Awards. 

From historic restoration projects and complex waterproofing systems to cutting-edge solar installations and community leadership, this year’s awards showcased the incredible breadth of talent across the roofing sector. RoofersCoffeeShop.uk was proud to be in the audience celebrating all the competitors, finalists and winners who demonstrate the professionalism and craftsmanship that define the U.K. roofing industry. 

One of the most celebrated recognitions of the evening was Project of the Year, awarded to Staick House by Rowlands Roofing, a project that also earned top honours in the Heritage Roofing category. The Industry Choice Award, voted on by the sector, went to Little Eversden, Cambridgeshire, completed by Roof Brothers Ltd working with CUPA PIZARRAS S.A., reflecting strong industry support for exceptional craftsmanship. 

Winners represented excellence across every roofing discipline. Major category winners included One Leadenhall by Lindner Prater Ltd for Bituminous Hot Applied Liquid Waterproofing, The Library, Murray Edwards College by Millane Contract Services Ltd for Cold Applied Liquid Waterproofing and Chester Zoo by Safeseal Roofing Ltd for Green Roofing. In metal roofing, Rockmount by Install Zinc Ltd took top honours in Fully Supported Metal while Robin House by Aim Developments Ltd working with Sika Ltd won the Single Ply Roofing category. Solar innovation was also recognized with St Nicholas Leisure Centre by Stace Roofing Ltd receiving the Solar award. 

The evening also celebrated the people who make roofing stronger. Sean Lynden of Blackpool Industrial Roofing was recognized with the Local Hero Award for going above and beyond in his community. Edward Radley of Marksman Roofing & Cladding earned the Individual Health & Safety Award and Corey Dowell of Progressive Systems Ltd was named Young Roofer of the Year, highlighting the next generation of roofing talent. 

At RoofersCoffeeShop.uk, we are proud to share the stories behind these award-winning projects and celebrate the contractors, manufacturers and teams that continue to elevate roofing excellence. The U.K. Roofing Awards are a powerful reminder that roofing is built on craftsmanship, innovation and people who care deeply about the work they do every day. 

To see the full list of 2026 U.K. Roofing Award winners and learn more about the incredible projects recognized this year, visit NFRC U.K. Roofing Awards Winners 2026 page at www.nfrc.co.uk/events/uk-roofing-awards/winners-2026.html. Interviews are also available from award winners on the RoofersCoffeeShop YouTube channel. 

By Emma Peterson. 

James Talman on NFRC’s history, growth and mission to support UK tradespeople.  

In a recent episode of the Roofing Road Trips® podcast, Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down for a discussion with James Talman, CEO of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) and the first RoofersCoffeeShop.uk guest to be on the podcast. James has led as the CEO of NFRC for just over a decade now, working to honour the organisation’s 130-year legacy. James noted the importance of his work with NFRC, sharing, “The body is very historic. It started with contractors in northeast England sharing best practices and got particularly significant during the rebuilding after World War II.” 

Today, NFRC has grown into a key trade association for the industry. James elaborated, “To give an understanding of the extent of NFRC today, I'm delighted to say we're continuing to grow and represent over 1,200 trade contractors who are a part of the UK roofing market, which represents over eight billion pounds.” 

How did NFRC grow into such a significant and influential trade association? By constantly working in the interests of their members. James explained:  

The extent of our operations go beyond your traditional valuable trade association. We also have a government license for contractors who can self-certify their work, which is called competent persons...We also have a team that helps with the development of technical guidance and best practices. And then alongside that, they do a lot of work with bodies such as British Standards in helping to chair committees on the revision or the requirement for standards alongside training. 

These are just a few examples of how NFRC goes above and beyond for their members and industry. As James put it, their entire mission is focused on “constantly working to help their members achieve excellence.” 

Want to learn more about the NFRC? Listen to the whole podcast episode with James.

With materials and labour costs rising sharply, increased funding for technical and vocational training has never been more important.

NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) welcomes the publication of Alan Milburn's Young People and Work report. Its findings are concerning and highlight issues NFRC Members have long been observing. 

NFRC has long argued that students must be given genuine, equal opportunity to consider further education and skilled trades alongside university. The Milburn report validates that case. The report finds that in recent years, more young people have moved into higher education and fewer into further education or apprenticeships, the very routes most accessible to those at risk of becoming NEET, while industries like roofing face a deepening skills crisis that shows no sign of easing. 

More than half of NFRC Members now cite recruitment challenges as a critical issue and seven in ten say skilled labour shortages are directly limiting the work their businesses can take on. Meanwhile, nearly half of all roofing contractors report that recruitment is harder than it was a year ago, with the most acute shortages among slaters, tilers and felt roofers. 

Gray Gibson, NFRC policy & external affairs manager, said: "The Milburn report is a welcome dose of reality. While 15% of NEETs, around one in seven, hold a university degree, our Members are struggling to find the skilled workers they need to keep pace with demand. The skills shortage in roofing is not a short-term blip. It is structural, it is serious and it will only worsen unless we fundamentally change how we present vocational careers to young people. The report also makes clear that health and mental health are now the primary drivers of youth disengagement, this is a whole-system problem, and vocational pathways must be part of the solution." 

NFRC member businesses are already active in schools from Scotland to the South Coast, delivering hands-on skills demonstrations and showing students the genuine opportunities available in what is an AI-proof, long-term career. Today, NFRC Member Compass Roofing Ltd delivered a slate cutting workshop at Edinburgh Castle as part of a Build Your Future event. However, these engagement initiatives must be supported by adequate government support to bring new people, young and adult, into the industry. 

With materials and labour costs rising sharply, increased funding for technical and vocational training has never been more important. 

Gibson added: "We cannot keep asking businesses operating under significant economic strain to solve a problem that starts in the classroom. Increased, sustained funding for technical and vocational courses is essential. The Milburn report gives Government the evidence it needs to act. We await the report's recommendations later this year." 

The Nat 5 in traditional roof slating and tiling, delivered in schools by NFRC Members, is now in its second year and has expanded to more schools across Scotland. 

On 27 and 28 May, NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) returned to Edinburgh Castle to support the Build Your Future skills taster event. The celebration of apprenticeships and traditional skills brought together nearly 100 school pupils alongside industry, local and national stakeholders. 

Delivered under the leadership of Historic Environment Scotland (HES), Scottish Traditional Building Forum (STBF) and the City of Edinburgh Council, the event was designed to inspire the next generation of craftspeople, construction professionals and heritage specialists, while demonstrating the importance of protecting and sustaining these skills into the future. 

Across the two days, pupils from schools across Edinburgh rotated through five interactive skills stations, with demonstrations and mini masterclasses led by industry specialists. NFRC Member Compass Roofing Ltd ran the heritage roof slating activity, delivering hands-on demonstrations in slate cutting and nail fixing.  

"It gives young people a chance to try loads of activities, so they know what jobs are out there when they leave school,” said Lewis Miller, company director at Compass Roofing.  

“It opens their eyes and gives them a lot more avenues to focus on when they leave school. They all say it’s very satisfying and they all seem to enjoy it,” he added.  

Other stations covered stonemasonry, painting and graining, timber joinery and modern construction techniques such as thermal insulation, illustrating how traditional craft and contemporary methods work together to maintain Scotland's historic buildings. 

This year's event marks 14 years since NFRC first supported the inaugural Build Your Future skills demonstration in 2012, also held at Edinburgh Castle. The event goes from strength to strength, with growing recognition of the importance of heritage skills reflected in tangible action: National 5 qualification pilots are now running across Scotland, embedding construction and traditional skills teaching directly into the school timetable. The Nat 5 in traditional roof slating and tiling, delivered in schools by NFRC Members, is now in its second year and has expanded to more schools across Scotland. 

"Events like today are vital if we're serious about securing the future of traditional skills in Scotland,” said NFRC Scotland regional manager John McKinney.  

“The drop-out rate in construction apprenticeships shows us that too many young people are arriving without a clear picture of what the work actually involves. Build Your Future skills demonstrations help address that and the growth of the National 5 programme shows that real, lasting progress is possible when industry and education work together. NFRC and our member businesses are committed to playing our part in that," McKinney added.  

While Edinburgh Castle is the most high-profile event of the year, NFRC Members contribute to Build Your Future events and other skills demonstrations across Scotland throughout the year, providing students with meaningful exposure to the varied pathways into roofing and construction at large.

By Emma Peterson. 

Resources designed to help build the roofing workforce of the future.  

 According to 2025 research conducted by the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), “52% of roofing businesses report recruitment difficulties and 65% say skills shortages are already restricting the amount of work they can take on.” And looking to the future, this skill and workforce shortage is predicted to persist. In fact, the Construction Skills Mission Board projects a need for 3,760 additional roofers by 2029, with current trends predict a growth of only around 1,550 new roofers between 2025 and 2029. 

In response to this issue, NFRC reminds members and roofing businesses of the NFRC Careers Portal. These aim to help individuals get involved in the roofing trade, as well as helping businesses connect to new talent. These services were designed in partnership with a “broad network of external bodies to ensure that the resources available at the NFRC careers service are not only up to date but also of the highest quality.”  

Services for starting a career  

A career in roofing offers individuals a reliable career with many paths for growth and learning. And it's not limited to working on a roof (though that is a great option for those interested in a hands-on job!), other roofing positions can have you designing innovative systems from an office or engineering product solutions in a workshop.  

Whatever your interest is, there’s something for you in the roofing industry and NFRC has the resources to get you started!  

Explore NFRC's career service resources online.

Talent recruiting tips 

On the other side of the equation, NFRC equips businesses and employers with “the tools [needed] to recruit, train and retain new talent through apprenticeships, traineeships, graduate schemes and more.” A great example of these resources is the Go Construct job portal. a free platform that allows employers to post job vacancies' that anyone looking for a career in roofing can access.  

Overall, from developing a motivated workforce to diversifying your team, there are a lot of benefits to recruiting new talent rather than relying “on recruiting experienced people or subcontracting the labour out.” 

Start using NFRC’s recruiting resources.

By Emma Peterson. 

Louie reflects on his apprenticeship with Aldridge and Sons.  

One of the largest challenges facing the roofing trade is a lack of skilled labour. According to 2025 research from National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), “52% of roofing businesses report recruitment difficulties and 65% say skills shortages are already restricting the amount of work they can take on.” And looking at the future, the Construction Skills Mission Board predicts a need for 3,760 additional roofers by 2029. Current NFRC projections only estimate 1,550 new U.K. roofers between 2025 and 2029.  

The substantial gap between the need and the predicted production of skilled roofers is a huge issue. But it’s an issue that the industry can overcome! Apprenticeships offer a great way for young people to start their careers and build skills in trades like roofing. One such young person to take this route is Louie, who is completing an apprenticeship at Aldridge and Sons.  

Louie found himself taking the apprenticeship path when looking for a learning opportunity outside the classroom. He shared, “I chose roofing because I wanted a hands-on job where I could learn a proper trade and build a long-term career. I didn't want to sit in a classroom full time, and l liked the idea of learning on the job while earning.”  

He is currently a tiling and slating apprentice working in the field with the team at Aldridge and Sons in Surrey while attending one-week block releases through Simian All Risk Group in London. Reflecting on his journey, he couldn’t be more pleased to be going the apprenticeship route:  

Being an apprentice has been challenging but very rewarding. Every day is different because the jobs we work on vary so much, which has helped me learn quickly and build confidence...I enjoy working alongside experienced tradesmen who have a lot of knowledge, as well as younger roofers who bring new skills and ideas into the industry. The company provides full uniform, training, team-building days, private healthcare and constant feedback. This support makes me feel valued and helps me continue improving every day. 

As for the Aldridge and Sons team, they’ve been thrilled to have Louie working with them. They shared, “At Aldridge and Sons, apprenticeships are central to how we build a skilled, reliable workforce and maintain high standards across our projects. [Apprentices like Louie] bring commitment, enthusiasm and fresh thinking to the team.” 

Learn more about the power of apprenticeships!

By National Federation of Roofing Contractors. 

Supporting a safer, more competent roofing industry through guidance and standards. 

Every June, there is an event called Building Safety Week. This is an industry-wide initiative that focuses on sharing education about the best practices and processes when it comes to safety in the workplace. Designed for all members of the supply chain, from manufacturers and distributors to contractors and installers, this event is supported by a variety of industry partners, including National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC). 

As the U.K.’s largest roofing trade association, NFRC plays an important role in providing our members with the knowledge to ensure they are compliant with building safety standards and regulations. And that role is not only embraced during the annual Building Safety Week, but also the rest of the year. 

In this article, we dive into some of the ways NFRC is supporting change, professionalising the industry and promoting competence in the sector.  

Identifying problems affecting the roofing sector 

NFRC employs a team of in-house technical experts with knowledge, skills, and experience across key roofing disciplines. To stay informed and up to date, this team sits on British Standards Technical Committees alongside manufacturers, suppliers, and roofing operatives. They are also actively involved with the ICSG (Industry Competency Steering Group), with WG2 Rainscreen Facade priority group chaired by Bob Richardson, Head of Technical and Training at NFRC.  

Direct involvement such as this allows NFRC to keep their members up to date on the latest industry guidance. For example, they have been hosting a variety of technical workshops on trending roof topics, such as fire safety of flat roofs, solar installation information and Building Safety Act guidance, for their members. There have been three workshops of this type so far and they feature industry leaders like Tier 1 contractors Laing O’Rourke and Wates Group. 

Producing evidence-based content  

Case studies are a great way to bring together a record documenting changes, key challenges and responses on a project. Working with members, NFRC has produced a number of case studies to provide a deeper understanding of works carried out in response to issues across the sector.   

PCS02 Loading Out a Portal Framed Structure case study was produced following a request from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), when NFRC was alerted to incidents during loading out and installing roof sheets on portal-framed structures.  

Working alongside FASET and Advisory Committee for Roofsafety, NFRC was able to produce a health and safety guidance note highlighting the important items that the Safe System of Work (SSOW) should cover for loading out portal frame structures in preparation for installing roof sheets and panels.  

In addition to this, a case study was published with external stakeholders, including roofing contractors, to provide health and safety guidance.  

Read the Case Study here or read the Health and Safety Guidance Note here.  

Monitoring accident and incident trends to produce guidance  

Each year, NFRC analyses accident and incident reports submitted by our members to identify trends and outline the most common causes of incidents and accidents at work. They recently found that NFRC members’ accident rate was 0.24% in the year to March 2024, the  lowest it’s ever been and 17 times lower  than the construction industry average (4.1%). Further, NFRC members’ 5-year average  is 0.29% - the lowest it’s ever been. The results of this information are used to publish any required health and safety guidance to inform the industry how to adopt best practices and reduce the risk of further incidents.  

In addition, NFRC is proud to support other organisations in producing guidance materials to raise awareness and promote a safe place of work. For example, they have two current campaigns working to promote safe work environments – Cut the Dust and Safe2Torch. The Cut the Dust program focuses specifically on raising awareness of health issues caused by that respirable crystalline silica (often produced in tasks like cutting tiles, slate and mortar). As for Safe2Torch, this campaign seeks to “significantly reduce the risk of roof fires when using gas torches, either to dry out roofs or when used to install torch-on membranes.” 

Want to learn more about NFRC health and safety resources? A Health and Safety Guidance library is available for free online and can be found via the Knowledge Hub.  

Original article source: National Federation of Roofing Contractors

By Emma Peterson. 

Niall’s story highlights the value and importance of apprenticeships.  

Across the roofing industry, labour and skill shortages have become a pressing issue. This shortage is due to a variety of factors, including struggle to connect incoming roofers with accessible training and our existing roofing tradespeople hitting retirement age.  

In the face of this challenge, it is more important than ever to support and foster the growth of our industry through pathways like apprenticeships. Apprenticeships are something that National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) has supported for years, as they directly address labour and skill shortages in the industry by connecting young people to training and growth opportunities. 

To learn more about the importance of apprenticeships, NFRC reached out to their members to hear about the young people working with them. One story that stood out was that of Niall, one of many successful apprentices who have qualified with Dalton Roofing. 

Niall started his apprenticeship when he was 17, straight out of secondary school, and it was a big change. He recalled, “It was a challenge. It was my first time working and it was very different from how school taught us. At school you have to follow a set curriculum but at work l chose to be there, and l wanted to learn about roofing. It was all focused-on roofing, which engaged me a lot more than traditional learning.” 

Today, he has no regrets about taking on that challenge. He explained:  

I am currently focusing on learning about tiling, slating and the gauges of these materials for the battens. I’m learning how to do precise cuts on these materials with hand tools. The one-to-one help that we receive on the rigs at the yard and on-site experience really helps and works well alongside my college learning. Every day I feel more and more confident. After I have finished my apprenticeship, I want to keep on learning about the roofing industry and keep on practicing my skills. 

As for the team at Dalton, they are thrilled to watch Niall and their other apprentice grow into fully-fledged tradespeople. As they told NFRC: 

Niall is one of two apprentices working at Leeds College of Building. We were delighted to receive extremely positive feedback on the apprentices' progress from their tutors...As a business, we are incredibly pleased and proud of our apprentices. Their enthusiasm, dedication, and genuine willingness to learn stand out, and they continue to show a strong commitment to developing their skills and progressing within the roofing industry. 

Learn more about how apprenticeships help the roofing industry grow!

By Emma Peterson. 

Strengthen you knowledge of industry best practices with this new NFRC member resource. 

Established in 1892, National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) supports over 1,500 roofing companies with technical guidance, advice and support. That support comes in many forms, including access to join a private medical insurance plan, business service and, most recently, access to select British Standard Institution (BSI) publications.  

The BSI, which was founded in 1901, acts as an independent voice in product regulation and standardization. As an accredited certification body incorporated by the Royal Charter, BSI is dedicated to driving positive change for a better world through impartial and thorough work. Today, they have published over 140,000 standards and resources. 

In relation to the roofing and cladding industry, BSI standards are used to ensure quality and consistency when it comes to installation, safety and performance. Further, by following BSI standards, contractors can be confident in their compliance with UK Building Regulations, Health and Safety legislation and fire safety requirements. 

Some examples of BSI standards relevant to roofing and cladding include:  

• BS 6229: Code of practice related to flat roofs that utilized continuously supported flexible waterproof coverings. 
• BS 8000: A code of practice covering the workmanship and installation on construction sites. 
• BS 5534: Slating and tiling on pitched roofing and vertical cladding code of practice. 

NFRC members now have access to the above standards and more (16 publications total) through their NFRC member support area! As a member, users are able to view these materials online and download them FREE of charge.  

The addition of this resource is a huge opportunity for NFRC members to strengthen their knowledge of industry best practices. As Richard Miller, the director of membership at NFRC, explained, “We know the value of BSI publications, and we’ve worked tremendously hard to achieve this. Access to these resources, completely free of charge, means a cost saving for our members whilst injecting a substantial investment into their learning and professional development...This is a clear demonstration of NFRC’s commitment to professionalising the roofing and cladding trade and ensuring a competent workforce.”   

Learn more about accessing these standards and other resources through your NFRC membership.