By Emma Peterson. 

This initiative provides roofing companies with practical tools to develop employees, strengthen leadership and improve workforce retention. 

Across the United Kingdom, there is one common industry challenge top of mind for roofing tradespeople – the skill shortage. Contractors are struggling to bring in new talent and develop the skilled crews needed to meet modern construction demands. In response to this, National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) has developed a new initiative, Climbing the Ladder, entirely focused on building stronger teams and leaders. To learn more about the initiative, Megan Ellsworth invited Ruth Scarrott, NFRC’s head of careers, onto an episode of Roofing Road Trips®. 

Ruth began the conversation with an explanation of the factors causing the skill shortage and workforce issues in the U.K. She pointed to two main challenges. One was time, “Most of our contractor members are what we call SMEs or small-medium-sized enterprises, usually with an employee base of about 20 people and everyone is busy, they don’t have time for anything beyond the day-to-day operations.” The other challenge is the perception of the roofing trade. As Ruth put it, “There are so many career options for young people and the public perception is why would you choose roofing.”  

What the Climbing the Ladder program aims to do is help roofers overcome these two challenges by integrating professional development into their business models. Ruth explained, “Climbing the Ladder was designed to help roofers create staff development programs. It walks you through what that process looks like and holds your hand through the whole thing with a clear step-by-step to-do list.” 

By building professional development and career growth opportunities in roofing companies, it helps these smaller businesses develop skilled crews and helps change the public perception of the roofing trade.  

Want to learn more about the Climbing the Ladder program? Read more on NFRC’s website, Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording! 

New code scheme ties contractor compensation to project progress. 

NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) welcomes the government’s plans to tackle rogue traders and strengthen consumer protection in the home improvement sector, while calling for the new measures to be robust, proportionate and straightforward for both homeowners and reputable contractors. 

The government has today announced a new Approved Code Scheme for home improvement businesses, alongside a new payment system designed to protect homeowners’ money by linking payments to key project milestones. 

NFRC supports the direction of travel. Our members are already required to meet high standards of competence, professionalism, customer service and compliance as conditions of membership, and have long been working to distinguish reputable roofing contractors from the rogue traders that continue to blight the industry. 

NFRC Policy and External Affairs Manager Gray Gibson said, “We welcome the government’s focus on tackling rogue traders. Reputable roofing contractors have been fighting this problem for years, because rogue operators not only put consumers at risk but also undercut businesses that invest in doing things properly. 

“The requirements for the new approved code must be meaningful enough to distinguish professional businesses from those simply looking for another badge to put on their website. They should be comparable in substance to the standards NFRC expects of its members. 

“At the same time, we must not create another layer of complexity for homeowners or contractors to navigate. The home improvement market is already difficult for consumers to understand, and adding another code risks creating more confusion rather than greater confidence. The Government must ensure the new code is clear and recognisable. 

"It is also worth asking what resources the Ombudsman will be allocated for managing and monitoring the behaviour of the companies that sign up to this approved code. NFRC Competent Person Scheme uses industry expertise to actively monitor and enforce standards across its registered contractor base. Without active enforcement and oversight, the approved code risks being ineffective." 

NFRC also supports the principle of linking payments to project milestones, but stresses that the system must protect contractors as well as consumers. 

“A payment system that gives homeowners confidence that their money is protected is a positive development, but it must not place an unreasonable administrative or financial burden on contractors who are simply trying to get paid fairly for work they have completed," said Gray. 

“The system must support fair payment rather than undermining progress made by the Commercial Payments Bill currently progressing through Parliament, particularly on retentions. Any additional costs of Trusted Payments must be proportionate and should not simply become another cost SME contractors become expected to absorb.” 

NFRC believes consumer behaviour will also be critical to making the reforms work. 

According to an NFRC spokesperson, “consumers have an important role to play too. A reputable contractor that employs competent people, invests in training, maintains appropriate insurance, complies with regulations and stands behind its work will inevitably have higher costs than someone who does not. 

“Homeowners need to recognise that the cheapest quote is not always the best value. If the approved code is to have a meaningful impact, it must help consumers understand the difference between a properly qualified and compliant contractor and someone offering a cheap price.” 

NFRC says achieving widespread recognition of the new scheme will require sustained Government support and a long-term change in consumer behaviour. 

The spkesperson continued, “an approved code will only work if consumers recognise it, understand what it means and actively use it when choosing a contractor. That will require serious investment, promotion and time. It cannot be assumed that creating a new scheme will change the market overnight." 

NFRC hopes that these new developments will support, rather than replace, work that government departments are already undertaking to elevate the quality of contractors across the UK.

The extreme temperatures experienced across the UK during 2026 provide a timely reminder that buildings designed or refurbished today will need to perform in a very different climate over their service life.

As the UK experiences increasingly extreme summer temperatures, NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) is calling for climate resilience to become a standard consideration in the design, refurbishment and maintenance of roofs.

NFRC has published Future (P)roof: Five Years On – The Importance of Climate-Resilient Roofs as the UK Swelters, revisiting research originally commissioned by the NFRC Charitable Trust and undertaken by the University of Southampton in 2021.

The original Future (P)roof research examined how the roof space could help the built environment adapt to a changing climate, identifying overheating and flooding as two of the greatest climate-related risks facing UK buildings.

Five years on, the findings are increasingly relevant. The extreme temperatures experienced across the UK during 2026 provide a timely reminder that buildings designed or refurbished today will need to perform in a very different climate over their service life.

Climate adaptation, especially of existing building stock, must sit alongside efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Improving energy efficiency remains essential, but a building can be highly energy efficient and still be vulnerable to overheating, extreme rainfall and other future climate risks.

Gary Walpole, NFRC technical safety, health and environment officer, and author of the report, said, “The climate that roofs need to perform in is changing. A roof installed or significantly refurbished today could still be in place in the 2050s, so relying solely on historical weather conditions when designing for its service life is no longer enough.

“Climate resilience does not mean that every building needs an expensive or innovative roofing system. Good design, effective drainage, appropriate ventilation, inspection and maintenance remain fundamental. But we need to take a longer-term view of how roofs will perform and make better use of the opportunities that roof space provides.”

Duncan is a strong advocate for developing the roofing industry, supporting contractor training and encouraging new talent into the sector.

Commercial Director at SIG Roofing, Duncan Winter, has been elected as chair of NFRC's Roofing Suppliers Group Committee. The announcement was made at a recent NFRC Board meeting, after committee members were invited to vote on the position of Chair and Vice Chair. Duncan, elected as Chair of the Committee, will be supported by Stuart Nicholson, Managing Director of Marley Ltd, who was elected as Vice Chair.

These appointments will be formalised in the Terms of Reference for the next RSG Committee Meeting, which will be held on Tuesday 15 September at NFRC’s offices in Central London.

As the Commercial Director at SIG Roofing, Duncan brings more than 20 years of experience across the UK roofing industry. His career began as a roofer, giving him first-hand practical knowledge of the trade before progressing into contractor training, sales, commercial leadership and business management. This hands-on background has helped shape his customer-focused and commercially driven approach.

The purpose of the NFRC Roofing Suppliers Group (RSG) is to provide strategic input and advice to the NFRC Board regarding the manufacture, distribution and supply of roofing products and materials. Members are derived from all roofing disciplines, and the Chair of the Committee holds a position on the Board of NFRC. The Committee meets quarterly and focuses on a wide range of industry issues, including but not limited to:

• Building safety legislation
• Sustainability
• Product regulation, testing, safety and quality
• Support for installer competency and skills

Before joining the SIG Roofing leadership team, Duncan spent many years with Flex-R, a specialist flat roofing business. He played a key role in the company's growth, progressing through a variety of leadership positions and helping to expand the business significantly following its acquisition by SIG. Alongside Flex-R, he has also directed specialist businesses including SIG Design & Technology, SR Timber and Industrial Roofing, broadening his expertise across multiple construction sectors.

As commercial director, Duncan is responsible for driving product strategy, supplier partnerships and commercial performance across SIG Roofing. He is passionate about bringing innovative roofing solutions to market while ensuring customers have access to the products, technical support and training they need. His focus is on simplifying the customer offer, strengthening relationships with manufacturers and helping branches provide complete roofing solutions across pitched, flat, insulation, roofline and renewable technologies.

Duncan is also a strong advocate for developing the roofing industry, supporting contractor training and encouraging new talent into the sector. Through his involvement with industry organisations, including the NFRC Roofing Suppliers Group, he works collaboratively to help address industry challenges and promote best practice across the roofing supply chain.

These new pathways help address the common issue felt across the trades — that finding skilled people is one of their biggest challenges.

NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) welcomes the Prime Minister's announcement of the intention to establish new technical education pathways for 14-year-olds in England, while calling for further detail on how the plans will be delivered on the ground.

Allowing students in Year 10 to combine core academic subjects with technical education, work experience and employer contact from September 2028, responds directly to NFRC Member concerns that students are not given equal opportunity to explore a career in the trades.

NFRC's own research underlines the scale of the challenge. The latest State of the UK Roofing Industry report (Winter 2026) found that 47% of roofing contractors said recruiting skilled labour was harder than a year earlier, and 58% said skilled labour shortages were limiting the amount of work their business could take on. Just 2% of contractors thought it was currently easy to attract new workers to the industry.

Ruth Scarrott, NFRC head of careers, said:

Anything that gets roofing and construction in front of young people earlier, and treats technical education as equal to the academic route, is a step in the right direction. Our Members continually tell us that finding skilled people is one of their biggest challenges.

We do need to see more detail on how this will work in practice. There's a real opportunity here to build on established programmes, like Local Skills Improvement Plans, rather than creating something parallel that competes for the same employers' time and attention. 

It's also vital that schools are supported to work with smaller, local construction firms, not just the large national employers who tend to have dedicated resource for this kind of engagement. Most of our members are SMEs, and they're often the ones best placed to offer a young person a genuine route into the trade in their own community. But a small contractor with a handful of staff can't always give the same time to school visits and work placements that a large employer can, so any new system needs to make it straightforward and low-burden for them to get involved.

By The Coffee Shops™. 

The partnership between The Coffee Shops and the IFD creates space for global education, events and collaboration. 

Earlier this year, RoofersCoffeeShop® was proud to announce a partnership with the International Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD). IFD serves as a unifying organization for the global roofing industry, bringing together national associations, manufacturers and service providers to address shared challenges and advance best practices. Its members include organizations such as the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), Zentralverband des Deutschen Dachdeckerhandwerks and the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC). 

Now, months since that announcement, the partnership remains strong and focused on fostering collaboration, education and innovation for roofing professionals around the world. This partnership has created a stronger connection between the North American roofing market and the international roofing community that has led to increased opportunities and resources for the industry on a whole.  

As part of the partnership agreement, RoofersCoffeeShop has been reporting on IFD initiatives and will have boots on the ground at global events like the Connection Forum in October 2026 in Vienna, Austria, and the Young Roofers WORLD Competition in October 2027 in Budapest, Hungary. In fact, for that Connection Forum, the Coffee Shops crew will not only be live streaming interviews and content, but they will also be presenting on industry trends, digital marketing and the growing importance of global connectivity within roofing. 

Gary Howes, one of IFD’s board members, put it best when he reflected on the partnership, sharing, “Partnering with RoofersCoffeeShop [was] an exciting step forward for IFD as we work to expand our global reach and impact... Together we are creating more opportunities for contractors, manufacturers and young professionals to connect, learn from one another and strengthen the future of the roofing industry on a truly international level.” 

By Emma Peterson. 

Gary Walpole discusses advocacy, legislation and the roofing industry. 

Roofing associations like National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) are critical to the success in advocating for the industry.  To learn more about how these associations unify the industry into one collective voice, we sat down with Gary Walpole of NFRC for an episode of Roofing Road Trips®. 

Gary has been a part of NFRC for a decade now and is currently their technical safety, health and environment officer. When we asked him how NFRC acts as an advocate for the roofing trade, he described the association’s strength as “bridging the gap between policy and practice.”  

What does that mean? Gary explained:  

If you think about health and safety regulations, legislation always gets updated. A great example is the Safety at Work Act, which came in in 1974 and has since become an overarching act with other legislation included in it. And every time that act changed, it was something Parliament wrote and approved. What NFRC does is make sure that the reality of how a change will impact contractors stays in the approval conversation.  

How exactly is NFRC’s team able to do this? Their officers, like Gary, have backgrounds in the field. For example, Gary has been in the industry as a tradesperson since he left school, with a specialisation in flat roofing. His colleague Bob Richardson, NFRC’s head of technical and training, comes from a sheathing and cladding background. By combining their backgrounds in the trade with their current jobs as advocates and researchers, NFRC’s team can make sure that legislators making changes in Parliament hear and truly understand how what they’re doing impacts contractors everywhere.  

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording of the interview to learn more about how NFRC bridges the gap between policy and practice. 

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Scottish roofing contractor Bain & Irvine celebrates a milestone that reflects generations of dedication to preserving historic structures. 

In the article "Bain & Irvine Marks 80 Years in Scotland’s Heritage Roofing Sector," Bain & Irvine reflects on eight decades of craftsmanship, growth and preservation of some of Scotland’s most significant historic buildings. Founded in 1946 by George Irvine and Jimmy Bain, the company has evolved from a small local roofing contractor into one of Scotland’s most respected specialists in heritage roofing and restoration. 

Established in the years following World War II, Bain & Irvine built its reputation on delivering high-quality roofing services while preserving Scotland’s architectural heritage. Over the decades, the company has contributed to the restoration of notable landmarks including Fettes College and Donaldson’s School, earning industry recognition and multiple National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) awards along the way. 

The article traces several key milestones in the company's history, including the acquisition of Bain & Irvine by fourth-generation slater Andrew Millar in 1974. Under his leadership, the company modernized while maintaining its commitment to traditional craftsmanship. Another pivotal moment came in 1987 when Graeme Millar joined the business and helped expand operations significantly, growing the workforce and strengthening the company's presence throughout the United Kingdom. 

Graeme Millar’s involvement in industry organizations, including the National Federation of Roofing Contractors and the Institute of Roofing, further elevated Bain & Irvine’s profile. His leadership eventually extended to the international stage, serving as president of the International Federation of the Roofing Trade from 2019 to 2024. 

The article also highlights the company's most recent chapter. In 2024, Jamie Anderson and Brian McIntyre joined Bain & Irvine following the merger of their company, Newtown Roofing & Building, with the historic contractor. Their leadership, combined with Bain & Irvine’s acquisition by The Durable Slate Company, positions the organization for continued growth while preserving its long-standing values. 

Reflecting on the milestone, company leaders emphasized that while tools, technology and business structures may change, the principles of quality workmanship, employee care and customer service remain central to Bain & Irvine’s success. 

Read the full article to learn more about Bain & Irvine’s 80-year journey and its ongoing commitment to preserving Scotland’s roofing heritage.

The achievement of winning back-to-back is extraordinary, but three NFRC Scottish Members have done just that between 2024-2026.

The NFRC Roofing Awards are a standout name in the roofing industry, with annual events held in Scotland and London each year, and whilst the Scottish awards are dedicated solely to roofing work in Scotland, some contractors have celebrated victory at both awards, and in quick succession.

All winners of the Scottish Roofing Awards, typically held in October, automatically qualify for entry to the national U.K. Roofing Awards, which take place the following Spring. The achievement of winning back-to-back is extraordinary, but three NFRC Scottish Members have done just that between 2024-2026, with many more being recognised in the national final over the years.

“We have an incredible response to the Scottish Roofing Awards every year but knowing that our Members’ projects then go on to be victorious on a greater scale at national level is really something special, and a very big incentive to put your entry forward for the Scottish Awards.” says Scott Miller, chairman of NFRC Scotland.

Back-to-back winners:

• Marley Contract Services with their project, Social Housing, North Ayrshire (Solar, 2024-2025)
• Aim Developments Ltd with their project, Robin House (Single Ply, 2025-2026)
• Premier Specialist Roofing Contractors Ltd with their project, Kings Theatre (Leadwork, 2025-2026)

“The event has grown year on year, and we now welcome entries to all major roofing disciplines of any size and budget. If you’ve not considered entering already, I strongly encourage you to do so. You could be claiming victory for Scotland at the next U.K. Roofing Awards, and wouldn’t that be something!” continued Scott.

“Making an entry for an award alone gives a chance for a contractor to pause and look back at a project. It allows recognition for the skills, craftsmanship and teamwork within their organisation to make a job excellent. For those who make it through to be a finalist or go on to win, it’s a great industry accolade to pin to your company."

Entries for the Scottish Roofing Awards are now open until 31 July 2026.

The ceremony takes place on 30 October at Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow.

Members can submit their project using this link: https://bit.ly/SCOTRA26

About NFRC

NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) is the UK’s largest trade association for the roofing and cladding industry, with over 1,350 Members, representing the entire roofing supply chain from contractors to merchants to manufacturers.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

Traditional slate craftsmanship and master leadwork are preserving one of Britain's most iconic landmarks for generations to come. 

For most visitors to London, Admiralty Arch is recognized as the grand ceremonial gateway linking Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square. For more than a century, the landmark has stood at the heart of royal processions, historic celebrations and national events.  

Originally commissioned by King Edward VII in memory of Queen Victoria, Admiralty Arch was completed in 1912 and designed by renowned architect Sir Aston Webb. After serving as a government building for decades, the Grade I-listed structure is being transformed into a luxury Waldorf Astoria hotel while preserving a defining part of London's skyline. 

During this transformation, the restoration team has worked carefully to honor the building's architectural heritage while adapting it for a new generation of guests. And while much of the public attention has focused on the luxury hotel and residences taking shape behind the landmark façade, we wanted to take some time to learn about one of the project’s most remarkable elements: The restoration happening on the roof. 

During a special visit arranged by National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) member EWN Lead Work Specialists, who is helping lead the project, industry leaders from the National Slate Association (NSA), the Slate Roofing Contractors Association of North America (SRCA) and RoofersCoffeeShop® received an exclusive look at the conservation work taking place high above one of London's most recognizable landmarks. The roof is rarely accessible to the public, making the opportunity especially significant for roofing professionals passionate about preservation and craftsmanship. 

What makes the roofing restoration particularly impressive is the commitment to traditional methods and materials. According to project information shared during the roof tour, the restoration includes the installation of Westmorland green slate using a historic diminishing-course pattern. This traditional approach places larger slates at the lower sections of the roof and progressively smaller slates toward the ridge, reflecting techniques used on many of Britain's most significant heritage structures. 

The slate installation is only one part of the story. The project also involves extensive leadwork restoration across numerous architectural features, including dormers, bays, cornices and complex roof details. Thousands of individually crafted lead components are being fabricated and installed to replicate historic profiles while providing long-term weather protection. Also of note is the extensive low-slope roofing using modified bitumen granule felts. The result is a roof system that maintains the building’s original appearance while serving modern performance expectations. 

Helping lead that effort is EWN Lead Work Specialists Ltd., a company that has built its reputation on heritage leadwork and conservation projects. Founded by Elliot Newman in 2008, the company specializes exclusively in leadwork and has contributed to some of the United Kingdom's most important historic structures, including the Tower of London, Canterbury Cathedral, Somerset House and Lincoln's Inn. That level of expertise makes EWN a natural fit for a landmark as significant as Admiralty Arch. 

The project serves as a powerful reminder that roofing is often one of the most critical aspects of historic preservation. While visitors admire stonework, sculptures and grand interiors, the roof is what ultimately protects those investments. In this case, the roof will also be used for rooftop activities, creating new spaces for hotel guests. Preserving a building of this scale requires professionals who understand not only modern roofing performance but also centuries-old installation techniques and conservation principles. The tradespeople working on Admiralty Arch are carrying forward skills that have been passed down through generations. 

The restoration also highlights the growing importance of adaptive reuse projects around the world. Rather than allowing historic structures to deteriorate or lose their identity, owners and developers are investing in restorations that preserve architectural heritage while creating economically viable futures. At Admiralty Arch, that vision includes transforming a former government building into a world-class hospitality destination while retaining the character that has made it a London icon for more than 100 years. 

When guests begin arriving at the Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch, many will be captivated by its history, luxury accommodation and unrivaled location across from Buckingham Palace. Few will realize the extraordinary level of roofing craftsmanship protecting the structure from above. Yet for roofing professionals, that work may be the most inspiring aspect of the entire transformation. 

The restoration of Admiralty Arch demonstrates what is possible when heritage preservation, skilled craftsmanship and modern construction expertise come together. Through traditional slate roofing, master-level leadwork, flat roofing expertise and a deep respect for history, roofing professionals are helping ensure that one of Britain’s most cherished landmarks remains a symbol of excellence for generations to come.