NFRC's Business Conference, "Get Britain Building," celebrated the roofing sector's hard work in addressing key issues facing contractors, suppliers, and the wider construction sector.
Government and industry experts gave insightful updates and spoke frankly about the future of construction in the UK, which attendees described as "very useful".
Supplier members connected with contractors from across the UK, as well as other manufacturers and merchants.
Delicious food and drinks were provided in between talks at the centrally located and well-equipped IET London: Savoy Place conference centre.
NFRC AGM
First on the agenda was the AGM, where Mark Mitchell handed over the NFRC Presidency to Colin McCorquodale.
Colin gave a rousing speech, thanking his support network and outlining his priorities for NFRC going forward.
He paid special thanks to his family business, which he runs with his brother Gavin McCorquodale.
Colin now begins his two-year tenure and Mark will continue serving on the NFRC board as Past President.
Nicola Sinclair–People's Partnership
Next up was Nicola Sinclair from the People's Partnership, the headline sponsor for the conference.
She detailed the extensive history People's Partnership has in helping those in the construction industry secure meaningful pension pay packets.
She revealed that one in five UK workers eligible for auto-enrolment have a pot with The People's Pension but may not know it - could your employees have a valuable benefit due?
Fergus Harradence, the Deputy Director for Infrastructure, Construction and Rail at the Department for Trade.
Next up was Fergus Harradence, the Deputy Director for Infrastructure, Construction and Rail at the Department for Trade.
He discussed the government's ambitious ten-year infrastructure, homebuilding, and retrofit plans, providing useful insights into what the change of government means for the sector.
The UK construction sector accounts for 8.5% of all economic activity and employment across the country, making it a critical area for government to get right.
Fergus highlighted the construction industry's rate of productivity improvement is "typically 20% less than the whole economy average", making it a key focus area.
Another challenge he highlighted was the shrinking workforce and skills mismatch.
A stark figure is the 36,000 construction vacancies, 38% above pre-pandemic levels.
Fergus emphasised the Department of Trade's enthusiasm for working with the sector to address these multifaceted issues, especially if the government's goal of building 1.5 million homes is to be achieved.
Geoffrey Brown, Assistant Director of Construction Products at the Office for Product Safety & Standards.
Afterwards, Geoffrey Brown, who is the Assistant Director of Construction Products at the Office for Product Safety & Standards, spoke.
He described his department's role as the police officer for construction products.
He revealed that the current regulatory system is "ripe for change" and discussed how the regulatory environment has reformed post-Grenfell.
Supplier Members were encouraged to engage with regulators and outline what products had synergy with theirs, always ensuring that products deliver claimed performance and that product information is accessible and unambiguous with accurate marketing.
Geoffrey admitted that, since Brexit, there has been a lack of access to adequate testing facilities, which is where third-party testers have become very helpful.
Richard Miller, NFRC Chief Operating Officer
Then Richard Miller, NFRC Chief Operating Officer, shared encouraging data from our latest State of the Roofing Industry report, showing an uptick in expected workload for many in the sector compared with a year ago.
He painted a picture of the roofing economy as a jigsaw, with demand improving but skills and infrastructure faltering.
For the sector to truly thrive, these aspects need to synergise with investment, supply, standards, and safety.
Richard also spotlighted the amazing safety record of NFRC members, who have an accident rate 15 times lower than the national average.
Rob Elder, the Bank of England Agent for Greater London
Lastly, Rob Elder, the Bank of England Agent for Greater London, gave an engaging presentation breaking down the UK's current economic climate.
He explained complex financial processes in an easily digestible way and shared predictions for the next few years.
Projections show inflation coming back under control, but services inflation remains stubborn and hard to shift.
Rob also explained the Bank of England's decision-making process for restrictive monetary policy.
He assured the audience that his consultations with various sectors of the economy are genuinely considered when the bank makes major decisions.
To wrap up the day, a panel with all the speakers heard questions from the audience.
Members got the chance to share their own experiences and challenge the speakers on various points in a productive and illuminating conversation.
The success of this day would not have been possible without each of our sponsors.