Titanic returns to host LRWA Gala Dinner & Awards
It’s been a while but the last Awards were held back in November 2019 where Makers were fortunate to win with the Watergardens Project in London. Since then, we have dealt with the Brexit and the Pandemic so it’s great that the LRWA Awards provide a degree of normality providing a spotlight on the Liquid Roofing Industry.
Now in its 4th Year the organisation presents 7 awards from Student of the Year, to Special Contribution to the liquid roofing and waterproofing industry. Other categories are separated by size and situation.
What can be seen from the entries is that the sector is buoyant and positive despite the volatility in the market regarding supply of materials and the labour resources together with multiple supplier price escalations.
The address by Chief Executive Officer Sarah Spink provided an insight into the upcoming issues facing the industry in light of the Hackett report from the disaster at Grenfell Tower and the future impacts that are to come with the £4-5bn remediation fund being demanded of the industry by Government.
The LRWA has been busy over the last 2 years developing and establishing many of the codes and standards going forward and ensuring that the LRWA is well placed to provide training in our sector on behalf of CITB.
The 1,800 strong attendees enjoyed a 3-course meal and were introduced to the organisation’s charity for the year ‘LandAid’ who’s mission is to end youth homelessness in the UK.
Through their work they hope to bring lifechanging services for young people who are or have been homeless. It’s that rung on the ladder that allows that space for personal development.
At the time of the dinner the invasion by Russia of Ukraine had entered it’s 28th day and had seen over 4.0m refuges leave Ukraine and disperse through Europe and that Ukrainians continue to defend their county but at the cost of cities being levelled and many civilian casualties.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has seen both energy and fuel prices spike and has created pressure across the industry and individual households alike. The UK government has stepped in to cut fuel duty by 5p only the second time this has happened in 20 years underlining the significance of the impact of rising fuel prices as a result of the current issues in Eastern Europe.
“I would like to congratulate my team for making the finals with our submission which again underlines our consistency and whether we win, lose or draw the team should be pleased with their efforts in which is a highly demanding project.
As holders of the previous project of the year from 2019, we offer our best wishes to all the final nominees and congratulations to all the winners. It is important for these events to take place to recognise an industry that has never stopped throughout the pandemic and celebrate some of the fantastic work that is being achieved.”
Simon Lamb, MD.
Although we were disappointed we didn’t win, the winners in each section were well deserved and chosen by a panel of 4 judges from across the industry, with Cawston Specialist Roofing and Kemper Systems winning Project of the Year in a buried application for the Leeds Skelton Lake Motorway Services. The roof 5300m2 unique ribbon pattern was created in 11 separate sections incorporating a green roof and hidden reservoir. As part of the £64M scheme this roof was a standout candidate.
Another notable award was that of Dave Roberts of Polyroof who has dedicated his professional knowledge and experience to the LRWA and industry for many years and received “The Special Contribution to the Liquid Roofing & Waterproofing Industry Award”.
A full list of nominees and winners can be found on the LRWA website www.lrwa.org.uk