Makers attend LRWA year end review

Despite the continued disruption from train strikes and inevitable cancellations a healthy turnout was observed at this year’s final gathering of the LRWA, Liquid Roofing & Waterproofing Association at Roofing House in London.

Attended by over 60 attendees consisting of installers, contractors and manufacturers the meeting covered a number of issues and topics from the most ‘hot’ topic of material fire rating, testing and compliance to the demise of grandfather rights by the end of December 2024.

Sarah Spink CEO of LRWA addressed the room, “this has been coming for some time and should not come as a surprise, you have 12 months in which to get your staff & operative qualified and we as your association are here to help..!”

The Grandfather Rights are being phased out and being replaced with NVQ Level 2 qualifications and for most this would be daunting, especially for those that left education a millennia ago, but with the SAP route, (Skills Acquisition Program) run and funded by the citb through specialist training and assessor partners of which the LRWA is one for liquid coatings, help and support is at hand.

For those who have over 4 years’ experience in the field can be assessed and evaluated on site whilst carrying out their normal duties by a competent assessor over a period of 6 months, and by observing their skills and testing their knowledge should obtain the NVQL2 which will provide them with the necessary CSCS Skills card.

This doesn’t come without its costs somewhere in the region of £1200 per person, however there is funding of up to £600 per candidate through various training budgets and the LRWA can point you in the right direction to make contact with providers who have access to funding and get your workforce qualified.

“… I don’t come to every meeting, but it has been very constructive and we as a business will now develop a plan for our employees to ensure they maintain their credentials including myself!”

Simon Lamb MD Makers

Other topics included the upcoming LRWA Technical meeting and Awards Dinner at Liverpool Titanic on the 20th March 2024. The entries for consideration closed on the 1st December 2023 with a record number of entries with the “Buried Classification” attracting the most entries.

Luckily Makers submissions were made in time and after our success with Ikea Reading, Cheltenham Main Stand and Middleborough MSCP last year, we can only hope for a similar outcome but first we need to make the shortlist, fingers crossed.

The LRWA Awards showcase the very best in liquid technology and application and its success grows year on year attracting more recognition and more sponsorship. We wish all those who have submitted an entry all the very best.

“This is the first time I have attended a meeting of the LRWA and I am surprised that not all liquid manufacturers are not members. The organisation seems to be driving the liquid agenda and keeping its members abreast of legislation and developments and given the current sensitivities it is critical that liquids are given the green light and we have representation at the highest level.”

Tim Bicknell Makers BDM Roofing

The meeting provided a great opportunity to network prior to the Christmas rush and all attendees were invited to join the LRWA committee for refreshments at a local hostelry.

“It was a great opportunity to catch up with some familiar faces, some key partners and introduce Tim and build upon this year’s success… and perhaps one that wouldn’t have been possible with the hectic run up to Christmas…”

Simon Lamb MD Makers