Celebrating excellence in liquid roofing: LRWA Awards 2026 winners announced

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

RoofersCoffeeShop.uk was honored to be on site in Liverpool celebrating the best of the U.K. liquid roofing industry. 

The energy in Liverpool was undeniable as the Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) hosted its sold-out 2026 awards gala, bringing together more than 430 roofing professionals for a night dedicated to craftsmanship, innovation and community. RoofersCoffeeShop.uk was proud to be there, sharing in the excitement and recognizing the outstanding work shaping the future of liquid roofing and waterproofing. 

From the moment the evening began, it was clear that this event continues to grow in both prestige and impact. Now in its eighth year, the LRWA Awards have become one of the most anticipated events in the U.K. roofing calendar, highlighting the very best across projects, people and performance. 

Recognizing the people behind the projects 

The Student of the Year award went to Harry Robinson of Blackpool Industrial Roofing, whose dedication, professionalism and passion for the trade set him apart. Completing his NVQ ahead of schedule and showing up every day ready to learn, Harry represents the future of the industry. 

Trainer of the Year was awarded to Shane Copestake of Triflex, recognized for his engaging training style and commitment to developing skilled applicators through clear communication and hands-on learning. 

And in a moment that truly resonated across the room, Ray McCarten received the Special Contribution Award. With more than four decades in the industry, his work in training and workforce development has helped shape today’s skilled workforce and elevate standards across the sector. 

Showcasing standout projects across the U.K. 

What stood out most this year was the level of excellence across every category, especially in the Liquid Waterproofing Project of the Year where StructureCare, a Tremco company, earned top honors for their work on the Bell Street Green Transport Hub in Dundee. This project demonstrated how liquid-applied roofing and waterproofing systems can extend the life of aging structures while supporting modern performance expectations. The StructureCare team addressed extensive deterioration within the existing multi-level structure through comprehensive deck refurbishment, targeted concrete repairs and the installation of corrosion mitigation systems designed to protect the building long term. 

The liquid-applied system allowed the team to navigate complex detailing and maintain continuity across the structure, all while keeping disruption to a minimum. In addition to the technical achievement, the project delivered strong sustainability outcomes through responsible material management and by repurposing an existing structure into a revitalized transportation hub that better serves the surrounding community. 

Overall, the project awards demonstrated just how far liquid roofing systems have come, especially when it comes to solving complex challenges. Additional awards included: 

• Murray Edwards College, Cambridge, took top honors for projects under 1,000 m², showcasing innovation on a uniquely designed historic roof where traditional approaches were limited  
• Christ’s College, Cambridge, won for projects over 1,000 m², successfully blending preservation with modern performance requirements  
• One Leadenhall in London stood out in the buried application category, overcoming the logistical challenges of a dense urban environment  
• 76 Southbank, London, earned Sustainability Project of the Year, highlighting environmental responsibility and community impact  

All of the projects highlighted not just technical excellence but also the growing role of sustainability, innovation and collaboration in roofing today. 

Sustainability and innovation take center stage 

One of the most exciting aspects of this year’s awards was the continued focus on sustainability. Now in its second year, the Sustainability Project of the Year category evaluated entries on environmental impact, social value, innovation and responsible supply chain practices. 

Projects like 76 Southbank showed how roofing is playing a critical role in achieving broader environmental goals, from biodiversity gains to reduced carbon impact and long-term building performance. 

This aligns with what we are seeing globally. Roofing is no longer just about protection. It is about performance, energy efficiency and long-term environmental responsibility. 

A night that reflects a growing industry 

As LRWA leadership shared throughout the evening, the continued growth of the awards reflects the strength and momentum of the liquid roofing sector, with innovation and quality continuing to raise the bar. 

From our perspective at RoofersCoffeeShop.uk, this event reinforced something we see across the entire roofing industry. When contractors, manufacturers and associations come together to share knowledge and celebrate success, it drives the entire industry forward. 

Looking ahead 

The LRWA Awards 2026 were more than just a celebration. They were a powerful reminder of the talent, dedication and innovation happening across the U.K. roofing market. 

RoofersCoffeeShop.uk is honored to help share these stories and connect the global roofing community. Congratulations to all the winners, those highly commended and everyone who continues to push the industry to new heights. 

For more information on the awards and LRWA membership and initiatives visit https://www.lrwa.org.uk.