Understanding IFD

By The Coffee Shops®.

How the International Federation of the Roofing Trade creates value for roofers in the U.K. and beyond. 

For roofing professionals around the world, the challenges facing the industry are often remarkably similar. From workforce development and technical innovation to sustainability and climate resilience, collaboration across national borders has never been more important.

That shared purpose is one of the reasons National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) continues to support its involvement in International Federation for the Roofing Trades (IFD). 

NFRC’s participation in IFD goes way back, with the core of their involvement being focused on bringing roofing professionals together to exchange ideas, experiences and solutions on issues that impact specialist roofing contractors around the globe. Current NFRC CEO James Talman is part of the modern team that is continuing that commitment to international collaboration and knowledge sharing. 

Why? One of the greatest benefits James and NFRC team see from participating in IFD is the opportunity to establish strong relationships with peers from other countries. Through those connections, roofing leaders can discuss common challenges, learn from each other's successes, and gain insights that may not be available within a single market. A prime example of this is the technical knowledge sharing that has occurred around rainscreen cladding in recent years.  

Further, IFD helps encourage the next generation of roofers. James referenced this when asked about direct results of NFRC and IFD’s collaborations, “[Examples of what comes out of the partnership include] various member successes in IFD Awards and Young Roofer Competitions.” By creating these spaces to recognize excellence in roofing, IFD and NFRC are uplifting the current generation of roofers while encouraging the next generation of professionals 

On a personal level, James credits the organization with helping him build a valuable international professional network. In his words, “The ambition that the IFD can deliver a strong message to international agencies of the key role roofing can play in [global issues such as] mitigating climate change.” 

Looking ahead, James believes broad global participation, like that from NFRC, is essential to the IFD's continued success. The more nations that become involved, the stronger the organization's ability to demonstrate true global authority on roofing-related issues. Expanding that international representation can help ensure that a diverse range of perspectives and expertise contribute to the conversations shaping the future of the industry. 

For roofing associations, contractors and industry leaders interested in shaping the future of roofing on a global scale, the IFD continues to offer a unique platform where collaboration, innovation and shared expertise can make a lasting impact.