The LRWA is the authoritative voice for liquid applied roofing and waterproofing in the UK, supporting a professional community built on competence, compliance and confidence. 

The Coffee Shops™, the award-winning online communities where the industries meet for technologies, safety, information and education for the construction trades of roofing, metal, coatings and outdoor living are pleased to welcome Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) into their community. 

UK construction has changed over the years. For example, the Building Safety Act has redefined accountability across the industry, and for those working with liquid applied membranes and waterproofing systems, the challenge is keeping pace with change, understanding what is required, and being equipped to deliver it in practice. LRWA exists to make that achievable. 

An industry-led, professional association founded in 1979, LRWA represents manufacturers, contractors, installers, distributors and industry professionals across a specialist discipline. Relaunched in its current form in 2010, the association's core purpose has remained constant: To act as the collective voice of the liquid roofing and waterproofing sector, promoting standards, sharing knowledge and driving best practice. Today, that purpose is guided by three principles: Competence, compliance and confidence. 

Technical leadership  

At the heart of LRWA's work is a commitment to developing and maintaining technically robust guidance. The association actively monitors changes in legislation, British Standards and building regulations. Those insights are assessed by LRWA's Technical Committee and specialist Working Groups, drawing on expertise from across the membership, and translated into practical guidance that gives designers, contractors and manufacturers clear, current and reliable direction. LRWA also sits on key standards committees and responds to consultations, ensuring the sector's voice is heard wherever standards, policy and regulation are shaped.  

Training and qualifications  

LRWA delivers the only UK training programme leading to a nationally recognised qualification across all major liquid applied roofing and waterproofing technologies. The Specialist Applied-skills Programme (SAP), the sector equivalent of an apprenticeship, takes trainees through structured classroom and practical learning followed by on-site assessment. On successful completion, candidates achieve an NVQ Level 2 in Liquid Applied Roofing and qualify for a CSCS Blue Skilled Worker card. For eligible CITB levy payers, the programme is fully funded.  

Experienced installers can pursue a qualification through the Onsite Assessment and Training (OSAT) route, part funded for eligible CITB levy payers. An online training academy complements both routes with flexible, accessible courses for professionals across the supply chain at every stage of their career. 

Membership that means something  

LRWA membership is a benchmark, built on independently verified standards that give specifiers, building owners and clients genuine assurance of quality and competence. For contractors and installers, membership signals a commitment to recognised standards and robust technical guidance. For manufacturers, it requires independently verified product performance, audited quality management systems and documented quality assurance procedures. For distributors and associates, it reflects active participation in raising standards across the supply chain.  

Community, events and charity  

LRWA is more than an association. Through the LRWA Awards, industry events, knowledge-sharing forums and charitable initiatives, it brings the sector together and supports meaningful causes. Its members are helping to upskill the next generation, open doors for people from all backgrounds, support the sector's journey to net zero and give back to causes that matter. 

The Coffee Shops are proud to welcome Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA)!  

The Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) has appointed Chris Bott, director of Everlast Group, as chair of the association following its Annual General Meeting on 3 June 2026.

A long-standing advocate for quality, training and professional standards, Chris brings more than 25 years of construction industry experience to the role. His appointment reflects the growing contribution of contractor members within the LRWA and reinforces the association's commitment to representing the entire liquid roofing and waterproofing supply chain.

Commenting on his appointment, Chris Bott said:

"For years, this position has been held by leaders from our manufacturing sector — the people who create the chemistry, technology and products our industry depends on. I am honoured to take on the role and bring a contractor's perspective to the chair.

"The performance of any system depends on both the quality of the product and the expertise of the installer. As chair, I want to strengthen the partnership between manufacturers and contractors, ensuring that technical knowledge, training and quality installation remain at the heart of everything we do.

"By working together, we can continue to raise standards across the industry and reinforce the value that LRWA membership brings to clients, specifiers and building owners."

During his term as chair, Chris will focus on strengthening engagement across the association, supporting professional development and promoting best practice throughout the liquid roofing and waterproofing sector. He will also champion the role of accredited contractors in delivering high-quality installations at a time when regulatory requirements and expectations around quality assurance continue to increase.”

Sarah Spink, CEO of the LRWA, welcomed the appointment, saying:

"Chris's election as Chair is a proud and significant moment for the LRWA. He brings not only contracting expertise but a genuine passion for raising standards throughout the industry.

“His appointment reflects the breadth of our membership and our commitment to supporting every part of the liquid roofing and waterproofing sector. We look forward to working with Chris to strengthen collaboration across the industry and deliver even greater value to our members.”

The appointment forms part of a strengthened leadership team for the association. Richard Aldred of Sika Ltd has been appointed vice chair, ensuring continued representation of the manufacturing sector at the highest level of the organisation.

Chris succeeds Gary Hemmings, managing director of WestWood Liquid Technologies Ltd, who steps down after leading the association through a period of significant growth and development. Gary will remain on the LRWA Board, providing continuity and support as the association moves forward.

About the LRWA

The Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) is the leading trade association for the liquid roofing and waterproofing industry in the UK. The association promotes best practice, technical excellence and professional standards across the sector, bringing together manufacturers, contractors and industry stakeholders to support quality, competence and innovation.