By Emma Peterson. 

Exploring how IFD supports professionals worldwide with their different membership opportunities. 

The International Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD) was designed to unite professionals from across the roofing industry to work together to “safeguard and support the common economic, business, technical, social, cultural and other professional interests of the members at an international level.” They do this by organising a variety of workshops, congresses, trainings and other events for their members.  

Interested in getting involved in IFD and growing your professional career through their programming? IFD has a variety of forms of membership that meet professionals and organisations where they are. These include:  

• Full members: This membership level is designed for "professional organisations of the roofing trade which are constituted in their countries in accordance with the laws existing there in each case.” In other words, it is meant for organisation like China’s National Building Waterproof Association and the United Kingdom’s National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC). 
• Guest members: This membership tier gives national professional organisation of the roofing trades membership in the IFD at a reduced fee for two years. By their third year, they will be asked whether they want to continue their membership as a full member or not.  
• Cooperation partners: National and region professional organisations at this level are neither full members nor guests. They pay a contribution that is individually determined between IFD and them. An example of a cooperation partner is the United States’ National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA).  
• Partner members: These members are manufacturers and companies in the roofing field as well as national and international associations of manufacturers and industry. Essentially, if you offer products and/or services for roofing companies, this is the membership type for you. 
• Scientific members: The scientific membership was made for “universities, departments, institutions, chairs and research centres, as well as individuals who have a serious interest in scientific research in the disciplines related to roof structures and related technologies.” 

Learn more about IFD and their different membership opportunities.

National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) has launched Cut the Dust, a major new industry-wide campaign aimed at tackling the serious and often overlooked dangers of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust exposure across the roofing sector.

As part of NFRC’s ongoing commitment to drive change and raise standards across the industry, Cut the Dust is the first of three dedicated Health, Safety and Wellbeing campaigns the trade association will roll out this year. The initiative and associated resources are designed to improve awareness, change behaviours and provide practical support to help eliminate harmful silica dust exposure from everyday roofing activities. 

The resources are available to all roofing and cladding businesses

Respirable crystalline silica dust is generated during common tasks such as cutting tiles, slates and mortar. While the effects are not immediate, repeated exposure over time can cause irreversible and life-threatening illnesses including silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer and kidney disease. Because the dust particles are microscopic, workers may be exposed without realising the damage being caused.

Led by Gary Walpole, NFRC’s technical safety, health and environment officer, the campaign is focused on supporting everyone involved in the manufacture, distribution and installation of roofing materials to understand the risks, identify unsafe practices and adopt safer methods of working.

Speaking on the campaign, Gary said,

“The roofing industry has made great progress in preventing accidents and enforcing safer workplaces, but we must now collectively tackle this silent but critical threat that has been overlooked for too long.

“Cut the Dust is about making good practice the default by building better habits to control dust at source and taking responsibility to put it right where risks cannot be fully controlled.

“We must challenge the normalisation of poor practice such as ‘it’s only a quick cut’ or ‘we’ve always done it this way’. Compliance alone doesn’t change outcomes, behaviour does.”

The campaign calls on roofers, contractors, principal contractors, merchants, manufacturers and suppliers to take the Cut the Dust Pledge, committing to five simple but vital actions:

• Control every cut – no uncontrolled dry cutting
• Use water suppression or on-tool extraction
• Wear suitable respiratory protective equipment (RPE), with minimum FFP3 protection where required
• Eliminate dry sweeping and blowing of dust
• Train teams and challenge unsafe practices

Anyone who pledges support through the NFRC website will receive a campaign pack containing educational resources, practical guidance materials, and a certificate demonstrating their commitment to safer working practices.

By launching Cut the Dust, NFRC is urging the roofing industry to recognise that silica exposure is preventable, and that meaningful change starts with everyday decisions on site.

To find out more or make the pledge, visit //nfrc.co.uk/cut-the-dust

By Gray Gibson, National Federation of Roofing Contractors. 

NFRC guidance and best practices for contractors navigating HMRC labour and materials splits. 

With long days and busy worksites, keeping up with changing regulations and policies can be hard for roofing professionals. That’s why the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) works to stay on top of issues and provide their members with the information they need to stay compliant. Issues like recent investigations by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) into contractors deducting money from a subcontractor’s payments under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS). 

What is happening 

HMRC is investigating roofing businesses that have not been reporting the labour materials split accurately due to incorrect information from scaffolding subcontractors. HMRC’s outsourcing of this supervision can potentially cost your business hundreds of thousands of pounds in fines if you are not aware of it. 

What can you do to avoid fines 

1 - Understand the rule   

Under CIS, any payment for scaffolding you receive from a subcontractor who owns that scaffolding should generally be treated as part of the taxable “labour” element, not “materials.” In HMRC’s view, owned scaffolding is treated as “plant,” which does not qualify for a CIS deduction except for genuine consumables like fuel.    

2 - Require proof for hired equipment   

If a scaffolder claims a “materials” deduction because they’re hiring scaffolding from a third party for your specific job, make sure you see genuine evidence of this hire cost (e.g. the invoice from the scaffold supplier that explicitly relates to your project). Otherwise, HMRC may later disallow that “materials” portion and come after you for the back-tax for up to the previous six years.   

3 - Beware of invalid splits   

Do not accept invoice splits (e.g. 50% “labour”/ 50% “materials”) at face value when the scaffolder owns the scaffolding. HMRC will enforce this rule, leaving contractors liable for large sums of unpaid tax.   

4 - Consequences of negligence   

If HMRC disallows “materials” deductions, they can reclaim tax from the main contractor, even if your scaffolder is still trading. This can amount to fines of tens (or even hundreds) of thousands of pounds.   

5 - Protect yourself   

Obtain declarations from subcontractors that scaffolding is genuinely third-party hired, along with supporting paperwork for each project.   

Where no third-party hire can be proven, treat the whole amount (minus small consumables) as “labour.”  If in doubt, insist on invoicing that clearly separates valid “consumables” from labour and excludes any unsubstantiated “materials” charge for owned scaffolding.   

6 - Seek advice   

This area is more complex than some accountants may expect. Engage a CIS-knowledgeable professional if you have any concerns. Although this guidance relates to scaffold the rule applies to all owned plant machinery such as cranes, cement mixers, concrete pumps, earth moving equipment and compressors as detailed in the Construction Industry Scheme Reform Manual.   

Learn more 

For more information on this topic, please consult the Construction Industry Scheme Reform Manual, and for more information on plant hire under CISR14600. The Money Advice Trust also provides a free ‘Business Debtline’ to support small businesses navigating issues such as this. Contact them here if you require more support: https://www.businessdebtline.org/  

Disclaimer: This general guidance is provided in line with HMRC guidelines and is in response to NFRC member feedback, NFRC does not provide individual tax advice which should be sought from a professional body or accountant. 

Original article source: NFRC

By Emma Peterson. 

NFRC’s support of the future of roofing through the SkillBuild National Competition.  

National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) has long been a supporter SkillBuild. This is a competition that sees roofing apprentices and trainees put their talent to the test in a head-to-head contest of skills, grit and determination. The event starts with regional qualifiers in training centres and colleges across the UK. 

This part of the 2026 competition is happening now, with the first regional qualifier having been held at Langley Training Services on 26 March 2026. Subsequent qualifiers will be held or have been held at Dundee & Angus College, Exeter College, Newcastle College, Leeds College of Building and Coleg Cambria. These competitions will host more than 1,100 competitors from 223 different organisations, whittling the competitors down to a remaining eight finalists! 

These finalists will go to the SkillBuild National Final, a three-day competition that tasks participants with completing a tiled section with arris hips and valley tiles, followed by a slated section with lead ridge and the addition of solar mounting brackets for an additional challenge. Finalists had a total of 18 hours to complete the task, meaning composure and determination is key. As NFRC’s Ben Rowlands explained:  

It’s never easy for the competitors to face each other in the finals. They’re not only up against one another, knowing the talent it takes to get there, but they’re up against the clock and their own nerves. Staying motivated, determined and composed is easy said, but when it’s all eyes on you, the pressure mounts quickly. 

As for scoring, every component of the project thoroughly inspected by expert judges. The workmanship is measured to the millimetre, and tiny variances will make all the difference in who takes the title home. 

Last year, the results of the 2025 final saw Samuel Jinks (Leeds College of Building), Levente Szasz (Leeds College of Building) and Mark Knight (SIMIAN) take the podium in gold, silver and bronze respectively. In addition to their medals, Master Alan Dodd of the Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers presented each winner with a copy of The Design and Installation Guide for Roof Tiling: the perfect reference guide for these young roofers in their journey forward. 

NFRC is delighted to have played a key role in the 2025 event, which would not be possible without the generous sponsorship from its supplier members SIG Roofing, SR Timber and Glidevale Protect, and looks forward to continuing to support the SkillBuild competition this year! 

Original article and photo source: NFRC

By Emma Peterson. 

How an apprenticeship with Aldridge and Sons helped Harry go from uncertainty to building a career. 

For many years, National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) has been a staunch supporter of National Apprenticeship Week (recognized 9-15 February 2026) as well as Scottish Apprenticeship Week (recognized 2-6 March 2026). These weeks highlight and celebrate the role apprenticeships play in not only helping mitigate the industry’s skill shortage but also point young people towards a rewarding career path.  

As part of the celebration of these weeks, NFRC reached out to their members to hear the stories of the apprentices that are a part of their team. One such story came from Aldridge and Sons, a domestic and commercial roofer based in Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey. Apprenticeships have long been a priority for Aldridge and Sons. They explained to NFRC:   

For many young people, the transition from school into work can feel uncertain, and apprenticeships provide a structured, supportive route into a skilled trade... Our apprentices gain stability, motivation and a clear pathway to long-term employment, while we develop skilled, reliable team members who improve both our business and the industry. 

The apprentice they shared about for this year’s National Apprenticeship Week was Harry, who is completing an apprenticeship with them in roof slating and tiling. Harry was a bit hesitant to jump into an apprenticeship at first. In his own words, “The idea of formal training felt daunting at first. However, when another apprentice joined the company and shared his positive experience of the apprenticeship scheme, it gave me the confidence to take that next step.” 

Today, Harry couldn’t be more thankful that he took that step. He explained:  

Aldridge and Sons Roofing Ltd has provided strong support throughout my apprenticeship. The team takes the time to explain tasks properly, gives regular feedback and encourages me to improve rather than rush work... Further, I appreciate being able to earn a wage while training as it has allowed me to become financially independent while still developing skills and qualifications that will support my long-term career. 

Looking to the future, Harry shared that he is excited to complete his apprentice qualifications and continue to build his career, saying, “This apprenticeship has given me direction and motivation, and I am committed to building a stable and successful career in roofing.” 

Learn more about apprenticeships and National Apprenticeship Week!

By Emma Peterson. 

Luke’s story is just one example of how apprenticeships are opening doors for the next generation of skilled professionals. 

For many young people, facing the choice of what to do next after basic schooling can be overwhelming. There are seemingly endless possibilities, each leading towards a different life path. One valuable option that is too often overlooked is getting an apprenticeship.  

Apprenticeships are a unique blend of on-site work and formal assessment that prepare individuals to enter a trade as a skilled professional. National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC)'s Head of Careers, Ruth Scarrott, explained the importance of apprenticeships in an interview with ITN, “The amount of work versus the amount of people doing it for decades has caused a massive skill shortage. [By] giving real opportunity [to newcomers] through apprenticeships and roles that are meaningful, [we can] address the skill shortage [and] also give young people a fantastic career opportunity.”  

One such young person getting an incredible opportunity through an apprenticeship is Luke. Luke is completing an apprenticeship with Dalton Roofing and Leeds College of Building. In his role, he has the opportunity to build his skills alongside fully-fledged roofers. Luke shared, “My roles and responsibilities are to assist the roofer with either installing or repair roofs, to always follow H&S rules, to learn from the roofer and my mentor and to always keep jobs to a high standard.” 

Looking to the future, Luke is excited to keep learning. He told NFRC about his plans for when he completes his apprenticeship:  

My apprenticeship has given me the best start to my career, which I will always be grateful for. My skills and knowledge have developed vastly with all the training, and this helps me a great deal in my day-to-day work...My plan is to carry on building my knowledge and skills to become the best possible roofer that I can. 

And it’s not just Luke who is appreciating the apprenticeship. The team at Dalton, which includes Paul, the site manager, Philip, the owner, and Lev, Luke’s mentor, have been delighted to introduce their trade to the next generation. They shared, “As a business, we are incredibly pleased and proud of [Luke and our other] apprentices. Their enthusiasm, dedication and genuine willingness to learn stand out, and they continue to show a strong commitment to developing their skills and progressing within the roofing industry.” 

Interested in learning more about apprenticeships? NFRC has an entire directory of Training Providers to explore!

Driving global collaboration through education, events and industry engagement.

RoofersCoffeeShop® (RCS), the award-winning place where the industry meets for technology, information and everyday business, is proud to announce a new partnership with the International Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD), bringing together two influential industry leaders committed to advancing the roofing profession through collaboration, education and innovation. 

This partnership will focus on promoting IFD’s global initiatives and events, including the Connection Forum taking place in October 2026 in Vienna, Austria and the Young Roofers WORLD Competition in October 2027 in Budapest, Hungary. Through this collaboration, RCS will help amplify awareness and engagement across North America and beyond, connecting roofing professionals to international opportunities and resources. 

As part of the partnership, RCS will be live on-site at the 2026 Connection Forum, delivering comprehensive event coverage through LIVE streaming, interviews and real-time content. In addition, RCS will present to attendees, sharing insights on industry trends, digital marketing and the growing importance of global connectivity within the roofing sector. 

IFD serves as a unifying force for the roofing industry worldwide, bringing together national associations, manufacturers and service providers to address shared challenges and advance best practices. With members that include leading organizations such as the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), Zentralverband des Deutschen Dachdeckerhandwerks (ZVDH) and the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), IFD plays a critical role in fostering collaboration across borders. By connecting professionals globally, the organization helps elevate standards, support workforce development and drive innovation throughout the industry. 

“Partnering with RoofersCoffeeShop is an exciting step forward for IFD as we continue to expand our global reach and impact. This collaboration allows us to better share the work we are doing to unite national associations, support workforce development and elevate roofing practices worldwide,” stated Gary Howes, IFD board member. “By working together, we are creating more opportunities for contractors, manufacturers and young professionals to connect, learn from one another and strengthen the future of the roofing industry on a truly international level.” 

One of IFD’s most impactful initiatives is the Young Roofers Championship, which highlights emerging talent and promotes the importance of skilled labor in roofing. By bringing young professionals together from around the world, the competition not only celebrates craftsmanship but also builds lasting relationships that support the future of the trade. 

“We are proud to partner with IFD to share their mission and promote their events that bring the roofing industry together globally,” said Heidi J. Ellsworth, president/CEO of The Coffee Shops. “The connection to the many national associations that are part of IFD is important for the future of roofing. They are bringing professionals and young roofers together to share best practices and encourage workforce development.” 

Through this partnership, RCS and IFD are reinforcing the importance of global collaboration in an increasingly connected industry. By sharing knowledge, elevating innovation and building relationships across continents, both organizations are helping shape a stronger, more resilient future for roofing professionals everywhere. 

For more information visit the IFD directory on RoofersCoffeeShop. 

About The Coffee Shops 

The Coffee Shops is the award-winning digital home of the roofing industry, delivering online communities that connect contractors, manufacturers, distributors and industry professionals. Through platforms including RoofersCoffeeShop®, MetalCoffeeShop®, CoatingsCoffeeShop®, OutdoorCoffeeShop® and AskARoofer™, The Coffee Shops provide trusted information, education and networking opportunities. With a focus on supporting industry growth through content, technology and engagement, The Coffee Shops help roofing professionals build their businesses and stay informed in a rapidly evolving marketplace. 

About the International Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD) 

The International Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD) is a global organization representing national roofing associations and industry partners dedicated to advancing the roofing trade worldwide. Through international collaboration, education and events, IFD promotes best practices, supports workforce development and fosters innovation across the industry. By connecting professionals from around the world, IFD plays a vital role in strengthening the global roofing community and elevating standards for the future.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Understand CITB funding changes and their impact on training, grants and workforce development.

The latest announcement from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is reshaping how training is funded across the U.K. construction industry. With changes rolling out in January 2026 and continuing through April 2026, contractors, manufacturers and industry stakeholders are now facing a new reality when it comes to workforce development and training investment.

At the heart of these changes there is a growing imbalance. Over the past several years, demand for training support has increased significantly, with CITB reporting a 36% rise in employer demand since 2021, while levy rates have remained unchanged. This growing gap between demand and available funding has led CITB to restructure its funding model to ensure long-term sustainability and more targeted use of resources. 

One of the most impactful changes is the move away from traditional short course grants. From January 2026, most short course training is no longer funded through the standard Grants Scheme and must instead be accessed through Employer Networks. These networks now provide approximately 50% match funding for training, with some health and safety courses supported at lower fixed rates. 

This shift represents a fundamental change in how contractors access funding. Rather than receiving direct reimbursement, companies must now work through regional networks, requiring more planning and coordination to secure support. 

Funding levels themselves have also been reduced. Achievement grants for qualifications have been standardised at £600, and attendance grants for long qualifications have been removed. In addition, funding for Level 7 qualifications has been discontinued, narrowing the scope of financial support available to employers. 

Another major change comes into effect in April 2026, specifically impacting larger companies. Employers with more than 250 employees will no longer have access to Employer Networks. Instead, CITB is introducing a new Large Employer Fund, offering up to £18,000 per company through an application process. This creates a separate funding pathway based on company size and further reflects a shift toward targeted funding distribution. 

Despite these changes, CITB has maintained support for apprenticeships and continues to prioritise high impact training and new entrants into the industry. The restructuring is designed to ensure that limited funding is directed toward addressing critical skills shortages while maintaining long term viability.

For the liquid applied membranes sector and the broader construction industry, the implications are clear. Companies must take a more strategic approach to training while planning ahead to maximise available funding along with budgeting for increased out of pocket costs. 

Industry associations such as the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) and the Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) are playing an important role in helping their members navigate these changes by communicating updates, providing guidance and supporting training pathways to ensure contractors remain informed and prepared in a rapidly shifting environment. 

These updates represent more than just funding adjustments. They mark a fundamental shift in how training is supported across the construction industry. Companies that adapt early, engage with Employer Networks and plan their workforce development strategically will be best positioned to build skilled teams and remain competitive in the years ahead. 

By Emma Peterson. 

From racecourse days to golf tournaments, there is no shortage of NFRC events to attend this summer.  

Throughout the year, National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), organizes and hosts events for their members. These events are a great opportunity for roofing professionals and others in the community to come together to build relationships and take a break from day-to-day duties. Further, many of the events feature guest speakers and industry updates that keep attendees informed about what’s going on in the industry.  

This summer, NFRC members have the chance to take advantage of the nice weather with special golf tournaments and race days.  

Head to the races 

NFRC’s race days are the perfect opportunity for members to “catch up with peers, make new connections, enjoy great hospitality and an afternoon of racing.”  Specifically, there are four race days on the calendar – Hamilton Racecourse in Scotland on 27 May 2026, Royal Windsor Races in England on 1 June 2026, 4 June at Uttoxeter Racecourse, and Down Royal Racecourse in Northern Ireland on 19 June 2026.  

If you are interested in any of these events, you should reach out to get tickets today:  

• Hamilton Racecourse: Tickets are priced available for £150 + VAT pp. There are also still sponsorship opportunities for this event. For more information on either topic, all you have to do is email Ian Letham. 
• Royal Windsor Races: You can get tickets for this race day at £150+VATpp. With them you get “general admission to the track and NFRC private lounge, a three-course meal, tipster and racing programme.” Sponsorship packages (£3,000) are available. For more information or to get your tickets, email Angie McCarthy. 
• Uttoxeter Racecourse: Tickets are priced at a discounted rate of £85 + VATpp and include admission to the races plus access to the NFRC marquee close to the finish line. Gold sponsorship is priced at £2,000 + VAT and includes a table of 9 guests, Silver sponsorship is priced at £1,500 + VAT and includes a table of five. Email Paul Harper to find out more. 
• Down Royal Racecourse: Tickets are £50 + VATpp  and provide access to a premium located suite, premier enclosure badges, racecard to follow the runners and riders, tote betting services and a three-course lunch with table wine and full service. To book tickets or enquirer about sponsorship opportunities, contact Jason Munro. 

Hit the fairway  

NFRC is also hosting a variety of golf tournaments this summer! These are a “valuable opportunity to network, meet with peers from across the region and enjoy a friendly tournament at a popular course.” Dates include:  

• Tuesday, 14 April 2026 
  Hankley Common GC – 18 holes, £235 registration 
• Wednesday, 29 April 2026 
  Forest of Arden Golf & Country Club, Solihull – 18 holes shotgun, £110 registration 
• Friday, 29 May 2026 
  Tandridge GC – 36 holes shotgun, £210 registration 
• Thursday, 18 June 2026 
  New Zealand GC – 36 holes, £215 registration 
• Tuesday, 14 July 2026 
  West Hill GC – 36 holes shotgun, £215 registration 
• Wednesday, 9 September 2026 
  Bearwood Lakes GC – 18 holes shotgun, £235 registration 
• Thursday, 30 September 2026 
  Worplesdon GC – 18 holes, £215 registration 

Tickets for Forest of Arden are priced at £110 + VATpp. Registration is available to both individuals and teams by emailing Paul Harper. Please note, the other golf events (excluding Forest of Arden on Wednesday, 29 April 2026), are hosted in partnership with the South of England Roofing Contractors Golf Society. If you are interested in attending any of them, you must apply for membership.  

See the whole calendar of upcoming NFRC events!

By Emma Peterson. 

Apprenticeships not only build individual careers, but they strengthen the entire roofing industry.  

Every year, National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) supports the celebration of apprenticeships – in the form of both National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) and Scottish Apprenticeship Week. This week highlights the “positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.” 

Apprenticeships offer a way for individuals to earn a living while building a career and future for themselves. Because apprenticeships are a combination of hands-on work on site and formal assessment, apprentices are well equipped to move into their trade as skilled professionals. Further, getting that time on the job gives apprentices the opportunity to develop relationships and connections within the industry, that helps lead them to long-term employment and success. 

To celebrate NAW 2026 (which ran 9–15 February 2026), NFRC worked with their members to put the spotlight on apprentices in the roofing trade. When asked about the importance of an apprenticeship in their lives, here’s what some of them had to say:  

• George, an apprentice at Juniper Training, started his apprenticeship when he was 26. When asked about it, he told NFRC that “financial and job security [were things] that have worried me before, however now approaching 30 years old I am much more confident in my future with the path I have taken.” 
• Aldridge and Sons connected two of their apprentices with NFRC, Louie and Harry. Both spoke about the immense support they feel in their program, with Harry saying, “I am supported on site by experienced tradesmen who are willing to share their knowledge and help me build confidence day by day.”  
• Likewise, Dalton Roofing’s apprentices, Niall and Luke shared some thoughts with NFRC. Niall, who started his apprenticeship at 17, shared about how his role has empowered him, saying, “The one-to-one help that we receive on the rigs at the yard and on-site experience really helps and works well alongside my college learning, every day I feel more and more confident.” 

And apprenticeships aren’t just about the individual – they are a valuable way for companies to recruit and develop talent tailored to the unique needs of their organisation. Apprentices also help move the industry forward by bringing fresh ideas and enthusiasm with them. Ruth Scarrott, NFRC’s Head of Careers put it best, “[Apprenticeships] are [a] meaningful [way to] address the skills shortage [while] also give young people a fantastic career opportunity.” 

Interested in finding an apprenticeship? Explore NFRC’s directory of Training Providers and colleges!