The Bitumen Flat Roofing Association (BFRA) has been launched by key industry manufacturers and suppliers to address a significant gap in the UK's flat roofing sector. The founders recognized the need for a unified voice and platform for collaboration, stakeholder competency, quality standards, and best practices in the bitumen flat roofing industry.
14 Founding Members From Across The Flat Roofing Industry
The 14 founding members, including Alumasc, Axter, Bauder, BMI Group, Danosa, Garland, ICB, IKO, Langley Waterproofing Systems, Mapei, Moy Materials, Rose Roofing, Sika, and Soprema, aim to advance industry collaboration, stakeholder competency, quality standards, and best practices. Led by Chair Shaun Lotay, Technical Director at Langley Waterproofing Systems, Vice-Chair Richard Aldred, Head of Compliance and Technical Services at Sika, and Association Secretary Phillip Wilcox-Moore, Managing Director of Axter, the association's main mission is to unify the interests of its members and the bitumen flat roofing industry, driving up competence and best practice in the sector.
Technical Working Group Established
The association has established a technical working group to tackle critical issues and challenges impacting the bitumen flat roofing industry, including British Standard updates to BS 8217 and BS 8747 and the development of a comprehensive bitumen flat roofing technical guide. With a significant proportion of the bitumen flat roofing manufacturer and supplier sector operational in the UK, BFRA is well-positioned to combat upcoming industry challenges and lead the sector towards a sustainable and profitable future.
Uniting Experts in Reinforced Bitume Membrane
BFRA Chair, Shaun Lotay, emphasized the need for a dedicated body for the reinforced bitumen membrane (RBM) sector, which accounts for more than 50% of flat roofing installations. "Our mission is to unite experts involved in manufacturing, designing, specifying, and installing RBMs. By bringing together stakeholders, the BFRA ensures that RBM systems are consistently chosen, installed, and maintained to the highest possible standards across manufacturing, certification, training, sustainability, and workmanship."
Building a Resililient & Progressive Association
As Chair, Shaun Lotay's primary objective is to cultivate a culture of collaboration, openness, and continuous improvement within the industry. This involves fostering information sharing and peer review, engaging emerging talent, encouraging constructive challenge and learning, and developing a dynamic knowledge repository. By focusing on these areas, BFRA can build a resilient and progressive association that not only sets high standards but also adapts to the changing landscape of the flat roofing industry, ensuring sustained success and growth for all members.
A Unified Voice & Platform for Collaboration
BFRA Vice Chair, Richard Aldred, echoed the drive to unite experts from across the industry, providing a unified voice and platform for collaboration. "The bitumen industry, until recently, has not been well represented in the UK. Whilst respected single ply, mastic asphalt, and liquid waterproofing trade associations have been active, the bitumen sector has not, which is unacceptable considering that bitumen waterproofing systems are extensively used."
Providing Best Practice Information
"A key focus of the association will be to provide clear, up-to-date, and agreed best practice information to all our members so that they can reference quality standards in any work they do. I am very keen to ensure that our members feel the association is worthy of their time and investment, so I will be working hard to ensure that members' interests are served, and they feel they are getting value out of being a part of this association," Richard Aldred added.
Long Overdue
Bitumen Flat Roofing Association Secretary, Phillip Wilcox-Moore, welcomed the formation of the association, stating that a trade association solely representing the best interests of bitumen flat roofing technology is long overdue. "Our inability to speak with one unified voice has been unfavorable over recent years. The BFRA is looking forward to using our union of membership to deliver a consistent and compliant message, promote our technology, and ensure its sustainable future."
