Looking back on a memorable 2025 for NFRC and our members
New benefits, new members, more events than ever, and a continued, uncompromised commitment to amplifying our members’ voice in roofing.
As 2025 draws to a close, we’re looking back on a fantastic year of growth, development, leadership, and influence.
When NFRC was established over 130 years ago, nobody would have imagined that it would grow from a humble association of slating interests to the UK’s largest and leading association for all roofing disciplines. Fast forward to today, and whilst our growth is substantial, our unwavering commitment to the sector remains unchanged.
Throughout 2025, we’ve not only continued to grow in membership, welcoming over 150 new businesses committed to promoting excellence in roofing following stringent work and business inspections, but we’ve ensured we’re delivering on our promise to members.
Member benefits
We have proudly launched two all-new benefits in 2025; the NFRC Private Medical Insurance (PMI) Scheme and sixteen completely free of charge BSI Roofing Standards. This is all alongside an fresh-faced Member Portal, free marketing materials to promote your business as NFRC registered, not forgetting the existing benefits such as the extensive technical library, and the dedicated careers services to help members recruit, retain, and train staff.
Community
We’ve hosted over thirty-five member social events this year, alongside technical days and the national business conference. From business workshops to black tie dinners, nights at the cricket, to days on the golf course, each of these events have been a valuable opportunity for trade and supplier members to network, socialise, build connections, and learn from peers and industry guest speakers.
Tens of thousands of pounds has been donated to charities thanks to fundraising at these events and the generosity of members who attended, making a positive impact for those who need it most.
We’ve also participated in skills demonstrations and careers fairs across the country, and hosted events in schools to deliver roofing taster sessions, meeting with thousands of individuals to promote opportunities in roofing. These events have often attracted MSPs in Scotland, and we have received numerous parliamentary motions and recognition.
Excellence
Involvement with technical committees, working groups, and British Standard committees enables our in-house technical team to be informed on trending topics and key issues affecting the roofing sector. The team also handles inbound enquiries to understand the current landscape in which our members are operating. This enables NFRC to produce guidance to support members and stay up to date with changes to legislation and compliance regulations. Not only does this ensure our members are delivering roofing excellence but it means NFRC follows through on our commitment to professionalising the industry and promoting a skilled, competent workforce.
Influence
From our Climate Change Ready Rooftops policy paper being read by the ClimateTech All-Party Parliamentary Group, to Nick Timothy MP submitting Parliamentary Questions on NFRC’s behalf around solar safety and regulation, NFRC has been informing the national debates on skills, safety, and sustainability. In 2025 alone, NFRC submitted evidence to 11 national consultations, including the Public Procurement Reforms, Late Payments: Tackling Poor Payment Practices, and the Small Business Strategy.
These submissions were backed up by hard data, gathered throughout the year in our quarterly State of the Industry surveys. Our advocacy has positioned roofing SMEs front and centre in discussions on payment reform, workforce wellbeing, and building safety. Every policy paper, every parliamentary meeting, every piece of evidence we submit, is all made possible through the expertise our members share with us. NFRC has also chaired panels, or sat on panels, at industry event such as UK Construction Week, Cymru Housing Leaders, and InstallerSHOW.
Our technical influence and expertise are recognised across the industry. NFRC is a member of fourteen British Standard Committees.
This year, we have contributed to the extensive revision of BS6299 Code of Practice for Flat Roofs, with continously supported flexible waterproof coverings, which is chaired by Gary Walpole CMIOSH PISEP REnvP, Technical Safety, Health and Environment Officer at NFRC.
Almost a year has passed since we celebrated the launch of The Design and Installation Guide for Roof Tiling in January. This definitive guide for roof tiling specifications was written in collaboration with the Roof Tile Association and addresses the needs of specifiers, ensuring they have reliable and detailed material specifications and workmanship requirements for constructing tiled pitched roofs. The guide has been well received, with over 300 copies sold to date, with the guide being used in training centres and colleges across the country.
“It’s great to have some relevant literature and reference material to help educate the next generation of Roof Slaters and Tilers,” said Thomas Gagon, roofing lecturer at Bolton College.
Why this matters
NFRC’s progress in 2025 matters because it strengthens the roofing sector at every level, from the professionalism of contractors to the confidence of homeowners and policymakers who rely on a safe, skilled, and future-ready industry.
For members, NFRC’s expanding suite of benefits, such as access to free BSI Roofing Standards, a new Private Medical Insurance (PMI) Scheme, updated marketing resources, and an improved member portal directly supports business resilience and professionalism. These initiatives help members operate efficiently, improve staff wellbeing and retention, and demonstrate their credibility in a competitive market.
For the workforce, NFRC’s hands-on involvement in skills demonstrations, school engagement, and national careers events is vital at a time when the construction industry faces significant recruitment pressures. By promoting roofing as a rewarding and skilled career, NFRC helps build the next generation of professionals and supports training centres with up-to-date technical guidance.
For the industry, NFRC’s technical leadership ensures that roofing practice keeps pace with evolving regulations, materials, and safety expectations. Our contributions to British Standards committees and the development of resources like the Roof Tiling Design and Installation Guide help contractors deliver consistent, compliant, and technically sound work.
For policymakers, NFRC’s evidence-backed advocacy ensures roofing SMEs are heard in national debates on issues such as payment practices, sustainability, and workforce wellbeing. This influence helps shape fairer and safer operating conditions for the entire sector.
For consumers and communities, the growth in NFRC membership reinforces trust. Homeowners benefit from a stronger network of vetted, accountable, and technically supported contractors—ultimately raising standards across the UK’s built environment.
