NFRC National Conference 2025: Roofing and Construction at the Heart of Change
On 11 September, NFRC hosted its flagship National Conference at the Kia Oval in London. Bringing together contractors, manufacturers, housing experts, and senior leaders from across the construction sector, the event was a platform to share knowledge, debate challenges, and highlight the unique role roofing contractors and suppliers can play in shaping the future of the UK’s built environment.
The Conference followed NFRC’s Annual General Meeting, where Members heard how the Federation continues to deliver value on all fronts. From a busy calendar of regional events to ongoing governance work and a steady membership base, NFRC is in a strong position as it concludes its three-year strategy and prepares to set fresh priorities. CEO James Talman and President Colin McCorquodale also emphasised the importance of visibility, financial resilience, and providing leadership in a time of uncertainty.
Construction’s role in delivering growth
Opening the Conference, Build UK Chief Executive Suzannah Nichol MBE stressed that construction remains central to the government’s economic plans. While ambitions such as building 1.5 million homes may seem unrealistic to many, she explained that the ambitious goal puts construction “at the heart of government.”
She also acknowledged that the industry is still waiting for infrastructure and industrial strategies to translate into real projects on the ground. With recent ministerial changes disrupting progress, she underlined the value of Build UK’s mission to unify the industry’s voice.
Nichol reminded delegates that success depends not only on government decisions, but on the way the supply chain works together: “Construction is a team game,” she said, warning that chasing the lowest price always leads to higher costs in the long run.
Her speech also highlighted progress on competence, particularly through common assessment standards and benchmarking CSCS card use, which promise a more consistent approach to skills and enforcement going forward.
Unlocking new funding for retrofit
Antoine Pellet, Head of Retrofit Credits at the Housing Association Charitable Trust (HACT), introduced an innovative solution to one of the most pressing challenges: how to fund the large-scale retrofitting of the UK’s ageing housing stock.
Retrofit Credits are a new way to attract private investment by verifying both the carbon reductions and social value of retrofit projects, then generating credits that can be sold to organisations seeking to offset emissions. With housing responsible for 20% of national carbon emissions and more than six million households in fuel poverty, Pellet explained that such models could unlock billions in investment while directly supporting those most in need.
For NFRC Members, this approach offers new opportunities to strengthen client relationships, diversify service offerings, and play a direct role in decarbonisation.
Housing: the policy landscape
Attendees then heard from Neil Jefferson, Chief Executive of the Home Builders Federation (HBF), who provided an update on housing supply and policy. Representing 80% of the residential development market, Jefferson spoke candidly about the challenges the sector faces. 2024 saw the lowest number of new homes approved in a decade, despite the government's targets.
While a modest increase in planning staff has been promised, HBF believes far greater investment is needed to address the backlog. While government has promised 300 new planners, the HBF estimates the system needs over 2,200. He made clear that housing delivery is fundamental to economic growth and fiscal stability, and called for greater certainty from government to support both developers and first-time buyers.
Preparing for regulatory change
Peter Caplehorn, CEO of the Construction Products Association, then gave an overview of the economic outlook and the regulatory changes heading for the construction products industry.
Although growth is forecast to remain sluggish, he urged businesses not to stand still. With the incoming arrival of digital product passports and a stronger enforcement regime on the horizon, those who prepare now will have a competitive edge. “It’s business as usual, but it’s not business as usual,” he noted, capturing the sense of transition currently underway across industry.
Consumer protection in retrofit
Closing the speaker programme, TrustMark Chief Executive Simon Ayers addressed the retrofit agenda from a consumer perspective. He highlighted how the slowdown in repair, maintenance and improvement (RM&I) activity is rippling across the industry, but also pointed to opportunities through schemes such as the Warm Homes Plan.
Ayers emphasised the importance of consumer confidence, warning that drastically underpriced tenders are a red flag for poor quality. Roofing businesses, he argued, are especially well-placed to take advantage of solar PV opportunities in retrofit, but only if quality and trust remain central. TrustMark itself is strengthening its approach to consumer protection.
More than just a conference
The formal sessions were followed by networking, a dinner, and an entertaining after-dinner address from cricketing legend David Gower. His humour and storytelling brought a light-hearted close to the event.
NFRC at the forefront
The NFRC National Conference was not only a chance to hear from leading voices, but also an opportunity to underline roofing’s critical role in the wider construction landscape. Whether it is providing skilled contractors for housing delivery, expertise for retrofitting the UK’s draughty housing stock, or trusted products and installation in the push for energy efficiency, NFRC Trade and Supplier Members are uniquely placed to deliver.
As the UK navigates political change, economic uncertainty, and urgent environmental goals, NFRC will continue to champion Members, push for fair and consistent standards, and ensure the roofing sector has a strong and united voice at the table.