February 2024

Editor’s Intro
MATT DOWNS
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
MATTDOWNS@MEDIA-NOW.CO.UK
07963 330774
The Air
To The
Throne
Whilst each year brings new challenges for the construction sector, the
issue around skills, recruitment into the sector and retaining labour is
one that persists year on year.
The task becomes even harder when it’s about keeping traditional trades such
as roof slating and tiling alive. But that’s what the Build Your Future initiative,
launched by the West Lothian Construction Forum, which is Chaired by Jamie
Taylor, Owner of Taylor Roofs, is trying to do. Jamie’s company Taylor Roofs has
joined forces with other trades to showcase their traditional skills to 60 second
and third year pupils at Armadale Academy. Announcing the pilot scheme,
which took place on 30th January, Jamie explained: “It’s vital that we try our
hardest to keep the traditional skills alive. The idea behind this programme is
that we give the youngsters an insight into construction and what a career in
the industry might look like for them.” And that’s the key to initiatives like this,
showcasing the skill involved in roofing and construction and piquing the
youngsters’ interest at the right time; planting that seed that construction can
be a welcoming sector where you can grow and develop, and ultimately enjoy a
rewarding career. And it stands to reason that if we consistently we get more
volunteers from roofing into schools around the UK, we’ll get more motivated
new entrants choosing – rather than falling into – a career in roofing in the
years to come. You can read more about The Build Your Future initiative at
total-contractor.co.uk.
Elsewhere in this issue, as James Talman explains on page 16, challenges
around labour is also one of the areas NFRC is looking to tackle in 2024,
alongside poor payment practices and preparing for the impact of increased
competency requirements; Bradley Hirst of Knauf Insulation answers key Qs
around embodied carbon and sustainability (p38); and we discuss PPE and
workwear with the team at Carhartt (p44), plus much more!
Matt
Front cover courtesy of A Proctor Group. Proctor Air is the new air and
vapour permeable, highly water resistant roofing underlay from A Proctor
Group. Find out more on page 36. www.proctorgroup.com
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Editorial Director Matt Downs
DD: 01892 730890
Mob: 07963 330774
Email: mattdowns@media-now.co.uk
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Supported by:
48
Makita has added a range of heated
base-layers to its offering to keep contractors warm
on site. Find out more in our Tools & Workwear
updates from page 48.