Industry News SUPPLIER MOVES TO EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP Optagon Group, which owns Rubber4Roofs, a specialist in flat roofing materials, has announced that its 50-strong workforce now owns the majority of the company through the Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) model. First established in 2010 and based in Swallowgate Business Park, Coventry, Optagon owns and operates a family of brands. These include Rubber4roofs, Roof Depot, SkyGuard and Kitbuildr. The move to employee ownership is said to have been motivated by an offer from a larger organisation to buy the business. However, the founders, Tom and Tina Cullingford, turned it down to let the staff be in charge of the company’s destiny. Explaining why they decided to sell Optagon to the staff, the Cullingfords stated: “It takes a lot of hard work and determination to build a company, and it takes a great team to build a great business. We were approached earlier in the year by a large organisation that wanted to buy the business, which got us thinking. It was an amazing offer, but we turned it down because we wanted this company to control its destiny. “We believe the best way to achieve that is to involve every single member of staff in how it is run. This is a terrific business – 2023 has been our best-ever year– and we wanted all staff to benefit from that success as we continue to grow. We’re incredibly excited at the huge opportunity this represents. This is going to be business as usual, only better.” More news, updates and interviews at www.total-contractor.co.uk ICB LAUNCHES NEW CARDIFF TRAINING HUB ICB Waterproofing, one of the UK's leading providers of waterproofing solutions, has opened a new training facility in Cardiff, Wales. The company says the new facility, strategically located in the city of Cardiff, is part of its expansion plan, giving local roofing contractors access to available training and technical information. Recognising the importance of specialised training, ICB Waterproofing says it is excited to offer a range of courses tailored to the needs of modern roofing professionals: • alwitra Evalon Single Ply Training Courses: Contractors can choose between intensive 1-day and comprehensive 3-day courses. With extensive industry experience, ICB's certified trainers will help to develop participants’ practical and technical expertise. • Fleet PMMA Liquid Training: This specialised 1-day training focuses on the application and benefits of PMMA (Polymethyl Methacrylate) liquid waterproofing solutions. Participants will gain hands-on experience and an in-depth understanding of this versatile material, enhancing their ability to deliver durable and aesthetically pleasing waterproofing solutions. • Strata Reinforced Bitumen Membranes Training Course: A complete 3-day course designed for those looking to master the application of bitumen roofing. This program covers everything from the basics to advanced ICB Waterproofing’s new training facility in Cardiff. techniques, ensuring that participants are wellequipped to work with this robust and time-tested roofing material. ICB Waterproofing says the facility is tailor-made for training, ensuring that each participant gains maximum benefit from their experience. The company says its certified trainers are industry leaders with a wealth of knowledge and a passion for nurturing the next generation of roofing experts. Mike Williams, the Regional Technical Manager for the area of Cardiff, will be on hand to answer any technical questions. He explained: “With 15 years of experience within the roofing industry, I am looking to develop my relationships with local roofing contractors further and build new connections with contractors in south Wales and surrounding areas.” The office is also home to Perry Hawkes, the Projects Technical Sales Manager, who specialises in Solar PV and Green Roofs. He commented: “My aim is to open the door to additional opportunities by helping the customers tender for works they would otherwise turn down, offering wrap-round specification, design, and installation support for Solar PV, Green Roofs, and roof safety systems amongst other things.” Roofing contractors interested in enrolling in the training courses or who are interested in finding out more about the facility can visit alwitra.co.uk/become-accredited or contact ICB on 01202 785200. Tom Cullingford will stay on as Managing Director as part of a senior leadership team running the company day to day. He will be joined on the board of the business by two newly appointed Legal Directors, General Manager Antony Murray and Finance Director Zoe George. www.rubber4roofs.co.uk 8 TC FEBRUARY <strong>2024</strong>
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