Attending the 2026 LRWA Awards at the Titanic Hotel Liverpool was a fantastic day and a highlight in the industry calendar. From the moment I arrived, the atmosphere was filled with energy, pride, and a shared passion for excellence in the liquid waterproofing sector.
Being surrounded by so many talented professionals and leaders within the liquid waterproofing industry was both inspiring and motivating. It was a room full of expertise, innovation, and dedication to raising standards across the sector.
One of the most valuable aspects of the day was the opportunity to connect and engage with such incredible people. Conversations flowed easily, ideas were shared, and it was clear that collaboration and continuous improvement are at the heart of this industry. Networking in this environment wasn’t just beneficial—it was genuinely enjoyable.
Events like the LRWA Awards are a powerful reminder of the progress being made across the industry and the people driving it forward. It was a fantastic day, and I’m grateful to have been part of it. I look forward to continuing those conversations and building on the connections made.
The best thing about this industry? The people in it.
I’ve had more genuinely good conversations in roofing than in almost any other setting — and I think that’s because we’re a tactile, real-world industry. We care about craft. We care about getting it right. And that translates into how we show up for each other.
The support in this industry is something else.
Since I started Elevate Roofing Advisory I have had so many exciting, meaningful and inspiring conversations affirming to me that this path is the exact path I am meant to take.
So many people have picked up the phone, shared what they know, and genuinely want to support. That’s not a given everywhere — but in roofing, it seems to be part of the culture.
But connection doesn’t just happen. You have to be intentional about it.
That means making the call, attending the event, asking the real question — not just the polite one. It means investing time with people before you need something from them.
The relationships I value most in this industry came from exactly that kind of deliberate effort. And every single one has shaped how I work, how I think, and what I’m currently building.
If you’ve been lucky enough to find your people in this industry — you know exactly what I mean.
The conversations I’m having across the sector right now are genuinely energising.
There’s a real sense of momentum — a collective willingness to collaborate, challenge thinking, and raise standards together.
It’s exactly the kind of leadership our industry needs, especially in challenging times.
In recent discussions with people from across the globe — including National Women in Roofing and The International Women’s Council— I’ve been reminded of something fundamental: progress never happens in isolation. It happens when experienced voices share openly, when emerging talent is encouraged, and when we create environments where every contribution is valued and respected.
These global perspectives reinforce a belief I hold deeply: strong industries are built by leaders who choose connection over competition, generosity over gatekeeping, and collaboration over silos. When we lift each other, we elevate the entire sector.
If we haven’t connected yet, I’d truly welcome the opportunity.
As a strategic manager in the roofing sector, one of the most pressing challenges we face today is the growing skills gap across our industry. Demand continues to rise, yet the pipeline of trained, capable professionals is not keeping pace.
That’s why I’m proud to have been the driving force in setting up a dedicated training centre focused on equipping the next generation with practical, high-quality roofing skills. We have supported over 200 students coming into the industry to date and the provision continues to grow and develop.
This initiative isn’t just about training — it’s about long-term sustainability for our industry.
Apprenticeships play a critical role in this:
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- They provide hands-on, real-world experience from day one
- They create a structured pathway into a rewarding career
- They allow businesses to shape talent aligned with their standards and culture
- They help close the skills gap while strengthening workforce retention
For employers, investing in apprentices is not a cost — it’s a strategic advantage. For individuals, it’s an opportunity to build a solid, respected career without the burden of traditional academic routes.
If we want a stronger, more resilient roofing sector, we need to invest in people, training, and opportunity — starting now.
I’d welcome conversations with others in the industry who are passionate about developing talent and shaping the future workforce.
Having spent a lot of time reflecting recently, the clearer it becomes to me—success isn’t just in the numbers, the contracts, or even the product.
It’s people. Always has been.
You can have the best strategy in place, but if the culture’s off… cracks quickly start to show
The businesses that really thrive are the ones that build teams that want to be there.
They create environments where people feel valued, supported, and part of something bigger.
There’s a certain feel to those places— good energy, strong camaraderie, people having each other’s backs. You can walk in and sense it straight away.
And funnily enough, it’s a bit like roofing… You can have all the right materials, but if the structure underneath isn’t solid, it won’t hold. Get the foundations right—the people, the culture, the atmosphere—and everything else sits stronger.
When you align people, performance and purpose businesses don’t just grow, they last.
When you get the inside right, everything else rises with it