May 2025 Update
SPRA Awards Luncheon 2025 – Just 1 Week to Go!
The countdown is officially on – There is less than a week to go until the SPRA Awards Luncheon 2025 at the stunning Hilton NEC Birmingham! This much-anticipated event will celebrate the outstanding achievements of the single ply roofing industry, and tickets are now very limited.
If you haven’t secured yours yet, don’t delay – book now to avoid missing out on this glittering celebration on 12th June!
SPRA Golf Day 2025 – Carden Park, Cheshire – 4th September 2025
Get ready for another fantastic day of sport and networking as the SPRA Golf Day returns to the stunning Carden Park in Cheshire! Taking place on 4th September 2025, this popular event offers members and their guests the chance to compete on the renowned Nicklaus championship course, followed by a lively evening of entertainment, a lavish dinner, and the golf awards presentation. New for this year – there will also be activities available for non-golfers to enjoy the incredible facilities at the venue. Ticketing will open soon, so be sure to save the date!
Sponsorship – Limited opportunities available!
There are still a few opportunities to be a SPRA sponsor at this fabulous SPRA event. Contact enquiries@spra.co.uk for further information.
Training & Competency Development
SPRA is pleased to announce that new NVQ Level 2 programmes in Single Ply Roofing are being planned for Northern England and, separately, for Scotland later this year. Now is the time to register your interest and give your employees the opportunity to gain a skilled worker qualification in single ply roofing.
Alongside this, SPRA continues to offer a range of training and competency development opportunities, including the Specialist Applied-Skills Programme (SAP) and the SUP/OSAT routes for installer upskilling and assessment. These high-quality programmes can lead to the Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Waterproofing Systems – Single Ply Membranes. SPRA contractor members benefit from reduced course rates, and CITB-registered companies can access CITB grant funding.
Wind Load Calculation Protocol (WLCP)
Our popular online WLCP training, based on SPRA’s published guidance, continues to attract both members and non-members. Delivered as three 2-hour sessions, the training is aligned with SPRA’s Wind Loading – Protocol for Calculations (S11b/19), referencing key standards and industry guidance. SPRA members receive discounted rates.
Contact SPRA for further information and to register your employees now.
SPRA joining other Trade Associations in Support of CCPI
Leading trade associations, including SPRA, across the manufacturing and supply sector have signed up to support CCPI. In signing the Trade Associate pledge, trade associations are committing to support and promote the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) and its registration and assessment process to their members with the aim to drive a transformational step change in construction product information and management. This is an important move to build back trust in construction product information and marketing, and drive positive culture change across the sector.
Important Note
SPRA members should not and cannot in any way imply to any third party in PR/marketing that they are registered and have been assessed through the CCPI process as a result of SPRA being an Associate CCPI member. They must go through the full CCPI process with CPI Ltd directly
Build UK Update
Gateway Two Update
Business Growth Service
Demonstrating Competence
Changes to Immigration
- Raising the threshold for a Skilled Worker Visa from RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) to RQF Level 6 (degree level equivalent).
- Abolishing the Immigration Salary List and increasing the Immigration Skills Charge by 32%
- Creating a ‘Temporary Shortage List’ to provide time limited access to the immigration system for occupations with a skills requirement between RQF Levels 3 – 5 where there have been long term shortages and the Migration Advisory Committee has advised it is justified.
- Increasing the minimum language requirements for Skilled Workers.
Working Rule Agreement
US Trade Deal
CPA State of Trade Survey Published
The CPA State of Trade Survey for the opening quarter of 2025 suggested that even before tariff-related disruption and uncertainty hit the UK economy in April, the construction recovery was taking a little longer to gain momentum. In Q1, product sales decreased for a balance of 15% of heavy side firms, which comes after three previous quarters of growth.
CPA Weekly UK Economic and Construction Update
The latest weekly update is available here, including:
- Barbour ABI Project Starts on High Rise Residential (2025 Q1)
- ONS Construction Employment and self-employment (2025 Q1)
- HMRC UK Residential Property Transactions (April 2025)
The CPA’s Spring Forecasts were published on Monday, 28th April and are available for members to download from the CPA Website. Also note that the ONS has suspended its monthly UK building materials price data (and other producer price data) due to concerns about its reliability, which the CPA has been highlighting since the impacts of the energy and price spikes in Spring 2022.
CPA Briefing Paper: The Impacts of U.S. Tariffs
Following strong demand from members and government alike, the CPA’s economics team has published a briefing paper on the ‘Impacts of U.S. Tariffs’. This document will be revised as the situation develops, and made available to CPA members every Friday with our Weekly UK Economic and Construction Update (see above). To receive this document via email every Friday please contact noble.francis@constructionproducts.org.uk ; alternatively, you can click here to read it now.
Industry Competence Committee annual report 2024 to 2025
The report from the ICC committee has now been published and is available here. The publication includes a report on the work of the Industry Competence Steering Group which is chaired by the CPA’s Hanna Clarke. For more information on the work of the Industry Competence Steering Group please contact Hanna – Hanna.Clarke@constructionproducts.org.uk.
BRE rebrands the Home Quality Mark to BREEAM Residential
BRE has streamlined its offerings and the Home Quality Mark (HMQ) is now rebranded and BRE has released it as residential sustainability assessment, BREEAM UK New Construction: Residential V6.1. Find details here. For further details contact Jane Thornback.
Government Update
Parliament has risen for the Whitsun holiday and will return on 2nd June.
Govt Opens Consultation on Improving Integrity of Voluntary Carbon Markets
Government seeks to clarify and test their proposed policy and governance framework for helping to ensure the integrity of voluntary carbon and nature markets. Find the consultation here, deadline is 10 July 2025. For further details contact Jane Thornback.
Govt Opens Consultation on the UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
This is a technical consultation running until 3rd July to get feedback on the drafting of the primary legislation of the UK CBAM. The purpose of a CBAM is to place a carbon price on specified goods imported to the UK from sectors that are at risk of carbon leakage. The aim being to protect UK manufacturing. Find details here. For further details contact Jane Thornback.
Watch the recording of Noble Francis present at RIBA: Managing Global Uncertainty
Noble Francis presented to RIBA earlier this week. He looked into the performance of construction sectors from this year and into the next. A recording of the presentation can be watched here.
Watch the Recording of the CPA Webinar: U.S. Tariff Disruption, Uncertainty, and the CPA Construction Forecasts
U.S. tariff disruption has increased uncertainty and made market forecasting even more difficult than during Covid-19 Pandemic and the 2008 financial crisis. The webinar, hosted by Professor Noble Francis, focuses on the potential impacts for the U.K. economy and construction sector. Watch the recording and download the slides, here.
Source: CPA
MMC Standard
The BSI has published PAS 8700, sponsored by MHCLG, to standardise and streamline the use of modern methods of construction (MMC) in new-build residential properties. It covers project set up, design, information management, delivery and assembly, and maintenance and repair.
Source: Build UK / BSI
Build UK Responds to CITB Consensus
Following an extensive consultation process with members, Build UK has submitted its response to CITB Consensus confirming support for the Levy. Build UK received a response from all Contractor members that are liable to pay the Levy, as well as all Trade Association members with Specialist Contractors that are liable to pay the Levy, and the majority agreed that the Levy proposals are necessary to encourage adequate training in the construction industry.
Build UK highlighted that the Levy is just one part of the overall skills system that is required by industry and it should not be viewed in isolation. Alongside our response, we submitted an updated version of our ‘Levy In – Skills Out’ proposal, which sets out the core elements of the skills system needed to recruit, train and retain the talent the industry needs, along with what members expect in return for paying the Levy. In order to commit to investment in skills, employers require certainty of pipeline and the 10-year Infrastructure Strategy, due to be published by the Government later this year, should give them the confidence to make that investment, and the industry will need an effective skills system in place to deliver the capacity required to meet theUK’s homes and infrastructure needs.
CITB is expected to confirm the outcome of Consensus next week. If it is achieved, a new Levy Order will then be made by the Secretary of State authorising CITB to collect a Levy from in-scope employers until 2029.
Source: Build UK
April 2025 Update
SPRA Awards Luncheon 2025 – Hilton NEC Birmingham – Get your tickets now!
This year’s SPRA Awards will take place at the fabulous Hilton NEC Birmingham. This glittering event will showcase the fantastic achievements of the single ply roofing sector’s suppliers and contractors, for projects completed during 2024.
Tickets are selling really well so ensure to book to avoid disappointment.
SPRA Awards 2025 – Last week to submit your entries!
Entries for the SPRA Awards 2025 and now being accepted up to 30th April. Any single ply roofing project completed during 2024 is eligible for consideration for an award in the various categories set.
More information can be found in our Awards Top Tips Brochure.
We look forward to receiving your project entries: Submit your entries here!
SPRA Golf Day 2025 – Carden Park, Cheshire – 4th September 2025
Another date for your diary this year is the SPRA Golf Day returning to Carden Park in Cheshire. This is another event that provides an opportunity for members and their guests to compete on the Nicklaus championship course as well as enjoy the entertainment at the lavish dinner and golf awards taking place later that evening. This year there will be opportunities for non-golfers to enjoy some of the other facilities that this wonderful venue has to offer. So mark this date in your diary as ticketing will open soon.
Sponsorship – Limited opportunities available!
There are still a few opportunities to be a SPRA sponsor at this fabulous SPRA event. Contact enquiries@spra.co.uk for further information.
Training & Competency Development
New NVQ level 2 in Single Ply Roofing being planned for Northern England and separately for Scotland this year. Register your interest now! Get your employees a skilled worker’s qualification in single ply roofing.
SPRA are planning a number of training and competency development opportunities. These include Specialist Applied-Skills Programme (SAP) as well as upskilling, assessment and training (SUP/OSAT) for contractors’ installers.
These high-quality specialist training programmes for single ply roofers can lead to the Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Waterproofing Systems – Single Ply Membranes. SPRA contractor members benefit from reduced course rates and CITB registered companies can also access CITB grant funding.
Wind Load Calculation Protocol (WLCP)
These online sessions based on existing SPRA published guidance are very popular with members and non-members. They consist of one set of three 2-hour sessions. The sessions are based on the SPRA guidance document Wind Loading – Protocol for calculations (S11b/19) with extensive reference to the appropriate standards and other industry guidance that underpin this document. SPRA members again benefit from reduced course rates.
Contact SPRA for further information and to register your employees now.
SPRA joining other Trade Associations in Support of CCPI
Leading trade associations, including SPRA, across the manufacturing and supply sector have signed up to support CCPI. In signing the Trade Associate pledge, trade associations are committing to support and promote the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) and its registration and assessment process to their members with the aim to drive a transformational step change in construction product information and management. This is an important move to build back trust in construction product information and marketing, and drive positive culture change across the sector.
Important Note
SPRA members should not and cannot in any way imply to any third party in PR/marketing that they are registered and have been assessed through the CCPI process as a result of SPRA being an Associate CCPI member. They must go through the full CCPI process with CPI Ltd directly
Build UK Update
- Common Assessment Standard
- Building Safety Regime
- Gateway Two – Validation of Applications
- Contract Terms Guidance
- Degree Apprenticeships in Construction
Build UK members also have exclusive access to their helplines and services providing free advice on issues ranging from contracts and disputes to employment law and health and safety.
Common Assessment Standard
Build UK is finalising an updated version of the Common Assessment Standard for publication on1 July 2025, which will ensure it remains relevant and up to date and can be used to demonstrate companies across the supply chain have the organisational capability to fulfil their duties under the Building Safety Act.
A year on from its introduction in July 2024, the Building Safety section will be updated and become mandatory for all companies carrying out design or building work under the Act.Version 5will also contain key updates to both the Environmental and Fairness, Inclusion & Respect (FIR) sections to reflect the latest legislation and guidance. Companies will be required to complete the updated question set when they next go through the certification process for the Common Assessment Standard with a Recognised Assessment Body after 1 July.
The Common Assessment Standard is used by a growing list of organisations across the public and private sectors. This includes a number ofBuild UKTrade Association members who accept it as part of their membership audit schemes – ASUC, BCSA, BESA, FIS, HAE and IPAF – further reducing duplication and cost for the supply chain.
To support the continued development of the Common Assessment Standard, the name and logo have been registered as trademarks with the Intellectual Property Office, which will prevent other organisations from using the Common Assessment Standard brand without permission.
Source:Build UK/CSA
CSCS Latest News
CSCS has announced that the Safety Assessment Federation (SAFed) will no longer issue cards carrying the CSCS logo from 21 April 2025 after withdrawing from the CSCS Alliance. Construction sites are advised to continue to accept SAFed cards until 30 September 2025 as long as they are valid and within the original expiry date.
During this transition period, SAFed cardholders should take the following steps to obtain an appropriate new card depending on their occupation:
- Engineer Surveyor – Obtain a CSCS card via CSCS
- Steel Fabricator Welder or Stud Welder – Replace their SAFed issued card via CSCS
- All other welding occupations or Welding Inspector – Replace their SAFed issued card via TWI Cert.
Build UK members are encouraged to use CSCS Smart Check to verify that individuals hold the right card for the occupation they are undertaking. It can also help to identify card fraud where individuals have obtained cards illegally, including with genuine qualifications. CSCS Smart Check enables all 2.2 million cards carrying the CSCS logo to be checked with the same platform, and any suspected fraudulent cards should be reported to CSCS.
CPA Webinar: U.S. Tariff Disruption, Uncertainty and the CPA Construction Forecasts (11am, 30 April)
U.S. tariff disruption has increased uncertainty and made market forecasting even more difficult than during Covid-19 Pandemic and the 2008 financial crisis. This webinar – hosted by the CPA Economics Director, Professor Noble Francis – focuses on the potential impacts for the U.K. economy and construction sector. The webinar will be from 11.00 – 12.00 on Wednesday, 30 April via Zoom, and will include time for Q&A. Click here to register.
CPA Weekly UK Economic and Construction Update
The latest weekly update is available here, including:
- ONS UK CPI Inflation (March 2025)
- ONS UK Construction Wage Inflation (February 2025)
The CPA’s Spring Forecasts will be published on Monday, 28 April. Also note that the ONS has suspended its monthly UK building materials price data (and other producer price data) due to concerns about its reliability, which the CPA has been highlighting since the impacts of the energy and price spikes in Spring 2022.
CPA Briefing Paper: The Impacts of U.S. Tariffs
Following strong demand from members and government alike, the CPA’s economics team has published a briefing paper on the ‘Impacts of U.S. Tariffs’. This document will be revised as the situation develops, and made available to CPA members every Friday with our Weekly UK Economic and Construction Update. To receive this document via email every Friday please contact noble.francis@constructionproducts.org.uk ; alternatively, you can click here to read it now.
Today’s version includes, on Page 2, the results of an investment bank polling its key stakeholders on the probability of a U.S. recession (in the light of no hard data or surveys covering the period since the U.S. tariff disruption as yet). The new text is highlighted in yellow.
Source:CPA
Government Survey re Tariff Impact
The CPA has been contacted by the Department for Business and Trade to share this request (below). Please cascade this for response from your organisation or members. Note that the link for providing feedback is directly to the Government:
On 2 April President Trump announced universal 10% tariffs on top of existing US duties, fees and taxes on all imports from all trading countries, including the UK. This will come into effect (on 5 April). The new 10% tariffs announced on 2 April will not apply to US imports of steel, aluminium and automotive products, which are already subject to additional S232 tariffs of 25%.
To enable the UK to have every option open to us in the future, the Department has launched a Request for Input. We want to hear from business and stakeholders about your concerns and your assessment of the impact of any further steps we take and want UK businesses to help shape our response to US tariffs. Further information on the Request for Input and an indicative list of potential products in scope of any future UK tariff response can be found here.
The Request for Input will run for four weeks until 1 May 2025. Once the Request for Input closes, the Government will reflect on the feedback and consider how best to respond.
The Government will continue to engage with the US Administration on the details of these tariffs, to understand how they will be implemented. The UK will continue discussions with the US on an economic deal that strengthens our existing fair and balanced trading relationship.
Source: CPA/UK Gov
BSI Built Environment Summit 2025 – 30 April 2025 | 09:30 – 17:00 BST
The BSI is hosting an interactive online event that brings together professionals, innovators, and thought leaders to address the challenges and opportunities of our rapidly evolving built environment sector.
This is a cross divisional event with experts from all parts of the BSI business as well as external speakers, and will be hosted on line. The agenda highlights include:
- Insights from industry leaders: Learn about advancements in BIM, AI, and sustainability.
- Interactive sessions: Engage directly with speakers through Q&A and panel discussions.
- Networking opportunities: Connect with peers and explore virtual exhibitions.
To learn more or book your virtual seat, click here.
Source: CPA/BSI
Unpacking the impact of the government’s response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry phase 2 report
The CPA’s Technical Manager Mark Wilkinson was a speaker on a webinar on the 1st of April as he and the other panelists unpacked the key recommendations from the Inquiry, the government’s planned actions, and their potential impact on housing providers, councils, developers, and tenants. The webinar was hosted by building.co.uk and you can watch a recording here.
Key discussion points include:
- A breakdown of the government’s response and its alignment with the inquiry’s findings.
- The evolving regulatory landscape for fire safety, cladding remediation, and building accountability.
- Implications for registered providers, councils, and construction professionals.
- The role of tenant engagement and advocacy in driving cultural change.
- Long-term challenges and opportunities for delivering safer homes.
Source:CPA/Building.co.uk
March 2025 Update
SPRA Awards Luncheon 2025 – Hilton NEC Birmingham – June 12th 2025
This year’s SPRA Awards will take place at the fabulous Hilton NEC Birmingham. This glittering event will showcase the fantastic achievements of the single ply roofing sector’s suppliers and contractors, for projects completed during 2024.
Ticketing has opened through the SPRA website with limited ‘Early bird’ and ‘Table of 10’ discounted tickets available until the end of this month. Tickets are selling really well so ensure you book yours as soon as possible.
Sponsorship – Limited opportunities available!
There are still a few opportunities to be a SPRA sponsor at this fabulous SPRA event. Contact enquiries@spra.co.uk for further information.
SPRA Awards 2025 – Submit your entries now!
Any single ply roofing project completed during 2024 is eligible for consideration for an award in the various categories set.
This year will feature the following award categories for projects completed in 2024:
- Best Detailing
- Best New Build
- Best Refurbishment
- Best Small Project (≤100m²)
- Health and Safety Award
- Sustainability Award
Entries for the SPRA Awards 2025 and now being accepted up to 30th April. More information can be found in our Awards Top Tips Brochure.
We look forward to receiving your project entries: Submit your entries here!
SPRA Golf Day 2025 – Carden Park, Cheshire – 4th September 2025
Another date for your diary this year is the SPRA Golf Day returning to Carden Park in Cheshire. This is another event that provides an opportunity for members and their guests to compete on the Nicklaus championship course as well as enjoy the entertainment at the lavish dinner and golf awards taking place later that evening. This year there will be opportunities for non-golfers to enjoy some of the other facilities that this wonderful venue has to offer. So mark this date in your diary as ticketing will open soon.
Sponsorship – Limited opportunities available!
There are still a few opportunities to be a SPRA sponsor at this fabulous SPRA event. Contact enquiries@spra.co.uk for further information.
Training & Competency Development
SPRA are running a number of training and competency development opportunities. These include Specialist Applied-Skills Programme (SAP) as well as upskilling, assessment and training (SUP/OSAT) for contractors’ installers.
These high-quality specialist training programmes for single ply roofers can lead to the Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Waterproofing Systems – Single Ply Membranes. SPRA contractor members benefit from reduced course rates and CITB registered companies can also access CITB grant funding.
Wind Load Calculation Protocol (WLCP)
These online sessions based on existing SPRA published guidance are very popular with members and non-members. They consist of one set of three 2-hour sessions. The sessions are based on the SPRA guidance document Wind Loading – Protocol for calculations (S11b/19) with extensive reference to the appropriate standards and other industry guidance that underpin this document. SPRA members again benefit from reduced course rates.
Contact SPRA for further information and to register your employees now.
SPRA joining other Trade Associations in Support of CCPI
Leading trade associations, including SPRA, across the manufacturing and supply sector are signing up to support CCPI. In signing the Trade Associate pledge, trade associations are committing to support and promote the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) and its registration and assessment process to their members with the aim to drive a transformational step change in construction product information and management. This is an important move to build back trust in construction product information and marketing and drive positive culture change across the sector.
Important Note
SPRA members should not and cannot in any way imply to any third party in PR/marketing that they are registered and have been assessed through the CCPI process as a result of SPRA being an Associate CCPI member. They must go through the full CCPI process with CPI Ltd directly.
Build UK – CITB Consensus Survey – Deadline 17th April 2025 for CITB Levy Payers
The latest CITB Consensus process is now underway and Build UK, as one of 14 ‘Prescribed Organisations’, is required to formally consult its in-scope members on whether the Levy Proposals for 2026 – 2029 are necessary to provide adequate training in the industry and then submit a collective response on their behalf by the deadline of 9 May.
Build UK members that are liable to pay the CITB Levy should have received our Consensus Survey – either directly to their nominated Levy contact or via their Trade Association – asking for their views. The deadline to complete the survey is Thursday 17 April and please ensure your organisation takes this opportunity to have its say on the continuation of the Levy.
Please note
- The survey will close onThursday 17 April 2025
- That this isnot a vote on the future of CITB itself; it is a say on how CITB will generate the Levy over the period 2026-2029
- This survey is only to be completed by members that are likely to pay the CITB Levy in the period 2026-2029
- The person completing the survey must have the authority to respond on behalf of their company
To confirm, the CITB Levy proposal for the period 2026-2029 is:
- A PAYE payroll contribution of 0.35% and
- A net CIS contribution of 1.25%
- Employers with an annual wage bill of less than £150k will be exempt; and
- Employers with an annual wage bill of between £150k and £500k will receive a 50% deduction on the Levy assessment, so that
- Employers will only pay the full assessment if their annual wage bill is £500k or above
- No other Levy Exemptions Schemes shall apply
As indicated above Build UK has updated its ‘Levy In Skills Out’ proposal for members to consider as part of this year’s consultation process and please could SPRA members:
- Review this proposal and provide any feedback
- Could SPRA members please provide their feedback to Build UK directly
- Provide all feedback to sisman@builduk.org by Thursday 17 April.
Source Build UK/CITB
CPA Trade Survey 2025 Q1
The CPA’s State of Trade Survey for Q1 is now open. Please can you to fill in (or send on to someone else in your organisation or your members to complete) on the state of trade in your sub-sector during the January-March period of 2025.
The deadline is the end of Monday 7 April and the CPA would encourage you to respond so that they can present a comprehensive view of the industry’s near-term performance. The survey can be found here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CPASurvey25Q1.
All responses are kept strictly confidentially and results will be presented on an aggregate basis only.
CPA Construction Trade Survey Q4 2024
Find the Construction Trade Survey here!
Source:CPA
CITB Strategic Plan Published
CITB has launched its Strategic Plan 2025‐29 ahead of Consensus to outline how it will help the industry to meet its skills and training needs over the next four years. CITB’s purpose is to support the industry to develop a skilled, competent and inclusive workforce now and in the future, and the Strategic Plan sets out three key objectives:
- Inspire and enable diverse and skilled people into construction by increasing new entrants through materials and campaigns showcasing the industry.
- Develop a training and skills system to meet current and future needs by making it simpler and more responsive and providing increased capability and capacity in construction training provision.
- Support the industry to train, develop and retain its workforce by leading the development of an industry‐agreed definition of competence for every construction occupation and reviewing grant and funding incentives for employers.
Building Safety Update
Philip White, Chief Inspector of Buildings and Director of Building Safety at the HSE, has published a letter on the use of BS 9991 in relation to applications for Building Control Approval, which is supported by an advisory note from the CLC. They confirm the position set out by Build UK in January and include the following transitional dates:
- Planning applications made from the date of publication of the CLC advisory note on 17 March 2025 should use BS 9991:2024
- Gateway Two applications where a project has previously progressed a design using BS 9991:2015 are required to state how and why the building work remains compliant with the Building Regulations
- From 30 September 2026, Gateway Two applications should use BS 9991:2024.
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) joined the Build UK Building Safety call last week to give an update on Gateway Two and members had the opportunity to raise their latest queries about the application process. Having pledged to clear the backlog of applications submitted up to July 2024 by the end of this financial year, the BSR committed again to working with industry to improve the process and provide more feedback to applicants. It highlighted the importance of the description of the work included within applications which serves as a ‘project summary’, and Build UK has followed up with the BSR for information on exactly what is required in order to update our overview of the validation stage.
Source: Build UK/CITB
CPA Weekly UK Economic and Construction Update
The latest weekly update is available here, including:
- ONS UK Construction Wage Inflation (January 2025)
- RIBA Future Trends Survey (February 2025)
- Insolvency Service UK Construction Insolvencies (January 2025)
Please note that the CPA has consistently highlighted to members and the Office for National Statistics (ONS) significant problems with the ONS construction output data since the energy and commodity price spikes in 2022. This has meant that the ONS has been underestimating price inflation and overestimating the volume of construction output, which particularly appears to affect key sectors such as private housing rm&i. The ONS publicly acknowledged today that this is an issue and that it is more wide-ranging than construction, as it may also affect the ONS’s manufacturing and services data, as well as its imports and exports data. However, the ONS has so far given no details of what will be done to address the problems or when these issues will be resolved. As we take this further with the ONS directly, it would be helpful to be aware of any problems you may have also had with the data.
Source: CPA
CPA Winter Forecasts
The CPA’s Winter Forecasts were published on Monday 27 January and is available for members to download from the CPA Website, along with the accompanying webinar hosted by Noble Francis.
There will be a Spring Statement Special of the Weekly Notes sent out on Wednesday 26th March.
Source: CPA
Building Safety Regulator Launches Review
The Building Safety Regulator’s (BSR’s) Technical Policy team is planning an official review of the Approved Documents (ADs) the statutory guidance documents that advise on how to meet the Building Regulations which is expected to build on the findings of an expert group that was set up by the Government in line with a recommendation in Dame Judith Hackitt’s Interim Report on Building Regulations and Fire Safety in 2020. More information on the review and how to take part can be found here.
Source: CPA/BSR
Building Safety Regulator Webinars
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) is hosting a series of free webinars designed to provide practical advice and guidance on a range of building safety topics. Each session has been designed with a specific audience in mind. It’s important that delegates only register for those webinars most relevant to them to ensure all delegates get the most benefit from the session. Places are limited so early registration is advised. Further information and registration can be found here.
Source: CPA/BSR
Unpacking the impact of the government’s response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry phase 2 report
The CPA’s Technical Manager Mark Wilkinson will be a speaker on a webinar on the 1st of April at 11:00 as they unpack the key recommendations from the inquiry, the government’s planned actions, and their potential impact on housing providers, councils, developers, and tenants. The webinar is being hosted by building.co.uk and you can register here for the event.
Key discussion points include:
- A breakdown of the government’s response and its alignment with the inquiry’s findings.
- The evolving regulatory landscape for fire safety, cladding remediation, and building accountability.
- Implications for registered providers, councils, and construction professionals.
- The role of tenant engagement and advocacy in driving cultural change.
- Long-term challenges and opportunities for delivering safer homes.
Source: CPA
Routes of Entry
Following the recent changes to CSCS cards and withdrawal of the Onsite Construction T Level, Build UK has updated its guides setting out the most common routes of entry into the industry for young people leaving school in England and Scotland, designed to help identify which is the most appropriate for them. More skills and training news can be found in our latest Recruiting, Training and Retaining Talent update.
Source: Build UK/CSCS
Industry Accreditation
CITB has announced that the funding available to support individuals impacted by the withdrawal of CSCS cards obtained via Industry Accreditation at the end of last year will be extended until 31 March 2026. There is an achievement grant of £1,250 for certain supervision S/NVQs and £1,500 for certain management S/NVQs.
Source: Build UK/CITB
February 2025 Update
SPRA Awards Luncheon 2025 – Hilton NEC Birmingham – June 12th 2025
This year’s SPRA Awards will take place at the fabulous Hilton NEC Birmingham. This glittering event will showcase the fantastic achievements of the single ply roofing sector’s suppliers and contractors, for projects completed during 2024.
Ticketing will be open shortly through the SPRA website and will be announced through all the usual channels. There will be ‘Early bird’ and ‘Table of 10’ discounted tickets available. Get in early, as soon as ticketing opens!
SPRA Awards 2025 – Submit your entries now!
Any single ply roofing project completed during 2024 is eligible for consideration for an award in the various categories set.
This year will feature the following award categories for projects completed in 2024:
- Best Detailing
- Best New Build
- Best Refurbishment
- Best Small Project (≤100m²)
- Health and Safety Award
- Sustainability Award
Further information about the criteria for each award category; a summary of last year’s winners; and top tips for project submissions are available in the Top Tips for Project Submissions brochure. If you don’t have a copy, please send an e-mail to enquiries@spra.co.uk.
We look forward to receiving your project entries via https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RYNJCNL .
The deadline for submissions is Wednesday 30 April.
SPRA Golf Day 2025 – Carden Park, Cheshire – 4th September 2025
Another date for your diary for 2025 is the SPRA Golf Day returning to Carden Park in Cheshire. This is another event that provides an opportunity for members and their guests to compete on the Nicklaus championship course as well as enjoy the entertainment at the lavish dinner and golf awards taking place later that evening. This year there will be opportunities for non-golfers to enjoy some of the other facilities that this wonderful venue has to offer.
Training & Competency Development
SPRA are running a number of training and competency development opportunities. These include Specialist Applied-Skills Programme (SAP) as well as upskilling, assessment and training (SUP/OSAT) for contractors’ installers.
These high-quality specialist training programmes for single ply roofers can lead to the Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Waterproofing Systems – Single Ply Membranes. SPRA contractor members benefit from reduced course rates and CITB registered companies can also access CITB grant funding.
Wind Load Calculation Protocol (WLCP)
These online sessions based on existing SPRA published guidance are very popular with members and non-members. They consist of one set of three 2-hour sessions. The sessions are based on the SPRA guidance document Wind Loading – Protocol for calculations (S11b/19) with extensive reference to the appropriate standards and other industry guidance that underpin this document. SPRA members again benefit from reduced course rates.
Contact SPRA for further information and to register your employees now.
SPRA joining other Trade Associations in Support of CCPI
Leading trade associations, including SPRA, across the manufacturing and supply sector are signing up to support CCPI. In signing the Trade Associate pledge, trade associations are committing to support and promote the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) and its registration and assessment process to their members with the aim to drive a transformational step change in construction product information and management. This is an important move to build back trust in construction product information and marketing and drive positive culture change across the sector.
Important Note
SPRA members should not and cannot in any way imply to any third party in PR/marketing that they are registered and have been assessed through the CCPI process as a result of SPRA being an Associate CCPI member. They must go through the full CCPI process with CPI Ltd directly.
CPA Weekly UK Economic and Construction Update
The latest weekly update is available here, including:
- ONS UK CPI Inflation (January 2025)
- ONS UK Construction Employment (2024 Q4)
- ONS UK Construction Wage Inflation (December 2024)
- Insolvency Service UK Construction Insolvencies (December 2024)
- RICS UK Residential Market Survey (January 2025)
The CPA’s Winter Forecasts were published on Monday 27 January and will be available for members to download from the CPA Website, along with the accompanying webinar hosted by Noble Francis.
Source: CPA
Building Safety Regulator Launches Review
The Building Safety Regulator’s (BSR’s) Technical Policy team is planning an official review of the Approved Documents (ADs) the statutory guidance documents that advise on how to meet the Building Regulations which is expected to build on the findings of an expert group that was set up by the Government in line with a recommendation in Dame Judith Hackitt’s Interim Report on Building Regulations and Fire Safety in 2020. More information on the review and how to take part can be found here.
Source: CPA/BSR
Building Safety Regulator Webinars
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) is hosting a series of free webinars designed to provide practical advice and guidance on a range of building safety topics. Each session has been designed with a specific audience in mind. It’s important that delegates only register for those webinars most relevant to them to ensure all delegates get the most benefit from the session. Places are limited so early registration is advised. Further information and registration can be found here.
Source: CPA/BSR
The Industry Competence Steering Group (ICSG) Announces Restructure and Renewed Focus on Competence Within the Built Environment
The Industry Competence Steering Group (ICSG) has announced a comprehensive restructure to enhance competence and safety standards across the built environment. Established in response to the Grenfell Tower Fire and subsequent Hackitt Review, ICSG has now transitioned to become a formal working group of the Industry Competence Committee (ICC) under the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), signalling a strategic shift towards more rigorous industry-wide competence frameworks. Please go here to learn the details.
Source: CPA/ICSG
Reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings Regime
This consultation seeks views on the reform of the Energy Performance of Buildings (EPB) framework. It covers the following areas:
- Clarifying and consolidating regulations, and focusing on improving the applicability, quality, and data usage of energy certificates in domestic and non-domestic buildings
- Updating EPC metrics
- Refining requirements for Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and Display Energy Certificates (DECs)
- Improving data management protocols and strengthening quality control
- Revising air conditioning inspection reports (ACIRs)
This consultation is scheduled to last for 12 weeks from 4 December 2024 to 26 February 2025.
Further details can be found here.
Source: CPA/UK Gov
Routes of Entry
Following the recent changes to CSCS cards and withdrawal of the Onsite Construction T Level, Build UK has updated its guides setting out the most common routes of entry into the industry for young people leaving school in England and Scotland, designed to help identify which is the most appropriate for them. More skills and training news can be found in our latest Recruiting, Training and Retaining Talent update.
Source: Build UK/CSCS
Common Assessment Standard
To coincide with the Procurement Act coming into force on 24 February 2025, which will introduce significant changes to public sector procurement, Build UK will be publishing an updated version of the Common Assessment Standard to ensure that it remains relevant and up to date for use by public sector clients and their suppliers.
Version 4.1 will include minor updates to the question set and associated guidance to reflect the requirements of the Procurement Act, as well as the changes to company size thresholds from 1 April 2025. Suppliers will be required to answer the updated question set when they go through the certification process for the Common Assessment Standard after 24 February.
The Welsh Government has published WPPN 001 which states that Welsh authorities should use Common Assessment Standard for works contracts from 24 February. The WPPN highlights the benefits of adopting the Common Assessment Standard in Wales, including improving efficiency and saving suppliers time and money through use of a common question set.
Source: Build UK/CSA
Industry Accreditation
CITB has announced that the funding available to support individuals impacted by the withdrawal of CSCS cards obtained via Industry Accreditation at the end of last year will be extended until 31 March 2026. There is an achievement grant of £1,250 for certain supervision S/NVQs and £1,500 for certain management S/NVQs.
Source: Build UK/CITB
Consensus Delayed
CITB has announced that its Consensus process will be delayed by five weeks to enable its Strategic Plan 2025-29 to be aligned with the outcomes of the ITB review undertaken by Mark Farmer. Consensus will now start on 17 March and Build UK will be formally consulting its in-scope members on the continuation of the Levy.
Source: Build UK/CITB
Grenfell Response
The Government has issued its response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s final report, which confirms the Government accepts all the Inquiry’s findings and is committed to delivering a ‘strong response’ to the recommendations. The changes will be delivered using a ‘three‐phased approach’ over the course of this Parliament to deliver ‘meaningful change as quickly as possible’.
Source: BuildUK/ UK Government
Building Safety Calls
Build UK continues to hold regular Building Safety calls for members and the BSR Insight Team joined our first one of the year to provide an update on the work being undertaken to create a consistent Culture Framework to drive positive building safety culture in construction. The next call will take place on Tuesday 11 March from 8:30am ‐ 9:30am and your nominated Building Safety representative should have received the details directly.
Source: Build UK
January 2025 Update
SPRA Awards Luncheon 2025 – Hilton NEC Birmingham – June 12th 2025
We are delighted to announce that next year’s SPRA Awards will take place at the fabulous Hilton NEC Birmingham. This glittering event will showcase the fantastic achievements of the single ply roofing sector’s suppliers and contractors, for projects completed during 2024.
Details regarding ticketing will be available in early 2025 and will be announced through all the usual channels.
SPRA Awards 2025 – Submit your entries now!
We are delighted to announce that we are now accepting entries for the SPRA Awards 2025. Any single ply roofing project completed during 2024 is eligible for consideration for an award in the various categories set.
We look forward to receiving your project entries via https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RYNJCNL . The deadline for submissions is Wednesday 30 April.
SPRA Golf Day 2025 – Carden Park, Cheshire – 4th September 2025
Another date for your diary for 2025 is the SPRA Golf Day returning to Carden Park in Cheshire. This is another event that provides an opportunity for members and their guests to compete on the Nicklaus championship course as well as enjoy the entertainment at the lavish dinner and golf awards taking place later that evening. This year there will be opportunities for non-golfers to enjoy some of the other facilities that this wonderful venue has to offer.
Training & Competency Development
SPRA are running a number of training and competency development opportunities. These include Specialist Applied-Skills Programme (SAP) as well as upskilling, assessment and training (SUP/OSAT) for contractors’ installers.
These high-quality specialist training programmes for single ply roofers can lead to the Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Waterproofing Systems – Single Ply Membranes. SPRA contractor members benefit from reduced course rates and CITB registered companies can also access CITB grant funding.
Wind Load Calculation Protocol (WLCP) – Book now for 2025!
These online sessions based on existing SPRA published guidance are very popular with members and non-members. They consist of one set of three 2-hour sessions. The sessions are based on the SPRA guidance document Wind Loading – Protocol for calculations (S11b/19) with extensive reference to the appropriate standards and other industry guidance that underpin this document. SPRA members again benefit from reduced course rates.
Contact SPRA for further information and to register your employees now.
Construction Trade Survey 2024 Q3
Construction product manufacturers reported a second quarter of growth in sales volumes, although for the heavy side, sales remained lower than a year earlier. Members can access the latest survey here.
Source: CPA
CPA / BSR Workshop re BS476 – 22 January 2025
The CPA and Building Safety Regulator are hosting an ‘in-person’ workshop for members on 22 January to discuss with officials from the BSR the changes Government wants to make to BS 476. Particular sectors affected include doors, ironmongery and rooflights, though many others may be affected as this standard covers fire testing and certification. The workshop is scheduled for 10am at the Broadway House Conference Centre, Tothill Street, London SW1H 9NQ. Please indicate your interest to attend by contacting emma.gange@constructionproducts.org.uk.
Source: CPA/BSR
The Industry Competence Steering Group (ICSG) Announces Restructure and Renewed Focus on Competence Within the Built Environment
The Industry Competence Steering Group (ICSG) has announced a comprehensive restructure to enhance competence and safety standards across the built environment. Established in response to the Grenfell Tower Fire and subsequent Hackitt Review, ICSG has now transitioned to become a formal working group of the Industry Competence Committee (ICC) under the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), signalling a strategic shift towards more rigorous industry-wide competence frameworks. Please go here to learn the details.
Source: CPA/ICSG
CPA Weekly UK Economic and Construction Update
The latest weekly update is available here, including:
The latest weekly update is enclosed, including:
- S&P Global UK Construction PMI (December 2024)
- HMRC UK Residential Property Transactions (November 2024)
- Bank of England UK Mortgage Approvals (November 2024)
- Nationwide UK House Price Index (December 2024)
The CPA’s Winter forecasts will be published on Monday 27 January and will be available for members to download from the CPA Website.
Source: CPA
Reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings Regime
This consultation seeks views on the reform of the Energy Performance of Buildings (EPB) framework. It covers the following areas:
clarifying and consolidating regulations, and focusing on improving the applicability, quality, and data usage of energy certificates in domestic and non-domestic buildings
updating EPC metrics
refining requirements for Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and Display Energy Certificates (DECs)
improving data management protocols and strengthening quality control
revising air conditioning inspection reports (ACIRs)
This consultation is scheduled to last for 12 weeks from 4 December 2024 to 26 February 2025.
Further details can be found here.
Source: CPA/UK Gov
Building Safety Update
MHCLG issues a monthly progress report covering all the remediation programmes for residential buildings 11 metres and over in England with unsafe cladding. The latest data release covering up to the end of November 2024 shows remediation works have been completed on 29% of the 4,998 buildings identified, with work underway on a further 19%.
There are currently 514 buildings 18 metres and over with unsafe ACM cladding and remediation works have been fully completed on 81%, with a further 5% awaiting building control sign off. The next data release will be published on 23 January.
Build UK has updated its guide to the Building Safety Regime to reflect the latest information that has been published. The January 2025 version includes details of the Government’s Remediation Acceleration Plan and updated guidance from the BSR on the Gateways, such as the use of a partial completion strategy where part of a building will become occupied before all work has been completed. Our timeline has also been updated showing at glance when the key changes are taking effect under the new regime.
Source: Build UK/MHCLG
Industry Accreditation
CITB has announced that the funding available to support individuals impacted by the withdrawal of CSCS cards obtained via Industry Accreditation at the end of last year will be extended until 31 March 2026. There is an achievement grant of £1,250 for certain supervision S/NVQs and £1,500 for certain management S/NVQs.
Source: Build UK/CITB
Consensus Delayed
CITB has announced that its Consensus process will be delayed by five weeks to enable its Strategic Plan 2025‐29 to be aligned with the outcomes of the ITB review undertaken by Mark Farmer. Consensus will now start on 17 March and Build UK will be formally consulting its in‐scope members on the continuation of the Levy.
Source: Build UK/CITB
Building Safety Culture Change ‐ Have Your Say
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) is developing a framework to introduce consistency and structure around the topic of building safety culture change. Its new project, Facilitating Culture Change in the Built Environment, aims to set out what high‐level factors drive a positive building safety culture and support organisations and individuals within the sector to improve culture.
The BSR is looking for feedback from businesses across the supply chain on its draft culture framework to make sure it will work across diverse professions and trades. The BSR will be hosting a series of online focus groups in December and January, and any members interested in participating should submit an expression of interest to the BSR.
The initial findings will be presented at our first Building Safety call of 2025 on Tuesday 28 January and your nominated Building Safety representative should have received a calendar invitation directly.
Source: Build UK/BSR
December 2024 Update
New SPRA Chair – Melanie Marquard
Welcome to our new SPRA Chair – Melanie Marquard – Managing Director of Protan for UK and Western Europe. Melanie officially took over as SPRA Chair at the last SPRA Council meeting of the year on 10th December. She succeeds Martyn Holloway of SFS who had been in post for the last 5 years. Melanie thanked Martyn, who remains on Council, for his excellent work as SPRA Chair during his tenure and confirmed her intention to focus on behalf of the SPRA membership to continue the growth and development of the association.
SPRA Awards Luncheon 2025 – Hilton NEC Birmingham – June 12th 2025
We are delighted to announce that next year’s SPRA Awards will take place at the fabulous Hilton NEC Birmingham. This glittering event will showcase the fantastic achievements of the single ply roofing sector’s suppliers and contractors, for projects completed during 2024.
Details regarding ticketing will be available in early 2025 and will be announced through all the usual channels.
SPRA Awards 2025 – Submit your entries now!
We are delighted to announce that we are now accepting entries for the SPRA Awards 2025. Any single ply roofing project completed during 2024 is eligible for consideration for an award in the various categories set.
We look forward to receiving your project entries via https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RYNJCNL . The deadline for submissions is Wednesday 30 April.
SPRA Golf Day 2025 – Carden Park, Cheshire – 4th September 2025
Another date for your diary for 2025 is the SPRA Golf Day returning to Carden Park in Cheshire. This is another event that provides an opportunity for members and their guests to compete on the Nicklaus championship course as well as enjoy the entertainment at the lavish dinner and golf awards taking place later that evening. This year there will be opportunities for non-golfers to enjoy some of the other facilities that this wonderful venue has to offer.
Training & Competency Development
SPRA are running a number of training and competency development opportunities. These include Specialist Applied-Skills Programme (SAP) as well as upskilling, assessment and training (SUP/OSAT) for contractors’ installers.
These high-quality specialist training programmes for single ply roofers can lead to the Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Waterproofing Systems – Single Ply Membranes. SPRA contractor members benefit from reduced course rates and CITB registered companies can also access CITB grant funding.
Wind Load Calculation Protocol (WLCP) – Book now for 2025!
These online sessions based on existing SPRA published guidance are very popular with members and non-members. They consist of one set of three 2-hour sessions. The sessions are based on the SPRA guidance document Wind Loading – Protocol for calculations (S11b/19) with extensive reference to the appropriate standards and other industry guidance that underpin this document. SPRA members again benefit from reduced course rates.
Contact SPRA for further information and to register your employees now.
CMA probes possible bid-rigging in relation to school improvement fund
RAAC Playbook
New SPRA Member
We are delighted to announce that Moy Materials UK Ltd have joined SPRA as a Membrane category member.
We welcome the Moy Materials team to SPRA, wishing them well and look forward to their participation in future SPRA technical and sustainability committees, as well as networking events.
https://moymaterials.com/single-ply/
November 2024 Update
SPRA Awards Luncheon 2025 – Hilton NEC Birmingham – 12th June 2025
We are delighted to announce that next year’s SPRA Awards will take place at the fabulous Hilton NEC Birmingham. This glittering event will showcase the fantastic achievements of the single ply roofing sector’s suppliers and contractors, for projects completed during 2024.
Details regarding ticketing will be available shortly and will be announced through all the usual channels.
SPRA Golf Day 2025 – Carden Park, Cheshire – 4th September 2025
Another date for your diary for 2025 is the SPRA Golf Day returning to Carden Park in Cheshire. This is another event that provides an opportunity for members and their guests to compete on the Nicklaus championship course as well as enjoy the entertainment at the lavish dinner and golf awards taking place later that evening. This year there will be opportunities for non-golfers to enjoy some of the other facilities that this wonderful venue has to offer.
Training & Competency Development – New SAP starting in January 2025
SPRA are running a number of training and competency development opportunities. These include Specialist Applied-Skills Programme (SAP) as well as upskilling, assessment and training (SUP/OSAT) for contractors’ installers.
These high-quality specialist training programmes for single ply roofers can lead to the Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Waterproofing Systems – Single Ply Membranes. SPRA contractor members benefit from reduced course rates and CITB registered companies can also access CITB grant funding.
New SPRA SAP starting soon in January at Welwyn Garden City. Funding available. Enquire and register your trainees now at training@spra.co.uk.
Wind Load Calculation Protocol (WLCP) – Book now for 2025!
These online sessions based on existing SPRA published guidance are very popular with members and non-members. They consist of one set of three 2-hour sessions. The sessions are based on the SPRA guidance document Wind Loading – Protocol for calculations (S11b/19) with extensive reference to the appropriate standards and other industry guidance that underpin this document. SPRA members again benefit from reduced course rates.
Contact SPRA for further information and to register your employees now.
New SPRA Member
We are thrilled to welcome Ashton Building Systems (Scotland) Ltd to the SPRA family as a Contractor member.
Ashton Building Systems is a leading Glasgow-based contractor specialising in roofing and cladding solutions for commercial, industrial, and residential projects.
We extend our warmest greetings to the Ashton Building Systems (Scotland) Ltd team. Welcome to the SPRA community.
https://ashtonbuildingsystems.co.uk/services/
SPRA Awards Luncheon 2024 - What an event!
The 2024 SPRA Awards Luncheon took place at The Burlington Hotel in Birmingham last week. A fabulous venue for a prestigious industry event. A huge thank you to our Event Partner, Award, Drinks Reception and Luncheon sponsors for making such a fabulous occasion possible.
Congratulations to all award contenders and eventual winners for each category. This really was a fantastic year for award entries. The highest number SPRA have ever had by some distance and yet maintaining the highest standards, expected of SPRA members’ roofing projects.
Finally, thank you to our members and guests in attendance for making the day such a success.