With just a few weeks to go, the finishing touches are being made to the programme for the two-day MCRMA Technical Conference, which takes place at Telford on 10 – 11 November.
Organised exclusively for members of the MCRMA, the trade association representing the metal cladding and roofing industry, the event aims to give those working at all stages of the supply chain the opportunity to hear the latest insights from industry leaders and technical specialists to help them stay ahead of the curve.
This year’s Technical Conference, which is sponsored by MCRMA-member companies Steadmans, Hambleside Danelaw, Firth Steels and Fixing Point, is expected to be attended by around 80 people, and will take place across two venues – the RAF Museum, Midlands and the Telford Hotel, Golf & Spa Resort.
Day One
Day one of the conference will focus on two of the most significant issues facing the industry – competency and compliance. This will include presentations by Neville Grunwald, Director of Facades at Wates and Chair of the JCI (Joint Competence Initiative), who will discuss competency across the supply chain, and Andy Crooks, Managing Director at Planet Building Control, who will offer a perspective on the key considerations affecting the supply chain in the new regulatory landscape from a building control perspective.
The first day will also include presentations by Amanda Long, Chief Executive of the CCPI, who will look at the application of the CPI Code and Building Safety Act, and Gavin Hoccom, Partner at Browne Jacobson. His presentation will explore the regulation of manufacturers as designers in metal building envelope projects. A panel discussion involving all the speakers from day one will wrap up the first session.
Day Two
Day two of the Technical Conference will focus more on the technical detailing of metal roofing and cladding, beginning with a presentation by independent inspectors Barry Jackson and Nick Selves, who will share their insights into where projects can go wrong. A presentation by Martin Heywood, Director of Newton Launch Systems, will follow explaining the structural performance of metal cladding systems.
Three further sessions will take place starting with a presentation by Barry Rust, Head of Market and Business Development at Building Systems UK, a Tata Steel enterprise, who will discuss sustainability in steel. The conference will conclude with two panel discussions – the first on sustainability, focusing on supply chain transparency, and the second on fixings, with both providing the opportunity for members to ask any questions they may have.
Adrian Whitefoot, Chair of the MCRMA, comments: “The return of the Technical Conference in 2024 after a ten-year hiatus was a tremendous success, and we are aiming to build on this at Telford.
“The support of our sponsors, Steadmans, Hambleside Danelaw, Firth Steels and Fixing Point, has helped us to develop an excellent two-day programme, and I’d like to express the association’s gratitude for their backing.
“The fact that the event is fully subscribed shows the strong appetite amongst the MCRMA membership to develop their knowledge, explore ways to meet the challenges their businesses face and network, and that is really encouraging as the industry adapts to change.”
More information about the MCRMA can be found at www.mcrma.co.uk.
