The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) is inviting the entire roofing and cladding supply chain to take part in an innovative AI-powered Skills Forum on Thursday 25 September, 14:00–15:00. 

Delivered in partnership with the Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA), the Single Ply Roofing Association (SPRA), the Mastic Asphalt Council (MAC), the Rooflight Association (RA), and the Green Roof Organisation (GRO), this interactive event is open to all those with a stake in recruitment, retention, and training from business owners, manufacturers, and subcontractors to apprentices, training providers, and colleges.

Powered by Natter, an AI conversational intelligence platform, the forum will enable all participants to anonymously share challenges, exchange ideas, and contribute to the creation of a practical Action Plan Template for businesses. This template will provide actionable advice for workforce expansion and guidance to assist and encourage roofing and cladding companies that may be hesitant about taking on new recruits.

“Recruitment is one of the most pressing challenges across the roofing and cladding industry. This forum offers a safe space to openly share experiences and frustrations, while building solutions together,” said Gray Gibson, NFRC Policy Officer. “By harnessing AI technology, we can anonymously capture honest perspectives, identify common barrier trends, and drive collaboration to support both businesses and new entrants to our industry.”

The insights gained will be shared with all participants and used to strengthen cross-industry connections, providing a foundation for long-term cooperation on skills. NFRC has signalled its openness to working with other trade associations and industry bodies to widen the conversation and ensure solutions are industry-wide.

James Talman, NFRC Group CEO, commented: 

“Our industry’s future depends on its people. By bringing the supply chain together in one forum, supported by advanced AI tools, we can better understand the real issues businesses are facing and co-create strategies to overcome them. Collaboration is key, no single organisation will solve the workforce crisis alone.”

The NFRC Skills Forum will take place online and is free to attend. Participants will be able to contribute from anywhere using a computer (preferable) or mobile device, with no downloads or software required.

Those interested are invited to register below:

Event details

• Date: Thursday 25 September

• Time: 14:00–15:00

• Participants are encouraged to register here: https://app.natter.co/event-public/1273990

If you have any technical queries ahead of the day, email Natter Support for guidance (team@natter.co)