The Insulation Manufacturers Association (IMA) has appointed Laurent Verheyden, managing director of SOPREMA UK, as its new president.
According to the association, Laurent brings experience from leading a UK manufacturer of insulation and waterproofing products and systems. His appointment comes at a time when the construction sector faces increasing regulatory scrutiny, heightened expectations around building performance, and the need to translate policy ambition into consistent, measurable outcomes on site, the IMA noted.
Laurent said: “It is a real privilege to be appointed president of IMA. This role carries significant responsibility, not only to the association’s members, but to the wider construction industry and the homes and buildings we collectively help to deliver.”
The IMA stated that he has consistently highlighted that while the industry shares strong ambitions around sustainability, safety and energy efficiency, good intentions alone do not build good houses.
Laurent added: “If we want to build homes that genuinely perform as intended, we must move beyond aspiration and focus on how buildings are designed, specified and constructed in practice. That means clear product information, robust standards and close collaboration between manufacturers, designers and contractors.”
The association cited that a central priority of Laurent’s presidency will be reinforcing the role of IMA as a trusted, independent voice within the construction market. He said the association has a critical responsibility to contribute constructively to industry-wide dialogue, providing clarity, technical leadership and evidence-based guidance.
Laurent is an advocate for the UK Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI), alongside compliance with Building Regulations and the Future Homes Standard. He added that these frameworks are essential to restoring confidence and consistency across the sector.
Laurent said: “The CCPI represents an important step forward for our sector. As manufacturers, we have a duty to provide clear, accurate and substantiated information that supports informed decision-making. This isn’t about compliance for its own sake; it’s about reinforcing trust, and ensuring the insulation industry remains a credible and responsible contributor to the built environment.
“For IMA members, this is about leadership through collaboration. By working together, sharing expertise and holding ourselves to consistently high standards, we can strengthen the reputation of PIR insulation manufacturers and reinforce the value we bring to the construction market.”
