Gordon Penrose, the honorary president of the Institute of Roofing (IoR), has been awarded an MBE in the 2021 New Year Honours list in recognition of his services to the roof slating and tiling industry.
Gordon, who is also the managing director of Penrose Roofing in Northern Ireland, has played key roles in various roofing associations over the last 60 years. He has been the president of both the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) and the International Federation for the Roofing Trade (IFD).
He has also served two terms as chairman of the NFRC Northern Ireland region, and has chaired the NFRC’s competitions committee, which was responsible for organising roofing competitions, including selecting teams for SkillBuild UK and the IFD World Championship.
As director of the Northern Ireland Roof Training Group, Gordon has played a key role in helping to create apprenticeships for young people within the industry. He was instrumental in bringing the IFD congress and world championship roofing competitions to Belfast in 2010, as well as the IoR conference to Belfast in 2012.
Speaking about his achievement, Gordon said: “I’m incredibly honoured to have received this award. I could not have achieved this without the support and help of my family, friends and colleagues in the roofing industry.
“A large part of my working life has been focused on helping to train the next generation of roofers. It has always been my ambition to provide a career path for young people through apprenticeships, enabling them to gain professional roofing qualifications through the IoR.”
Matthew Fry, chairman of the IoR, added: “I have known and worked with Gordon for many years, and it’s clear to see his passion and commitment to the Institute, its members, and the continued professionalisation of the roofing industry through training. Gordon is a great source of encouragement to the board, and has served as a mentor to me throughout my time with the IoR.
“He is more than deserving of this award, and I am delighted his hard work, dedication and utter devotion to the IoR has been recognised in such a way.”
Gordon began his career as an apprentice with Dunfermline District Council and set up Penrose Roofing in 1967. He is currently a livery member of the Worshipful Company of Tilers and Bricklayers (London Guild), as well as a Freeman of the City of London, Belfast Ambassador and Honorary life member of the Polish roofing federation.
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