The Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) has bolstered its technical team with two new appointments.
With more than 30 years’ experience of the roofing industry, Paul Franklin is the LRWA’s new technical secretary. He is joined by Gary Baines as the association’s new technical chair.
Paul was formerly a consultant at RAM Consultancy, a specialist roof testing company. Prior to that, he spent nine years at the Flat Roofing Alliance as technical manager, gaining extensive trade association experience.
Throughout his career, Paul has helped to write British Standards, HSE (health and safety) references and training manuals, and has represented the UK roofing industry on the CEN committee (European Committee for Standardisation).
In his new role, he will help the LRWA to develop guidance notes and codes of practice, as well as oversee all technical activity at the association, including representing it at industry events.
As technical chair, Gary Baines will lead the LRWA technical committee meetings and will work closely with the new technical secretary to help deliver specialist publications for the association.
With nearly four decades of experience in the liquid roofing sector, Gary was nominated for the role by Sika Liquid Plastics. He has worked for the company since 1980 in both technical and sales roles in the UK and internationally. His career has seen him work with products ranging from water-based coatings for roofs, through to technologically-advanced liquids, including polyurethanes.
Sarah Spink, chief executive officer of LRWA, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Paul and Gary to the LRWA team. These are hugely significant roles which will ensure we deliver the highest technical standards in our association and the wider industry.
“Both Paul and Gary bring extensive industry experience to the technical team and complementary skills. Their combined knowledge will be instrumental in helping us to develop industry best practice, influence future legislation and raise awareness of the benefits of specifying liquid applied waterproofing systems.”
Speaking about his appointment, Paul said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for me to help the LRWA further raise the technical bar, ensuring our members have access to the latest guidance and expert insights.
“The vast majority of my career has been spent in the flat roofing sector, so I’m looking forward to sharing my knowledge and helping LRWA members deliver their products and services to the very best of their ability.”
Gary added: “Working in partnership with Paul, my aim is to build on the LRWA’s excellent reputation for technical expertise. With the liquid waterproofing sector growing at such a fast rate, it’s vital that we proactively develop industry-leading initiatives and continue to raise standards.”
Gary will be technical chair for the next three years, when another vote will be cast.
