SPRA - Single Ply Roofing Association

Reap the benefits of joining SPRA - Roofing Contractors, Distributors, Suppliers and Manufacturers

SPRA is the trade association representing the UK’s single ply roofing industry. Our mission is to achieve growth and sustainability in all sectors of the single ply roofing industry by raising the awareness of single ply technology, its value and ensuring manufacturing and installation standards remain high.

Single Ply Roofing is the system of first choice in the majority of new build light weight roofing in the UK, and is increasing its share of the refurbishment sector due to its clear advantages.

SPRA is also an increasingly influential voice in the overall roofing sector and is working in close co-operation with the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) to raise the overall profile of the UK roofing industry.

SPRA has an ever growing membership of quality suppliers representing over 75% of the sector and with the backing of these members and the support of the NFRC, is looking to grow its contractor membership to similar levels.

Over the past year, SPRA is increasing influence with specifiers and clients as to the merits of using a SPRA member. Becoming a SPRA member can assist your business to differentiate from competitors making it much more than just a 'badge'.

Becoming a contractor member of SPRA will give you access to quality technical and training advice, sales lead opportunities, attractive member discounts (including joining the Competent Roofer Scheme), marketing and lobbying support, extensive research and further training through conferences, networking events and webinars.

Focus for 2014

New Call to Action website for increased lead referrals to members
Continued Awareness Campaign to clients, architects, surveyors and main contractors to use SPRA services
Joint promotion of SPRA/NFRC membership for multi-disciplinary contractors
2nd Annual Conference
Launch of Webinars
New sustainability programme including site waste scheme
Enhanced Better Buy Scheme for members
Nationwide Apprentice Scheme
SPRA Member Benefits

Member profile page on the new SPRA website with weblink to your own website
Referrals - sending prospective customers direct to you
Independent audit
Technical helpline
Free model documentation
Industry e-new bulletins
Detailed forecasts and trend reports
Discounts on Apprenticeship Scheme, Competent Roofer Scheme, insurance, credit reports, publications, photography
Targeted lobbying to support members
Industry workshops, meetings, webinars, conferences, Annual Golf Day
Benchmark Publications
Industry Representation
Online Learning
Quality Criteria for SPRA Contractor Membership

Evidence of a Quality management system
Training provision for single ply fixers including detailed records
Health & Safety policy and operating system
Must work in accordance with the current version of SPRA Design Guide
Preferably be trained in the installation of at least one SPRA manufacturer member's single ply product
Site inspections of an in-progress project and a completed project
Contractor Membership Fees – single ply roofing contractors

Less than £1m turnover    £500   (Annual Fee NFRC Member Rate £400)

More than £1m turnover   £1000  (Annual Fee NFRC Member Rate £600)

Further discounts available if you wish to join SPRA & NFRC at the same time.
All new members are charged an additional Audit Deposit of £250.00

SPRA Services

The Single Ply Roofing Association (SPRA) is the trade association representing the UK's polymeric waterproof roof industry.

The principle services offered by SPRA include:

Membership for SPRA covers the whole supply chain from manufacturers, distributors, specialist contractors and individuals. All SPRA members are independently audited annually against rigorous quality criteria from manufacture to project completion.

SPRA Members:

Promotion of the association and its services to the UK market
Referral of opportunities
Regular market intelligence and briefings
Access to specialist business support services
Networking events
Membership for SPRA covers the whole supply chain from manufacturers, distributors, specialist contractors and individuals. All SPRA members are independently audited annually against rigorous quality criteria from manufacture to project completion.  Find out more - SPRA Member Benefits Package        

Specifiers, Clients, Main Contractors and other users: RIBA

Technical advice helpline including product identification.
Access to design, installation and sustainability advice and guidance through our wide range of publications.
Referral of requests for quotations, surveys and specifications to relevant SPRA members.
Site inspection visits*.
Dispute resolution*.
RIBA CPD Providers Network Seminar. Click here for details.
Best practice workshops and presentations.
Regular updates to registered users.
* May in incur a charge.

Outside stakeholders, regulatory bodies and associate trade bodies:

Collaborative input to all relevant issues affecting the UK roofing industry** and the overall construction sector.
Promotion of jobs in the sector with particular emphasis on a new apprenticeship scheme.
Source of independent data on the sector.
** SPRA and the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) have agreed on a common strategy that the UK roofing industry should be speaking as one to government and other strategic bodies.

This has led to formal cooperation  as follows:National Federation of Roofing Contractors

Recognition of the SPRA as the sole authority for polymeric single ply roofing membranes.
Recognition of the NFRC  as the sole authority for general roofing contracting excellence and of other roofing technologies through the NFRC Associates Advisory Group i.e. roof tiles and slates, metal roofing and cladding, bituminous membranes, liquid waterproofing and daylight systems and plastics.
Collaborative representation at higher industry level with the Construction Products Association (CPA) and the National Specialist Contractors Council (NSCC).
Joint recruitment campaign for new members to both organisations.
 

Apprenticeships/Skilled Workers

Why choose a career in the Single Ply Industry?SPRA - Single Ply Apprenticeship

The Single Ply industry offers a wide range of opportunities for an exciting career in a technology which is contemporary and highly relevant to buildings of today and in the future. Single ply roofing is the system of first choice.

In the majority of new build, light weight roofing in the UK and is increasing its share of the refurbishment sector due its clear advantages. Single ply roofing systems are used extensively in commercial and industrial buildings, housing, hospitals, schools and leisure including the recent Olympic Games. Our technology lends itself to incorporating green roof and solar PV incorporation. Often our technology is featured in TV programmes such as Grand Designs.

Career Opportunities in Single Ply

Accounting
Application
CAD Design
Contracts Management
Estimating
Sales and Marketing
Surveying
Technical Support
Training and Inspection
ApprenticeshipsApprenticeships in Single Ply Roofing

SPRA works closely with the National Apprenticeship Service in promoting career opportunities as outlined above amongst our membership.  In addition SPRA has developed a sector specific Specialist Apprenticeship scheme.  SPRA owns the first ever Specialist Apprenticeship Programme (SAP) for single ply roofing in the UK. 

Programme

Safe, well managed and resourced facilities
Eighteen months' offsite and onsite (employer) training plus six months' assessments.
A single two day off-site block per month, to facilitate planning your business.
Generic training and certification in safety and access plus detailed modules in all aspects of single ply.
Factory visits and manufacturer demonstrations
Manufacturer product training for products nominated by the employer.
Entry Criteria

No age restriction, but under 18s might not have access to some modules.
Must be employees of roofing contractors registered to install single ply.
Open to all; SPRA encourages apprenticeships from non-members.
Outcome

All relevant health and safety certificates including working at Height; Manual Handling; Regulations; Harnesses; Fire Extinguishing; Emergency First Aid; PASMA; Asbestos Awareness; Abrasive Wheels and (optional) Mobile Elevated Platforms (MEWP).
NVQ Applied waterproof membranes – single ply roofing' at level 2
Single ply membrane manufacturer product training card
A sound basis for a safe and successful career in single ply roofing.
For further information please contact us at enquiries@spra.co.uk
If you are already qualified in any of the above professions you are welcome to forward your details and the nature and location of your interest for us to refer to relevant members. Please email enquiries@spra.co.uk