Great British Slate Off Showcases Roofing Skills and Careers at the InstallerShow

Organised by the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), the three-day Skills Showcase has highlighted the exceptional craftsmanship, creativity and technical expertise that can be achieved within the roofing profession.

The competition was designed not only to demonstrate advanced slating techniques but also to inspire the next generation to consider roofing as a rewarding and skilled career.

Ben Rowlands, NFRC Head of Pitched Roofing and Solar Integration, said: “We are delighted to be at the InstallerSHOW over the three days, showcasing the traditional roofing skills of the trade while promoting roofing as a career and highlighting the role of the NFRC as the trade association representing the industry.

“By showcasing the pinnacle of slating craftsmanship in this way, we are demonstrating the opportunities available to those who commit to developing their skills and pursuing a career in roofing.

“What has been particularly interesting is the level of interest the Great British Slate Off has attracted from skilled professionals in other trades, including cabinetmakers and tilers. As craftspeople themselves, they recognise the dedication, training and technical expertise required to produce work of this complexity. The finished pieces are not only technically impressive but also artistic achievements in their own right.”

Roofing Skills Showcase

The three competitors earned their place in the Great British Slate Off and have spent the event creating their decorative slate pieces in front of visitors, offering a rare insight into one of the roofing sector’s most specialised traditional skills.

In the lead-up to the competition, the participants received expert coaching and practical skills development from leading figures in the slating sector. They were mentored by Andy Rowlands, owner of the Centre of Roofing Excellence (CORE) in Hereford, and Matt Timby, owner of Timby Traditional Roofing in Gainsborough, both recognised for their advanced expertise in traditional roofing techniques.

The showcase has provided a platform for the young roofers to develop and demonstrate their abilities while highlighting the importance of investing in skills, training and craftsmanship across the roofing industry.

Great British Slate Off

Using slate donate by SIG Roofing, the three roof slaters taking part in the Great British Slate Off are:

• Jacob Blight, 24, from Signature Roofing. Jacob is the 2023 Skillbuild Gold Medal Winner.
• Josh Williams, 37 from 1st Choice Roofing
• Adam Humphries, 24, from Al King Roofing

Designing their own unique slate patterns – Jacob chose to represent his passion, his boat; Josh decided to portray a fox; and after rejecting the idea of a witch, Adam decided to depict a peacock.

The designs were then planned out into a slate framework by Matt Timby who broke down the designs into slate layout templates. Matt then used a projector to blow up the designs into a suitable size for slating.

Matt explained how the challenge lies in having to work in layers of slate from the bottom up. “Each part of the design must be sectioned into layers and of course the higher layers are in relief, set against the lower layers and surrounding slates. It means sections such as the fox’s tail, which is lower in the design, don’t stand out as much as we wanted, and so this needs to be compensated for with a bigger, bushier tail!”

The designs also incorporate other materials. Jacob’s boat has copper rigging and Adam’s peacock train has zinc effect aluminium highlights on the quill feathers.

Ben added, “As the competition draws to a close, the Great British Slate Off stands as a celebration of traditional roofing excellence and a reminder of the opportunities available to the next generation of skilled roofing professionals.”

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