MCRMA 2026 Technical Conference Strengthens Knowledge and Collaboration

The Metal Cladding & Roofing Manufacturers Association (MCRMA) welcomed around 100 metal roofing and façade professionals to its 2026 Technical Conference.

Held at the Telford Hotel, Golf & Spa Resort and sponsored by member companies Steadmans, Hambleside Danelaw, Fixing Point and AJS Consulting, the two-day programme brought together manufacturers, contractors and technical specialists to address key challenges facing the construction industry

With the industry navigating change driven by evolving legislation, new standards and ongoing skills shortages, the conference focused on equipping attendees with the knowledge and insights they need to stay compliant while improving project quality and performance.

The programme opened with a session from David Brown, Technical Specialist at the Steel Construction Institute (SCI), who highlighted the requirements for fire resistance in boundary elevations. He emphasised the importance of ensuring façades close to boundaries are structurally capable of maintaining integrity during fire events to prevent the spread of fire to neighbouring sites, with particular focus on capable members and clarifying responsibilities across the project team.

Greater Clarity

Clare Fenton, former MCRMA Chair and now Principal Façade Engineer at Wates, followed with a call for greater clarity and reduced reliance on technical jargon within the sector. Drawing on her experience across the supply chain, she outlined how misinterpretation of standards, inconsistent BIM adoption and gaps in technical understanding can introduce risk and inefficiencies into projects.

Fire testing standards were examined by consultant Lee Davies, who provided insight into the transition from BS 476 to EN1356, addressing ongoing misunderstanding within the industry.

Safe Rooftop Solar

Jonathan Bates of Solar Energy UK highlighted the increasing importance of safe rooftop solar PV integration, including fire risks associated with poor installation and maintenance practices.

Further sessions explored key aspects of façade design. Camille Destres, a Chartered Facade Engineer and Associate Director of consultancy BB7, focused on integrating fire engineering into the early design stages. She was followed by Eugene Korch, a building engineer who leads the Facade Design and Engineering Diploma Programme at the Institute for Architectural Science and Technology (IAST) – he addressed effective water management strategies, stressing the need to balance fire safety measures such as cavity barriers with moisture control principles.

Main Contractor Perspective

Day two offered a main contractor’s perspective with a session by Nick Jenkins, Technical Facades Manager at Sir Robert McAlpine. He provided a Tier One contractor’s view on project lifecycle, governance and delivery, highlighting the risks that his organisation and other main contractors must manage in relation to roofing and cladding projects.

Updates from the MCRMA’s Nick Selves and Carlton Jones followed, covering developments in European standards, including CPR Acquis and changes affecting sandwich panels and wind loading guidance, as well as the impact of the BBA’s UKAS accreditation suspension.

Digitalisation

The conference concluded with a panel discussion on digitalisation, exploring how the industry is moving towards more integrated data systems and improved product information management across the construction lifecycle. This was hosted by Dr Shamir Ghumra, Executive Director of NHS Property Services, who was joined by Ron Lang of Atkins Réalis, Tata Steel’s Alex Small and Mat Colmer of UKRI (UK Research & Innovation).

Commenting on the event, Chair of the MCRMA, Adrian Whitefoot, said: “Thank you to everyone who attended the 2026 Technical Conference and to the speakers whose presentations and discussions made the event extremely valuable and insightful. Feedback from MCRMA members has been very positive and we are already looking forward to next year’s conference, which once again will be shaped around technical issues, compliance and innovation in both products and processes.”

Plans are already underway for the 2027 Technical Conference, with further details to be announced in due course. MCRMA members will again receive priority access, with limited availability for non-members.

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