Raise the Roof Accelerating Action for International Women’s Day

INTERNATIONAL Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.

The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.

Collective action and shared ownership for driving gender equality is what makes International Women’s Day impactful.

IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. IWD is not country, group or organization specific.

Raise the Roof

Raise the Roof, the UK roofing industry group, champions diversity and inclusion in the UK roofing sector.

Raise the Roof aims for the roofing industry to be an accessible career choice for all and to inspire the industry to aspire for greater inclusion. Through its values of respect and equality, the group is on a mission to create valuable opportunities, networks and the development of people. Raise the Roof wants to drive the industry forward and to empower, inspire and support those within it.

Within the Raise the Roof network are some incredibly successful, thriving and capable individuals, both male and female, who are all driving the agenda of diversity, inclusion and respect.

Education

Education is a fundamental aspect of the Raise the Roof group and this week, two newly-joined members, Ellie and Gabrielle, attended a one-day Introduction to Sheeting and Cladding course.

The course provided them an opportunity to gain theoretical and practical insight into onsite operations within the industry and enabled them to get hands-on experience in installing cladding and flashings in the purpose-built training centre at SPV Training in Walsall.

Feedback was excellent with the attendees commenting:

“I now have a better understanding of how the sheets and flashings are put together to help me more effectively advise our clients with their requirements.”

“I now know how to more effectively advise end users and clients confidently and have a more in-depth knowledge of fitting times.”

For Ellie and Gabrielle the experience proved to be a positive case of accelerated action and developing skills, knowledge and behaviours to improve effectiveness in their roles, and in turn performance and success.

Samantha Jones

Raise the Roof is also delighted to learn that Raise the Roof founding member Samantha Jones has recently been appointed Commercial Director of Raise the Roof supporters, Hornsey Steel Panels and Sections Ltd.

Samantha epitomises accelerated action with her proven track record of strong commercial success within the industry and this comes at a pivotal time for Hornsey Steels when the company is embarking on a new chapter of growth.

Sam is keen to add value to the business and support with a number of high-profile customer projects, including a Netflix film and television set.

Sam said, “I’m absolutely thrilled to announce my appointment as Commercial Director for Hornsey Steel Panels & Sections Ltd, which for me represents another important milestone on my amazing journey in this industry.

“Working alongside an incredible team, I’ll be taking on responsibility for commercial strategy and supporting the delivery of an ambitious growth plan for one of the most diverse and dynamic manufacturers I’ve ever known.

“The ethos of this wonderful family-oriented business dovetails perfectly with my role at Industrial Roofing Scotland, where customer service excellence and engagement is also at the heart of everything we do.

“It’s a pleasure and an honour to be able to work in an environment so geared towards creating an exceptional culture for both customers and colleagues.”

Harry Disley, Samantha Jones and Samuel Hornsey

Hornsey Steel Panel and Sections

Bucknell-based family business, Hornsey Steel Panel and Sections, was founded in 1992. The company specialises in metal roofing panels and structural steel products. Most recently, Samuel Hornsey, who took over as Company Director when his father Mark stepped down in 2014, led the construction of a state-of-the-art, 24-bay facility, creating an operational space that is 2.5 times larger than its previous premises.

The new manufacturing site, previously an old coal yard, is purpose-built to improve operations and sustainability. Designed with a long, linear layout on a former coal yard, the facility accommodates the production of metal roofing panels and structural steel products. By quadrupling its product range, Hornsey Steel Panels and Sections has enhanced its ability to serve diverse client needs.

Hornsey Steels’ commitment to sustainability is a core part of its growth strategy. The new site is equipped with energy-efficient lighting, and the company is finalising plans with Shropshire and Worcestershire Council to install a 104 kW solar array. These measures ensure the facility achieves an A-rated EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) while minimising its environmental footprint.

#IWD2025 #AccelerateAction

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