Chairman's Introduction

In stepping into the spotlight as the new LCA Chairman, I am acutely aware that our members are experiencing difficult times, with a number of issues which are directly affecting our sector of the construction industry.   At a time when UK construction is a vibrant part of the economy, with new build and refurbishment projects everywhere you look, the demands for the specialist leadworker are perhaps not matching other trades in the industry. There are of course some factors that are totally beyond our control and, as in the case of the record level lead prices quoted on the London Metal Exchange, sometimes beyond our comprehension.   During my time as Chairman, however, I am determined to address those factors which we can influence and perhaps the most significant of these is the widespread promotion of the LCA Member and what we stand for, as I believe the Lead Contractors Association continues to be one of the best kept secrets in the construction industry.   We are specialists committed to technical excellence and governed by well established guidelines (the Lead Sheet Manuals) and BS Code of Practice (6915). We are committed to a trained and qualified workforce and have been directly involved in the development of the Specialist Leadworker CSCS card and to the training courses in leadwork operated by the Lead Training Academy and by Lead Delegated Assessment at the Building Crafts College. We offer an unrivalled 25 year Guarantee Scheme to our clients and the design knowledge and workmanship of our members are vigorously policed through our annual vetting programme.   Of the 30 – 40 membership enquiries we receive each year only a handful demonstrate a sufficient level of proficiency to eventually be approved as members of the LCA.   We are justifiably proud of our uncompromising attitude towards quality standards, but this becomes extremely frustrating when the client chooses quick-fix, cut-price expediency, over the long term value for money achieved by getting the job done properly.   I am therefore determined to significantly improve the general promotion of the LCA member and our quality standards promise, beginning with a complete overhaul and upgrade of our web site, through which so much “traffic” is directed to our members and which really is the “first taste” of the image and professionalism of our organisation.   I hope that whatever your reason for going to www.lca.gb.com you find what you are looking for from the extensive information provided. Certainly the site contains many superb examples of our members’ workmanship and I hope you will take some time to look through the gallery of photographs provided.   As always, if you have any query, or further information about the LCA and our Members is needed, our Secretary will be delighted to help on 01342 317888.