NFB launches heritage skills initiatives at London conference
The National Federation of Builders (NFB) has launched two initiatives aimed at supporting skills and training in heritage and traditional building at its Heritage and Traditional Build Conference in London.
Held at Painters’ Hall in the City of London on 17th September, the conference brought together contractors, craftspeople, conservation specialists and industry leaders to examine heritage construction, training, funding and planning.
The NFB National Heritage Skills Forum and the CITB Sector Skills Plan for Heritage and Traditional Building were both launched during the event.
NFB launches National Heritage Skills Forum
Clare Watson, Chair of the NFB Heritage Group and Director of Bernard Watson Decorators, said the sector needed to ensure specialist knowledge was passed on to the next generation.
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NFB heritage
“The work shared at this conference showed the extraordinary depth of knowledge within our heritage businesses.
Whether we are conserving stained glass, repairing historic joinery or restoring a railway station, that expertise takes years to develop and cannot be replaced overnight.
“The launch of the NFB Heritage Skills Forum and the dedicated CITB Sector Skills Plan gives us a firmer basis for addressing that challenge. Our task now is to help employers pass on their knowledge and give more people a route into these rewarding specialist trades.”
The National Heritage Skills Forum is intended to strengthen links between heritage employers, specialist practitioners and training organisations.
Claire Wallbridge, NFB Director of Heritage Skills, launched the forum during a presentation on the sector’s training requirements.
Heritage restoration projects showcase specialist trades
The conference featured case studies covering the restoration of Salford Cathedral, with contributions from businesses involved in the project.
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Mark Cregan, Construction Director at Simpson, discussed the main contractor’s role in coordinating repairs and refurbishment to the cathedral’s roof, masonry, stained glass and internal spaces.
Keith Barley, Director of Barley Studio, examined stained-glass conservation and the use of protective glazing to safeguard historic windows.
Roger Silk, Managing Director of Houghtons of York, discussed traditional joinery and the specialist knowledge required to repair historic timber and introduce new work within heritage buildings.
The three speakers subsequently joined a panel discussion on the project and its lessons for heritage contractors.
The programme also covered railway heritage, with Phil Johnson and Kevin Hogwood of INVVU examining the conservation of historic railway buildings and features within operational transport networks.
CITB heritage skills plan sets training priorities
The conference also marked the launch of the CITB Sector Skills Plan for Heritage and Traditional Building, following work by the NFB to establish dedicated recognition of the training requirements of heritage employers.
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A recorded message from CITB Chief Executive Tim Balcon introduced the session, before NFB Deputy Chief Executive James Butcher outlined the plan and its training priorities.
Funding was also addressed, with Paul Bristow, Director of Policy and External Relations at the National Lottery Heritage Fund, discussing the requirements for successful heritage funding applications.
Gwyn Richards, Director of Planning and Development at the City of London Corporation, delivered the keynote address, while NFB Chief Executive Richard Beresford closed the conference.
The event was hosted by Sean Houlston, NFB Associate Director of Membership, and concluded with a networking reception for delegates, speakers and industry professionals.
