View the photo gallery here for highlights from the Heritage and Traditional Build Conference.
The expertise behind the restoration of Britain’s historic buildings took centre stage at the National Federation of Builders’ Heritage and Traditional Build Conference, with the launch of two initiatives to support the sector’s future workforce.
Held at Painters’ Hall in the City of London on 17 September, the conference brought together contractors, craftspeople, conservation specialists and industry leaders to share experience and examine the practical demands of heritage construction.
The programme combined detailed case studies of major restoration projects with sessions on training, heritage funding and planning. Gwyn Richards, Director of Planning and Development at the City of London Corporation, delivered the keynote address, bringing the perspective of the planning authority responsible for one of the country’s most distinctive historic and commercial centres.
Hosted by Sean Houlston, the NFB’s Associate Director of Membership, the conference reflected the breadth of expertise within the NFB Heritage Group and the specialist businesses it represents.
Clare Watson, Chair of the NFB Heritage Group and Director of Bernard Watson Decorators, emphasised the need to safeguard the specialist knowledge held by heritage businesses. She called for practical support to help employers pass those skills on, giving the next generation routes into trades that are essential to the care of Britain’s historic buildings.
Clare Watson, Chair of the NFB Heritage Group and Director of Bernard Watson Decorators, said:
“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 morning opened with a detailed examination of the restoration of Salford Cathedral, allowing delegates to hear from several of the businesses involved in project.
Mark Cregan, Construction Director at Simpson, provided the main contractor’s perspective. He explored the task of bringing together an extensive programme of repairs and refurbishment, encompassing the cathedral’s roof, masonry, stained glass and internal spaces.
Keith Barley, Director of Barley Studio, then took delegates into the detailed work of stained-glass conservation. Drawing on decades of experience, his presentation explored the development of protective glazing and the care required to safeguard historic windows while preserving their appearance.
Roger Silk, Managing Director of Houghtons of York, examined the role of traditional joinery in heritage restoration. His contribution demonstrated the knowledge of timber, craftsmanship and workshop practice needed to repair historic fabric and introduce new work that respects its surroundings.
The three speakers returned for a panel discussion, giving delegates the opportunity to ask questions about the project and consider how its lessons could inform their own work.
The future of those specialist skills was a recurring concern throughout the day. In her presentation, Heritage is the Future Again, Claire Wallbridge, the NFB’s Director of Heritage Skills, explored the sector’s training needs and launched the NFB National Heritage Skills Forum.
The National Heritage Skills Forum adds to the NFB’s work to bring heritage skills into sharper focus and strengthen the connections between employers, specialist practitioners and those involved in training. Its launch provided a clear next step beyond the conference for the organisation’s growing heritage skills programme.
The event also marked the launch of the CITB Sector Skills Plan for Heritage and Traditional Building, following sustained work by the NFB to secure dedicated recognition of heritage employers’ requirements.
A recorded message from CITB Chief Executive Tim Balcon introduced the session, before NFB Deputy Chief Executive James Butcher outlined the plan, its training priorities and what it means for businesses working in the sector.
The afternoon programme turned to Britain’s railway heritage. Phil Johnson and Kevin Hogwood of INVVU explored the challenges of conserving historic railway buildings and features while accommodating the demands of an operational transport network. Their session considered how specialist conservation work can sit alongside the requirements of a railway serving today’s passengers.
Funding was another practical focus. Paul Bristow, Director of Policy and External Relations at the National Lottery Heritage Fund, explored what makes a successful heritage funding application. His session offered useful insight for organisations developing projects and for contractors whose advice on condition, cost and delivery helps clients shape achievable proposals.
Following Gwyn Richard’s keynote address, NFB Chief Executive Richard Beresford formally closed the conference. Delegates then continued their discussions with speakers and fellow professionals at a drinks reception.
The NFB thanks all speakers and delegates for contributing their time and expertise, and sponsors Citation, Crosby Associates Media, the South West Builders Federation and NASC for supporting the event.
View the photo gallery here for highlights from the Heritage and Traditional Build Conference.
