LSFA launch at futurebuild

The eagerly anticipated launch of the Light Steel Frame Association (LSFA) was held at futurebuild 2019. Speaking on behalf of the LSFA, Managing Director of Cogent Consulting Darren Richards, who has facilitated the formation at the request of the sector, outlined the requirement for a central representation, together with the aims and objectives of the Association for the coming year.

Through a robust strategy to raise the profile of light steel frame technology and the creation of new marketing platforms, the LSFA will drive take-up and specification throughout the wider construction industry.

Steve Thompson, Managing Director of leading steel framing innovators, EOS said: "For well over a decade we have seen the need for a trade association that will unite our industry and promote the substantial benefits of advanced steel framing systems. Offsite steel system manufacturers are operating in exciting times. Whatever the construction market, there has never been a better time to capitalise on the raft of benefits that factory-based offsite technologies can deliver. The LSFA will help us get that message out there, EOS is proud to be a founding member and part of the steering group."

As headline sponsor, the LSFA supported the Offsite Light Steel Frame Masterclasses running across the three days of the futurebuild event which featured some of the UK's leading light steel frame innovators and founding members of the Association. "The masterclasses clearly demonstrated the market-leading position of cold rolled light steel frame systems in the offsite sector," commented Alan Wildsmith, Project Manager - Structural of the Hadley Group. "Our own Technical Director Roger Taylor delivered a session highlighting the evolving technologies that are transforming the way buildings are designed and delivered. The LSFA has the full backing of the Hadley Group, we are proud to be part of an Association which provides the industry with an authoritative and united voice, to support the overall marketing objectives of our sector."

The LSFA has been launched with the support of leading offsite consultants Cogent Consulting and their sister company Radar Communications, who saw a lack of promotional marketing activity from the light steel framing sector, particularly relating to housing delivery. Panelised and volumetric modular offsite manufactured steel systems play a vital role in meeting government targets and resolving the housing crisis.

Based on the number of enquiries received from within the industry and from specifiers seeking LSF solutions, both organisations believe that the time has come to consider a single body Trade Association. This Association will represent all aspects of LSF manufacturing and construction, offering the required skill sets and experience to mobilise this entity successfully. Other representative bodies focus is around technical insight and innovation surrounding steel production. The LSFA's remit will focus on industry marketing initiatives and engagement with architects, engineers and contractors to ensure greater use.

The launch event also included an announcement regarding the collaboration between the LSFA and the Steel Construction Institute (SCI) who will become official Technical Partners. "Although we have different remits, the collaboration between the LSFA and the SCI will progress our shared ambitions," said Mark Wilkinson, Product Certification Manager for the SCI, "The launch at futurebuild earlier this month was a success and our alliance with the LSFA will further strengthen the industry in terms of PR and marketing, while we provide the focus on the development of supporting technical information."

To encourage a collaborative approach the Light Steel Frame Association operates under a unilateral membership structure, with one standard fee for all manufacturing members to gain access to an extensive package of benefits. Membership benefits for manufacturing members will focus on manufacturing marketing opportunities and profile-raising initiatives designed to increase market share. Members will also benefit from a range of digital marketing and event opportunities, plus access to media packages and discounts to various events throughout the year.

There will also be a membership structure for supply chain members and for affiliate members, including engineers, contractors, architects and project managers.

The Association also aims to engage and positively influence stakeholders, government departments, ministers and relevant industry bodies to influence legislation and industry regulations.

The LSFA is striving to enhance the profile of the sector with a forward-thinking attitude and an open-minded approach to collaboration, that will drive the industry forward.

If you are interested in joining the LSFA please contact: info@lsf-association.co.uk