The STA today announced the appointment of Andrew Orriss in the new role of Director of STA Assure. Working with STA members to develop the focus on technical excellence, Andrew Orriss will lead the development and implementation of the STA Assure Membership and Quality Standards Scheme and be responsible for building the profile of the programme and ensuring the continuing adoption of its values.
STA Chief Executive Andrew Carpenter adds: “The appointment of a person with such illustrious experience is testament to the growing industry status of STA Assure. Thanks to market growth and the considerable technical investment into advancing structural timber, the industry is quickly expanding, and the demand for structural timber is on the rise. STA Assure has become a fundamental accreditation in the timber industry, and we are keen to integrate Andrew into our team. We are confident he will be an absolute asset to STA.
We are also delighted to announce that Pete Blunt, Managing Director of Innovare Systems and Board member of the STA, is assuming board responsibility for STA Assure. The knowledge and industry experience of the new STA Assure team will prove invaluable.”
Former board member of the STA, Andrew has held senior sales and chairing roles with SIGD and UKSIPS. His hands-on experience in manufacturing business start-ups is paired with his experience in ‘zero carbon’ and sustainable construction matters. In his new role, Andrew Orriss will also collaborate with industry stakeholders, define STA Assure standards for existing and emerging markets and promote the benefits of scheme to specifiers, industry stakeholders and customers.
Andrew Orriss said of his appointment: “Having been associated with the timber industry for many years, not least of all setting up UKSIP Association and Chairing in the early days, I am genuinely delighted to be joining the Structural Timber Association. Like any industry in these uncertain times there are challenges ahead but I truly believe drawing on my many years of experience in the industry, I can add value to the membership and the STA Assure accreditation programme. I look forward to meeting many of the members at the AGM on the 16th May.”
Evidencing Excellence
STA Assure, an independently audited scheme for STA members, was launched by the Structural Timber Association in 2017 to evidence quality and give confidence to consumers. As offsite technology is increasingly working towards resolving major construction challenges – particularly the shortage of UK homes – STA Assure has become a desired accreditation for innovative companies that are working to meet the increased demand for structural timber.
In January 2019, the NHBC formally agreed to accept all STA Gold members as compliant with chapter 6.2 of NHBC’s assessment processes for timber structures without the need for further review or the completion of an HB2445 form. STA Assure has also received formal recognition from six other industry-leading structural warranty and building control bodies including LABC Warranty, Premier Guarantee, Protek Warranty, Build-Zone Warranty and ABC+ Warranty for STA Assure Silver and Gold members.
Following extensive development and research into the accreditation system for structural timber, the STA won this year’s Health and Safety Offsite Award for their Site Safe policy, which is part of the STA Assure Scheme and provides members with processes to support customers in achieving safety during structural timber installations.
For more information on the Structural Timber Association, STA Assure and Site Safe go to: www.structuraltimber.co.uk.
To discuss membership benefits, contact bob.davis@structuraltimber.co.uk or call 07889 702 559.
