The inaugural meeting of the United Kingdom Cast Stone Association (UKCSA) was held on 20th February 1991, following discussions during late 1990 between the leading manufacturers of cast stone at the time. UKCSA was formed as an independent trade association to increase specifiers’ and contractors’ awareness and confidence in cast stone and to establish and maintain the highest standards of product quality and usage.

In February 2022 the Cast Stone Association celebrated its 31st anniversary as the guardian of quality for cast stone, and has grown to become the first point of reference for all matters regarding cast stone. UKCSA is an ethically, socially and environmentally responsible trade association.

The Association represents the leading UK manufacturers of cast stone, and associated trades. All cast stone manufacturing Full Members, and Associate Members, must comply with the criteria established by the Association as a condition of membership.

What is Cast Stone - Cast stone is finding a growing market. It can add distinction and value out of all proportion to its cost. The material has caught the imagination of architects, builders and their clients from the classical past in Britain to the present day. There’s a simple reason why. It can transform plain facades into something special. It offers class at an affordable price.
What is Cast Stone?

The UKCSA and British Standard definition for cast stone is “any material made with natural aggregates and cementitious binder that is intended to resemble and be used in a similar way to natural stone.”

Cast Stone is often referred to by alternative names such as reconstructed stone, reconstituted stone, artificial stone, synthetic stone, manufactured stone, art stone etc, with reconstructed stone and reconstituted stone being the most common, but the preferred name is ‘cast stone’. The British Standards have further stated that “Specifiers, manufacturers and users of cast stone are advised to avoid terms such as ‘reconstructed’, ‘reconstituted’, ‘artificial’, ‘synthetic’ ” as “These adjectives could imply that the named stone (e.g. ‘reconstructed Portland stone’) is the sole aggregate”.
St George Plot-1

Cast stone is made by using one of three main manufacturing methods, semi-dry, wet-cast or fibre reinforced. It must meet the requirements of BS1217: 2008 or, better still, the more stringent requirements of the UKCSA Standard.

Cast stone is ideal for architectural dressings that call for fine detail around entrances, openings and gables. All types of architectural dressings can be produced – large, small and structurally reinforced. Cast stone can take the form of garden ornamentation and also ashlar masonry where it is often referred to as reconstructed stone.

The official voice of the UK timber trade, representing timber importers, agents and other suppliers and users of wood and wood products.

We are the voice of the UK timber industry, supporting and promoting our members’ interests. Our members constitute of timber importers, merchants, agents and manufacturers.

We have been supporting timber traders for over 125 years and have seen climate change become a defining feature for the government, regulators and customers. As well as supporting our members’ interest, we work to maintain and enhance timber’s sustainable reputation at a national, European and international level.

All members must operate under our strict Code of Conduct. We empower our members to lead the standard of #trustedtimber by completing our Responsible Purchasing Process (RPP) due diligence system.

Stone Federation is the official trade association for the natural stone industry. The Federation co-ordinates all aspects of the industry and provides specifiers and users with a first point of contact for information, advice and guidance in sourcing an appropriate material and a reliable service.

Stone Federation represents employers, liaises with government on legal affairs, health and safety, technical standards, craftsmanship, training and education. Make Stone Federation Great Britain and its members first point of contact for choosing and using stone and for quality assured advice, material and specialist services to ensure success.

Stone Federation GB provides a one-stop shop for product information, technical guidance and advice on all aspects of specifying and working with stone.

An association of limestone and sandstone roofing slate producers with an excellent website which provides guidance on all aspects of stone roofing.

The British Isles have a great variety of roof types. They are especially rich in slating materials ranging from metamorphic schists and slates to sandstones and limestones. There is also a wide range of slating styles demonstrating how slaters coped with often intractable materials and severe weather to produce weather-tight and durable roofs.

These materials and techniques make a huge contribution to the historic landscape. They are as prominent in the cities, towns, villages and countryside as any other built element but are frequently misunderstood and poorly conserved so that vernacular details and techniques are discarded and replaced with alien materials and inappropriate modern details. This need not happen. With care and forethought they can be saved.

MPA is the industry trade association for the aggregates, asphalt, cement, concrete, dimension stone, lime, mortar and silica sand industries. With the merger of British Precast, and affiliation of the British Association of Reinforcement (BAR), Eurobitume, MPA Northern Ireland, MPA Scotland and the British Calcium Carbonate Federation, it has a growing membership of 520 companies and is the sectoral voice for mineral products.

Only in the 20th century did thatchers form collectively. In 1947 county-based Master Thatcher Associations (MTAs) were formed to improve and encourage high standards. The 12 regional MTA’s came together in 1967 to create the National Society of Master Thatchers’ Associations (NSMTAs) in order to present a national voice for the industry. By 1977 it was realised that individuals wished to be recognised as Master Thatchers in their own right. To accommodate the individual members a new constitution was drawn up and the name changed to the National Society of Master Thatchers.

The Council of Small Industries in Rural Areas (CoSIRA) didn’t want the identity of the County Associations to disappear so put together and funded a ‘Working Party’ with a representative from each County. After a couple of years this Working Party became the National Council of Master Thatchers Association (NCMTA). The NCMTA became moribund in 2002 although the county associations are still active.

The NSMT changed its name to its current form, The National Society of Master Thatchers Limited, in 1998 when the Society became incorporated as a Company Limited by Guarantee.

The National Society of Master Thatchers Ltd. represents about 350 thatchers or 30% of the industry and is the lead body in thatching today in the UK. The memberships of the National Society and the MTAs overlap, and their members also join them through peer assessment. ​

In 2010 NSMT held a meeting with thatching societies from across the world to share information about techniques, materials and thatching in general. This has resulted in the formation of the International Thatching Society (ITS) and we have seven country members.

The term ‘Master Thatcher’ is in real terms the same as ‘thatcher’ in that there is no formal test to pass. However, the term has become associated with a thatcher who is able and competent and has served an apprenticeship to the satisfaction of their teacher.

NFRC is the largest and most influential roofing trade association in the UK, promoting quality contractors and quality products, ensuring that its members are at the forefront of all roofing developments.

NFRC actively ensures that all members offer high standards of workmanship and sound business practice through a strict code of practice and vetting procedure, including site inspections and adhering to the Government endorsed standards. The Federation also offers technical advice, guidance to facilitate your training requirements and represents member interests to the wider construction industry and government.

Our mission statement - To provide standards and guidance to our members, which raises confidence among businesses and householders, and promotes roofing as a skilled, professional sector within the wider construction industry.

James Talman, Chief Executive of NFRC

The National Federation of Builders provides members with collective influence and credibility backed by more than 150 years of experience and activity. The NFB provides business and policy support to builders, contractors and house builders across England and Wales.

Trusted service and craft ability assured - Memorial Masonry is an age-old craft whose intrinsic trade skills and ability to produce memorials from scratch defines the true memorial mason, it is this confirmed craft ability combined with a commitment to providing ethical standards of service that set NAMM members apart.

Technology has changed the way businesses now operate with the development of equipment such as computers and machinery to assist the memorial mason produce their wares, and although memorials are now generally smaller and less ornate than those produced by our predecessors the essential craft skills and standards of service still remain and are paramount to NAMM membership.

Our Evolution - The promotion of the memorial masonry craft and the raising of standards of workmanship and service has been the constant aim of the National Association of Memorial Masons since its formation in 1907. As the organisation representing the craft memorial mason the association has over the years taken on new roles in addition to its main function as a trade association. NAMM is nationally recognised as the trusted consultative body on memorial masonry matters, is an overseer of the voluntary regulation of memorial masons and one of the major training providers to both the trade and burial authority personnel.

Standards such as the NAMM Code of Working Practice and memorial fixings test data have been accepted as the National Industry Standard since 1996 and incorporated into BS8415 since its conception 2005.

Our Mission

- To ensure high standards and trusted service to the bereaved.
- To assist and support our member companies and promote their interests.
- To further the memorial masonry industry, maintain craft skills and provide training to that effect.
- To work in close partnership with Burial Ground operators for the welfare of the bereaved through the active promotion of high standards, freedom of choice, increased memorialisation awareness, and the provision of trusted guidance in all matters relating to the manufacture, supply, installation and safety inspection and assessment of natural stone memorials.

NACS Chimney Sweeps help to maintain chimneys by cleaning, inspection, and servicing, to ensure that "Clean Chimneys are Safer Chimneys".

The National Association of Chimney Sweeps (NACS) formed in 1982 as a professional Trade Association, promoting high standards for the sweeping, inspection and maintenance of chimneys.

With 700 Members, the NACS is recommended by all major fuel organisations, including the Solid Fuel Association, HETAS (Heating Equipment Testing & Approval Scheme), and OFTEC (Oil Firing Technical Association).

NACS Members work strictly to the NACS Code of Practice © 1982 and Code of Conduct for the cleaning of chimneys. On completion of work, NACS Sweeps issue a Certificate of Chimney Sweeping and recommend when future cleaning is necessary.

NACS Sweeps stock a comprehensive range of different brushes and tools to tackle the vast variety of chimneys, flues and appliances they meet.

Many Members also carry sophisticated equipment such as Power Sweeping Equipment, and CCTV cameras for the testing and surveying of chimneys, and for diagnosing chimney faults on new and existing flue installations.

The National Association of Chimney Engineers (NACE) mission is to: “Ensure the safety of all fuel users in the UK and Ireland, who depend on a chimney or flue for the operation of a heating appliance, by providing a register of competent chimney engineers for all types of chimney work.”

NACE is the foremost authority with regard to compliant chimney lining, flue and chimney construction, and the NACE cast in-situ concrete lining system, as well as providing guidance and direction for the use of chimney components throughout the industry.

For technical guidance and help, call 08437136223. (Calls cost 5p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.)

NACE has developed a Specialist Applied-skills Programme (SAP) for Chimney Engineering, in partnership with CITB. This SAP is the most comprehensive training programme the chimney engineering industry has ever seen and in some cases can be fully funded by grants available through CITB.

NACE works closely with a number of governmental bodies and is recognised by HETAS as an “influential organisation” within the solid fuel industry.

NACE offers the general public direct access to their technical data base for chimney engineers located within the UK and Ireland.

NACE is the only professional chimney engineering association within the UK committed to raising installation and administration standards and to maintain, as well as to develop, the growing science of pure chimney engineering.

NACE maintains a register of competent chimney engineers who are able to provide installation services as well as mechanical inspections and surveys within known domestic and commercial environments.

NACE installer members are able to carry out the testing of flue systems, comprehensive flue system surveys, solid fuel appliance rectifications as well as re-lining, remedial structural repairs, commissioning and appropriate safety guidance.

NACE is dedicated to the needs of the professional chimney engineer who may be involved in various methods of chimney lining as well as remedial repairs and reconstruction. Design and system installation methods, as well as understanding compliance and liability, are just a few of the support systems available to our members.

NACE can assist and guide experienced chimney engineers to reach an obtainable level of expertise within the chimney industry, working towards the only formal qualifications currently available within our industry, the L2 NVQ Diploma in Chimney Occupations – Chimney Engineering or the L2 NVQ Certificate in Chimney Sweeping.

NACE welcomes new members who can demonstrate the necessary mechanical and administrative skills necessary to meet today’s increasing demand for competent installation personnel as well as high quality, high-end workmanship

The Metal Gutter Manufacturers Association was formed in 1994 to represent the leading manufacturers of metal rainwater systems. Membership of MGMA is open to all companies who manufacture and market metal rainwater systems, downpipes and their associated fittings. In addition, membership is open to those companies who provide a range of professional support services to the metal rainwater systems industry.

The Association seeks to foster and take part in research and all forms of technical development in relation to metal rainwater systems and to encourage the best methods of their production and use with the construction and allied industries.

MGMA offers an online CPD programme which is open to anyone seeking to develop their knowledge and skills within the metal rainwater systems sector. The CPDs are flexible and provide ‘learning on the go’ as the course material can be studied both online and offline, on mobiles, tablets and print. There is an online assessment component to verify knowledge and following the successful online completion of a CPD, a certificate can be downloaded for the user’s personal records.

The Association has produced a Membership Charter to reflect the current concerns of the industry with particular reference to technical ethos, health and safety and environmental issues. In accordance with the Charter, the MGMA will ensure that its members undertake all work in accordance with relevant health and safety legislation and have a health and safety policy which they uphold both in principle and practice.

In addition, members are required to have due regard for environmental issues during procurement, delivery (including installation implementation) and waste disposal and members are committed to minimising adverse environmental impact in the provision of their products and/or services.

The MGMA is the only organisation which represents the major manufacturers and is, therefore, a valuable source of
information and advice on all matters relating to metal rainwater systems.

The Landscape Institute (LI) is the chartered body for the landscape profession. It is an educational charity that promotes the art and science of landscape practice.The LI’s aim, through the work of its members is to protect, conserve and enhance the natural and built environment for the public benefit. The LI provides a professional home for all landscape practitioners including landscape scientists, landscape planners, landscape architects, landscape managers and urban designers.

Supporting landscape practitioners - The landscape profession is as diverse and dynamic as the landscapes they work on, but our focus stays the same: to support and represent all landscape practitioners.

We support our members through advocacy programmes, events and numerous networking activities, many of which are organised through our branches across the UK. Our professional development programme helps our members achieve the highest standards in landscape practice. Chartered membership of the Landscape Institute (CMLI) is only awarded to those who reach the highest standards in landscape education and practice. CMLI is a mark of excellence that tells prospective clients and employers that a landscape practitioner is the best in their field.
Representing landscape professionals

We work with governments to ensure the voice of landscape professionals is heard on a range of policy issues.

We represent landscape professionals and want landscape to be at the top of the agenda when national and devolved governments are developing initiatives and strategies. We are the voice of the profession on topics such as housing, flooding, public health, sustainability, farming and much more.

Promoting landscape practice - We champion the great work done by landscape practitioners through the press, broadcast and digital media along with our events and exhibitions. Our case studies library is a collection of contemporary landscape projects ranging from global-scale projects like Olympic parks through to neighbourhood schemes.

The LI Awards - One of the biggest events in the landscape industry is our annual awards, which celebrate the scale and scope of UK and international landscape practice.

Protecting the natural and built environment - As an educational charity, we support current thinking and actions that promote the use of landscape for the benefit of the public. For instance, we welcome initiatives that promote public health, sustainability, and tackle climate change. But our focus stays the same: to conserve and enhance the natural and built environment for the public benefit. We support landscape practice that creates thriving communities through the design and management of inspirational places. The skills of landscape practitioners, across environmental, planning, management and design, can enhance the quality of human life. For instance, the work of our members can reduce air and noise pollution, increase the profitability and sustainability of places – and lead to more relaxing and healthier spaces to enjoy.

Library and archive - The LI’s library and archive collection was donated to the Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) at the University of Reading in 2013. The landscape collections at MERL include the drawings and professional papers of leading landscape practitioners such as urban designer Michael Brown, Syliva Crowe and Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe. The collection also houses sketches, drawings and illustrations by artist and landscape architect Peter Shepheard.

Industrial rope access has been developed by IRATA International for over 25 years to a point where it is the chosen means of access for much of the work in the offshore oil and gas industry as well as a range of projects in construction, civil engineering, the built and natural environment and much more. Its success is based on thorough training and strict work guidelines that deliver an unrivalled safe working record year after year. The environmental, efficiency and economic benefits have resulted in growing international support for industrial rope access ahead of alternative means of access.

The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) is the only trade body that represents the interests of the whole architectural ironmongery industry - architectural ironmongers, wholesalers and manufacturers.

Our mission is to Advance Architectural Ironmongery - We promote the highest standards of education, technical excellence and professionalism in the UK and internationally, and promote these standards to the industry and its clients.

We collaborate with trade bodies across all areas of construction including the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the Construction Products Association (CPA), Charted Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT), and the British Woodworking Federation (BWF), as well as overseas trade bodies like the Door Hardware Institute (DHI).

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) is the main representative organisation for companies involved in all aspects of the manufacture of flat glass and products and services for all types of glazing, in commercial and domestic sectors.

Members of the GGF include companies that manufacture and install energy efficient windows, in homes and commercial buildings, the performance glass used in every type of building from houses to high-rise tower blocks and the components that are used to manufacture every type of glazing.

GGF Members produce and install safety, fire and emergency glazing, special films to protect against the sun’s rays or terrorist and vandal attacks and in fact, every type of glazing installation, no matter how specialised.

The GGF is recognised by government and plays a large part in influencing new standards and regulations, such as The Building Regulations, the rules that govern and control the way our buildings are constructed in the UK.

Within the GGF are key subsidiaries, such as FENSA, which helps ensure that energy efficient windows and doors are installed to the appropriate Building Regulations in order to comply with planning rules. Other subsidiaries include BFRC (British Fenestration Ratings Council), responsible for developing Window Energy Ratings that allow anyone choosing new windows to choose the most efficient windows by their Energy Efficient Labels – familiar to anyone buying electrical appliances

The Federation of Traditional Metal Roofing Contractors (FTMRC) was formed in 2006 and today consists of specialist contractors who are engaged at the Vanguard of the supported metal roofing business, installing traditional metal roofing in aluminium, copper, galvanised steel, stainless steel and zinc. The Federation is also supported by Associate members providing materials and ancillary services.

The Federation is directed by a Chairman and Council elected from the membership who regularly meet to endorse and maintain the high technical standards of the fully supported metal roofing Industry, with day to day operations conducted by its secretariat and General Manager based in East Grinstead, West Sussex.

There are other hard metal contractors that engage in unsupported “longstrip” industrial metal roofing and cladding, however FTMRC members are focused on traditional metal roof detailing and installation, demanding higher craft skills and knowledge. As well as the heritage sector, there is increasing demand for the knowledge and skills of FTMRC members, with modern architectural design fashion attracted by the wide variety of colours and finishes available, especially in the zinc product range.

The Federation of Master Builders is the largest trade association in the UK construction industry representing the interests of small and medium-sized building companies and lobbying for members at both national and local levels.

A non-trading organisation which is sponsored by the copper producers and fabricators to encourage and promote the correct and efficient use of copper and its alloys such as brass and bronze. It provides technical advice and information in the form of publications, software, a free online enquiry service and website.

Online resources of use in conservation include data sheets on the principal alloys, technical information on patination and guidance on roofing details from the publication Copper Roofing in Detail - see https://copperalliance.org.uk/knowledge-base/resource-library/pub-156-copper-roofing-detail/.