Having now settled in to the role of the Chairman of the LCA and witnessing and experiencing the tasks that this position brings, I now realise that my predecessors wry smiles on stepping down were perhaps genuine signs of relief.

We have an association whose members are facing unprecedented difficulties within the construction market at the moment. Whilst we are all trying to earn a living by sticking to our principles and refusing to compromise the quality of our work by cutting corners, there are numerous obstacles in our way.

We’re all used to having to deal with cheaper contractors who are not certificated and don’t have the experience to lay lead properly and builders who don't care who fits their leadwork as long its done quickly and cheaply. There is no easy remedy, especially in the current economic climate, but I am determined that the LCA will continue to fight for recognition of the simple fact that, in the long term, lead sheet out performs all of its rival roofing materials, provided it is fitted correctly.

However, our biggest threat today is the plague of metal thefts – a result of excessive and increasing metal prices, which has given rise to the use of alternative membrane materials and (even worse) increasing demand for the "Mop and Bucket brigade"

There is no doubt price rises in some metals has escalated theft levels to epidemic proportions across the country and with so much “profit” at stake, thieves are confident they can dispose of their ill gotten gains through unscrupulous scrap metal dealers.

The LCA has already been involved in discussions at the highest levels in this respect and we will continue to have an active role in the demand for a better regulated system for metals recycling that will discourage those that turn a blind eye to the Second World War memorial that's just been delivered on the back seat of a 12 year old Peugeot!

We support the campaign for a "No ID - No Payment" rule that has been trialled in some northern UK counties and appears to have been successful in reducing metal thefts. Better regulation, or better enforcement of existing legislation, more often than not flushes out the unlicensed metals reclamation business that thrives on turning a blind eye. Requiring evidence of a waste carriers license, personal photo ID, domestic utility bill, etc and generally adopting the “No ID - No Payment” system (even removing cash payments altogether) should help police to focus on those that continue to provide a ready outlet for metal thieves.

In other areas we continue to make progress in highlighting the quality standards of our members work and in 2011 achieved significant success in our campaign for recognition by English Heritage. The EH Board decision to modify their procurement rules now means EH projects involving a significant amount of leadwork MUST be carried out by holders of the Heritage Skills Specialist Leadwork CSCS card, 84% of whom are members of the LCA.

I am also mindful that we have an ageing workforce and if we do not commit to bringing on the next generation of lead specialists through proper training (yes, even in these difficult times) the craft will disappear.

I know every LCA member thinks they have the best leadworkers and that there is no what better way to bring on trainees and apprentices than by having them work alongside their own “experts” on site – it’s certainly much cheaper than sending them away for training.

But in my experience there are very few leadworkers who know everything and can do everything and the chances are even they have bad habits that will be passed on.

I see the close working relationship that has been developed with the Lead Sheet Association becoming even stronger as we look to produce a future workforce for the sector that is not only properly trained, but have the qualifications to provide the tangible evidence. Once again it will set us apart from those that can only challenge for leadwork on price.

The country in general and the building industry in particular is not out of the woods yet and I think that 2012 will be very difficult year for everybody. All the more reason for us to continue to bang the drum about quality over price for our customers to get real value for their money in the long term.

We will continue to demonstrate why LCA members are different, that their work is checked and graded on site, that they stay up to date through technical seminars and that they offer an unrivalled guarantee scheme. The message is slowly getting through and English Heritage have been the first to formally recognise this. Others have now been targeted to provide the same recognition, including the National Trust, Historic Scotland and the Heritage Lottery Fund. Local authorities and the major Client Groups are next on the list to receive some very strong messages about lead sheet and the Lead Contractors Association.

Our members are not allowed to compromise their standards and neither shall we.

Nigel Miles

Chairman