Uniting the industry: Phillip Wilcox-Moore on launching the Bitumen Flat Roofing Association
Posted by Maddie Tribley —
The bitumen flat roofing industry in the UK has long needed a unified voice – an organisation that could represent its interests, advocate for excellence, and drive innovation and sustainability. With the formation of the Bitumen Flat Roofing Association (BFRA) earlier this year, that vision is now a reality.
Phillip Wilcox-Moore, Managing Director of Axter and Secretary of the BFRA, played a central role in bringing the new association to life. The BFRA unites 14 founding members, including Axter, Alumasc, Bauder, BMI Group, Danosa, Garland, ICB, IKO, Langley Waterproofing Systems, Mapei, Moy Materials, Rose Roofing, Sika, and Soprema.
In this interview, Phillip shares insights into the formation of the BFRA, its ambitions, and how it aligns with Axter’s commitment to raising industry standards in technical performance, safety, sustainability, and innovation.
A unified sector with a clear purpose
The BFRA was born from the collective realisation that the bitumen flat roofing industry needed a unified voice. “After numerous discussions with industry peers, it became clear that an organised, unified approach was essential," says Phillip. “With broad industry support, we set the wheels in motion.”
He continues, “The goal of the BFRA is simple: to provide a unified voice for the bitumen flat roofing sector. This includes advocating for excellence, driving innovation, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the industry, and collectively shaping industry standards to secure a positive future for our members and the wider sector.”
Key priorities in the early stages
Axter, as a founding member, played a key role in establishing the association. “There was a lot of work to be done, such as drafting the Articles of Association, formalising association governance structures, and developing the brand assets, including the website and internal & external communications,” Phillip explains. “Together with the other founding directors, we set up the structures that allowed us to launch the BFRA.”
Along with Phillip as secretary, the BFRA is led by:
- Chair: Shaun Lotay, Technical Director at Langley Waterproofing Systems
- Vice-Chair: Richard Aldred, Head of Compliance and Technical Services at Sika
Raising standards across the industry
With the association established, the focus quickly turned to key priorities. “One of our early goals was to stay agile and address the most pressing issues of our sector,” says Phillip. Chief among these is the development of a comprehensive reinforced bitumen membrane (RBM) flat roofing technical guide which is urgently needed in support of the industry.
“The flat roofing sector must collaborate to address critical matters like fire safety, sustainability, and innovation,” he adds. “The bitumen sector has for far too long not been directly represented. The BFRA will help to solve this. Working together, our members will be instrumental in driving this work forward.”
A key initiative in this effort is the creation of a BFRA technical committee with associated working groups, tasked with developing the new technical guide. “The committee is responsible for updating and refining all technical information that will provide practical guidance for the sector.” explains Phillip.
The working group will be supported by a committee drawn from the BFRA membership, welcoming both seasoned experts and fresh perspectives. “The mix of experience and new thinking is vital in producing a guide that truly reflects the needs of the industry,” he says.
The power of industry collaboration
Collaboration across the sector is at the heart of the BFRA’s approach. Phillip emphasises that it is essential that organisations work together, share knowledge, and collaborate on key initiatives. “No single company or association can address the complex challenges we face alone,” he says. “It is about creating a collective force to drive change, raise standards, and push for innovation.”
Axter recognises the importance of collaborating not just within the BFRA, but also with all other trade associations to promote best practices and drive forward industry-wide improvements. “We are committed to working with other industry groups, such as the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), The Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA), The Single Ply Roofing Association (SPRA) and The Green Roof Association (GRO), to ensure that we are aligned and working towards the same goals,” explains Phillip.
Aligning with Axter’s mission
Axter is at the forefront of advancing sustainability and elevating industry standards in the roofing sector – an ambition that aligns with the mission of the BFRA. “We are always looking for ways to push the boundaries at Axter,” Phillip reflects. “We are proud to be the first roofing manufacturer to become a Gold Carbon Literate Organisation, which reflects our commitment to reducing our carbon emissions and playing our part in tackling climate change.”
This commitment is further demonstrated by Axter’s B Corp certification, a designation that recognises companies meeting rigorous standards of social and environmental performance. “Achieving B Corp certification was an important milestone for us,” Phillip says. “It reinforces our commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices.”
Beyond sustainability, Axter is committed to industry education, offering a range of free, technically informative CPD seminars developed by industry experts. These sessions are designed to inform, inspire, and equip professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to excel.
Axter team members also contribute to several key industry groups and committees, including Solar Energy UK’s Standards and Certification Committee and GRO Technical Working Groups. “By actively collaborating with industry groups, we are able to share knowledge, influence best practices, and help shape the future of roofing in a more sustainable and innovative direction,” says Phillip.
Looking ahead
The future of the BFRA looks bright, with key priorities already in place. Phillip is optimistic about the progress being made and the collaboration across the sector. “We are entering an exciting phase where the industry is ready for change,” he says. “The BFRA is here to help drive that change, ensuring that we work together to build a stronger, more sustainable future for bitumen flat roofing systems.”
For more information, including how to enquire about becoming a BFRA member, please visit the website www.bfra.co.uk or e-mail us on [email protected].
Phillip Wilcox-Moore
With more than 25 years of experience in the flat roofing and waterproofing industry, Phillip brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the association.
A dedicated contributor to the development of industry standards, he is an active member of the European Standards Committee CEN/TC 254 Flexible Sheets for Waterproofing, and CEN/TC 254/SC 1 Bitumen Sheets.
He is also a member of B/546, the mirror committee for CEN/TC 254 and sits on the specialist flat roofing working group responsible for BS 6229, the UK's code of practice for flat roofs with continuously supported flexible waterproof coverings.
