UPSKILLING _ BUSINESS SUPPORT
Spotting a gap in the market motivated one FMB member to acquire a new, in-demand skill Raising the roof
the test case – and it provided valuable lessons. On the course, materials were pre-prepared, but on site, the responsibility for mixing ratios and temperature adjustments falls to the installer. “The resin was setting quicker than expected,” Volpe says. So he called the training provider, adjusted for temperature, and solved the issue. That experience reinforced the value of training – and having strong aftercare support. It highlighted an important point for fellow FMB members: what you learn in a classroom will only get you so far in real-world conditions. “That practical detail only really sinks in when you’re doing it for real,” Volpe explains. The good news is Volpe’s roof hasn’t leaked, and he already has another fibreglass roofing project lined up. He’s confident the second installation will be smoother still.
R emo Volpe’s home needed a new roof. He wanted it to be made from fibreglass, but no one in his area offered that. So he learnt how to do it himself. “I was doing work on my own house and thought it would be a useful system to learn properly,” says the Managing
careful planning. The pair worked during the day before travelling that evening so they could be in Harrogate to tackle the intensive one-day course first thing in the morning, and return straight after. “It was full-on,” Volpe admits, “but it meant we didn’t lose much working time. Travelling the night before was definitely the right decision.” Although one person could technically have attended, both went. Roofing systems like GRP typically require two installers, but the bigger benefit was shared understanding. “You pick up on different details,” Volpe says. “One of us might remember something the other forgets. When you’re applying it on site, that really helps.”
Director of Remo Volpe Joinery & Building Services Ltd in Scotland.
So why fibreglass or glass reinforced plastic (GRP) roofs? An architect Volpe works with summed it up neatly: your bath is made from the same material and it doesn’t leak. Given the amount of rain in Scotland, Volpe says it makes sense. It’s not the cheapest option, but it offers durability and a clean aesthetic. Volpe wants to replicate the look of traditional zinc standing seam or lead, but without the high material costs. So he expanded his skills to fill a widening gap in the local market.
Upskilling advice to fellow members
Motivating factors For Volpe, the primary motivation
Look for gaps in your local market – that could be your opening. Speculate to accumulate – find balance between the short- term trade-off on time, cost for a potential return. Expand your in-house capabilities – this could reduce reliance on subcontractors, improve flexibility and strengthen client confidence.
wasn’t the certification – although being listed on a supplier portal where architects and clients can find approved installers is a welcome bonus. The main goal was capability. “It was about properly learning the system. I’d seen wasn’t the being liste where arc can f ind
d his skills to fill a he local market. cy and and his d to Harrogate oof covering
Keen on accuracy and efficiency, Volpe and his
colleague travelled to Harrogate to complete the roof covering course.
welcome capability learnin sim j
With only two people in the business, taking time out for training required people in ng time quired
similar systems used on other jobs and liked the concept.” His own home became
Master Builder 37
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