About Us
Latest News
Winning Contracts
August 2011
A plethora of public sector external refurbishment contract has been secured by Forster since April, including several programmes for new clients. Two roof renewal projects, in Arklay and Corso Street are being completed for Dundee City Council. Works are underway at Middlefield Crescent and Middlefield Terrace for Aberdeen City Council and have been completed at Strathtay Avenue in Netherlee, East Renfrewshire, for Trust Housing Association. Forster are also currently delivering programmes for Weslo Housing Management and Almond Housing Association in Livingston, Atrium Housing Association in Stewarton and Kilmarnock and various projects as part of existing framework agreements with Fife Council and City of Edinburgh.
Energy Monitoring
July 2011
Reducing carbon emissions, wastage and cost were behind Forster’s decision to install an energy monitoring system at their Brechin head office. The Ewgeco system displays electricity, water and gas consumption as well as renewable energy production, using an easy to understand traffic light display that rises and falls in real time. By showing the actual cost, kilowatts, litres/hour and CO2 emissions, it’s helping Forster understand and manage their energy consumption.
Case Study: Sacred Heart's Church
July 2011
The refurbishment of this beautiful Grade B Listed church in Aberdeen provided Forster with an opportunity to showcase some outstanding workmanship. Forster completed the works for main contractor Robertson Construction. Under the watch of Historic Scotland, 25 panels and 4 conicals were stripped and re-tiled using Rosemary clay plain tiles. Particular attention must be drawn to the meticulous skill that went into the conicals (covering a roof area of 409m²), where battens were notched and thousands of tiles carefully measured and chamfered twice to create a spectacular roof-scape.
Long Term Fix
July 2011
When specifying Roof PV it is essential that you consider the long term impact the installation will have on the integrity of the roof structure. It is always important to consider the installer’s knowledge of roofing specifications and details. Forster Managing Director, Steve Scott explained “With the severe wind and rain conditions that we experience in Scotland (compared with the rest of Europe) it becomes particularly important to ensure that any Roof PV installed, stays fixed and weather-tight for years to come”.
Why PV? or What PV?
July 2011
The attraction of receiving an annual return on investment of around 10% for 25 years is easy to understand in today’s world and, given the outlook for energy prices, it seems the question should be ‘What PV’ not ‘Why’. It seems likely that fears about the Feed in tariff (FiT) have probably been overplayed. Yes, it will almost certainly be reduced over time. However, with estimates of PV panel prices falling as much as 20% this year, the opportunity for homeowners, tenants and social landlords to benefit significantly from new Roof PV installations is likely to remain well beyond April 2012.
Integrated and On-Top
July 2011
A recent roof renewal at Forster’s head office provided the opportunity to install Redland’s recently launched ‘On-Top’ and ‘Integrated’ Roof PV systems. The discretely integrated system requires no mountings or fittings; runs neatly across a single course of tiles, blending in with the roof design; and provides a more secure and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional on-top systems. Forster are offering an open invitation to readers to come and see the systems operating and learn more about their options for Roof PV installation.
Solar PV with Confidence
July 2011
You can now have your Solar Roof PV installed by Forster, one of Scotland’s largest roofing specialists. Launching their new campaign at the CIH Maintenance & Asset Management conference, Forster will be displaying what is probably the country’s best looking integrated Roof PV system. The systems supplied by Redland, one of the world’s largest roofing products manufacturers, represents the leading design in Roof PV. Forster combine a wealth of technical roofing experience with in-depth knowledge of PV systems. So you can choose your solar PV with confidence.
1st for Homes for Scotland
June 2011
Forster became the first Homes for Scotland Associate member to win a ‘Homes for Scotland Award’ at this year’s annual awards lunch. Following the judges’ commendation of Forster’s approach to Skills and Training at least year’s awards, this year Forster were announced as winners of the ‘Health, Safety and Well Being’ category. The judges made special mention of the way in which Forster have embraced wider issues relating to well being. “Going beyond employee benefits packages to include training in managing mental health issues at work and campaigns on sun awareness, drugs and alcohol.”
A Tile That Improves Air Quality
March 2011
A Forster re-roofing project with significant benefits to the environment was recently delivered for Fife Council. Marley Ecologic roof tiles were fitted to homes in Coaltown of Wemyss. The Ecologic tile improves the surrounding air quality by absorbing nitrogen dioxide and nitric oxide (NOx). It is also manufactured using 50% recycled materials, making it one of the most environmentally beneficial roofing products available. The tile can achieve an A+ rating in the Building Research Establishment's Green Guide to Specification.
View Product Information Sheet
Solar PV Coming Soon
April 2011
Forster will soon launch a new service to the house build and public sector refurbishment markets. The installation of the Redland Solar Photovoltaic system, which has been specially designed to integrate with 5 of Redland’s most popular tile types, will be available in late Spring. If you are interested in discovering more about Forster’s new service offering visit www.forsterenergy.co.uk/solarpv or contact Steve Scott steve.scott@forsterenergy.co.uk
Winning Contracts
April 2011
Continuing their successes of 2010, Forster have recently secured major external fabric refurbishment works for two new clients: West Dunbartonshire and Falkirk Councils. The programme of works for Falkirk involves roof renewal and the installation of a new render system to 16 flatted blocks in Bonnybridge. The works for West Dunbartonshire involve re-roofing, structural repairs and roughcast/render repairs to 120 homes in Alexandria and Dumbarton.
Roofing for Roofers
April 2011
A creative approach to keeping out the weather has enabled Forster to overcome the challenge of the severe winter conditions. A canopy was erected over the 700m² roof at the historic Camperdown House in Dundee by Main Contractor Muirfi eld Contracts and refurbishment work was able to continue almost unaffected by the arctic conditions.
Health & Safety
April 2011
Forster have introduced a new scheme which recognises and rewards the safety and quality performance of their site based employees. This initiative is one of many that have been introduced in the last three years to strengthen Forster’s sector leading health and safety culture. Other recent initiatives have included advanced 1:1 driver training, SMSTS training for office based managers and a number of Healthy Working Lives programmes. Forster have recently successfully renewed their CHAS and NHBC Safemark accreditations. Chairman John Forster continues to play an active role on the board of The Scottish House Builders Health and Safety Forum (www.shbforum.co.uk).
Homes for Scotland Awards
April 2011
Many of you will be attending Homes for Scotland’s ‘Quality Awards’ in May. Once again Forster will be supporting the industry by sponsoring the ‘Skills and Resourcing’ category at this year’s Awards ceremony. Look out for Forster Chairman John Forster and Managing Director Steve Scott, who will both be there.
ACT on-line
April 2011
Forster has played a leading role in the launch of a new online booking website for the Angus Construction Training group (more commonly known as ACT). Run by volunteers from several Angus based construction companies, ACT provides lower cost/accessible training for construction companies of all sizes. Since the group was established in 2007, 1134 training days have been completed, with the majority being delivered at Forster’s Training Centre in Brechin. The new website enables visitors to view details and book spaces for a range of training courses. For further details visit www.act-constructiontraining.co.uk.
On the road again...
April 2011
Increased market optimism and a growing order book have led Forster to launch a nationwide campaign to recruit qualified and experienced roofers. Following a massive response several new roofing squads have been appointed to strengthen Forster’s construction team and as a result new vans will soon be seen all over Scotland. More squads will be appointed in the coming months.
The Experience is Everything
April 2011
As part of their 2011 ‘Customer Experience’ initiative, Forster will soon be introducing a new customer feedback opportunity on completion of each contract. Forster already collect, analyse and provide detailed reports to their clients based on the tenant experience. Following the success of their tenant feedback surveys for refurbishment contracts Forster are keen to hear their customer’s views.
Change At The Top
November 2010
Forster Roofing have appointed a new Managing Director. Steve Scott, formerly Commercial Director at Forster joined the company in January 2000. A Quantity Surveyor, Steve has successfully held a number of positions at Forster Roofing including the last 4 years as head of the commercial team. Forster Group Chair John Forster said ‘As an experienced, considered, able and committed member of the Forster team, Steve’s step up to the role of Managing Director represents a great opportunity not only for him but for the company as a whole and in particular for all of us who work with him’.
Case Study: Drum of Garvock
November 2010
An award winning project for a Ryder Cup winning captain! Architects Yeoman McAllister created a stunning design for the mansion house near Dunning owned by Europe’s Ryder Cup winning captain Colin Montgomery. Forster completed the slating works which covered an area of over 1,000m² across 23 roof panels, including a spectacular turret. Cupa Heavy 3 Spanish Slate was selected due to its rough surface and close resemblance to the traditional highland slate Ballachulish. 16 valleys and 5 mitred hips were expertly cut to create a striking roof scape. The scale and complexity of the project typifies the high level of skill and workmanship provided by Forster.
Heritage
August 2010
In August Forster received notification from the NFRC that they had been successfully added to the ‘National Heritage Roofing Register’ produced by National Heritage Training Group (NHTG) in association with Historic Scotland and English Heritage. Forster are now listed as competent and skilled installers of the following roofing types: Natural Metamorphic Slates, Burlington Slate and Modern Random Slate categories. In their notification letter the review panel commended the excellent quality of the work (projects) submitted in the application. In addition Forster Managing Director Steve Scott was awarded ‘Roof Master’ status and four of Forster’s experienced roof slaters were awarded ‘Craft Roofer’ status. Now all are awaiting new heritage endorsed gold CSCS cards.
Communinity Involvement
November 2010
Recognising the importance of tenant liasion and community engagement, Forster have demobstrarted their commmitment by supporting several of their clients' initaitives in recent weeks. These include sponsoring the publicatiion of Weslo Housing Management's new 'Tenant Handbook' and supporting Atrium Homes' 'Contribution to the Community' award.
Forster Scoop Scottish Roofing Award
October 2010
Billed as a celebration of the best in Scottish Roofing, - the NFRC Scotland, Annual Awards luncheon proved just that. Forster scooped the Roof Tiling Award for McCarthy & Stone, Oxgangs Road, project. Forster were also finalists in the Roof Slating category for the Drum of Garvock project.
Framework Wins
October 2010
Forster have been appointed lead contractor on a two year pitched roofing framework for Fife Council. City of Edinburgh Council also announced over the summer that Forster had been accepted onto a three year framework contract to deliver £60 million of roofing and building repair works to privately owned tenemental properties.
Exemplars of the Standard
February 2009
Forster were described as 'exemplars of the standard' by the Investors in People assesment panel in September on being recognised as an 'Investsor in People'.
We're proud of nurturing a culture that fosters creativity, innovation and business improvement' explained Forster Human Resources Manager, Maureen Douglas. 'As we continued to grow we watted to ensure these values were maintained throughout our business and the Investor in People programme has allowed us to do that.'
Read article in Dundee Courier
Supporting the Sector
February 2009
Forster is the main sponsor of the Scottish Federation Housing Associations 2009 Directory. 'We are delighted to be continuing our support for the work of both the SFHA and CIH in 2009 at various events and conferences across Scotland explained Managing Director, John Forster.
Read John Forster's Directory Welcome Message
View Forster Directory Advert
www.sfha.co.uk
Forster Scoop 'Services to the Community' Award At NFRC Awards
October 2008
The Scottish Region NFRC is pleased to announce the winners of its inaugural Annual Awards Ceremony, the 32nd Scottish Region, 2008 Scottish Roofing contractor of the year awards. Roofing contractors were invited to submit their entries back in August of this year and following the judges final decisions, the Scottish NFRC has now announced the winners at a lavish awards ceremony at the SAS Radisson, Edinburgh.
Read full article
Awards Brochure
Food for Thoughts on Feedback
August 2008
Forster have introduced something new to encourage more Tenants to comment on the service they receive during re-roofing projects. With the opportunity to win £50 worth of Tesco Vouchers, Forster is hoping to encourage more Tenants to complete and return their Client Satisfaction Report.
Read full article
Forster "Client Information Pack"
Raising Awareness throgh Sticking Plasters!
August 2008
Look out for our stand and indeed our plaster envelopes at the upcoming CIH Repairs and Maintenance conference at Dundee’s Apex Hotel at the end of August and at the SFHA Property Maintenance Conference on 7th & 8th October at Crieff Hydro.
Read full article
CIH Repairs and Maintenance Conference Flyer
Unique Government Pilot Project Wins Education Award
June 2008
Forster were awarded the ‘Angus Partnership Excellence Award’ in June for their pioneering approach to delivering a pilot Scottish Government ‘Skills for Work” programme.
Read full article
Angus Council - Press Release
Promoting HealthierLiving
June 2008
Forster is taking action to promote healthier living to its employees by working towards accreditation through the Healthy Working Lives Award programme.
Read full article
www.healthyworkinglives.com
Safety First
May 2008
Forster recently received the CSCS Gold Standard Certificate of Achievement in recognition of achieving over 75% registration of its workforce under the Construction Skills Certificate Scheme.
Read full article
Forster CSCS Certificate of Commitment - Gold Standard
Homes for Scotland Launch Skills and Training Strategy to Tackle Skills Gap
May 2008
Forster Chairman John Forster and Human Resources Manager Maureen Douglas have recently helped create a new Skills and Training Strategy for Scottish House Building.
Read full article
Supporting the Work of Homes for Scotland
May 2008
For the second consecutive year Forster sponsored an award at the Homes for Scotland Quality Awards Lunch in May.
Read full article
Homes for Scotland - Press Release
Guidance Sheet on Slaters Heels Published by NFRC
April 2008
Forster have helped the NFRC publish a new guidance sheet detailing the safe installation, fitting and dismantling of Slater’s Heels (roof scaffolds/irons).
Read full article
Download Guidance Sheet
Hospice Families Get a Grand Day Out
March 2008
Families that use Rachel House hospice enjoyed a taste of the high life earlier this year with a special flight around Tayside when Forster donated the flight to the Hospice.
Read full article
www.chas.org.uk/rachel-house
www.maggiescentres.org/
"Quality Roofing for Thriving Neighbourhoods"
March 2008
Forster recently launched a new awareness campaign to promote its principal contract services to Scotland’s social housing sector.
Read full article
"Quality roofing for thriving neighbourhoods" Card
Developments in the North
March 2008
A year on from Forster’s acquisition of Alan Reid Roofing and the opening of their new regional office in Elgin, Forster’s business is developing rapidly in the of North Scotland.
Read full article
Investing In Our People
March 2008
“The heart of our business is very much our people and we intend to formally recognise this by achieving IIP accreditation in 2008” explained Judy Forster, Forster’s Human Resources Director.
Read full article
www.investorsinpeople.co.uk/
Scotcem Rooftiles
February 2008
Lafarge Roofing Ltd have recently announced the immediate closure of their Scotcem Manufacturing facility at Newbridge, Edinburgh.
Read full article
Qualifying Our Workforce
February 2008
In order to obtain a skilled CSCS card, a vocational qualification in the trade concerned is necessary. It is recognised in our industry that there are a number of highly skilled people who have never completed a college apprenticeship.
Read full article
ConstructionSkills Training Information - Roofing
Safety First - 95% Carded Workforce
February 2008
It is Forster policy that everyone who accesses site must hold an appropriate CSCS card. This challenging project began in 2007 and Forster now have in excess of 90 CSCS cards spread throughout the business.
Read full article
The Skills Agenda
January 2008
2008 is already looking to be a busy and promising year for skills and training at Forster. We recognise that recruiting, retaining and developing skills in our people is fundamental to our business success
Read full article
www.determinedtosucceed.co.uk
Forster Felt
October 2007
Look out for a new Forster branded felt soon to appear on all Forster fitted roofs where Glidevale Protect A1 is specified. Tried and tested, Forster has been using Protect A1 on all Redrow Homes sites for over three years.
Flat On Top
September 2007
Forster continues to expand its FLAG single ply flat roofing service with contracts at Gladedale’s, Braehead site and Persimmon Homes, Paisley.
Read full article
Safety First (1)
September 2007
The 31st December deadline is looming for the mandatory carrying of a CSCS card by everyone working or visiting a major house builder's site.
Read full article
Commitment To Education
August 2007
It’s been a busy summer for Forster supporting a large number of community and industry projects.
On a local level we were formally recognised as Ambassador’s for Business in the Scottish Executive Enterprise in Education scheme which seeks to develop effective partnerships with local businesses, communities and schools.
Read full article
Quality Assured
July 2007
Forster’s work at Lochgelly High School for Fife Council attracted interest from the construction press recently with features appearing in both the RCI and Project Scotland publications.
Read full article
Flat Out At Braehead!
May 2007
The future is flat, well in a roofing sense it is. The growing use of contemporary design in many new developments has led to increased demand from house builders for single ply flat roofing.
Read full article
Promoting Safety
May 2007
Demonstrating our commitment to high standards in health and safey, Forster recently sponsored the Health and Safety award at Homes for Scotland's annual awards lunch.
Read full article
Heard It On The Radio
May 2007
Recent listeners to Northsound and Moray Firth Radio would have heard a first - a radio advert for roofers.
Read full article
Forster's New Look
7 May 2007
Forster roofing specialists marked the launch of its new brand identity on May Day with an unveiling at its Brechin Headquarters. The new logo and supporting brand imagery was launched to Forster office staff and contracts management team at a luncheon at the Northern Hotel.
Read full article
Scottish House Builders Health & Safety Forum Publish Guidance Worksheet On Slaters Heels
2 May 2007
The Scottish House Builders Health & Safety Forum in association with Forster and CALA Homes East recently published a new guidance worksheet on the use of Slaters Heels.
Slater's Heels Worksheet
Be Ambitious For Scotland Say Housebuilders
26 April 2007
Scotland’s house building industry has called for the new Scottish Parliament to set targets for growth that will give a major boost to the economy. Homes for Scotland, the organisation representing companies that build 95% of new homes built for sale in Scotland, wants to double the number of new homes built each year and has challenged the political parties to commit themselves to this target
Read full article
Second Phase Of Lochgelly High School Underway March 2007
Today Forster re-commenced works on the re-roofing of Lochgelly High School for Fife Council. Following successful completion of Phase One in the summer of 2006 Forster was awarded Phase Two which involves the stripping and retiling of 4300m².
Annual Health & Safety Awareness Training
21 March 2007
Forster recently completed its series of six annual Health & Safety Awareness training days in February, where over 100 roof tiler/slaters attended the full day courses at Forster’s Brechin Training Centre. The training was conducted by Health & Safety Training Consultant George McIlwraith.
Forster Complete Acquisition Of Alan Reid Roofing
20 December 2006
Forster recently completed the acquisition of Alan Reid Roofing a reputable roofing contractor located in the Moray area. The acquisition represents a significant step in Forster’s expansion in the North of Scotland.
Read full article
