The Voice - Winter 2023

TTA laid out its strategic plan in November 2021, which will continue to set UK tile and related product standards, drive training and learning for all
and develop a Master Tile Fixer certification for UK tilers. It will also offer benefits that members really value, with a focus on tile fixers and retailers, creating a vibrant member community and broadening the membership base. We will build strong relationships with government bodies and take every opportunity to share our passion for tiles.
There are 3 pillars that underpin everything that TTA do. They are:
1. Raise tile and tiling standards and enhance installation expertise and craftmanship
2. Improve the value of membership and attract, engage and retain more members
3. Promote the benefits of tiles and provide a unified voice for the industry at government level
TTA’s Board of volunteer directors and Committee members are focused
TTA’s Board of volunteer directors and Committee members are
on the strategic objectives and goals, working to deliver TTA’s vision of
focused on the strategic objectives and goals, working to deliver
“Excellence in Tiling” for the industry. The Board are collectively focused
TTA’s vision of “Excellence in Tiling” for the industry. The Board are
on overseeing progress against the strategy, identifying and following up
collectively focused on overseeing progress against the strategy,
on issues and opportunity at the quarterly meetings.
identifying and following up on issues and opportunity at the quarterly meetings.
TTA are grateful to all Board, Committee and Working Group members who volunteer their time for the greater good of the industry. Any member
TTA are grateful to all Board, Committee and Working Group
is welcome to get involved in one or more of the Groups – register your
members who volunteer their time for the greater good of the
interest with the office: 0300 365 8453
industry. Any member is welcome to get involved in one or more
of the Groups – register your interest with the office: 0300 365 8453
Here’s what some of the Groups have been working on:
Here’s what some of the Groups have been working on:
TTA’S STRATEGIC PLAN
TTA’S COMMITTEES AND WORKING GROUPS SUPPORT THE INDUSTRY AS A WHOLE
We’d like to update you on some of the activity undertaken by the
We’d like to update you on some of the activity undertaken by the
Association to deliver Excellence in Tiling for our members.
Association to deliver Excellence in Tiling for our members.
Board:
Chaired by Paul Luff, Vice Chair - Ian Kershaw
TTA Board has overall responsibility for the work of the Association. The Board are also responsible for strategic
planning, governance and financial matters.
All Board members are Directors of the Association and registered on Companies House. All volunteer their time
and the role is not remunerated.
Directors: Bob Howard MBE, Rebecca Talbot, Brian Newell MBE, David Rowley, Billy Valler, Tim Tatlock, David Hackett, David Talbot, David Kong
TTA’s CEO and Company Secretary, Kay Porter, reports to The Board, while TTA’s Technical & Training Manager and the admin team report to Kay Porter.
Technical Committee:
Chaired by Brian Newell MBE, Vice Chair - David Talbot
This Committee represents TTA and the Tiling Industry on British, European and International Standards
Committees on tiles, tile fixing, adhesives and grouts.
The Committee also creates TTA technical documents and advice notes, as well as overseeing TTA’s inspection service.
In 2023, The Technical Committee suggested a greater push on information regarding tile failures, standards and guidance. As a result, TTA created a press release on the change in tiling standards using failures as examples.
Training Committee:
Chaired by David Rowley, Vice Chair – Martin Pouncey
The Training Committee works with training
organisations such as CITB, on all matters of industry-
related training on behalf of our members. Working
with the Department of Education, TTA has supported
the Apprenticeship Trailblazer Working Group in the development
of the Wall and Floor Tiler Trailblazer Apprenticeship Scheme. TTA also offers EWPA and OSAT assessments to assist experienced tilers to gain their NVQ qualifications.
In 2023, The Training Committee has provided Technical Masterclasses on a wide range of useful topics such as External Tiling to Balconies, Terraces & Patios. These Masterclasses were held at both TTA HQ and wider industry locations such as Domus’ Birmingham showroom. Moreover, the Committee worked closely with CITB to compile a “Route to Competence; programme to show how an individual becomes competent in their sector.” Membership application forms for both fixers and contractors have been updated to request details with regards to tiling qualifications held and number of apprentices currently being trained.
Marketing & GPC Committee:
Chaired by Rebecca Talbot, Vice Chair – Paul Luff
This Committee deals with all aspects of membership, member benefits, subscriptions and related issues. They also arrange events such as the annual Awards, and
the marketing of The Tile Association and its members through the media and press. It is the liaison point for trade magazines, shows, and TTA website.
In 2023, the Marketing & GPC Committee oversaw:
THE VOICE
OF THE TILING INDUSTRY
Yearly Round-up Newsletter 2023
• 2 Golf Days
• TTA Awards
• The Tiling Show
• Christmas Lunch
• ASCER trip
• New TTA website
• Master Tile Fixer Campaign • NBS Partnership
Sustainability Working Group:
Chaired by David Kong, Vice Chair – Darren Gough
TTA formed a Sustainability Working Group to help
the industry tackle the challenges of sustainability
and to help communicate the positive aspects of tiles. The working group comprises eight members, reporting directly to TTA Board.
In 2023, the Sustainability Working Group has created a new page on TTA’s website about sustainability and produced a press release promoting the ethical sourcing of tiles.