The LSFA Announces the Appointment of Inaugural Chair

Since its introduction at the Focus on Framing conference in June 2019, the Light Steel Frame Association (LSFA) has grown in stature and numbers – now including some of the most prominent names operating in the sector. 

As the construction industry looks to raise the bar to meet building regulations banning the use of combustible materials on and within external walls of specific residential sectors above 18m – the light steel frame industry has witnessed unprecedented demand for non-combustible panelised and volumetric modular systems. 

The sector is more agile, advanced and digitally savvy than competitors in other offsite material groups and unlike some associations, those operating within the light steel frame sector are more committed to collaborating for the collective good of the industry.

This united approach was in evidence at the LSFA’s Steering Group meeting earlier this month where Mike Fairey was unanimously voted in as the Association’s new Chair. Mike is Joint Director and Owner of Salvesen Insulated Frames Ltd and back in 2010 with his partner Tom Salvesen, bought the assets of Fusion Building Systems with the objective of firmly establishing the business as a UK leader in the offsite manufacturing of light steel frame superstructures.

Mike’s engineering career began in the early 1980s when he completed a five-year engineering apprenticeship in prototype automotive design and testing. Later in his career as an informed and respected member of the light steel frame industry, Mike was appointed to the Board of The Housing Forum in 2016 to provide insight and become the voice of offsite construction. He now uses his extensive expertise to champion offsite construction methods, helping to educate and transform approaches for housebuilding in the UK. 

“Mike Fairey said of his appointment: “It is a real opportunity to chair such a forward-thinking group of construction professionals. My primary objective is to agree formal collaborations with other key industry associations and bodies such as The Housing Forum. 

“We are galvanising the sector as we’re on the cusp of a major opportunity which has been driven by building regulations and the potential to further reduce the restriction of non-combustible materials in external walls to 11 metres. The sustainability and longevity benefits combined with the fire resistant properties mean that light steel framing systems are a vital offsite technology that can be used in so many building types and applications.” 

The Light Steel Frame Association (LSFA) has been established to influence legislation, regulation and to support the overall objectives and growth of the steel framing sector. The Association works with members to raise awareness of the performance, productivity and sustainability benefits of steel. 

If you require more information on steel framing systems or are  interested in joining, go to: www.lsf-association.co.uk or call Hannah Jones on 01743 290 001.