The benefits of TRA membership

Companies may be reviewing their costs during the recession, but withdrawing membership of a trade association would be a “short-term response”, said Trussed Rafter Association (TRA) director Susan Farrow.

TRA membership was excellent value for money, she said, citing the benefits from health and safety and technical advice, public relations and marketing, to cost savings on professional indemnity insurance and the TRA’s online training course.

“For a small organisation I think we punch well above our weight,” said Mrs Farrow, pointing to the TRA’s links with the Health & Safety Executive, which often asks the TRA’s advice, and with Napier University.

In addition, TRA membership – and the logo – give a company added credibility. “Because of our requirement for professional indemnity insurance and quality assurance, people can use TRA members knowing these safeguards are in place, so it should give members a headstart,” she said.

The TRA’s online training course, hosted by Napier University, is open to “anyone with an interest in roofs” but TRA members receive a 50% discount on the fee. This year the TRA is also offering people who have been made redundant from a TRA member company the opportunity to do the training course at the reduced members’ rate.

The TRA has gained two members recently – Muir Timber Systems and AV Birch. Alan Ritchie, who moved from Wolf Systems to AV Birch late last year, has encouraged his new company to join.

“Any credible company in this industry should be a member of the TRA and contributing as a whole,” he said.

The work of the various committees – technical, health and safety, and publicity – was particularly worthwhile. “The work of one committee is worth the annual membership fee,” said Mr Ritchie. “If you had to find that information on your own it would take time and money.”

Muir Timber Systems general manager Ken Murdoch said his company felt it was important to be identified as part of an industry-recognised association.