New vice chair for TRA

Luke Roberts, managing director at Donaldson Timber Engineering has been appointed vice chair of the Trussed Rafter Association (TRA).

Luke brings with him over 22 years’ experience in the trussed rafter industry having started his timber engineering career in 2000 with National Hickman as an I joist designer. Following roles with Walker Timber Group and FJI-Joists, Luke was appointed business development director at Donaldson in 2017 and managing director in 2019.

He said: “The TRA plays an important role in our industry and I am keen to get involved and play my part in the future of our trade association. With recruitment, training and our journey towards net zero being high on the agenda, I want to help get TRA members engaged so we can knowledge-share and benefit from the collective strength we have as an organisation.

“The recent launch of the TRA’s designer development programme (DDP) is testimony to the progress the TRA is making in creating a route for young designers to gain professional qualifications.  The advances in the technical, and health and safety aspects of our work are also very exciting and so it’s a great time for me to take up this opportunity.”

TRA chief executive Nick Boulton welcomed Luke to the team and said: “Luke’s leadership of one of our larger members and his experience in all his previous roles will be an asset to our organisation. At a time when there is such economic uncertainty, a skills shortage, a housing crisis and the need to tackle climate change, I look forward to seeing how together, the TRA can help shape the future of modern methods of construction as a sustainable solution.”