Gordon Penrose, founder and managing director of local company Penrose Roofing Ltd, said he was delighted to accept the position at such a “respected organisation”. The IOR, founded in 1980, is the only recognised professional body in the UK that offers people involved in all aspects of the roofing industry the opportunity to gain nationally recognized roofing qualifications. Gordon believes training is “essential” to the wellbeing of the roofing industry, and he intends to highlight this message in his new role. He added: “The IOR is a respected organisation for individuals, providing the support and route leading to professional roofing qualifications – which is so important in today’s competitive world where it is vital to not only demonstrate professional competence, but to underpin it with a recognised roofing qualification.” Gordon took over the reigns as president following Lord Glentoran’s decision to step down at the 2009 AGM. IOR’s incoming chairman, Martin Adwick said: “Gordon is a very well known and highly respected figure in the roofing industry and we are delighted that he has agreed to become our president.” The Carrick man has been in involved in the industry for over 50 years, having first served an indentured roof slater and tiler apprenticeship in Scotland. He studied at Lauder College, Dunfermline, and won the City & Guilds student of the year award and then undertook an engineering course at Belfast’s Millfield College of Technology, going on to form Penrose Roofing in 1967. He was responsible for setting up Northern Ireland’s first roofing training courses and chaired various CITB working parties on training. As well as his new role as IOR President, Gordon is also currently President of the International Federation for Roofing Trades, a worldwide organisation which is holding its Congress in Belfast from November 15-20. Gordon is married to Alice, has four children and six grandchildren, and when he does have any spare time his hobbies include travelling, cooking and sports. Not surprisingly, he also includes roofing amongst his hobbies, both modern and historical. Gordon will be at the IoR’s 30th AGM on board HMS Belfast on the October 14. To coincide with his appointment as president, the IOR is holding its first ever Governors meeting in Belfast on November 17.