The Insulated Render and Cladding Association (INCA) is a leading trade association representing the external wall insulation (EWI) industry in the UK. INCA had been actively involved in the promotion and advancement of the EWI industry, which plays a significant role in energy conservation and the reduction of carbon emissions.

INCA’s members include system designers and suppliers, specialist installers, and components suppliers who are actively involved in the industry. They work together to improve industry standards, drive policy development, provide technical support, and facilitate training and development for those in the sector.

Their role includes:

1. Representing the interests of their members and the wider EWI industry to government bodies, construction industry entities, and related organisations.
2. Promoting the benefits of external wall insulation, including its contribution to energy conservation, carbon emission reduction, and building aesthetics.
3. Working towards the development of industry standards, including the formulation and enforcement of technical standards for EWI design, installation, and performance.
4. Providing a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and networking among industry participants.
5. Organising training and development activities to enhance skills and competence within the industry.

INCA mission statement

INCA’s mission statement reads “INCA – Together, Stronger” and includes the following:

Representing members of the External Wall Insulation industry through technical excellence, effective collaboration, strong marketing and communication and member benefits.

• represents the EWI industry in the UK and Europe
• provides technical support, advice and installation best practices for EWI to members, Government, clients and other key stakeholders
• publishes comprehensive guidance and keeps its members up to date with changes in legislation, policy and working practices
• promotes the benefits of EWI to homeowners, social landlords, architects and main contractors
• facilitates the sharing of best practices at events such as biannual members’ meetings, regular Committee meetings and the annual INCA Awards.

More on INCA

The Insulated Render and Cladding Association (INCA) is a key trade association for the External Wall Insulation (EWI) industry in the UK. It was established in 1982 to represent the then-emerging EWI industry and help it gain recognition and acceptance within the UK construction industry.

Over the years, as the EWI industry expanded, INCA’s role has grown. Today, it is recognised by the government as the national trade association for the EWI industry in the UK. The association not only promotes the benefits of EWI but also drives best practices, ensures quality assurance, and influences government policy that affects the industry, thereby benefiting its members.

INCA represents the major EWI system designers, specialist installers, and key component suppliers in the UK. The association is in regular dialogue with relevant governing departments and organisations, including BEIS, CLC, BEEF, EEIG, BUILDUK, CITB, SWIGA, and Trustmark.

The management of INCA is done by a volunteer board consisting of top industry professionals. The board is supported by an experienced secretariat and active member committees, including the Technical Committee, Marketing Committee, Training Committee, and a newly formed Contractor Committee. These committees are focused on maintaining INCA as the technical expert in the industry, promoting the industry, developing EWI training, and providing support to contractor members, respectively.

INCA is committed to the Government’s goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, recognising the significant role EWI can play in this effort, particularly in both retrofit and new build markets.

Benefits of being a member

Benefits of joining INCA include:

1. Increased Business Opportunities: Members can use the INCA logo, have their company details displayed on the INCA website, publish case studies, and promote press releases.
2. Helplines & Services: Members have access to guarantees through SWIGA, a dedicated EWI guarantee provider. They also receive free initial technical and compliance consultation, discounts on CHAS accreditation packages and BS Standards via BSI, free credit reports, legal and contractual advice, employment HR H&S advice, and discounts on construction, H&S, and environmental manuals.
3. Media & Communications: Members can participate in industry news bulletins, social media updates/shares, INCA awards and promotional campaigns, and case study promotional campaigns.
4. Technical Advice & Support: Members have access to INCA technical documentation, bespoke technical advice and support, and meetings and seminars to discuss best practices.
5. Industry Representation: Members benefit from collective industry representation to government and other key stakeholders. They also have the opportunity to join the INCA Board of Management and help shape the industry by participating in dedicated committees.
6. Networking: Regular events, INCA awards, and member meetings and forums provide networking opportunities and promote collaborative work and best practices across the sector.