Sika UK is bringing roofs, facades, and a customer-first approach together under a single offering
For much of the UK economy, 2026 brought numerous challenges – most notably for the construction industry. Price pressure, project delays, and weather disruption have tested contractors and suppliers alike. However, Sika UK – the UK subsidiary of the worldwide Sika Group – has pressed forward and chosen to keep investing through the turbulence.
“The last 12 months have been really tough in the UK, not only for the construction sector but for manufacturing as a whole,” reflects Jumoke Adegunle, Business Unit Manager (Building Envelope) at Sika UK. “But against all odds, we continue to show resilience in the way we do business, and we continue to invest in people and in long-term growth.”
One of the sharpest signs of that commitment is the national distribution centre Sika UK opened in Leeds a little over a year ago. The state-of-the-art facility offers 280,000 square feet of capacity and is built around a simple principle: one order, one delivery, one invoice. “The new hub gives us more opportunity to be closer to our customers, to serve them better, and to see growth,” Jumoke continues. “We’d like to grow even more because we’re ambitious. We’re still in the eye of the storm, so to speak, but we’re doing very well.”
The Leeds distribution centre also lays the groundwork for the company’s most recent venture, which Jumoke now leads, centred on a new building envelope offering. This covers all the elements that protect a structure externally; the roof, the façade, and everything in between. “We want to be known for giving our customers a one-stop solution, encompassing the roofs and the facades of their structures,” adds Jumoke.
Energy efficiency
For external walls, the company’s focus is on raising brand awareness for its external wall insulation (EWI) systems after years of success with its roofing systems. Sika UK sells systems rather than individual products, which Jumoke describes as an ‘end-to-end solution.’ “We want to continue to partner with EWI and roofing installers to supply the customer with the entire system. They make one stop, place their order, and get everything they need.” It will still be the same Sika UK service, she elaborates, but in a new building envelope offering.
Jumoke explains why the timing of the EWI focus is right. “The UK has a legally binding target to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and improving the energy efficiency of existing homes has an important role to play in that. Government-backed programmes are supporting social housing providers in England to upgrade eligible homes, helping to reduce energy use and improve comfort for residents.” EWI adds an insulation system to the external walls of a building, helping to improve thermal performance, and Sika UK can also supply flat roofing systems designed to provide waterproofing and keep buildings and occupants dry and warm.
The approach is already winning recognition. In Scotland, Sika UK and its installers recently upgraded 11 residential blocks using the company’s EWI and roofing systems. “Some of the old blocks are still there, so you can see them side by side,” says Jumoke, after recently visiting the site. “The refurbished blocks have really brought life into the area, and each block now benefits from a clean, modern façade reflective of a new build.”
Innovation and product development
Moving to liquid applied roofing solutions, Sika UK, together with installer Emperor Roofing, recently took Liquid Roofing Project of the Year Over 1000m² at the Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) Awards 2026, for the refurbishment of Christ’s College Lasdun Building in Cambridge. The Grade II listed building, designed by Sir Denys Lasdun and known as ‘The Typewriter’ due to its distinctive stepped, linear form, was waterproofed with Sika UK’s Decothane Ultra liquid system as part of a wider refurbishment programme. Delivered with main contractor Bakers of Danbury and the college’s project management team, Jumoke tells us the project presented a few hurdles. “It definitely wasn’t a walk in the park! It came with its challenges, but we were able to work through them effectively with our experience and expertise in this space.”
Behind these projects sits a steady stream of innovation. The firm’s advanced R&D facilities in Preston enable scientists and experienced roofers to develop products in response to customer needs. “Innovation and product development is one of our core values, and it’s an area we promote day in and day out at our business.” The company is driving its sustainable roofing offer, which spans blue roofs, green roofs, solar, and biosolar roofing systems – a growing priority for new-build schools and urban commercial and residential developments across the UK.
Championing people
People are also central. Jumoke’s own career path in management has taken her from Nigeria to Malaysia, Rwanda, and Ivory Coast, before taking on a senior management role at Sika UK. “The company invests heavily in matching talent to opportunity,” she notes. “The way Sika UK organises itself means every step of your career has a structured, progressive leadership course that helps develop people and ensure they’re advancing.” In the UK, that includes an ambitious apprenticeship programme. “We expect our apprentices to go all the way in the business. We are also continuing to support initiatives that help address the roofing industry’s skills shortage and create wider social value.” In partnership with GLA Group, who deliver roofing training programmes in UK prisons, Sika UK provides materials, technical support, and access to further training for soon-to-be-released prisoners, helping them to secure employment and reintegrate into the community. “We’re incredibly proud of this initiative,” Jumoke closes.
With the final quarter under way, and looking ahead to 2027, Sika UK will continue to develop its combined building envelope offering, bringing roofing and façade systems together with technical expertise and dependable customer service as it continues to drive the business. The aim is to make it easier for customers to access integrated solutions from a single trusted provider.
