Michael Walker

Founder of RLR Leadwork & Roofing

Few trades demand the patience and precision of leadwork, and few craftsmen approach it with the conviction that Michael Walker brings to every project. What began as a personal love of the craft has grown into a thriving Surrey-based business – one shaped by his belief that a roof is the most important investment a homeowner ever makes, and one that should never be left to chance.
 
Michael's approach is deeply hands-on. He still rolls up his sleeves alongside his team, walking sites personally, weighing every quote against the realities of the property in front of him, and refusing to take on work that doesn't allow the time and care it deserves.
 
That philosophy filters down through everyone at RLR, where junior tradespeople are mentored in traditional techniques rarely taught at modern colleges – bossing lead by hand, dressing valleys, and detailing chimneys with the kind of finesse that turns a functional roof into a piece of architectural craftsmanship.
 
His clients range from period-property owners protecting Victorian and Edwardian heritage to contractors and developers who need a specialist they can rely on under pressure. Repeat business and referrals make up the lion's share of his calendar – a reflection of how seriously Michael takes his word: when RLR commits to a date, a price, or a finish, the team delivers.
 
Outside the trade, Michael is a vocal advocate for raising standards across the industry. He speaks candidly about the rise of unqualified operators, the pressures of insurance-led repair work, and the importance of homeowners knowing what good roofing actually looks like. He believes the industry's reputation is built one property at a time, and he sees every job – large or small – as an opportunity to shift the dial.
 
Looking ahead, his ambition for RLR is huge: a bigger team, more apprentices, and a steady expansion of the company's specialist heritage work, without ever losing the personal touch that made the business what it is today.