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Contents FEBRUARY/MARCH 2026 Industry update
Features
28 Breaking ground
Alexandra Madden shares her journey from school woodworking class to carpentry and joinery apprentice in Shetland – in a positive move towards greater diversity in the sector
18
31 Stronger for it
7 Welcome
The sudden death of his mentor left Peter Archibald uncertain and under pressure to take over the business and make it succeed
Businesses must focus on what lies ahead
8 News
The latest headlines from the industry
34 Backed by boldness
14 Economic outlook for 2026
Implementing change in business can often feel like a daunting task to undertake, but success requires a certain fearlessness
Expect more of the same for construction given the sluggish economy
15 What’s up at Westminster?
How last year’s Budget affects business
Your FMB
Spotlight
38 Member update
Welcome to the new members that have joined the FMB, after successfully meeting all of the required standards
18 Perched inside paradise Q Build Ltd in Scotland tackled tough terrain to deliver a beautiful new home 20 Gift of giving
41 Stronger cover, stronger bids
FMB Insurance says clients are increasingly looking at businesses’ cover before hiring them for work
The highly engaged FMB West Wales branch has a strong charitable focus
24
42 Powering local tradespeople
The FMB is proud to announce a new partnership with MKM, marking an exciting next step to strengthen the trade community 44 Member news Find out what is happening around the UK with updates from members in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland 49 Five in five Rapid-fire Q&A with Jordan Ali of JA Lofts in Bromley, and Denym Stone of True Build Ltd in Edinburgh
Business support
23 Safer future How will the Building Safety Act 2022 shape the building industry’s future? 24 Get paid on time Practical advice on how to get what is owed to you 27 H&S round-up Keeping you and your team safe on site
28
Advertising Advertising enquiries connections@fmb.org.uk
Editorial Editor Bradford Keen
Master Builder has been carefully prepared but articles are published without responsibility on the part of the publishers or authors for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any view, information or advice included therin. Articles published in Master Builder do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Federation of Master Builders Ltd nor can the Federation of Master Builders Ltd, the publishers or authors accept any responsibility for any claims made by advertisers.
bradford.keen@redactive.co.uk FMB Marketing Department Radhika Tripathi, Robyn Williams and Toby Bowers Designer David McCullough Picture editor Jessica Marsh Publishing director Joanna Marsh Production Production manager Aysha Miah-Edwards +44 (0)20 7880 6241 aysha.miah@redactive.co.uk
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Expert advice and support We’re here for you Master Builders can contact our helpline services for unlimited expert advice
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IPEB([SHUWDGYLFHDQGVXSSRUWB[LQGG MasterBuilder.AugSept21.042.indd 4
13/07/2021 11:13
Welcome BRIAN BERRY
A s businesses put their plans for the year ahead into motion, understanding what lies around the corner is vital. What the Budget means for you: Jeremy Gray, the FMB’s Head of External Affairs, unpacks what the Autumn Budget 2025 means for construction firms in 2026 and beyond (page 15). With policy decisions shaping the operating environment for small builders, the analysis offers insight into what members need to prepare for. Members showcase excellence: Q Build Ltd in Scotland, which was highly commended at the 2025 Master Builder Awards, shares its astounding project that transformed an unforgiving sliver of coastal land into a striking modern home. It shows that outstanding craftsmanship and intelligent design can overcome the most challenging conditions (pages 18-19). Engaged communities: Strong local networks are vital for member success, and the FMB’s West Wales Branch is a shining example. With high engagement and a genuine culture of support, members are sharing knowledge, generating opportunities, and strengthening their businesses. We explore what’s behind their success – and what other branches can learn from their approach (pages 20-21). Legal updates: Regulation continues to evolve, and on page 23, Hayley Lorimer, FMB Director of Membership Services,
“As businesses put their plans for the year ahead into motion, understanding what lies around the corner is vital.”
examines what likely changes to the Building Safety Act could mean for your company. Managing your business: Cash flow is one of the biggest pressures facing small firms. Getting paid on time is a challenge, so construction law expert Lorna Carter offers practical advice on how to protect your bottom line (pages 24-25). Cause for optimism: On pages 28- 29, Alexandra Madden, a carpentry and joinery apprentice in the Shetlands, shares her experience of forging a career in construction and highlights the growing role of women in the industry. Resilience abounds in the sector: We hear from Peter Archibald, who found himself leading a construction business overnight after his boss was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2020. His story is one of determination, learning, and navigating adversity under immense pressure (pages 31-33). Change isn’t easy, but it’s often necessary: We feature three member businesses that took bold steps – whether shifting company culture, embracing new technology or resetting client expectations – and emerged stronger as a result (pages 34-37). Enjoy the read and good luck for what will likely be a year of challenges and opportunities.
BRIAN BERRY, Chief Executive Federation of Master Builders
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CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY NEWS
UK ‘lacks the skills to hit net zero’, MPs warn
They also say SMEs will require support to take on inexperienced entrants. Committee Chair Bill Esterson MP said: “It is essential that we build the workforce for the energy transition so that the government can hit its clean energy targets and, importantly, ensure that the UK makes the most of the growth opportunity of the century. “The committee has found that market forces alone cannot overcome the skills gap. We need policy certainty for the long-term, locally directed investment in training, and policies that make clean energy careers attractive and accessible.” FMB Chief Executive Brian Berry gave evidence to the inquiry. He said the FMB “strongly welcomes the committee’s call for a nationally recognised, industry- backed construction and retrofit skills programme”. He added that SMEs are “the backbone of the construction industry” but are often overlooked in skills planning. Scan the QR code for the full report.
T he UK will miss its clean-energy and building-decarbonisation targets without major governmental intervention in construction skills training, MPs warned. A report from the House of Commons Energy Security and Net Zero Committee says the country is far from assembling the skilled workforce required for the 2030 and 2050 milestones and must act immediately to close the gap, including the government providing direct public funding to boost the supply of trained workers. The report highlights an urgent need for labour to support new-build housing and the national retrofit programme required to improve energy efficiency. An estimated 250,000 additional workers are needed to meet upcoming housing targets, with many more required for insulation and heat-pump
installation. After what the committee describes as “shocking failures” in earlier government-backed retrofit and insulation schemes, MPs are calling for a nationally recognised, industry- backed construction and retrofit skills programme. Losing talent The committee says the UK may need to import specialised labour in the short term and warns that the construction training pipeline is leaking talent at an unsustainable rate, with up to 70% of learners on construction-related further education courses not completing or not entering the sector. MPs recommend expanding and formalising “try-before-you-buy” opportunities to give trainees hands-on experience and encourage retention.
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NEWS IN NUMBERS
NaCSBA appoints former MP as new Chair
N aCSBA has appointed the custom and self-build sector, particularly among smaller builders who rely on supportive planning policy and clearer routes to market. Bacon, long recognised for championing custom and self build in parliament, previously sponsored the Right to Build legislation and led the government-commissioned Bacon Review in 2021. Although no longer former MP Richard Bacon as the new Chair, a move welcomed across an MP, he remained connected to housing policy, which NaCSBA said would be vital as the sector continued to push for opportunities for people to commission and build their own homes. NaCSBA Chief Executive Peter Johns commented on Bacon’s “passion and
the association looked forward to working with him to make self- commissioned housing a more mainstream option. Addressing supply issues Bacon said he was “delighted and honoured” to take on the challenge at a time when the UK’s housing model “no longer worked properly”. He warned that younger households were increasingly priced out, with rent consuming “far too high a proportion” of income. He said innovation in self- commissioned housing could help address supply issues, noting that the Competition and Markets Authority had highlighted custom and self build as key to improving diversity in new-build delivery.
£129.8m The amount CITB has spent on construction training grants . It also invested £53.4 million in skills funding. Source: CITB
57% The percentage of contractors who declined projects in 2025 due to tendering terms, risk profile or capacity constraints. Source: Gleeds’ UK Construction Market Report 1Q 2025
NaCSBA said Bacon’s leadership would help its mission to widen
energy for custom and self build were well known”. He said Bacon’s backing in parliament had been “invaluable”, and that
opportunities for people to design and build the homes they want, while strengthening the case for a more varied and SME- friendly housing market.
£1.3bn The current funding by Energy Company Obligation (ECO) for energy-efficiency upgrades each year, which will be discontinued by the government in March. Source: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
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INDUSTRY UPDATE NEWS
H ousing data suggests the government’s pledge to build 1.5 million homes in England this parliament is slipping further out of reach — a concern for SME builders grappling with soft demand and stalled sites. Official figures showed 208,600 net additional dwellings were created in 2024/25, a 6% drop from the previous year. That number combined 190,600 new-build completions with homes created through change of use and conversions, minus demolitions. Since the start of the parliament in July 2024, an estimated 275,600 net additions had been delivered, with only 124,800 of those coming in the first eight months of the current financial year. On present trends, England appears headed for roughly 204,000 homes in 2025/26. David Crosthwaite, Chief Economist at the Building Cost Information Service, said the figures “underlined the scale of the challenge”, noting that net additions had fallen for the third year running. “On the current trajectory, we are looking at something closer to one million homes over the parliament,” he warned, adding that delivery was unlikely to accelerate. For smaller developers, the slowdown raised fears of a tightening
Housing targets are out of reach
Communities and Local Government Committee, urged ministers to publish the long-awaited long-term housing strategy. She said the government needed “practical reforms” to ramp up delivery and called on the Chancellor to use the upcoming Budget to support councils and to boost the new towns programme.
pipeline just as government rhetoric pushed for expansion. Crosthwaite said the widening gap was “becoming increasingly self-inflicted”, arguing that demand needed to pick up sharply if the target was to remain viable. Florence Eshalomi MP, Chair of the House of Commons Backbench Housing,
Green light for station-side builds
S mall and medium- the government said housing schemes near well-connected train or tram stations in England would be given an automatic “yes” in the planning system. The Ministry of Housing confirmed that any residential sized builders reacted with a mix of surprise and optimism after
get Britain building and that’s exactly what we are doing. But it has to be the right homes in the right places and nearby transport links are a vital part of that.” Scrapping requirements Ministers also planned to speed up called-in applications by scrapping mandatory inquiry
development near a station would be approved by default, with minimum density standards also set to apply. Councils will be required to notify the government before rejecting schemes of 150 homes and up – speeding up the housing secretary’s route to overrule refusals. Housing Secretary Steve Reed said: “I promised we’d
requirements where written representations would suffice. This initiative, which builds on momentum following the launch of Platform4 – a merger of Network Rail Property and London & Continental Railways – has set a target to develop 40,000 homes on brownfield land near railway stations over the next 10 years.
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NEWS IN NUMBERS
Government enters new housing joint venture
A new government- backed joint venture will aim to open up opportunities for smaller housebuilders after Homes England confirmed it had taken a 40% stake in a £860 million development partnership aimed at regenerating underinvested areas. The Impact and Places Partnership – a collaboration between Homes England, Swiss Life Asset Managers and Capital & Centric – planned to deliver more than 2,250 homes across England over the next decade. The remaining 60% stake would be held by the two private- sector partners. For SMEs, the agency said the JV was intended to unlock land, attract large-scale investment and create routes for smaller developers to take part in mixed- use residential projects that might otherwise be beyond their reach. Simon Century, Chief Investment Officer at Homes England, said the venture brought together “Swiss Life’s real estate experience” with Capital & Centric’s “residential- led placemaking focus”. He added that the partnership would
help to attract more private capital into the market while “supporting small and medium developers to realise their own housebuilding ambitions”. Housing Secretary Steve Reed said the government was “pulling every lever to fix the housing crisis”, arguing that deals like this would help build homes “faster, and in the communities that need them most”. He said backing “brilliant homegrown developers” alongside major institutional investors was central to government plans to get Britain building again.
34% The percentage of respondents who are in early pilot phases of AI implementation in their business or organisation. Source: RICS artificial intelligence in construction report 2025
48,000 The number of new construction workers needed annually to meet demand. Source: CITB
5 In 2025, UK construction
experienced its sharpest decline in output last seen five years ago. Source: S&P Global UK Construction PMI
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INDUSTRY UPDATE NEWS
New plans for Welsh
construction S mall and medium-sized building firms in Wales have been urged to prepare for a shift in public-sector work after the Welsh Government published its new Built Environment Mission Statement alongside a Digital Action Plan for Construction . The strategy set out ambitions for “a resilient, innovative and socially responsible construction sector”, with clear signals that public contracts would prioritise retrofit over new build, adopt more offsite manufacturing, and require project bank accounts (PBAs) as standard – which should improve cashflow and support fair payment. Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning Rebecca Evans highlighted construction’s importance in supporting local supply chains and creating jobs across Wales. Evans said the government is commitment to PBAs, with commercial and procurement teams working to drive wider adoption. The plan promised better visibility of upcoming work, which many SMEs had long requested so they could plan resources, invest in skills and bid earlier. Evans pointed to new duties under the Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Act 2023, which required public bodies to pursue socially responsible procurement and engage with recognised unions or staff representatives on strategic decisions.
Retrofit on a cliff edge
S mall construction firms warned they faced a it would axe the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme in March 2026, cutting off a major pipeline of retrofit work before a replacement programme was ready. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said ending the levy-funded scheme would shave around £150 a year from household energy bills across England, Scotland and Wales. But retrofit businesses argued the looming “cliff edge” after the government confirmed move risked stalling installations, undermining a decade of skills investment and pushing SMEs out of the market. ECO funds around £1.3 billion of energy-efficiency upgrades a year, retrofitting 5,000 homes a month. Ministers planned to migrate this activity to the new Warm Homes Plan, whose budget was recently boosted to £14.8 billion. But the scheme had already been delayed and its start date remained unclear. For builders and installers, their concern was that without
an orderly handover, the retrofit supply chain could unravel. Many in the sector called for ECO to be extended for 12 months to avoid a damaging hiatus. Anna Moore, Chief Executive and Founder of Domna, said suddenly cutting £1.3 billion in funding was “chaotic” and had created a “cliff edge for thousands of low-income households… as well as SMEs employing some 10,000 people”. She urged ministers to “bridge ECO to the Warm Homes Plan” to protect jobs and delivery capacity. Installers echoed those warnings. Joel Pearson, Director at Net Zero Renewables, said his firm had helped take more than 200 homes out of fuel poverty through ECO and urged the government to “at least extend this existing scheme by a year”. Lee Rix, Managing Director at Eco Approach, added that ending ECO without a transition plan risked “undermining the workforce” supporting vulnerable households. Industry leaders said clarity and continuity were essential to prevent SMEs being pushed to the brink.
Rebecca Evans
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NEWS
T he government came under fresh pressure to accelerate action on embodied carbon and the construction skills gap after MPs warned that current plans would fall short of both environmental and housebuilding goals. A new report from the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) argued that nature was not a “blocker” to development but essential to building resilient places. It criticised what it called a “lazy narrative” around environmental protections and said the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, now in its final stages, would not deliver the scale of change required. The committee also warned that skills shortages across ecology, planning and construction threatened to derail national housing ambitions. For small builders, the report’s emphasis on retrofit incentives was especially significant. Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, who gave oral Cut down carbon, lift up skills
Berry said counting refurbished homes towards housing targets would help the government meet its commitment to deliver 1.5 million homes. He added that the report offered “valuable policy recommendations” at a time when many questioned whether ministers could keep their promises.
evidence to the inquiry, said the UK’s housing stock required urgent attention. He backed the committee’s recommendation to cut VAT on retrofit projects from 20%, arguing it would “significantly boost energy efficiency improvements while supporting local building companies”.
ECITB pathway launched for new entrants
S mall construction firms working in a boost as the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) launched a new Level 2 qualification aimed at bringing fresh entrants into support operative roles. The certificate in Supporting Engineering infrastructure-adjacent sectors were given
grow sharply. Its labour forecasting tool suggested the engineering construction industry could need around 40,000 additional workers by 2030, with demand for support operatives alone rising by 18%. Many of these jobs would be linked to major energy and infrastructure projects underpinning the UK’s net zero goals.
and procedures — skills often needed on sites where SME contractors supply labour and specialist services. ECITB Chief Executive Andrew Hockey said the qualification created “a first rung on the ladder” for people considering a career in engineering construction. The board said demand for these roles was set to
Construction Operations would be delivered at colleges or training centres before learners progressed
into the workplace. It covered safe working
practices, preparing tools and materials, basic marking out and shaping, assisting with assembly and dismantling, reinstating work areas, and following documentation
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INDUSTRY ANALYSIS
OUTLOOK FOR 2026? LIKELY MORE OF THE SAME
rate to 3.75%. This was a result of inflation falling to 3.2% in November (compared to 3.6% in October), as well as slower economic growth in Q3. Inflation is poised to fall further in the first half of 2026 as the higher levels seen in the H1 of 2025 drop out of the calculation. However, the international economy and political environment remain volatile. ● Climate change affects food prices. ● The UK is tied into a highly damaging Brexit that suppresses trade and makes it sensitive to external shocks. ● Ongoing worldwide political uncertainty seems likely. It is reasonable to expect one or two further base rate cuts in 2026, but we are not moving back to an environment of low interest rates. Decisions made by the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) have been finely balanced, with hawkish views holding sway. It may hold interest rates between 3% and 3.5% over the medium term. Supply chain Materials producers and merchants have struggled to pass through historical price increases, and are dealing with higher costs. ● The living wage has increased by 43% in five years. ● Energy costs remain high, adding costs for energy intensive businesses. What to expect in 2026 Commentators expect the UK economy and construction to continue its holding pattern during the year ahead. Constraints limit a significant bounce in supply, with persistent construction employment shortages. ● There was historically low employment in Q3 2025. ● Cost pressures will still be evident as described above. Additional constraints will hold back consumer demand, such as ongoing uncertainty and widespread negative sentiment. But let’s end on a positive note. No crash is expected. Inflation will likely fall, and that means consumers may start to shake off their shackles.
Summing up last year, Tom Hall of Aqua Consultants says the underwhelming economy constrained construction
I
t’s a new year and time to reflect on what has come before. In 2025, negativity and uncertainty held back the UK economy and, by extension, construction. This despite data showing consumers have
messaging, and visible inflation such as supermarket food prices. November’s Budget was unremarkable, with the Chancellor focused on balancing a future rounding error with future cuts, which may or may not happen. A lack of new schemes was evident – 2024’s Budget did the heavy lifting for the new government’s spending priorities and 2025 provided little support to struggling firms. December brought a welcome reduction in the Bank of England’s base
Tom Hall
money to spend after repairing their finances over the last 18 months with higher savings rates. Nevertheless, they are not spending due to uncertainty, negative media
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THE WORD AT WESTMINSTER
How will last year’s Autumn Budget affect your business in 2026? FMB Head of External Affairs Jeremy Gray gives you the answer WHAT’S UP AT WESTMINSTER?
1 Landfill tax reform – a big win for builders
3 £48 million boost to planning capacity
On top of that, income tax thresholds are frozen until 2031, so more builders could be pushed into higher tax brackets. What it means for you: Costs will rise so careful budgeting will be essential. 5 Dividend tax rates are going up If you pay yourself through dividends, take note, from April 2026, the ordinary and upper rates of dividend tax will rise by two percentage points. What it means for you: More money goes to HMRC and less ends up in your pocket. For many small business owners, this will feel like another squeeze on already tight margins. What was missing? Upgrading Britain’s ageing homes is vital for energy efficiency and comfort, but the Budget offered no new support for retrofit projects. In fact, the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme is being scrapped. This is a missed opportunity, and we will continue to call for a national retrofit strategy to help builders play their part in improving homes. The Budget delivers wins for small builders, but it also leaves big gaps that need urgent attention. From fairer taxes and better planning systems to a national retrofit strategy, the FMB will keep fighting for the changes that matter most to you.
The government has pulled back on plans to merge landfill tax rates, which could have added £28,000 to the cost of building new homes. Instead, the gap between the two rates will be narrowed. What it means for you: it will help to keep costs down. While this is positive, the system is complicated, and the FMB will push for further simplification. 2 Free apprenticeship training for under-25s in SMEs If you’re thinking about hiring an apprentice who’s younger than 25, here’s the good news: training will now be completely free for SMEs. What it means for you: No co- investment costs so it’s easier to bring young talent into your business. The government has also promised to simplify the application process, so taking on an apprentice should become easier.
Delays in planning are one of the biggest frustrations for builders. The government is investing £48 million over the next three years to strengthen planning departments and speed up decisions. This includes hiring more planners and improving systems. Given the scale of the problem, we will keep pressing for more support to get projects moving. What it means for you: It’s too soon to say but if it works out the planning process will become more streamlined. 4 Minimum Wage rise and tax threshold freeze The National Living Wage will rise to £12.71 per hour from April 2026. This is good news for workers, of course, but tougher for small businesses already under pressure as costs will increase.
We’ll push the government to back Britain’s builders, because when you succeed, our communities thrive.
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than bricks and mortar. Alongside reliable water, heating and electricity, fast and dependable broadband is a fundamental utility – and homebuyers expect their new property to be digitally ready from day one. Full fibre connectivity is central to meeting that expectation. Full fibre: why it matters Full fibre is the latest technology to connect residential and commercial premises to broadband. It is the network that makes broadband work in the home, delivering fast speeds, reliable performance and low latency. ● For homeowners, this means seamless streaming, responsive gaming, reliable video calls. ● For developers , this matters because high-speed broadband is no longer viewed as a luxury add-on but as a necessity. For sites of every size Openreach is the UK’s largest infrastructure provider but it works with single-plot builds right through to large, multi- phase developments, proudly supporting SME developers’ vital role in delivering new homes across the UK.
How the process works Openreach makes planning, build and delivery of full fibre as straightforward as possible. Each development is supported by a Field-Based Coordinator (FBC) who guides the developer through every step of the fibre journey. They ensure that everything is aligned so full fibre connectivity is ready when homeowners move in. The process begins with the Openreach Developer Portal, which enables developers to register their site and begin the contracting journey. This allows Openreach to gather essential information such as site location, site plans and the number of units. From there, Openreach progresses to the planning, survey and build stages, with
the FBC visiting the site and holding regular meetings to keep everything on track. Early engagement Openreach asks developers to register their sites as early as possible – ideally at least three months before the first home is due to be handed over – to allow for a smoother delivery. Some sites
network assets. Where diversion is required,
Let Openreach support your business Scan the QR code for more information on the full fibre network.
Openreach works with developers to manage costs and ensure completion. For SME developers, partnering with Openreach means access to expertise, nationwide infrastructure and a process designed to support sites of any size.
require off-site reinforcement work, such as installing spine fibre cables that connect the development to the wider Openreach network. These cables can
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SPOTLIGHT Q BUILD LTD
PERCHED INSIDE PARADISE
On one of Scotland’s most challenging coastal plots, FMB member Q Build Ltd transformed an unforgiving sliver of land into a breathtaking modern home
A t first glance, the project appeared home on a strip of ground between a road and the sea. But anyone familiar with the wild coasts of Scotland knows that such locations rarely offer simplicity. This plot was no exception – and it earned Q Build Ltd a Highly Commended simple: build a single- storey new-build
Project highlights The standout feature of the finished home is its dramatic cantilevered structure. To take full advantage of the limited land area, the house projects out over the shore, appearing to float above sea and stone. Stepping into the living spaces, visitors are greeted by views of sea and sky. Wall- to-wall frameless glazing
Q Build recognised that the project demanded cooperation and clarity to succeed. So the company set up regular progress meetings and collaborative detailing sessions with the architect and engineers, and carefully orchestrated trade partners to ensure that innovation was given the foundations upon which to flourish.
award at the 2025 National Master Builder Awards.
Project overview The site was a narrow ribbon of land pressed between earth and sea. The objective was to create a modern, light-filled home that maximised its position on the shoreline. That meant pushing the building out quite literally over the water.
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Q BUILD LTD
and more than five metres of sliding doors draw the eye outward, dissolving the boundary between inside and out. The glass disappears; the view takes over. Inside, crisp straight lines, seamless transitions and refined junctions create calm – but they needed to be perfectly precise. Even the slightest deviation would interrupt the overall aesthetic. The exterior balances modernity with a sense of place. Natural Kebony cladding
and Inverness-shire stone anchor the building in its Highland context. The contrast of durable timber with rugged stone produces a look that is intentional and organic, echoing the textures of shore and hillside.
Key learnings ● Communication – monthly formal progress meetings provided an opportunity to track the build and ensure all stakeholders agreed upon evolving complexities of the design. This transparency kept the client’s expectations aligned with on-site realities and strengthened trust throughout the process. ● Collaboration – Q Build invited the architect to discuss big construction decisions about interior details such as ceiling and perimeter junctions. ● Technology – digital tools played a significant role, with a construction management system streamlining coordination with trade partners, and a detailed Gantt chart keeping the programme and procurement running smoothly and on schedule.
Overcoming challenges Every phase of construction brought new complications. The location, beautiful as it is, posed unique logistical challenges, such as: ● the seashore exposed the works to shifting tides, salt air, winds and fluctuating ground conditions. ● the plot’s constraints abounded, with limited storage space and tight access that even limited the machinery’s movement. Q Build developed a detailed procurement schedule that allowed for just-in-time delivery of materials.
The most complex engineering challenge came when any element of the structure needed to be constructed off the shoreline. The team met with the architect – Cameron Webster Architects, with which Q Build Ltd regularly collaborates – structural engineers and the steel fabricator to develop a
solution that accounted for tides, elevations and access. Temporarily raised ground levels had to be created, and diggers and machinery were dismantled and reassembled on site to reach otherwise inaccessible areas. The challenges forced the team to think creatively and act collaboratively.
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SPOTLIGHT FMB WEST WALES BRANCH
W orking in West Wales can sometimes feel a little remote. Members are busy, but despite their hectic schedules, there is a great appetite for connection. “Working in the middle of nowhere for weeks without seeing a soul takes a toll,” says Mark Roberts, Director of Roberts Construction. “People struggle with awkward clients, pressure – all sorts.” Roberts is also Secretary of the FMB’s West Wales Branch – which happens to be one of the most engaged, vibrant and generous communities in the FMB. “Honestly, our branch meetings give all of us the chance to get out and socialise,” Roberts reflects. When you’re a small builder, you work all hours to get through the jobs, and a lot of our members don’t take time out. “Having that commitment once a month to go for a pint, enjoy a meal, discuss FMB business, and have a chat gives us a reason to step away from work. Without it, many of us would just work, work, work and never get out.” Meeting together provides members with an opportunity to socialise. But what keeps them coming back each month – and connecting via their Whatsapp Close-knit, supportive and charitable – the FMB West Wales branch is a thriving community. So what’s the secret behind their success?
GIFT OF
GIVING
issue or how to approach something – and everyone offers input. The older members have phenomenal knowledge. “Ken Pearson, for example, is passionate about apprenticeships and has vast knowledge of construction methods. Neil Atkins is a property developer – what or who he doesn’t know isn’t worth knowing. If you’ve got a planning issue, Neil is the go-to man. “The younger members bring strengths too, like social media knowledge. We all balance each other out.” One of the youngest members of the group is Rhys Davies, Director of RBD Building and member of the FMB Cymru Area Board. He agrees with Roberts that the diverse age group benefits everyone. “Older members have a lot of experience in the trade and maybe aren’t going through the same worries as I might be starting up and trying to grow my business,” Davies explains.
group where advice comes within an hour of asking for it – is the simple fact that they enjoy spending time together. “We get on,” Roberts explains. “In some areas, builders compete for the same work and don’t get on, but that’s not the case with us. We help each other. “If someone has too much work and a good job comes up, we’ll pass it on to another member. We bounce ideas off each other, and with our range of ages and experience, if someone has a problem, everyone chips in with advice. It’s a friendly group – no animosity at all.” For the ages At meetings, there are those approaching retirement right down to builders in their twenties. “There’s a huge spread of experience,” Roberts explains. “The younger ones ask questions – whether it’s a technical
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FMB WEST WALES BRANCH
that space and the friendly group we have, many would suffer. It is an amazing branch.” For the passion What Davies loves about the branch members is their passion. “Everyone wants to do the best and be the best, and the more information we can share with each other, the better,” he says. “The reason it works so well is because we’ve all got such a passion for the building industry, and that comes together as a collective once a month. “There are so many different parts of the building process and across the group, we have experience in all of them, so it’s easy to share between us. We enjoy talking about it, and also, taking a night off once a month helps too.” For the cause Another galvanising factor behind the branch is members’ commitment to charitable causes. The annual Christmas charity dinner has been on the calendar for several years. Members bring their partners, enjoy a meal together and raise money for worthy recipients. “Our charity dinner has grown over the years. We don’t aim to
raise massive amounts – it’s a small group, and the dinner is limited to 80 people,” Roberts says. “We rely on donations from merchants to auction off, and they’re very supportive.” The dinner, held in beautiful Tenby, receives support from members across the UK – not just in West Wales – including past presidents of the FMB. “It is hard work to organise,” Roberts explains. “To be honest, Alison Hughes at the FMB does an amazing job. She’s our rock. Without her pushing us and keeping us on track, it wouldn’t be the success it is. We’re builders, we’re busy and her organisation is crucial.” Davies says members in West Wales “always want to give back to the community, engage with the community and help”. There is an added bonus too, he explains: “Some of the charities we support have been close to members’ hearts. We’re not just there to support each other; we support friends, family, and the wider community. “Aside from building houses, we want to help anyone who needs it and make a difference where we can. Supporting charities that have helped someone within the group definitely makes a difference.”
Mark Roberts
Rhys Davies
Three fundamentals of an engaged branch 1. Everyone needs to get along. Despite being competitors, members don’t need to be competitive – there’s plenty of work to go around. Jealousy or friction is not helpful. 2. A good mix of people with varying life experiences and professional experiences. 3. The right venue . It should serve hearty food and be a place that people look forward to visiting each month.
“On the flip side, they might have worries about the technical side of building with all the modern technology. It gives us different avenues to talk to each other. We share experiences, and that helps with the mental health side as well.” Mental health challenges are significant in construction, with high rates of suicide and taxing levels of stress. “When we get together once a month, a lot of it is venting,” Roberts says. “Having people who’ve been through the same situations is a release. You get things off your chest, hear others’ experiences, and reset. Without
Beautiful Tenby is where the annual charity dinner takes place
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FMB 2024 National Conference
BUILDING SAFETY ACT
How will the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA) affect the industry’s future? asks FMB Director of Membership Services Hayley Lorimer SAFER FUTURE
W hat does the BSA mean for construction? This was the question posed at a conference organised by the British Standards Institution (BSI). Speaking at the event was Jon Vanstone, Chair of the Industry Competence Committee. He said: ● the construction industry cannot deliver safety without competence; ● the industry cannot deliver competence without clear expectations; and ● competence can no longer be assumed; it must be demonstrated. But how must that be achieved without shouldering a significant administrative burden? After all, if competence is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching – then we need an industry culture of safety – and no amount of paperwork can change that. Vanstone said competence means different things for different parts of the industry so clear guidance is required. How FMB is supporting you The FMB is involved in several industry working groups that connect different parts of the sector to provide practical you with tools to use – and these will be available over the next few months. Coming soon, these include: ● The BSI’s competence hub. ● The FMB’s guidance and tools.
Why this is important Soon, building contractors who find themselves in court will be asked to show the steps they took to ensure workers and subcontractors were competent to carry out work. To be safe, contractors need to: ● document these steps in a simple way to protect them from losing claims as a result of documentation not being properly organised; and ● keep records of what was installed, where and when, as well as product information, certificates and agreements about any changes. The BSA extends the time during which building owners can bring claims for defective work, which will be up to 15 years for most claims – and this applies to all buildings, not only those deemed high-risk. Courts may extend liability beyond the original contracting party or entity to any companies associated with the project –
even if the original business has dissolved. This means traditional insurances may be inadequate, and insurers are developing new approaches to deal with this. What members can access now ● Competence statements: The FMB’s competence statements are a good first
step to take, but additional safeguards will be needed. Scan the QR code for more information. ● Management guidance: A recent FMB webinar
explains the guidance produced for the industry. Sofie Hooper of the Association of Project Management and Sean Lundy, technical author who wrote the guidance, discuss practical measures you can take to demonstrate that you are a professional business with sensible procedures in place to manage a competent team.
For members interested in being kept informed, please scan the QR code to pre- register for information about the BSI hub.
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