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
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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
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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
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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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