AREA BOARD MEMBERS
members to deepen their professional networks. “The requirements of area board membership are not much really,” Collings explains. “You need to attend board meetings and, of course, the Annual General Meeting..” Daniel agrees: “The commitment is four meetings per calendar year, which can be face- to-face or via Teams if you can’t pull away from work or something crops up. I personally prefer face-to- face but, on occasion, I have had to log in remotely, which is better than sending apologies and not attending. “It has never felt a burden and opportunities to speak at trade events are offered – and optional – should you wish to raise your company profile.” In preparation for meetings, Collings says he keeps it simple. “I go through previous meeting minutes and look at the agenda for the upcoming meeting and make notes for things I might want to bring up – assuming it has not been included in the agenda.” You have nothing to lose and plenty to gain If you’re an FMB member wondering about whether to get involved with your local area board, Collings’ advice is simple: “Get involved. Bring your ideas. You may be able to change things.” Daniel agrees: “If you are thinking of joining a board, what have you got to lose? Attend a meeting to get a feel for the room and how things work and you’ll never look back. If it’s not for you, no judgement is raised, and at least you’ll have tried something new.”
that although it can be upsetting to hear from and about members who have an issue – whether that’s an awkward client, late payment, inclement weather or delayed supplies – the value of the area board is that “people can talk to an audience that empathises with them and can invariably offer a solution based on their similar experience”. Additionally, he says: “The professional guest speakers who attend meetings offer insights and knowledge that stand you in good stead when meeting clients, architects and surveyors. It gives you an increased professional viewpoint on matters affecting the industry such as, currently, the Building Safety Act.”
Noting that FMB Chief Executive Brian Berry sometimes attends area board meetings, Collings says there is comfort knowing his voice and those of his fellow board members are being heard – and might
that are important nationally,” Collings says. “When it’s more than one person and from different regions there is insight into what needs to happen across the industry. This helps the FMB with where it focuses its lobbying efforts with the Government.” Many benefits to gain from joining the board The truth about area board membership is there are quite a few benefits to be had. Daniel, who has been an area board member for the past six years, says
Membership does not require a lot
be escalated to national board level if there are shared concerns.
Despite the benefits, there is not much required of area board members. There are minimal meetings with only modest preparations for them, yet the platforms encourage discussion to improve the FMB and the industry, and provide opportunities for
Another way to make your voice heard “With regards to the VAT issue surrounding retrofits, for example, hopefully our voices increase awareness of issues
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Master Builder
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