FMB Annual Report 2024-2025

fmb.org.uk

Influencing

The FMB’s impactful role across government and industry

and Pensions, and provided evidence to two parliamentary select committees during the year. Maintaining an apolitical stance, the FMB also engaged with parties across the political spectrum, hosting figures from Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrat, SNP, Plaid Cymru, Greens, and Reform at various events.

The FMB has strengthened its position as a vital voice for SME builders, providing government and industry with insights into the sector. Entering the General Election with a clear manifesto focused on five ways to boost the industry, the FMB used pre-election meetings with MPs and media appearances to set out its priorities. This preparation allowed the organisation to engage eectively with the new Labour Government. Following the election, the FMB was central to the Government’s housebuilding agenda, holding meetings with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner as the Government set out its plan to deliver 1.5 million new homes. Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook addressed the FMB at its annual Parliamentary reception in late 2024, reflecting the organisation’s growing influence. The FMB now enjoys privileged access across multiple government departments, including Housing, Business, Education, and Work

• Licence to Build – updated guidance on how a licensing regime for builders could function, supporting the FMB’s ongoing campaign for industry licensing. The Licence to Build campaign was supported with additional research, press coverage, a dedicated campaign page, and downloadable resources for members and local authorities, with further media content planned.

Highlights for 2025 included appearances on BBC Politics Live, Talk TV, GB News, LBC , and Fix Radio . The FMB President also featured on BBC Politics North , discussing strategies to attract young people into the construction industry. Through government engagement, research, campaigns, and media presence, the FMB continues to influence policy, champion SME builders, and raise the profile of high-quality construction across the UK.

Research – housing and retrofit

The FMB’s authority is strengthened by robust research. Alongside its regular State of Trade and Housebuilders ’ surveys, three major reports were published this year: • Delivering Healthy, Comfortable, Net Zero Housing – surveyed 200 members to explore barriers to decarbonising homes and opportunities to stimulate the retrofit market. • Supporting SME Housebuilders: Challenges and Opportunities – produced with the London School of Economics, this report assessed the economic value of SME housebuilders, highlighting their role in the UK economy.

Media presence

The FMB’s visibility increased significantly due to dedicated media resources and a restructured press output. In 2024, coverage included extensive broadcast, online, and print media during the General Election, with appearances on BBC Breakfast by the FMB President and Chief Executive.

Federation of Master Builders Annual Report 2025

Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator