FMB Annual Report 2024-2025

fmb.org.uk

FMB across the UK

England

It has been a strong year for the Central region, defined by member support, strategic partnerships, and greater visibility across the industry. Our collaboration with CITB and key training providers has contributed significantly to shaping the FMB’s new national training strategy. Born out of a regional need to assist members at risk of missing out on training opportunities, tailored workshops, such as business planning sessions, gained traction and have now been rolled out nationally, supported by CITB funding. These have proven eective in recruiting new members and strengthening existing member businesses. The region also led a panel at UK Construction Week discussing the operational challenges facing small construction firms. Elsewhere, we gave consumer-focused talks at Grand Designs Live, supported outreach programmes to encourage girls into construction careers, and played an integral role in delivering the Essex Build exhibition.

In support of industry wellbeing, we partnered with stakeholders to host a Lighthouse charity casino night, raising over £5,000 for mental health and wellbeing initiatives in construction. This year, Yorkshire & Trent saw the election of Aidan Cropper of Ipsum (UK) Ltd, Nottingham, as the region’s new National Board representative. Additionally, we welcomed Carolyn Frank as the new FMB Director for the North. Carolyn joined us with a wealth of experience of business engagement following several years at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). Across the North, joint Area Board meetings played a key role in member engagement. Notable highlights include a well-attended meeting at the Leeds College of Building and another in Preston, where members took part in a thought-provoking session on insulated concrete forms and other modern methods of construction.

the risks that increasing transport costs pose to housing delivery and retrofit ambitions in the capital. London-based FMB members were active at consumer-facing events such as Grand Designs Live and the Surrey Homebuilding and Renovation Show. Sta also attended UK Construction Week to promote the FMB’s wider work across the industry. Both Area Boards in the South welcomed new members following competitive elections this year. Engagement has remained strong across the region, with members contributing to industry events and policy discussions. The Southern Counties President spoke at a public seminar at Oxford University, whilst the South West President partnered with a local college to promote construction careers, particularly for women.

In London, this year we proudly launched the Build Academy in collaboration with CITB and Shooters Hill Sixth Form College. This innovative pilot scheme oers 20 students essential site- ready skills, drawn directly from a curriculum shaped by FMB members. Every learner benefits from a work placement with an FMB member company, with the goal of securing full-time employment. Build Academy represents a decisive step in addressing the sector’s skills crisis and could serve as a blueprint for regional rollouts. The FMB London Board engaged with Transport for London (TfL) during consultations on proposed changes to the Congestion Charge. We continue to lobby for exemptions and discounts for SME construction firms, highlighting

Federation of Master Builders Annual Report 2025

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