fmb.org.uk
fmb.org.uk
Influencing work
Engaging across the UK
Guide to being a housebuilder
demonstrate the scale of the issue to government and generated significant media interest.
Campaign focus
We first published Becoming a small developer: Advice and guidance from those in the industry in 2022. The guide was the first of its kind, designed as a practical, 'live' resource to help people move to becoming a developer. We refreshed it in 2025 to reflect changes in the regulatory landscape and keep the advice current.
Over the past year, we have taken a more integrated approach to policy engagement, with events across the parliaments in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. In Wales and Scotland, we launched manifestos ahead of elections, bringing our members' priorities directly to the Senedd and Holyrood. Our event at Stormont in Northern Ireland focused on the Licence to Build campaign. Following the success of these events, we plan to repeat them next year.
Over the past year, we have focused heavily on our ambition to achieve a Licence to Build. What began as a policy objective has developed into a multi- channel campaign, supported by dedicated resources for builders and homeowners. We launched refreshed research in the Houses of Parliament, as covered in last year's Annual Report, and the campaign has continued to build momentum. Licensing for builders now looks increasingly likely to be introduced in one form or another, and our priority is to ensure the FMB remains central to any plans developed by the UK Government.
Ongoing campaign
We refreshed the campaign with new branding and resources, including a public-facing web page showing estimated losses to rogue builders by constituency. Visitors can use the page to contact their local MP in just a few clicks. The campaign has also helped raise wider awareness of the FMB among consumers and will continue to be a major focus.
Getting our voice out there
Our media profile has continued to grow, with appearances on programmes with large audiences including BBC Breakfast and Morning Live, as well as regular coverage in major print, online and trade media. This year also saw a new series of Build Up: From the Basement , our podcast recorded at FMB head office basement rooms and focused on conversations with politicians. Guests included Sir James Cleverly MP, Shadow Housing Secretary; Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region (and key ally of Prime Minister Andy Burnham MP); and former Housing Minister Baroness Maclean.
Revamped data
State of Trade Survey
Research
This year, we strengthened our State of Trade Survey through a new collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). This has enabled us to reach a wider group of builders and gather richer data. The survey continues to provide valuable insight into the experiences of small building firms - a part of the market that is often poorly understood by government.
Alongside our updated research, Licence to Build: A model for licensing domestic building companies , we commissioned market research to understand the impact of rogue builders on homeowners and reputable businesses. A key finding - that rogue builders have cost consumers an estimated £14.3 billion over five years - has helped
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Federation of Master Builders Annual Report 2026
Federation of Master Builders Annual Report 2026
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