REGIONAL DIRECTORS
zero carbon and we need thousands of tradespeople to meet that goal”. Other key focuses for Eden include: Easier access to London – ULEZ, parking and congestion charges make it increasingly difficult for SME builders to access their place of work; and Profits for member companies – a clear profit keeps businesses running but the SME building trade is often so varied that builders are forced to complete jobs at cost. “We need to support our builders to ensure their businesses thrive in 2023 and beyond,” Eden says. Strength in numbers Nicola de Sousa, who is the recently appointed FMB Central Director, believes the collective power of the FMB is a major draw card for members. She says: “The FMB is driven to address the issues that we face as an industry – it’s not always the primary reason that people join us, but we have strength in numbers. Just by talking to us, members create a collective voice that shapes how we present our case and influence policy that affects their daily work. “I want to ensure that FMB members have fair access to opportunities to develop, diversify and differentiate themselves in the market.” In Scotland, Director Gordon Nelson works with great gusto to influence the Scottish Government when it comes to policies affecting members, such as those on skills, training and apprenticeships, planning, procurement, housing and building regulations. “In my time,” Nelson shares, “I have given evidence in the Scottish Parliament on planning matters and met MSPs and Government Ministers to speak out on behalf of local building companies.” As highlighted by Nelson, building relationships is fundamentally important, which is why FMB Northern Ireland Director Gavin McGuire commits so much energy into advocacy efforts. “You are looking to build a good relationship with whoever that may be,” he says. “It could be a client, public body, industry stakeholder or elected representative. I keep in mind that I
FMB Member HM Raitt & Sons hosted Scotland Director Gordon Nelson at one of their large renovation projects
everyone in construction, no matter where they’re based, Eden is tackling the issue with a focus on London. “We must find an effective and supportive route to start a career in construction,” he says, pointing out that members in London in particular have a “huge task to reach
Scotland and Northern Ireland, the respective Regional Directors enable greater focus on matters specific to a particular nation or region. For example, Sam Eden, FMB London Director, has his sights firmly set on the skills shortage. Although this issue affects
33
Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter maker