Welcome BRIAN BERRY
A fter months of hard work and celebrations across the UK, our eyes are firmly set on the FMB National Master Builder Awards, which are taking place very soon. More than 650 guests will attend our awards on Friday 22 September at The Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London.
National President Jan Etchells was elected during the pandemic and has steered the FMB during a very challenging time
Meet the FMB’s Regional Directors
As a membership organisation, run by members for members, we have a network of member- led Area Boards across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. These Area Boards are looked after by a team of dedicated Regional Directors who serve as the FMB ambassadors across the country. On pages 32-35, we find out more about what the Regional Directors do to support members. Hopefully they will help inspire you to get involved with the FMB at a local level. Party conferences This time of year is also the start of the party conference season when our attention turns to topics that the political parties are debating. The FMB will attend the Conservative and Labour Party conferences to raise issues that affect our industry – from the need to build more houses and retrofit existing homes to tackling our skills crisis. Critically, we need a business environment that enables small businesses to thrive. The FMB will compile ideas and recommendations for its policy manifesto ahead of the next general election later next year. In the meantime, we have the remains of the summer to enjoy – an opportunity to recharge before the autumn season.
Well-known television presenter Nick Knowles
returns as host as we celebrate members’ fabulous work – from small to large builds – and our ever popular Heavenly Builder category. On pages 14-19, we shine the spotlight on winners from Master Builder Awards
ceremonies in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the remaining regions in the north of England.
Presidential elections Our national Annual General Meeting (AGM) takes place in September. This year, elections are held for the presidential team, with current National President Jan Etchells stepping down after three momentous years. Jan was elected during the height of the pandemic in 2020 and has steered the FMB during a very challenging time, from Covid to the current cost-of- living crisis. She has travelled across the UK to meet and listen to members, while overseeing a major review of the governance structure, which has put the FMB in a stronger position. In our interview with Jan on page 27, she shares her experience of being National President.
BRIAN BERRY, Chief Executive Federation of Master Builders
FMB National President Jan Etchells with FMB Chief Executive Brian Berry
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Master Builder
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