FEBRUARY/MARCH 2025 £4.25
THE MAGAZINE OF THE FEDERATION OF MASTER BUILDERS
DOING IT FOR BARRY One Master Builder is hoping that his
big project is going to reinvigorate his hometown in Wales
STUCK IN A BIND Beware of the impartial contract administrator
FIND YOUR FLOW Managing cash flow is key to the success of your business
THE TIME HAS COME Find out when and where your Master Builder Awards ceremony is taking place
Latest catalogue OUT NOW! Over 18,000 products in stock.
Scan me
Order your FREE copy today! IronmongeryDirect.co.uk
ADVERTISE IN
To showcase your organisation, services or products, get in touch with our sales UFBN who will be able to advise you on best available options .
Call 020 7880 6245 | Email masterbuilder@redactive.co.uk
Contents FEBRUARY/MARCH 2025 Industry update
Features
24 Dreams can come true
Nicholas Gannon-Johns shares the story of his personal connection with a building he has used since his teen years 29 Building blocks FMB members share their experiences of hiring apprentices – the pros and the cons – and the impact it has had on their business 32 Stuck in a bind Contract administrators acting impartially could have a big impact on your project costs and outcomes, and even your wellbeing
15
7 Welcome
The FMB’s new research report is out and it’s titled Supporting SME Housebuilders: Challenges and Opportunities
8 News
The latest headlines from the industry
14 What’s up at Westminster?
Assessing whether the Housing Minister will be able to deliver on his promises to get Britain building with small builders
Your FMB
20
36 The time has come
Spotlight
Nominations are in so check out when and where your local Master Builder Awards ceremony is taking place
15 Uncovering the past
CG Building and Restoration Ltd showcases its impressive work on the historically significant Bar Convent in York 18 How it all began FMB members share their origin stories about how and why the decided to launch their construction businesses
38 Elevating Master Builders
Working with ‘On the Tools’ – one of the largest construction communities online – the FMB is aiming to grow its membership
41 Don’t get caught off guard
Director of FMB Insurance Emma Whyatt offers an overview of the types of insurance your business needs
36
Business support
42 Member update
Welcome to new members that have joined the FMB
20 Find your flow Ensuring that you have a consistent cash flow is an essential component of keeping your business in good health 23 H&S round-up Keeping you and your team safe on site
44 Member news
An update from members in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
49 Five in five
Rapid-fire Q&A with two members
Advertising Advertising enquiries Susan Cook +44 (0)20 7880 6206 masterbuilder@redactive.co.uk @fmbuilders
Editorial Editor Bradford Keen
Master Builder has been carefully prepared but articles are published without responsibility on the part of the publishers or authors for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any view, information or advice included therin. Articles published in Master Builder do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Federation of Master Builders Ltd nor can the Federation of Master Builders Ltd, the publishers or authors accept any responsibility for any claims made by advertisers.
bradford.keen@redactive.co.uk Director of Communications Kate McFerran Designers David McCullough, Sarah Auld Picture editor Jessica Marsh Publishing director Joanna Marsh Production Production manager Aysha Miah-Edwards +44 (0)20 7880 6241 aysha.miah@redactive.co.uk
Published by Redactive Publishing Ltd Fora, 9 Dallington Street, London EC1V 0LN www.redactive.co.uk
/FederationofMasterBuilders
@federationofmasterbuilders
FEDERATION OF MASTER BUILDERS David Croft House 25 Ely Place London EC1N 6TD Tel: 020 7025 2900 www.fmb.org.uk
Federation of Master Builders
Recycle your magazine’s plastic wrap – check your local LDPE facilities to find out how
Printed by Warners (Midlands) 01778 391000 warners.co.uk
5
Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
Welcome BRIAN BERRY
A t a time when there is so much discussion about the industry’s skills crisis – the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) estimates that we need another 250,000 construction workers over the next few years to meet housing demand – it’s good to know that FMB members have a proud record of training apprentices. The main obstacles people face when entering the industry include too few training and employment opportunities offered by employers, poor resourcing of training colleges, the ongoing impact of Brexit and Covid, and immigration policy. Action is needed, which is why the FMB hopes the creation of the ‘Skills England’ agency will help, but other long-term measures are required. Long-term solutions needed The issue of resources needs to be addressed. Small and medium-sized (SME) companies must be supported and rewarded when taking on apprentices. Boot camps and short- term courses won’t tackle long-term problems. Greater flexibility for the Apprenticeship Levy to support SMEs would be helpful but we also need to ensure our colleges have adequate and sustainable funding. For too long colleges of further education have been the ‘Cinderella’ of higher education. We need parity of esteem between those wanting to learn a trade and those going to university. See pages 29-31 to learn about members’ experiences of hiring apprenticeships, looking at the challenges and benefits.
“The FMB always promotes the use of
Given the importance of housing delivery in the UK and a 1.5 million target for new homes in England, it was positive that the Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook MP and Shadow Housing Minister Kevin Hollinrake MP attended the FMB’s Winter Parliamentary Reception. Our event included the launch of our new FMB research report, Supporting SME Housebuilders , written by the London School of Economics to examine the economic importance of SME housebuilders. The report offers recommendations to boost the current 10 per cent share of all homes built by small housebuilders. ‘The word at Westminster’ on page 14 gives a full account. The FMB always promotes the use of contracts, which is why we offer members our suite of contracts for free. However, we know that some contracts stipulate the need for a contract administrator who can hold a lot of power. When the contract administrator is also an architect there can be tensions. On pages 32- 35, we examine the issue, providing members with guidance on avoiding the pitfalls. Finally, we are starting to celebrate our 2025 Master Builder Awards with the first regional ceremony scheduled in April. See pages 36-37 for where and when your local Master Builder Awards celebrations will take place.
contracts, which is why we offer members our suite of contracts for free.”
BRIAN BERRY, Chief Executive Federation of Master Builders
7
Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
News
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY NEWS
The UK has opened its first dedicated training facility for modern methods of construction. Situated at Barnsley College, the centre officially launched in November last year in collaboration with Laing O’Rourke and T3 Training & Development. The new centre, part-funded by the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF), will train apprentices to assemble construction and engineering components that have been manufactured offsite. It will be the first purpose- built facility to offer a Level 2 apprenticeship in construction assembly installation – approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education (IfATE) in 2019. Barnsley College Principal and Chief Executive David Akeroyd said: “This facility will no doubt equip students with the expertise needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving construction sector, lead the way on more sustainable methods of construction, and ensure they are prepared for the ambitious demands of the modern workforce.” Akeroyd believed the centre will “play a vital role in addressing skills shortages and supporting the development of a highly skilled, future-ready workforce for the local region and beyond”. Assembly apprentices get their own centre
Cowboy roofer hit with six-year sentence
C owboy roofer, Jack Avanzo of Weather Master Roofing Limited in London, received a six-year prison sentence, suspended for two years, for putting workers’ lives at risk. Avanzo, who pleaded guilty at Brighton Magistrates’ Court of breaching the Work at Height Regulations, was disqualified from being a company director for three years and ordered to: ● Pay £1,500 in costs ● Pay £1,600 as a victim surcharge ● Complete 120 hours of unpaid work. The court found Avanzo guilty of putting workers’ lives at risk during a job in Dorking, with the Health & Safety Executive’s (HSE) investigation revealing that there were no safety
measures in place for workers. They were working on the roof without any scaffolding or edge protection, posing a risk to their safety. They were also seen working at night, using their phones and torches for light. HSE inspector Stephanie Hickford- Smith said: “Falls from height are still the single biggest cause of work- related deaths in Great Britain. The law is clear – suitable and sufficient measures must be taken to prevent, where reasonably practicable, any person falling a distance liable to cause personal injury. “Support and practical guidance on how to comply with the law is publicly available, free of charge. There is no excuse for putting workers’ lives at risk.”
8
Master Builder
NEWS IN NUMBERS
20% The percentage of
respondents who thought the Budget announced at the end of 2024 would be good for the construction industry . Source: Quantity surveying firm Gleeds
Women face barriers in construction
W omen working in mid- level roles in the built environment show unique values, strengths and markers that affect their progress, new research has found. A report from mentoring, development and networking organisation, The Circle Partnership, uncovered issues affecting women’s career progression in mid-level roles. Across several “unexpectedly marked similarities” in how the diverse group behave in the workplace, the study revealed women are: ● Discouraged by competitive or ambitious behaviour and would rather earn recognition through consistency, reliability and competence ● Cautious and risk-averse around career and finance, which could be contributing to the gender pay gap ● Strong in relationship building, emotional intelligence, empathy, influencing and team building ● Driven to contribute to team success and prioritise collaboration over personal advancement.
To attract and retain women, The Circle Partnership’s researchers said businesses should reconsider how women are managed, developed and rewarded. Ceri Moyers, Director of The Circle Partnership, said: “It’s not news to say that the built environment has a problem when it comes to gender balance – particularly at senior leadership levels. What we have struggled to truly understand is, why. “A focus to date on the policies and procedures that impact on diversity has ignored a critical piece of the puzzle: that of culture and behaviour. The insight gained from this study suggests that the industry still doesn’t seem to fully understand how to make the most of women’s talents and potential. “And it also raises bigger questions about our macro workplace culture; is it time to begin truly re-examining the environment that favours traditionally masculine traits of extroversion, competition and leading from the front rather than expecting others to adapt to fit?”
70% The percentage of UK construction managers who have experienced major weather-related delays to projects in the last 12 months. Source: Aggreko
5,000 The number of young
people in 2024 that started an apprenticeship at level four or above , compared with half a million who entered full-time university
programmes. Source: UCAS
9
Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
INDUSTRY UPDATE NEWS
There are potential fire risks in volumetric modular housing, according to new research, and researchers have warned the Ministry of Housing that fire testing for factory-made homes is “likely to be sub-optimal”. The report, commissioned by the Ministry of Housing and conducted by Harlow Consulting and Edinburgh Napier University, said: “There is no standard fire test methodology which is directly applicable for volumetric construction; testing that takes place is likely to be sub-optimal. “While there is insufficient evidence to suggest whether a fire is more or less likely in a modular building compared with a traditionally constructed building, the event of a serious fire is likely to result in more serious consequences in a modular building if the choice has been made to use combustible elements in the voids and cavities through which fire and smoke can travel quickly – unless these risks are mitigated via appropriate design, manufacture, and installation.” More research required Additional research is required to understand how materials and combinations of materials/ components in modular buildings respond in the event of a fire. The report noted “very few Fire risks in prefab homes
Housebuilders score an additional £3bn
T he FMB has come out in guarantees available to builders to secure loans from banks and lenders. Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “SME housebuilders have a crucial role to play in helping to deliver the government’s ambitious target to build one and a half million new homes over the next five years. In recent years, small housebuilders have faced a particularly difficult set of financial challenges. Diversification of the UK’s housing market is essential to deliver the number of homes needed. “Today’s government announcement support of the government’s decision to make an additional £3 billion in housing providing greater support for small housebuilders is welcome news. For the plans to succeed, it will be crucial that this lending is available for small housebuilders who need it most and can build the homes this country needs.” Government guarantees lower risk for lenders, which results in increased
Housebuilding schemes to unlock homes and boost growth in the £3 billion programme include: ● Doubling the ENABLE Build scheme to £2 billion so smaller housebuilders can contribute to hitting the target of 10,000 new homes, including more student accommodation and specialised housing for older people ● Reopening the Private Rented Sector Guarantee Scheme for Build-to-Rent developers, with nearly £2 billion available to ramp up housebuilding. To accelerate housing development, the government has: ● Committed to overhaul the planning system ● Created a New Homes Accelerator group to unblock thousands of new homes stuck in the planning system ● Introduced ‘brownfield passports’ ● Set up a New Towns Taskforce to create communities of at least 10,000 new homes each ● Given £68 million to 54 councils for housing on brownfield sites ● Awarded £47 million to seven councils for homes stalled by nutrient-neutrality rules.
industry standards directly applicable to volumetric
construction” so companies and practitioners “often design and manufacture bespoke systems that cut across multiple standards”. These different approaches to warranties, accreditation and certification create confusion when what is needed is commonality.
credit for housebuilders, which encourages more building work and economic growth.
10
Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
NEWS IN NUMBERS
New office builds surpass refurbs in London
O ffice refurbishments in London have dipped below new build work for the first time since 2020. However, new starts have also decreased, according to the Deloitte London Office Crane Survey . Looking at the period between April and September 2024, the data listed 3.7 million square feet of new office construction projects across 29 schemes – a 12 per cent decrease in volume compared with the previous survey. Researchers recorded the start of 1.2 million square feet across 18 refurbishment schemes – a 57 per cent decrease compared to the
previous survey. Philip Parnell, Partner and Head of Valuation and Real Estate Climate & Sustainability Lead at Deloitte, said: “Refurbishment levels have pared back markedly in this survey from previous high levels, and likely a reaction to the economic, geopolitical and wider global concerns prevailing during the survey period. “However, developers’ appetite to maintain their pipeline of activity, coupled with the continuing need to address evolving occupier requirements and ESG credentials, suggests this may be a blip rather than a trend.”
400,000 The number of work days lost in 2023/24 by the construction industry due
to workplace injuries. Source: HSE’s Labour Force Survey
4,771 The number of construction families supported in 2024.
Source: Lighthouse Construction Charity
4% The increase in construction input costs in Scotland in 2024. Source: Building Cost Information Service’s Scottish contractors panel
One framework for entire £80bn construction budget
T he Crown Commercial Service, part of the Cabinet Office, is creating a seven- year framework contract for the entire scope of construction works – at a spend of £80 billion. The framework, which is planned to run from 31 October 2026 to 30 October 2034, will be accessible by central government departments and UK public sector bodies, including
infrastructure, housing, health, education and defence.
The framework will cover the design, manufacture, supply and installation of construction works and services, as well as offsite construction solutions. A formal start to the
16.5% The increase in construction new orders in Q2 2024. Source: Currie & Brown’s UK Construction Market Outlook Report
procurement process is expected in January 2026. Scan the QR code for details.
11
Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
INDUSTRY UPDATE NEWS
Good news for the construction industry is that this year will be booming, according to Glenigan’s Construction Industry Forecast 2025-2026. The forecast predicts growth of: ● 8% in 2025 ● 10% in 2026. The growth will come from greater confidence in the industry amid a more stabilised political and economic landscape after the 2024 general election. In private housing, due to improved household income, the forecast predicts housing Construction boom predicted
More apprentices in less time
T he National House Building Council (NHBC) and Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) have committed to increasing their capacity to train construction apprentices: ● NHBC will spend £100 million on 12 construction training centres in the next four years ● CITB allocated £40 million of levy money to support another 20 training centres if industry partners take the lead as CITB no longer delivers direct training directly. If the initiatives succeed, there could be 5,000 more construction apprenticeships available every year by September 2028, with 3,000 in the 12 new NHBC training centres, to train bricklayers, roofers, plasterers, scaffolders, electricians, carpenters – among other trades. NHBC has four training centres – in Cambridge, Newcastle, Hull and Tamworth – offering qualifications in 15 months. Roger Morton, Director of NHBC’s training hubs, said: “Our intensive training will produce skilled tradespeople faster, equipping them to hit the ground running from day one.”
The plan to use the training centres to train more apprentices in roughly half the time comes down to improved competence frameworks and standardisation, according to CITB. The news has been met with approval from the government, however, some industry stakeholders are less certain about it. For example, David Crosthwaite, Chief Economist at the Building Cost Information Service, noted that a condensed qualification would likely lower drop-out rates. “However, one has to ask, how can what once took twice as long, now be delivered in half- the time? Are there going to be quality issues as a result of shortening the training period? “In terms of the numbers, 5,000 apprenticeships a year will not be enough to cover those expected to retire/leave the industry annually, so at best, this is not adding additional workers to an industry that has seen close to 350,000 leave the sector over the last five years. “In my opinion, this initiative will not have a major impact on the realisation of 1.5 million new homes over the next five years, as promised by the government.”
starts to rise by: ● 13% in 2025 ● 15% in 2026.
Glenigan’s Economic Director Allan Wilen said: “The construction sector is on track for growth from 2025, fuelled by a combination of improved
consumer confidence, increased household
spending, and strategic fiscal changes announced in the recent Budget. These factors are set to drive activity in consumer-related verticals such as private housing, retail, and hotel and leisure. “The Budget’s adjustments to fiscal rules, allowing for higher levels of capital investment, will also unlock significant public sector and infrastructure projects, providing a much- needed boost to government-
funded initiatives over the next two years.” Scan the QR code for the report.
12
Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
Discrimination and sexual misconduct rife in architecture
N ew research commissioned by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) showed high levels of discrimination and sexual misconduct in the profession. The research, conducted by Thinks Insight & Strategy, surveyed 898 architectural professionals about how workplace culture shapes the quality of the work they deliver. Findings included: ● 25% of female architects have received unwanted sexual advances ● 41% have experienced bullying ● 33% experienced discrimination ● 10% reported sexual misconduct ● 33% would not be comfortable
Alan Kershaw, Chair of the ARB, said: “The vast majority of architects are good professionals who behave ethically. But we are appalled to learn that
many of them suffer higher levels of discrimination and sexual misconduct than some other professions. “There is a clear need for
priority for RIBA, and we recognise both our unique, important role in achieving this, and the work it will take. “As we prepare to publish the findings of our own investigation, we are ready to take bold steps. We continue to work with ARB and others to enable a profession that is rooted in safety, respect, and inclusion for everyone.”
leadership here; all professionals in the built environment sector need to support a better culture for a better built environment.” Muyiwa Oki, President of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), said: “Championing changes to improve workplace wellbeing is a
voicing concerns about discrimination and sexual misconduct.
Retrofit skills gap stalls net zero progress
A lack of retrofit skills and training are stalling the UK construction sector’s progress towards net zero, a new study has revealed. A survey of 500 construction professionals, conducted by the Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA), found that across the sector there is limited understanding of retrofit technologies and approaches, which could delay the UK’s decarbonisation ambitions. The research revealed that: ● 40% of construction
comfort, natural light and acoustic comfort – suggests that a standardised approach to retrofit assessments, such as the new BS 40104 standard, is required. Tom Garrigan, Technical Director at BSRIA said: “The results of this study show a snapshot of the industry’s approach to retrofitting. There’s a clear need for detailed pre- and post-retrofit assessments. “Understanding a building’s condition, possible defects, and energy performance is an essential step but one that appears to be lacking. Without high-quality testing, building owners will never know the true value of retrofit investments.”
understanding of retrofit is lacking ● 62% believe retrofit projects provide greater benefits for achieving net zero than new-build homes ● 43% measure building performance after envelope changes, highlighting a “do- it-and-dash” trend that skips energy, carbon, and comfort evaluation ● 25% are unconvinced of the long-term effectiveness of large-scale retrofit measures over the next 20 years. An absence of unanimous data on what constitutes ‘comfort’ in net zero spaces – some said it depended upon air quality and ventilation, while others noted thermal
professionals said the available training was insufficient and that industry knowledge and
13
Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
THE WORD AT WESTMINSTER
WHAT’S UP AT WESTMINSTER?
The FMB takes your voice to the Prime Minister, writes FMB Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Jeremy Gray T he end of 2024 was a bumper period for the FMB and its relationship with the government. We have strengthened ties
The findings from FMB’s research highlights the importance of diversifying the housing market in Britain, which is currently dominated by a small number of volume builders, and the FMB will be working hard over the coming year to make sure that Housing Minister Pennycook delivers on what he’s said so far. Planning rules change… again Following what seems like a whirlwind consultation process, the changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) have been announced as part of the government’s plans to get new homes built. The government’s long-awaited announcement on planning reform is a welcome boost to build more homes, but the failure to increase the percentage of small site allocations from the existing 10 per cent is a big disappointment for micro housebuilders. Not revising the small site allocation in local plans is going to hinder SMEs who need land to build on, which members have been reporting as a blocker for years. The FMB wants the government to see these reforms as the start of the process to help diversify an increasingly volume-centric housing market. Small housebuilders are at the sharp end of the planning system, often having to jump through the same hoops as volume developers. This means the proposed 300 planning officers are a drop in the ocean. SME housebuilders frequently cite inadequate resourcing of planning departments and poor communication from them as the number one reason they can’t build new homes. We need to see this change – but an extra 0.7 planning officers per local authority won’t help.
with many departments, especially those dealing with skills, employment and housing. But to top it off, FMB Chief Executive Brian Berry attended a meeting with the Prime Minister Keir Starmer MP and other leading business representatives, where Starmer laid out his vision for the future, before unveiling it to the public the following day at Pinewood Studios. Starmer has made housebuilding a top priority and the FMB was there to represent builders – ensuring that the voices of those doing the work and delivering on the government’s growth agenda are heard. The FMB also met with Alison McGovern MP, the minister responsible for employment, to put across the case to make it easier for builders to access services such as job centres when looking for new staff. There are many people waiting to be employed in this country and they need to be able to access the construction industry for jobs, especially given the shortages in the workforce. Parliamentary Reception Matthew Pennycook MP, Minister of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, was the headline speaker at the FMB’s Winter Parliamentary Reception in December last year, alongside Shadow Housing Secretary Kevin Hollinrake MP.
UK Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook MP speaks at the FMB’s Winter Parliamentary Reception
stakeholders from across the construction industry packed out the room in the House of Lords for the launch of the FMB’s new research report in conjunction with LSE, titled, Supporting SME Housebuilders: Challenges and Opportunities . The Housing Minister spoke about the ambitious targets the new government has set to get Britain building more homes, but he was clear that more needs to be done to support small and medium-sized (SME) builders if these goals are to be reached.
FMB members, politicians and policymakers, and journalists and
14
Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
SPOTLIGHT CG BUILDING AND RESTORATION LTD
Bar Convent in York is more than 350 years old and is a building of historical significance
The oldest living convent and the country’s second ever school for girls, Bar Convent is a true heritage building, known by all in the city UNCOVERING THE PAST M ore than 300 years ago, way back in 1686, the Congregation “Working on a project with such historical importance has been both a privilege and located on the corner of Nunnery Lane and Blossom Street near Micklegate Bar
safe and functional for modern use. It’s a delicate balance, but one is incredibly rewarding. “What makes it so inspiring is the chance to help preserve something that connects people to their history and heritage. Knowing that our work will allow future generations to experience and appreciate this piece of the past gives the project a lasting purpose that goes beyond just construction. It’s about keeping history alive.” CG Building and Restoration Ltd worked closely with
– houses an 18 th century chapel, which features the relic of St. Margaret Clitherow, a modern exhibition, an award-winning 22-bedroom guest house, café, gift shop, garden and three meeting rooms.
a humbling journey,” says Vernon Carter, Owner and Managing Director of CG Building and Restoration Ltd. “There’s a great responsibility in protecting the craftsmanship and stories of the past while making sure the structure is
of Jesus established the Bar Covent in York to educate young girls at a time when doing so was rare and being Catholic was illegal. These days, the Bar Covent Living Heritage Centre –
15
Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
SPOTLIGHT CG BUILDING AND RESTORATION LTD
The team re-roofed the building with Welsh slate
avoid damage,” says Carter. “Restoring them often meant using old techniques that are rarely practised today; this required us to use the specialist skills and traditional methods that our team has developed over the years.” To deliver the project, CG Building and Restoration Ltd: ● Worked closely with conservation and restoration experts, drawing on their knowledge and experience ● Maintained constant communication with heritage organisations to “This building’s incredible history meant every choice we made here had to respect the story of the building.”
project management firm, Gate & Bar (see boxout, Managing progress) to deliver a significant restoration project. Works carried out included: ● Repairing and redecorating more than 280 windows ● Repairing the building’s brickwork and stonework ● Redecorating metalwork and railings, joinery and external timber doors and shutters, and painted stonework ● Improving thermal insulation ● Re-roofing 19-21 Blossom
ensure the work respected the building’s historical value while meeting contemporary standards. A hidden past During restoration work, the team uncovered numerous hidden details from the building’s past, including original design features, intricate craftsmanship and architectural elements that had been covered or altered over time. “Each find felt like a glimpse into the lives and skills of the people who built the structure, creating a direct connection to their work and their world,”
and teamwork within our group”, and how the team has celebrated every milestone as a collective accomplishment. “Knowing that our efforts are helping to protect and share something so meaningful with future generations makes all the hard work feel timeless and worthwhile.” Working on a building with a history as rich and varied as the Bar Convent requires a significantly different approach to other types of work. “Unlike on modern builds, where the focus is often on efficiency or innovation, this building’s incredible history meant every choice we made here had to respect the story of the building,” says Carter.
Street with Welsh slate under a huge temporary roof structure.
A delicate balance Whenever restoration and improvement work is carried out on a heritage building it’s essential that a fine balance be found between preserving the building’s original features and enabling it to meet modern standards. “Many of the materials were fragile from age and needed careful handling to
says Carter. He notes the “incredible sense of pride
16
Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
CG BUILDING AND RESTORATION LTD
“Each layer we worked on revealed something new about its past, its original design, changes made over time, and the techniques used by the people who built it.” Collaboration is key A distinctive aspect of this project was the level of teamwork it demanded. Architects, conservationists, and skilled tradespeople had to collaborate, sharing their expertise. “Collaboration was at the heart of this project,” Carter explains. “From the beginning, we worked to create a shared vision, bringing together local authorities, architects, contractors, our employees and all other key players. We held regular meetings to make sure everyone was on the same page, discussing ideas, challenges, and progress. “Clear communication was crucial throughout the process. Everyone had their own area of expertise, and we made sure to respect and value each person’s input. To keep everything organised and ensure no one was left out of the loop, we used project management tools that allowed us to track progress and share updates. This helped us stay aligned and make decisions together, so that even the smallest choices supported our overall goal.” Taking this approach kept the project on track, while also encouraging creativity and problem-solving. “By working closely as a team, we were able to come up with innovative solutions to the challenges we faced,” Carter reveals, “resulting in a final product that truly reflects the power of teamwork.”
More than 280 windows were repaired and redecorated
Managing progress Gate & Bar managed the project from the start and prioritised engagement with the client to understand the numerous requirements of the building, including: ● School trips ● Meetings and conferences ● Exhibitions ● Café ● Guest rooms ● The sisters’ living accommodation.
the building’s users is key as areas of the building needed
shared with the right people. To that end, Gate & Bar set up: ● An open-door meeting every Friday morning for all client-side parties to attend to raise concerns and hear about the project’s progress ● Fortnightly progress meetings for the project team to discuss the project and determine what information needed to be shared with the building’s users.
to be closed and users temporarily relocated. Everyone affected
understood why the building was being maintained and upgraded for the future and so appreciated that a certain amount of disruption was inevitable. Nevertheless, Gate & Bar did its best at all times to programme, specify and manage the project with minimal disruptions, communicating at all times with the client and the building’s various users.
Key to the success of such diverse stakeholder management was ensuring the correct information was
On a project of this scale, cooperation among all of
17
Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
SPOTLIGHT MEMBER VOICES
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
Starting a business is not an easy undertaking, but FMB members repeatedly show how to make a success of it
C raig Bell hadn’t enjoyed his job for a while. The business he worked for was trying to get him off the tools and into a contract management role, and the company had hired new recruits that Bell didn’t think were a good fit. “I wanted to be on site with the others, working with customers, doing a good job for them,” Bell explains. “I didn’t want to be working on these big sites. I wanted to work in a small division, doing extensions and renovations giving customers exactly what they want, working directly with clients.” Then Covid hit and Bell marked the moment with a brave, bold and, ultimately, smart decision to go it alone. Three and a half years ago, he launched Marble Construction in Dundee, Scotland. “I can say now that Covid was the best time to make the change,”
18
Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
MEMBER VOICES
Bell says. “Fortunately, I had good people around me. I spoke to a few architects before I left my job and they said, ‘If you need anything we can price a wee job for you.’ “I went from doing projects like a £15,000 garage conversion to some of the projects we do now, which are more than £250,000 at a time.”
contracts. He recently bid on a £1 million contract, for example. With “three strings to my bow”, Attridge runs his umbrella business Ellenbrook Group, under which also sits a property development firm. “We’ll build a house and sell it, or convert an office to flats, that sort of thing.” It’s as a property developer that Attridge wants to focus more of his resources, building homes to sell rather than carrying out construction work for third parties. Tapping into support Bell launched his business but he relied on the people around him. Over the years, he built a supportive and responsive professional network. From the architects who offered assistance to the team he has working under him, he has always drawn from the expertise and energy of people in his network. “We’ve got good team members, so a lot of them deal with customers as well. They speak to clients every day – we make sure a team member speaks with the client daily. “If I’m not on the job for the day, somebody brings me information
Looking back at the past three and a half years, Bell revels in the interesting path he has travelled. “I started in Covid without a penny and now I have a team of six people. I walked away from the company and started alone. It has been about hard work and good relationships, making sure a few businesses around Dundee always come back to us for more work.” Maintaining the passion The decision has brought Bell nothing but benefits. “I love doing what I do,” he says. “I’m around people, I help clients get what they want instead of watching them get told what they will get. Seeing our customers’ faces when their projects are finished is a satisfying moment.” So what keeps Attridge motivated? Like Bell, he loves what he does. “I’m still passionate about the industry. I still enjoy my work. I’m 65 and I have no intentions to retire. In fact, I’ve just developed a new five-year plan.” (The planning was motivated by an FMB course Attridge attended, hosted by Construction Coach Robin Hayhurst.) “We all have days that are not so great, but I don’t think I’d do anything differently if I had my time again,” Attridge maintains. “I have my grandson in the business. After I’ve worked on him for five years, he might take on the company with a couple of the other lads.” Despite working on large, nationally significant infrastructure projects, being bold enough to tackle new challenges and loving his work, Attridge says his biggest achievement is sharing his knowledge with his young team “My grandson is 20 and the oldest in the team is probably 34. I get a buzz from imparting what I’ve learned over the years and see them pick it up, run with it, and do it better than I could do. It’s so pleasing.”
Quantity surveyors can also build
Mike Attridge’s journey to owning a construction company started in 1978, but only came to fruition nearly 40 years later. He began as a trainee quantity surveyor. Two decades later, he launched Ellenbrook Consulting. Still working as a quantity surveyor at 65, he looks back at an eventful career with big projects under his belt, including the Channel Tunnel, Rail Link, Crossrail and Heathrow Express. It wasn’t until 2017 that Attridge decided to build, launching Ellenbrook Construction Limited in Hertfordshire. “I did estimates for a friend of mine, for people having building work done,” Attridge recalls. “I was engaged for my quantity surveyor skills, not my building skills. I was so appalled at how these people were treated by their builders who showed a lack of professionalism. I thought, ‘Surely I can do this better and more professionally.’” Truth be told, Attridge also wanted to build something himself. “Being a quantity surveyor, it used to nag at me that we were treated like the ‘Aunt Sally’ of the industry – ‘leave them to the numbers and contracts, but they can’t build anything’. “There was a part of me that wanted to prove that quantity surveyors could become builders.” Attridge began doing small refurbishments and extensions, but now takes on new builds, constantly striving for bigger
about what the customers want, what we can deliver,
whether they’re happy with us. I handpicked the team and it makes life so much easier.” One of his team will soon become a partner at Marbel Construction, which will enable Bell to straddle both sides of the business: being on site with his crew to work closely with clients and also stepping away from the tools to grow the business. “My partner has been working for me for the last year. He can be on the tools constantly and one or two days every week, I’ll take up the tools and go over everything to make sure all the projects are done properly, and keep on top of jobs coming in the door and meeting new customers.”
Craig Bell
Mike Attridge
19
Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
BUSINESS SUPPORT CASH FLOW
The success or failure of your business depends a lot on how healthy your cash flow is
FIND YOUR FLOW
D id you know that close to 4,400 construction businesses went insolvent in 2023? That’s the highest number in a decade and it outstrips many other sectors. With rising costs of materials, fuel and energy, delays to projects and skills shortages, and the ongoing issue of late payments, it’s no wonder that small builders struggle. It’s essential, then, that builders have a strong cash flow in their business. “Cash flow is very different from profit,” says Laura Chalkley, director and consultant at bookkeeping and management accountancy firm Chalkley Easterbee. “It’s about the timing of money coming in and going out. “If the timing is wrong, you might not be able to pay your bills and your business could fail because you haven’t got cash to keep everything ticking over – even though you have many projects lined up.” The first part of managing cash flow is to get cash into the business faster than it goes out, Chalkley explains. Here’s her
advice on how builders can strategise their cash flow: ● Plan your pricing to get money in when you need it and before you need to pay your suppliers. ● Ensure all of your work and purchases are covered by a contract that protects you even if variations happen (be sure to record it all in writing). ● Stick to the budget and set up your project so they are ideally self-funding – so your stage payments for jobs are frequent rather than waiting long periods for payment.
“Stage payments can be tied to reaching certain milestones or project stages rather than the old application process for work done that day,” Chalkley advises. “Doing it this way means you might be able to get the money in, or at least a deposit, before you undertake a stage of the project. So the project funds itself as you have money in before needing to pay suppliers.”
Cash flow fundamentals Be honest about where you are.
Monitoring your bank balance is a good starting point, but it doesn’t give you the
Master Builder 20
www.fmb.org.uk
CASH FLOW
collection of those payments, which means the money keeps flowing in automatically to your business. “Consider offering payment options to clients,” Chalkley advises. “Obviously, there are bank transfers and cash, but also card payments using Stripe, and spreading payments over three months with a service such as Klarna.” Chalkley suggests that you assess whether services you’re paying for are necessary and bring value to your business. “You may have started using a particular piece of software six months ago,” Chalkley says. “Is it delivering what you really need? Or should you cut that subscription and try something different?” Similarly, you should regularly review your site resources. “Make sure your labour and plant levels allow you to deliver the job with the most efficiency. Don’t keep on additional labour you don’t need, or hold onto hired equipment for longer than you need.” It’s also a smart idea to track your waste and return any unused materials, but be sure that you have an agreement with your suppliers that allows you to do so, Chalkley warns. When it comes to your suppliers, Chalkley says there is value in using your supply credit terms. The best way to do this is to negotiate with suppliers and make full use of the credit card. “Pay them on time, but not too early. That is good for relationships and for your credit rating.”
How the FMB is supporting you The FMB has updated its suite of contracts to improve cash flow by: ● Changing payment terms to a default setting of 14 days but this can be set to whatever period you choose ● Increasing the number of stage payments you can enter in the contract ● Upping the interest rate on late payments from 5-10% ● Adding clauses in the contracts to manage changes. so you’re on top of your data. And remember to set your prices . “Make sure your pricing includes your overheads, not just direct project labour, plant and material costs, but also advertising, office payroll, insurance and accounting costs,” Chalkley explains. Choose the right pricing method: ● Cost plus contract – carries value for risk ● Fixed price contract – carries more risk ● Day rates – better because there’s no risk. “Market rates will affect your pricing,” Chalkley says. “Get everything in writing; confirm verbal instructions as quickly as possible in writing. Importantly, you need to send your invoices on time and be clear about your payment terms. In your contract you can charge an interest on late payments or even charge a penalty. “If your invoice is clear and detailed, it’s unlikely to be challenged by the client,” Chalkley says. “If you set up everything you’ve included and it complies with the contract, there is nothing the client can challenge you on, which speeds up payment.” If you have recurring jobs then you should consider automating your invoicing for payments. Chalkley says cardless services such as Stripe simplify
Set up savings pots Creating multiple savings pots for
different costs can be a helpful way to ensure your cash flow remains healthy. When the time comes to pay VAT, PAYE, corporation tax or personal tax, the relevant savings pot has money to help you pay what is required. Chalkley says to allocate a percentage of each invoice payment to the relevant savings pot. Ultimately, builders need to “expect the unexpected”, Chalkley warns, and they can do that by having a risk contingency that enables them to deal with any unforeseen financial challenges.
full picture. It lets you know where you are now but not in the future. So you need to forecast your finances , ideally with a 12-month look-ahead period. To do this effectively, your data needs to be accurate and up to date. Detail your data to job or sub-project level in your forecast so you can plan for particular supply payments. Find a system that works – whether it’s bookkeeping software – Xero, QuickBooks or FreeAgent – spreadsheets or a notebook. Be regular by carrying out bookkeeping duties two to three times a week
21
Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
OUR PROCESS P
WITH ANY GOOGLE P FREE WEB
BSITE!
WITH ANY GOOGLE PACKAGE
SCAN ME!
As an FMB Partner, Promote UK are offering a FREE , bespoke and fully responsive website to any FMB members who purchase a Google Page 1 promotional package. bsite a Enhance your online shop window and be found online, with a guarantee to be found on the first page of Google. Enhance your online shop window and found online, with a guarantee to be fou be und As an FMB Partner, Promote UK are offeri , bespoke and fully responsive web ing a
STUNNING WEBSITES
1
GUARANTEED ON THE 1ST PAGE OF GOOGLE
SERVICE & SUPPORT
GET IN TOUCH NOW!
WEBSITE
0345 257 0688 TELEPHONE
ADDRESS
The Atrium, Business Centre, 4 Curtis Rd, Dorking RH4 1XA
www.promoteukltd.com
18V LXT CLIPPED HEAD NAILS, L:50-90mm, D:2.9-3.3mm & 58 NAIL CAPACITY
18V LXT FRAMING NAILER: DBN900
420+
Discover the expansive LXT 18V and 36V line-up. The LXT range boasts a continuously growing selection of more than 420 products, offering solutions for a wide array of tasks. You can recharge your 18V 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, and 6.0Ah batteries in just 22 to 55 minutes. Makita provides more than just power tools, explore our full range at makitauk.com and follow us on socials for updates.
makitauk.com
FMB Master Builder.indd 1
ɐSP
BUSINESS SUPPORT HEALTH & SAFETY
The latest news and updates on health and safety in construction to keep you and your workforce safe on site HEALTH SAFETY &
Cladding deadline announced The government has unveiled a new plan to expedite the remediation of dangerous cladding on high-rise and medium-rise buildings. All high-rise buildings (over 18 metres tall) must be remediated by the end of 2029. Landlords of medium-rise buildings (11-18 metres tall) must have a confirmed completion date by March 2025.
Approved Documents guidance under review
The review, expected to take three years, will involve appointing a review panel and seeking feedback from stakeholders. The goal is to create safer, higher-quality buildings and increase confidence in the building safety system. The BSR hopes that by making the guidance more user-friendly, it will reduce the risk of building safety issues and improve the quality of construction projects. Scan the QR code for the Approved Documents in their current state.
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) will review Approved Documents guidance to make it more accessible and up to date. The review will involve input from industry experts, homeowners and government departments. The BSR aims to address long- standing issues with the Approved Documents, which have been criticised for being overly complex. The Grenfell Inquiry highlighted the need for clearer guidance, particularly on fire safety. Approved Document B in particular was cited as being unclear to many.
The government plans to bolster the BSR and local
authorities with increased funding and powers to take direct action against building owners who fail to comply. The government has secured agreements with major developers to accelerate the pace of remediation on their buildings. However, campaign groups such as End Our Cladding Scandal (EOCS) said the plan lacks solutions and creates bureaucracy, leaving leaseholders facing uncertainty and financial hardship. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, who is Secretary of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, said: “The pace of remediation has been far too slow for far too long. We are taking decisive action to right this wrong and make homes safe. “Our remediation acceleration plan will ensure those responsible for making buildings safe deliver the change residents need and deserve.” Scan the QR code for the Remediation Acceleration Plan.
HSE publishes 2024 H&S stats
● There were 138 worker
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) published detailed statistics on work- related health and safety in the UK during 2023-24. Key findings include: ● 1.7 million working people suffer from a work-related illness , with 776,000 suffering from work-related stress, depression or anxiety and 543,000 suffering from a work- related musculoskeletal disorder. ● Mental health issues remain a significant concern, with 776,000 workers affected and 16.4 million working days lost in 2023/24. ● Construction has higher than average workplace non-fatal injury rates , with common causes including slips, trips, handling accidents, and falls from height.
fatalities across all sectors in 2023/24 , with
construction contributing
significantly due to high-risk activities. ● The construction sector is at-risk for asbestos-related diseases . There were 2,257 mesothelioma deaths in 2022, with many cases linked to past asbestos exposure.
Scan the QR code to find out about the Safety Plus offer available with your FMB subscription.
23
Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software