MEMBER News
CENTRAL
CENTRAL
Central region’s funding, growth and wellbeing The Central Area Board met on 5 December at the FMB’s Head Office to discuss engagement with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), business growth support, and what changes members want to see in 2025. CITB: Unlocking support for small builders Matt Bridge, board member and CITB England National Council representative, shared insights from his recent speech at the CITB Colleagues Conference to more than 650 attendees. Matt emphasised the need for small builders to have a clearer understanding of CITB’s funding model. He highlighted that FMB members, particularly micro- businesses below the levy threshold, are still eligible for all training grants. The FMB provides a vital link to CITB to reach these types of businesses and ensure these businesses, in turn, can access the available support. Better awareness of the opportunities could unlock valuable funding for members for training, apprenticeships and upskilling their workforce. Nathan Wilkins, the FMB’s co- opted member from CITB, was on hand to offer additional insights and reinforce the importance of improving member engagement with CITB funding opportunities.
On a scale of one to 10, how optimistic are you about the immediate future of the UK’s construction industry? Seven. Please could you explain your reasoning for your answer above? There are ongoing challenges such as rising costs and skills shortages, but our members are resilient and adaptable. There’s still strong demand for quality work, and with the right support, I believe they can push through these challenges. Based on your knowledge of your region’s members, what would you say is their most pressing concern at the moment? Keeping a steady flow of work while managing rising costs and finding skilled tradespeople. What is the FMB doing to help mitigate those concerns? We’re putting a big focus on business coaching to help members navigate these challenges. Through coaching and workshops, we’re helping them with planning, pricing and marketing so they can keep their businesses strong and ready for the future. Getting to know you Cheese or chocolate? I can’t choose between them. Dog or cat? Dog. First car owned? A bright yellow Renault Megane. Favourite film? City of Angels (I love the soundtrack, too). Favourite holiday spot? During winter it has to be the guaranteed sunshine of the Canary Islands. Have you been a client of an FMB member? I was an FMB member myself, and I’m married to one, so yes.
What are you working on in your region right now? I’m currently focused on driving engagement with the Master Builder Awards, encouraging members to celebrate their achievements by entering. I’m also supporting business growth initiatives, particularly through business coaching programmes and workshops, to help members strengthen and future-proof their businesses. Meet Nicola de Sousa, FMB Central Director
44 Master Builder
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