AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 £4.25
THE MAGAZINE OF THE FEDERATION OF MASTER BUILDERS
SERENE IN THE CITY Coldwells Build Ltd gave its client the best of both worlds: a dream home with urban sophistication and rural charm
BUILDING SAFETY ACT Advice to ensure you remain compliant with the new legislation
TRIANGLE OF HARMONY Collaborating with architects to turn your client’s vision into reality
MADE IN THE ROYAL MARINES Skills gained in the armed forces helped Alex Edwards become a better leader
NEW
ROCKWOOL ® enhances Trade Range with new products and more sustainable packaging s Trade Range with i bl k i
ROCKWOOL has expanded its non-combustible stone wool insulation range for builders and tradespeople by launching two new products – 150mm Thermal Insulation Cavity Slab 32 and 140mm Sound Insulation Slab. The manufacturer is also introducing more sustainable product packaging across the ROCKWOOL Trade Range in 2024. A new 150mm thickness of Thermal Insulation Cavity Slab 32 will support builders and tradespeople in meeting the UK’s now more stringent thermal regulations, such as Part L 2021 (England). Developed using patented NyRock ® technology, Cavity Slab 32 has a 0.032 W/mK lambda rating, making it the lowest lambda stone wool currently available in the UK and Ireland 1 . Cavity Slab 32 helps installers achieve ‘continuity of insulation’, as recommended in guidance in Approved VÕiÌ ÓäÓ£]>ÃÌV>LivÀVÌwÌÌi`ÜÌ ÕÌ«ÀiVÃi cutting. The product is also water-repellent and has a ÕÀV>ÃÃƂ£VLÕÃÌLiÀi>VÌÌwÀiV>ÃÃwV>Ì° Further expanding its range, ROCKWOOL has introduced a 140mm version of its popular Sound Insulation Slab, joining 50, 70, and 100mm thicknesses. The new 140mm Sound Slab «ÀÛ`iÃ>VÕÃÌV«iÀvÀ>VivÀÌiÀ>yÀÃ]>`ÜÌ > 0.035 W/mK lambda, it can also be used as thermal insulation for external timber frame walls. As with Cavity Slab 32, Sound ->L >Ã> ÕÀV>ÃÃƂ£VLÕÃÌLiÀi>VÌÌwÀi V>ÃÃwV>Ì>`>yiÝLii`}ivÀi>ÃÞvÀVÌwÌÌ}° “There’s much more to complying with thermal regulations than choosing an insulation with a certain stated u-value,” said James Francis, Product Manager at ROCKWOOL UK. “An air gap as small as 6mm is enough to increase heat transfer
by 158% 2 vÌ i`iÃ}Û>Õi]Ã>V iÛ}>VÌÕÕÃwÌà VÀÕV>ÌiiÀ}ÞivwViVÞ°ƂÌÌ iÃ>iÌi] iÜiÀà want more than just thermal performance; they’re looking for wÀi>`>VÕÃÌV«ÀÌiVÌÌ° “These new products support builders and tradespeople in meeting the evolving needs of homeowners and legislation and, importantly, are straightforward to install in a way that minimises heat loss.” Alongside launching two new products, ROCKWOOL will roll out new-look packaging across its Trade Range in 2024. James continued: “At ROCKWOOL, we’re always exploring Ü>ÞÃÌÀi`ÕViÜ>ÃÌiÌ>`w>`ÃiÌ iÕÃivÛÀ} materials. As such, our new product packaging has been designed with greater recyclability in mind.” The new ROCKWOOL Trade Range product packaging uses 30% recycled plastic and is 100% recyclable. It also features less ink with just two primary colours and a mostly transparent design that makes recycling easier. “The updated design also features new labels with clearer product data and QR codes linking to digital information so customers always have the latest information at their w}iÀÌ«Ã]»>``i`>iðº7i½LiÀ}ÕÌÌ iiÜ product packaging throughout the year.”
For more information, visit rockwool.com/uk/trade
1. Correct at time of going to press versus other available products 2. iV«Ìi\¼/ iyÕiViv>ÌÕÀ>VÛiVÌÌ iÌ iÀ>µÕ>ÌÞvÃÕ>Ìi`V>ÛÌÞVÃÌÀÕV̽° Building research and practice, CIB, 1990
150mm Cavity Slab 32
140mm Sound Slab
Multi-purpose application Sound and Ì iÀ>LiiwÌÃ
Fast to install
Supports Part L compliance
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We’ve expanded the ROCKWOOL ® Trade Range with two new products that make it simpler to meet building regulations and customer needs. 9Õ½>Ãw`Ì iiÜ«À`ÕVÌ«>V>}}Ì >̽à 100% recyclable and made using 30% recycled content.
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Contents AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 Industry update
Features
22 Made in the Royal Marines
Alex Edwards of Edleigh Construction Ltd shares lessons learnt in the armed forces
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24 Creature comforts
Encountering wildlife on sites requires builders to take a sensitive approach
7 Welcome The Government must work for SME builders 8 News The latest headlines from the industry 12 What Labour’s win means for you The new Government’s key policies 14 A member-only retail experience The FMB’s new e-shop is set to launch 15 The FMB’s viewpoint Issues affecting the sector
27 Triangle of harmony
Builder, architect and client must work together to deliver the best outcome
31 At the coalface
What builders and developers need to know about the UK’s extensive coalfields
Your FMB
22
34 Member benefits
From building your brand to plugging the skills gap – the FMB has you covered
Spotlight
36 In your area
16 Tear it down to start again Coldwells Build Ltd creates a dream home 17 Eyes on the prize A Master Builder Award is good for business
Meet two FMB Area Board members
37 Under cover
FMB Insurance offers guidance to remain compliant with the Building Safety Act 38 See you at the national conference All members are invited to the FMB’s National Conference and AGM 40 Member update Welcome to new members that have joined the FMB 43 Member news
Business support
27
18 Pocket power
The FMB member app empowers you 19 Questions of compliance: BSA 2012 How the Building Safety Act affects you 20 Retrofit for purpose Gain simplified access to retrofit work 21 H&S round-up Keep you and your team safe on site
An update from members in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
50 Five in five
Rapid-fire Q&A with two members
Editorial Editor Bradford Keen bradford.keen@redactive.co.uk Head of Communications Helen Wardley Designer David McCullough Picture editor Jessica Marsh Publishing director Joanna Marsh
Advertising Advertising enquiries
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.
Andrew Matthewson +44 (0)20 7880 6245 masterbuilder@redactive.co.uk
Published by Redactive Publishing Ltd Fora, 9 Dallington Street, London EC1V 0LN www.redactive.co.uk
@fmbuilders
/FederationofMasterBuilders
FEDERATION OF MASTER BUILDERS David Croft House 25 Ely Place London EC1N 6TD Tel: 020 7025 2900 www.fmb.org.uk
@federationofmasterbuilders
Production Production manager Aysha Miah-Edwards +44 (0)20 7880 6241 aysha.miah@redactive.co.uk
Federation of Master Builders
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THE
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Welcome BRIAN BERRY
T he UK’s general election is over but the focus to engage with the new Labour Government on its delivery programme has begun. Commitments to build one and a half million new homes over the next five years, retrofit five million homes, and reform the planning system are ambitious targets so it’s important small builders contribute to the delivery. The FMB has reached out to the new ministerial team and we are working with civil servants on how the FMB can help. Jeremy Gray, Head of Policy at the FMB, explains on pages 12-13 what the new Labour Government means for the industry. A legacy of the previous government is the Building Safety Act (BSA) 2022 – the legislative response to the tragedy of the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017. Effective from April 2023, the legislation aims to increase building safety compliance and will continue to take shape over the next 18 months. Visit the FMB website for information on how best to protect yourself from the legislation. There are resources on duties and obligations of designers and contractors, an FMB note on the BSA, frequently asked questions, and onboarding new FMB contracts. See page 19 for more on how the act affects you. As the new Government gets to grips with rolling out its retrofit programme, the FMB has been working with Digital Building Services to offer a pathway for members wanting to access retrofit work. The initiative, to be launched at the FMB National Conference in Lincoln next
“The focus to engage with the new Labour Government on its delivery programme has begun”
month, is explained in more detail on page 20. The FMB is working with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) on the new sector skills programme for domestic retrofit work. We’re about to commission research examining the retrofit work landscape and what skills and training are needed to help members tap into this growing market. We place the spotlight on Coldwells Build Ltd in Aberdeen on page 16, finding out how the team knocked down an old property to create their client’s dream home. It’s also time to think about which one of your projects could be a Master Builder Awards winner. We’re announcing the start date to submit entries later in the year but it’s never too early to plan. We will soon be launching our FMB Member E-Shop – an exclusive, online retail experience. See page 14 for more information. Why not seize the opportunity to meet fellow members at the FMB National Conference in Lincoln on Friday 13 September. Our business conference will focus on key issues affecting members including an overview of what’s happening in the economy, housing policy, retrofit opportunities, and skills and training. Stay for the gala dinner and live music. We hope to see you there!
BRIAN BERRY, Chief Executive Federation of Master Builders
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To read the report, visit nacsba.org.uk/policy/ csb-report-2023-24/ News
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY NEWS
RFID pallets enter into the supply chain
A batch of reusable pallets with radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags have entered the construction supply chain. More than 30,000 reusable pallets by The Pallet Loop have been sent to plasterboard and plaster-based drylining system manufacturer British Gypsum’s bagged plaster plants at Barrow, East Leake and Kirkby Thore. The first of these pallets have already landed at construction projects, building sites, merchant yards and distribution centres. The Pallet Loop offers pallet production, delivery and collection services, and inspecting and repairing green pallets when feasible.
Paul Lewis, Managing Director at The Pallet Loop, said: “If your business hasn’t already signed up for Loop collections, now is the time to do so. Our distinctive green, reusable pallets are now winging their way across the country, and we want recipients to be ready to send them back to us. Since British Gypsum announced it was going to be the first user of The Pallet Loop, we’ve had a great reaction from the sector. “Lots of builders’ merchants, house building companies and principal contractors are already signed up for collections – but we want to spread the word further, so all potential recipients know what to do with Loop pallets when they arrive at their branches and sites.”
A home decorating material made from 300-year-old volcanic ash has launched in the UK. When mixed with water, the Italian dry powder product, known as Etna®, can be applied like plaster to interior and exterior walls for a range of finishes and effects. It’s sustainable and breathable, protecting and restoring walls. Made by Nikkolor Italia, Etna® has been created using volcanic ash from the Etna eruption of 1669, pure natural hydraulic lime, natural active ingredients and mineral aggregates. Nikkolor Italia launched the product at the UK Construction Week earlier this year. Vito Ruscigno, Foreign Technical Sales Manager, said: “The reaction and feedback to the launch of Etna at our stand within the Sicilian Pavilion was brilliant – at some stages we had people queuing up to speak to us!” Construction product made from volcanic ash
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NEWS IN NUMBERS
10,000 The total annual rate of decrease of new housing output . Source: ONS
27% The number of home
improvement applications has fallen by 27% since 2021, with 2023 seeing the lowest
Electrical contractors warn of AI capacity crisis
numbers since 2013. Source: Barbour ABI
And it is going to become even more prevalent in the near future. “Data centres, which have many servers as their main components, need electrical power to survive. It is therefore only natural that any talk about building a data centre should begin with figuring out the electrical needs and how to satisfy those power requirements. “At present, the UK’s National Grid appears to be holding its own, with current increases being met with renewable energy systems. But as technology advances and systems such as AI are introduced, there will be a time when the grid will struggle to support the demand.”
Scottish electrical contractors’ trade association, Select, has said the UK power network may be unable to provide the energy needed to run artificial intelligence (AI) systems. Mike Stark, President of Select and Director of Data Cabling and Networks at facilities management firm OCS M&E Services, warned the new technology’s demand for electricity is often greater than what small countries use in a year. Stark said: “AI is becoming more embedded in our everyday lives, from digital assistants and chatbots helping us on websites to navigation apps and autocorrect on our mobile phones.
4.5% Percentage by which input costs rose for Scottish construction in the year to Q2 2024. Source: Arcadis
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INDUSTRY UPDATE NEWS
Industry expert Philip Hogg has joined the Board of the Consumer Code for Home Builders, which provides protection for buyers of new-build homes. Hogg, who has held board-level positions in the homebuilding sector for more than 20 years, said: “During my time at Homes for Scotland, I enjoyed working with the Consumer Code for Home Builders’ Board and Advisory Forum and felt able to make a valuable contribution. “Drawing on my most recent experience of working for a major builder, I hope my knowledge of Homebuilding expert joins consumer code board
the sector, and direct experience of resolving customer issues, will
M&E leads subcontractor tenders
help to inform the board’s decisions from a practical and operational perspective.”
The Board of the Consumer Code for Home Builders has builders meet certain requirements when marketing and selling new-build homes, including after- sales support for buyers. The code’s board is independently chaired by Noel Hunter OBE. Its members include an independent consumer expert as well as representatives from Citizens Advice, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, and the UK’s main warranty bodies NHBC, MD Insurance Services and Checkmate. The board is responsible for operating the Consumer Code Scheme which is supported by a broad industry and consumer advisory forum.
M echanical and engineering (M&E) firms are seeing the most activity in subcontractor tenders, with increased demand to price jobs amidst ongoing concerns about project delays. Research by Southern Construction Framework reveals tender activity improved by 3.2 per cent in the first three months of 2024, with an increase of: ● 9.5 per cent for M&E firms ● 6.7 per cent for drylining subcontractors ● 5.4 per cent for steelwork frame specialists ● 4.9 per cent for concrete frame specialists
Philip Hogg
The survey of southern region firms shows strong pipelines even while subcontractors say project affordability puts pressure on them, along with outdated budget settings and high interest rates. Building costs also rose in Q1 by an average of 2.3 per cent, with inflation affecting: ● Drylining – 4.7 per cent ● M&E – 4.6 per cent ● Brickwork – 2.6 per cent ● Carpentry and joinery – 2.4 per cent A quarter of subcontractors said their biggest challenge had to do with uncertainty regarding projects progressing from preconstruction to onsite, due to programme delays and
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CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY NEWS
Inflation hurts construction SMEs
D espite nearly 60 per cent of the UK’s construction SMEs feeling optimistic about 2025, as many as 56 per cent find inflation a key challenge – only 48 per cent of SMEs in other sectors reported the same. The new research by Bibby Financial Services of 1,000 UK SME owners and decision-makers, including more than 200 in the construction industry, found that many businesses were struggling with economic uncertainty. But construction SMEs were most inclined to spend through this period.
many respects, the construction sector is the bellwether for the economy, and it’s clear that many of the sector’s SME owners are seeing an increase in work volumes, which will undoubtedly act as a positive multiplier effect for adjacent sectors, such as manufacturing and transport. “Despite this optimism, the high cost of materials and shipping, and pressure on supply chains triggered by geopolitical factors in Europe and the Middle East continue to hamper the growth of many construction firms as many businesses price- in this risk, exacerbating the issue throughout supply chains. Add to this the increased susceptibility to bad debt and the ongoing challenges faced by construction firms in accessing the finance they need to fulfil existing orders and take on new work, the remainder of 2024 could be a pivotal time for the sector, and the wider economy.”
Additional challenges include: ● Materials cost – 65 per cent ● Supply chain disruptions – 42 per cent ● Debt – 34 per cent ● Access to external finance – 53 per cent
project cancellations caused by rising costs. Adrienne Turner, Framework Manager at SCF, said: “The combination of firms seeing more tendering opportunities despite the high level of insolvencies is creating a complex mix in the industry, likely leading to some firms nearing collapse going in with competitive bids to keep them afloat. “With challenges likely to remain throughout 2024 as interest rates remain high, clients need to be careful about who they select as simply selecting on price could be incredibly damaging for a project if the chosen firm is unable to deliver.”
Derek Ryan, UK Managing Director at Bibby Financial Services, said: “In
NEWS IN NUMBERS
500,000 The approximate number of
new homes that could be built on London’s brownfield sites. Source: SBA Property Management
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UK ELECTION
Jeremy Gray, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at the FMB, reviews the key policy areas the FMB asked of the Government in its Builders’
Manifesto, ‘Growth from the ground up’
WHAT LABOUR’S WIN MEANS FOR YOU
T he Labour Party has taken power, ushering in a new era of British politics, following 14 years of Conservative Party control in Westminster. With such a majority, it should mean Labour’s agenda will be implemented at pace. The party has plenty of ambitious plans to keep builders busy, but with fewer people joining the industry and skilled tradespeople stretched thin, will its ambitions really be achievable? Or could this be a much- needed kickstart for our industry? Building more homes Housing was a pivotal issue in this election, with many arguing that too many years of too few homes being built played a key role in sinking the Conservative Party. Labour has bold plans in this space, including delivering one and a half million homes over five years – a big ask, considering the country has consistently failed to meet targets that would bring this figure into reality. Behind the headline figure, there is much to like, including: ● reforming the planning system to make it easier to build homes; and
small and medium-sized house builders who generally prefer to use smaller, brownfield sites for their developments, rather than ploughed fields, which larger developers often use. There is also the much talked about ‘grey belt’ – the name Labour is calling poor-quality green belt sites – that will be opened up for development. The FMB is waiting to see what this plan will truly look like in reality.
● providing increased direct government funding for planning officers – which has been a key request of the FMB. The Labour Party has also made brownfield sites a core part of its plan to deliver new homes. The direction of focus means developments planned for green belt areas will be less favoured than those marked for brownfield sites. The change is important – and could be a bonus for
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UK ELECTION
small and medium-sized construction businesses into consideration. Much like with large, strategic sites, we believe these new sites should be broken down into smaller plots so the developments can feature a diverse range of housing. Social housing could be an important route for small, local house builders, providing a consistent pipeline of work from local authorities or social housing providers choosing to use smaller developers, particularly in rural areas. Improving energy efficiency Labour has also focused on the existing housing stock, with the ambition to improve the energy efficiency of five million homes – somewhat downsized from its earlier plans, a revision that the FMB has criticised. But five million is still a big number, and these retrofits could provide significant work for local builders. The new Government has backed its energy-efficiency pledge with funding and consumer incentives to upgrade their homes, which we know will be valuable, as consumers have been wary of how expensive retrofitting is. The Government will also reintroduce plans to upgrade rented housing to improve energy-efficiency standards, which provides another long-term supply of work for builders. Closing the skills gap So, how do you find the skills for all this? We know the industry already struggles to keep pace with staffing requirements, without the added pressure of retrofitting and increased house building. Labour does have promising plans to: ● create a strategy for post-16 education; ● establish ‘Skills England’ to bring together industry and Government to assess skills needs; ● guarantee training, apprenticeships or work for all 18 to 21-year-olds; and ● create specialist technical colleges. All of this should improve the picture for builders short on staff, but we are not the only industry lacking the numbers. Others such as the care sector are
Prime Minister Keir Starmer
front of mind for Labour, and are set to receive a boost in staffing numbers to accommodate the ageing population. The construction sector will need to continue to improve its image to highlight what positive careers it can offer. Better for business There may also be improvements in the general business environment, with a loose guarantee to tackle late payments. Contractors in the supply chain might welcome the news but we’ve heard this before with little impact. There will also be enhancements to government procurement rules so SMEs should gain more public sector contracts, which could lead to healthy pipelines of work. Pay changes are also on the horizon, with the Labour Party wanting to match wages to the cost of living – meaning the minimum wage will reflect the wider costs facing employees. The result may well be increased wages. There are glimpses of positivity, but we should balance it with a healthy dose of scepticism, as so much depends on improving the number of new entrants into the construction sector’s workforce. If the skills issue can be addressed, we may see local builders thrive. But that remains a big ambition, which successive governments have failed to solve.
Labour’s plans for housing include delivering 1.5 million new homes over the next five years
Labour also plans to make social housing a top priority and has proposed the development of new towns. At first glance, neither of these focuses provide a clear route for driving growth for smaller house builders, but they could unlock opportunities and a consistent pipeline of work. The FMB will campaign to make sure any plans for new towns take
Due to the print schedule, this article was written on 5 July and reflected the situation at the time. For the latest updates on the Labour Party’s plans for builders, visit www.fmb.org.uk
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FMB E-SHOP EXCLUSIVE TO MEMBERS
ONE-STOP SHOP The FMB will soon be launching a brand new online shopping experience, offering exclusive deals to members
A re you in the market for impactful signage co-branded with your company and the FMB’s logos? How about sourcing quality safety equipment or durable clothing? Exclusive to members, the new FMB e-shop offers a comprehensive range of products, specifically curated to meet the high standards of its members. Expect durability, reliability and excellence so you can deliver quality work to clients and elevate best practices in the industry. A one-stop solution for all of your needs, the e-shop has been built using a cutting- edge, e-commerce platform and tailored specifically to support hard-working, small and medium-sized builders. Why shop here? For a start, the e-shop is convenient. Browse from your phone, tablet or computer for the items you need. As an FMB member, you will enjoy exclusive shopping benefits including discounts and special offers. Here’s what to expect: ● discounted prices – competitive pricing on a wide variety of products,
● detailed product information – comprehensive descriptions and specifications for informed purchasing decisions; ● secure checkout – robust security measures ensure a safe shopping experience; and ● order tracking – real-time updates and a tracking number will be sent to your email to monitor your order status. Supporting Master Builders The launch of the e-shop is part of FMB’s ongoing efforts to support you in every aspect of your business. By providing access to top-tier products and exclusive benefits, the FMB aims to help you save time, reduce costs, and promote your Master Builder status. You will receive an email when the e-shop opens, with a link to the site where you can set up your account.
ensuring you get the best value and highest quality; ● member-only products – FMB-branded items are exclusive to members to elevate your business profile; and ● special offers – regular promotions and discounts on popular items. Enjoy a user-friendly experience The FMB e-shop provides an intuitive interface to make browsing and purchasing seamless. Key features include: ● easy navigation – simple categories and filters to find products quickly;
Keep an eye on updates from the FMB about the official launch of the e-shop.
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INDUSTRY UPDATE VIEWPOINT
Viewpoint
“The lack of involvement DEFRA has in the biodiversity credit market is also extremely worrying, especially as smaller builders are more likely to need to offset biodiversity offsite. Unless these issues are addressed, BNG will create substantial barriers to small house builders.” BATJIC agrees to a four per cent pay rise Wet weather and faulty schemes are hampering construction output, but there is positive news for small builders. The Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC) has agreed to giving builders: ● A four per cent wage rate increase ● An extra day of holiday Managed by the FMB, the agreement between BATJIC and Unite the Union came into effect on Monday 17 June 2024. Calling it a “fair rise for the nation’s small builders”, Berry said the FMB helped the two parties strike the right balance between employers and staff – as both have seen their costs rise in recent years. Berry added: “While the BATJIC agreement is completely voluntary, we know many FMB members choose to use it for guidance on their wage rates and other employment rights. The agreement helps builders attract new
The FMB gives its viewpoint on the headlines affecting the construction sector
Poor weather slows work
A particularly wet start to the year slowed down construction output by 1.4 per cent in the first four months of 2024, marking a worrying trend for the industry. Recent construction industry output data by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed the disconcerting slower pace in project output, but the FMB said there’s more behind the percentage drop than just poor weather. Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “While survey data collected
efficient upgrades to their homes ● Addressing the industry’s skills crisis
Government’s Biodiversity Net Gain scheme needs a rethink The FMB expects a lot from the recently elected Government – including for it to resolve the negative effects the Biodiversity Net Gain scheme has had on housebuilding. After reading the recent National Audit Office (NAO) report, which identifies substantial risks to the scheme’s long- term effectiveness, the FMB wants the new Government to make changes. Berry said: “SME housebuilders were broadly supportive of the aims of a BNG scheme, but they have been warning for some time that excessive regulation and additional costs to firms preparing for the changes, coupled with local authorities being significantly underprepared, will make it near impossible for smaller firms to manage. “The NAO report has confirmed their fears. We will now need to see a substantial re-think from DEFRA, including increased funding for local authorities, if the Government wants to see a long-term environmental benefit.
by the ONS indicates continued wet and windy conditions once
again contributed to the struggles of construction firms, the stagnation seen across the UK economy suggests this is part of a wider problem. “The performance of the construction industry is a key element of the UK’s overall economic performance. It is our hope that the newly elected Government will prioritise long-term economic growth, with construction receiving the attention it needs and deserves.” The FMB hopes to see the Government take action by: ● Boosting housebuilding rates ● Supporting people to carry out energy
staff and maintain their current workforce by
guiding employers to offer competitive wages and a range of other employment benefits.”
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SPOTLIGHT COLDWELLS BUILD LTD
TEAR IT DOWN TO START AGAIN Coldwells Build Ltd created a dream home for its client, giving them all the sophistication of life in the city, with the privacy of rural living
W hat should you do when your client has found their dream location but the property itself is nothing near to what they had hoped for? If you’re Coldwells Build Ltd, based in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, you tear it down and start again. The company’s work on ‘The Arbor House’ resulted in a happy client and a resounding win of the House Builder Award at the Scotland Master Builder Awards in 2023. The client found their ideal plot surrounded by mature, leafy trees in a quiet neighbourhood near Aberdeen’s city centre. The original old coach house was in disrepair after years of standing empty. The client wanted a minimalist city home with the private solitude of a rural property. The two-storey, minimalist design by Brown & Brown Architects, preserved the original property’s stone walls to create a ‘skin’ to shelter the new property from the busy road and create a pathway to the secret garden. Project highlights ● Elevated, timber and glass building cantilevers above the colonnade ● A sedum living roof that blends in with the surrounding trees and garden spaces ● Microcement floors, timber ceiling and frameless panoramic glazing ● Timber cladding spaced to the exact millimetre so only full-width boards are visible ● Window reveals that line up
Undeterred, the team pressed on, finding a solution, which impressed the architects so much they have specified the same concrete panels in their latest design. “The Arbor House is our most complex project to date and it required innovative methods of construction,” Booth says. “It pushed our team to develop new processes, use different materials and learn new skills. “Every detail to make the home look simple required hundreds of hours of discussions, decisions and problem-solving. It’s an extraordinary example of collaboration between builder, architect, engineer and client. “Coldwells Build overcame technical challenges, contractors cancelling, supply chain delays and volatile material prices to deliver our clients a home that meets their distinctive needs and lifestyle. It is a home we are extremely proud of.”
symmetrically from one end of a room to the other ● Made-to-measure joinery, including a smoked larch pivot front door and birch plywood cabinetry ● A spiral staircase with
200 plywood pieces individually glued to create the stair’s treads
Overcoming challenges Like many small and medium- sized construction companies, Coldwells Build Ltd had to navigate the turbulence of high material prices and significant supply shortages, such as the four-month delay for the home’s 20-tonne steel frame. The team found an alternative, however, collaborating with a new supplier to have a frame on site within four weeks. The main challenge, though, had to do with the board- marked concrete, a material used throughout the home. The architect specified a national concrete specialist to make 14 panels, each weighing
up to four tonnes. However, the specialist was unable to fulfil the order. After unsuccessful attempts at finding new precast contractors, the team pioneered a method to make the panels on site. “We tested different techniques to prepare the timber, torching and wire brushing it to accentuate the grain,” says Ross Booth, Founder and Director of Coldwells Build Ltd. “We experimented to find the right mix of concrete and tried various methods of hand pouring, setting and installing the panels.”
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SPOTLIGHT MEMBER VOICES
Winners of Master Builder Awards believe their victories have been good for their business and team morale EYES ON THE PRIZE
L eaving a Master Builder Awards ceremony with a trophy in hand gives a serious boost to team morale. After all, winning on the night demonstrates just how impressive your work is, and you have received the recognition to prove it. “It’s internal motivation for the team,” says Alex Strikovs, Managing Director at Home Republic Ltd in Sutton, London. His company won Building Company of the Year at the national awards ceremony last year. “Winning the award keeps the team going and makes us enjoy what we do. It was one of the best motivators for us,” Strikovs adds. It also has the added benefit of working as a recruitment and retention tool. “People are willing to join our team. They see our hard work to become better all the time, how hard we try and how we earned recognition.” The same is true for the team at Build My Home in Brighton. The company won the House Builder Award at last year’s national ceremony. Director John Ford says the victory has been “quite fruitful” and intends to enter the Master Builder Awards again in the future. The accolade was a “boost for the lads involved in the job”, but Ford says the event itself was a great team building experience. “We took them along to the award ceremony in London and we had a great evening. Even months afterwards, they talk about it. They brought their partners with them so it was a lot of fun.” Having a motivated team is an important component of a successful business, of course, but the award victory also matters to clients. Strikovs says the win impresses his clients. “It’s industry recognition but also reassurance for our clients. That’s the most important reward.” An elevated profile has been a perk of the win, Ford explains. “You get publicity on the FMB media channels, and in the local and trade press. That publicity counts. We changed our letterheads and company messaging to show we are award winners.”
Advice to fellow members It’s clear that winning a Master Builder Award can be particularly beneficial for your business, but how can you increase your chance of winning? Strikovs and Ford share their top tips.
Home Republic Ltd’s award-winning project
Build My Home’s award-winning project
Strikovs says: Select the right project for the awards. Make sure you finish it immaculately
Ford says: You need a project that stands out. Choose a successful project with
and your client is totally satisfied. Keep your clients happy. You will need their testimonial to win. Photographs are important. If a project is not photographed well, it cannot be showcased well and doesn’t demonstrate all of the work that has been completed. Shape your company culture . Awards judges will research your business as part of the judging process. They want to know what type of vision you have, how you treat your people and what type of culture you have created.
a happy client who is willing to get involved in your awards submission. Be thoughtful about the language you use. Take your time completing the entry, using professional language and choosing the right words to describe what you have done. Hire a professional photographer. High-quality photographs of the completed project are so important. Judges care about the work that goes into the project, of course, but a beautiful, strikingly different, finished job is what wins awards.
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Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
BUSINESS SUPPORT FMB MEMBER APP
POCKET POWER
The FMB’s new member app will empower you to maximise the benefits of your membership
E xclusive to FMB small and medium-sized builders to maximise their business capabilities. To enjoy the benefits, you will need to download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store. Scan the relevant QR codes below: members, the new app has been designed specifically to support
● Job lead notifications – stay ahead of the curve with real-time job alerts. ● FMB community – connect with local and national members. ● Industry news and updates – get the latest industry news and stay informed. ● Helplines and discounts – access legal and technical support, and exclusive member discounts. Celebrate community The new FMB member app empowers you to connect with a vibrant community of fellow builders. Unlock a wealth of benefits to propel your business forward. The FMB member app makes it easy to find and connect with builders in your area. You might choose to: ● collaborate with a local firm that can provide specific expertise for a project; ● ask fellow members to provide a reliable
In addition to forming connections with those in your immediate community, the FMB member app also grants you access to a national network of builders. This broader reach puts you into contact with a wider range of expertise and resources. So when you need advice to tackle a complex issue, the chances are that another FMB member has overcome a similar struggle and can share their valuable insights with you. Connecting with fellow members gives you access to business support but it also fosters a spirit of collaboration within the building community. Whether you’re a seasoned builder or just starting out, the member app provides a platform to exchange ideas, ask questions, find solutions and be inspired. The FMB member app puts the power of community in your hands. By leveraging the connections, resources and support offered by the local and national builder network, you can gain a competitive edge and navigate the construction industry with greater confidence. Download the FMB member app today and start building stronger, together.
access exclusive helplines, valuable resources and contract templates at your fingertips. ● Never miss an opportunity – get job leads, event invites, industry news and member offers delivered directly to your phone. ● Build stronger together – connect with fellow members for advice and support. Build local and national connections. Tap into the app’s many features ● Member benefits and resources – easy access to exclusive perks and helpful resources, including business guides and tools to promote your FMB membership.
App Store Google Play Store
The member app is compatible with various
devices so operating it will be seamless across most recent smartphones and tablets. Once you have downloaded the member app, log in using your existing FMB website credentials. Tap into the app’s many benefits ● Effortless membership management – view membership details, invoices, and update your contact information anytime, anywhere. ● Benefits on demand –
recommendation for a concrete supplier, making your local network your primary ‘go- to’ resource; and ● share best practices and local market insights to grow your business’
reputation within your community.
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Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
BUSINESS SUPPORT COMPLYING WITH THE BUILDING SAFETY ACT
QUESTIONS OF COMPLIANCE – BSA 2022 No matter the size of your business, the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA) has implications for the way you operate in England and Wales
T he BSA, which came into force in 2022, aims to improve building standards and safety, and to provide homeowners and residents with greater rights. The legislation brings in new roles and responsibilities for builders working on all building types and sizes. With any new legislation, it can be difficult to understand what you need to do to remain compliant. So the FMB has compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers to help you understand the BSA. Please note: these answers do not constitute legal advice. If you’re uncertain about how the BSA affects you, seek independent legal advice. How can I demonstrate compliance with BSA duties and obligations? There is no formal guidance as to how to demonstrate compliance. The FMB believes all members should be able to demonstrate competencies to carry out building work in accordance with the Building Regulations by, for example, evidencing completion of relevant training and experience of equivalent or similar work. During the lifecycle of a project, members should implement a system for ensuring and evidencing building work has been carried out in compliance with the Building Regulations by, for example,
independent legal advice if you are unsure. The FMB is working on revisions to its suite of contracts to reflect the BSA. What happens if I do not comply with regulations? Non-compliance risks not only the commercial consequences of cost and delay, but enforcement by the Building Control Approver or the Building Safety Regulator: ● All building control authorities, for example, have the power to carry out intrusive investigations, open up works, and refuse to grant the completion certificate
maintaining a photographic record, which should be retained for at least 15 years from completion. Why do I need to keep evidence for 15 years? The BSA extends the time that claims can be brought against designers and builders in relation to defective work, regardless of what may have been agreed by those involved in the project. The period of time varies depending on the type of claim, and the FMB considers retaining evidence for at least 15 years necessary for most project types. Do I need to make changes to contracts or subcontracts to comply with the BSA? Possibly, but this will be contract- specific and you should take
that may be necessary for insurance, occupation or an onward transaction.
● The Building Safety Regulator can give enforcement notices requiring non-compliant work to be remedied by a certain date, and for all work on site to be stopped until non-compliance is resolved. These notices can be given up to 10 years from completion of work. ● Failure to comply can result in imprisonment and a fine. ● In certain circumstances, including cases of non-compliance with the Building Regulations, the directors, managers and other officers of a company or other organisation can be personally liable for an offence committed by a company.
For the complete list of frequently asked questions related to the Building Safety Regulations, click the QR code below.
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Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
BUSINESS SUPPORT RETROFIT OPPORTUNITIES
RETROFIT FOR PURPOSE
S ix and a half million so their lenders can deliver on net zero commitments and they can pay less on their mortgages. So says Colin Calder, CEO and Co-founder of Digital Buildings Limited: “A lot of lenders have signed up to the homeowners need to retrofit their properties to an EPC rating of C Net-Zero Banking Alliance, which means they have an obligation to remove the carbon from their loan book. “That’s a big opportunity,” Calder adds, which is why his organisation has put together a Trustmark-certified scheme
The FMB is working with Digital Buildings Limited to give members’ better access to retrofit projects pump installation, and so on,” Calder explains. “We identify costs for the project, and the impacts it will have on the property value, energy bills and carbon emissions.” Armed with data, the consumer requests
measures, they simply need to find a subcontractor who can,” Calder explains. “But they must use an FMB contract with their chosen subcontractors. And they obviously carry the responsibility and legal obligations through those contractual arrangements.” Membership benefits Better data, a complete framework and more efficient payments are key reasons why contractors should be interested in this scheme, Calder argues. “Some contractors don’t want to go into this market because they’re fed up with not getting paid in full or on time. We’re bringing in a system to reduce those risks. “We will have done all the upfront communication with the customer, finding out their desired outcomes – and this could also be about more than just energy efficiency. It might include a new kitchen, a bathroom upgrade, general building works or a specific renovation. We document all of the consumer’s needs so contractors can accurately bid for the works.”
The homeowner receives quotes from three contractors based in their area, and makes a decision on who will carry out the work. “We inform the winning contractor,” he says, “and only then does the contractor need to go to the site to carry out their own physical assessment before they sign the contract.” Calder wants to hone the process so it is smooth, repeatable and scalable. What you need to do The FMB and Digital Buildings are in talks about maximising value to members, but the likely outcome will be favourable incentives for joining the scheme, such as not paying the onboarding fee and receiving the first year of membership for free. FMB members should: ● sign up to the Digital Buildings scheme at digitalbuildings.co.uk ; and ● show evidence of
to benefit consumers, lenders, assessors and, of course, contractors.
money from their lender. Once approved, Calder’s team carries out a full site assessment, collating necessary data. “We give contractors in
How the process works Digital Buildings uploads lenders’ portfolios to its database and builds a bespoke retrofit plan for every property to reach a minimum EPC of C. “Our digital model identifies the different measures for each property, which could be anything from external wall insulation, cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, heat
the scheme all the data they need through our electronic platform that enables them to price the work in a standardised way because they’re always going to receive information in the same format. They price it, send it back to us, and they don’t even need to go to the site.”
experience and skills of carrying out home improvement works.
“Even if FMB members do not perform all of the retrofit
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Master Builder
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