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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Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
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