FMB PRESIDENTIAL HANDOVER
After two impactful years as National President and Chair of the FMB, Chris Carr is stepping down, bringing to a close a pivotal chapter in the organisation’s evolution B ack in 1990, Chris Carr walked into a district branch meeting of the FMB’s Yorkshire & Trent region, full of enthusiasm and A TIME OF TRANSFORMATION
be honest and true. No one will ever pull you up on being honest and true. If you’re passionate, that comes across far more than anything else.” Taking on a leadership role at the FMB brings benefits – personal and professional – but there is a significant time commitment for high-level positions, Carr says, noting that the National Presidency demands dedication and focus. Nevertheless, he encourages others to pursue leadership roles. “It’s a simple truth but the more you put in, the more you get out.” All about members As Carr concludes his two-year tenure as President and Chair, he is confident about the FMB’s trajectory, commending the FMB’s growing government influence and elevated media profile. His vision for continued membership growth centres on engagement: “Members need to know they’re not just a number on a balance sheet.” Stepping down, Carr leaves behind a transformed culture, rooted in openness, pride, and member representation. His advice to younger members considering involvement in the FMB? “Remember, it’s not a short-term thing. It’s for the long haul.” Carr’s departure marks a significant milestone for the FMB as he hands over the reins to Phillip Hall, National Vice President and Director of Hall Construction Ltd in Oxfordshire, but the cultural shift he’s helped to engineer will guide the organisation well into the future.
curiosity. Thirty-five years later, he leaves a legacy built on grassroots involvement and long-term vision. That initial meeting marked the beginning of a remarkable journey through the FMB’s ranks – a journey Carr describes as “the end of a long road.” From local participant to Regional President, to National Board member, and ultimately to his dual appointment in 2023 as National President and Chair of the Board, Carr’s ascent gave him a deep understanding of the FMB and, most importantly, of its members. Throughout his leadership, Carr has followed a guiding principle: Always put members first. “We represent our members. That’s our job as directors of the organisation.” Working with the FMB’s key office- holders and Chief Executive Brian Berry, Carr ensured that every strategic decision served members’ best interests. The launch of the FMB’s three- year strategic plan ‘Project Growth’, for example, was based on extensive membership engagement and feedback. Open access Key to Carr’s approach has been commitments to transparency and communication, which has helped to transform the FMB into an approachable, member-driven organisation. “Now people actively try to get onto their national and
Chris Carr
regional boards because the culture has changed,” he says. Accessibility and a willingness to listen have been hallmarks of Carr’s leadership style. His open-door policy extended beyond formal channels, making himself available to members at every level, from regional leaders to individual contractors. “I’ve always had lots of members phoning me on my mobile,” he says. “My number’s out there for whatever they need. I believe true representation requires direct connection with those being served.” Carr has always encouraged members to embrace their FMB affiliation with pride. Under his leadership, members increasingly became ambassadors for the FMB, displaying logos and wearing branded merchandise as symbols of their professional identity. When it comes to media engagement, Carr’s advice is straightforward: “Just
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