Contents OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2025 Industry update
Features
22 10 years on Safet Mustafaj, Managing Director of S & M Solutions in London, shares his key lessons and practical advice after a decade of running a growing business 24 Boldly built and beautiful Learn more about all of the impressive people and innovative projects that won at the 2025 National Master Builder Awards, showcasing the significant work that FMB members are doing across the UK – from sustainable builds and sensitive renovations to training the next generation
20
7 Welcome
The Master Builder Awards are the Oscars of the construction industry
8 News
The latest headlines from the industry
12 A time of transformation
Outgoing National President Chris Carr reflects on his FMB journey
Your FMB
13 Build Britain better
Alison McGovern MP, Minister of State for Employment, plans to reshape Jobcentre Plus to support construction bosses
38 Member update
Welcome to the new members that have joined the FMB, after successfully meeting all of the required standards
14 What’s up at Westminster?
The FMB continues to push for reforms that matter most to members
40 Celebrating partnerships
15 Housing target practice Economist Tom Hall calls the government’s housebuilding goal an impossible challenge 17 Building better businesses
The FMB helps members to connect with businesses in the construction industry to further their growth and development
17
43 Futureproof your builds
Builder hosts Aidan Cropper and David Gutierrez on why the Build Up podcast is good for members
Latent defects insurance is key to clients’ confidence and safeguarding your reputation in the future
24
44 Member news
Business support
Find out what is happening around the UK with updates from members in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
20 Insulating conversation
How to speak to clients about using insulation strategically
49 Five in five
Rapid-fire Q&A with FMB members Iain Kernahan of O’Mac Construction and Ashley Marks of AR Marks Contracts Limited
21 H&S round-up
Keeping you and your team safe on site
Advertising Advertising enquiries connections@fmb.org.uk
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 FMB Marketing Department Radhika Tripathi, Robyn Williams and Toby Bowers Designer David McCullough Picture editor Jessica Marsh Publishing director Joanna Marsh Production Production manager Aysha Miah-Edwards +44 (0)20 7880 6241 aysha.miah@redactive.co.uk
@fmbuilders
/FederationofMasterBuilders
Published by Redactive Publishing Ltd Fora, 9 Dallington Street, London EC1V 0LN www.redactive.co.uk
@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
Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter maker