Welcome BRIAN BERRY
I t’s no exaggeration to say the Master Builder Awards are the Oscars of the building industry and, in this edition, we showcase what excellence looks like in practice (pages 24-37). Thanks to our sponsors as they make the awards happen, with special mention of our headline sponsor Isuzu UK Ltd for donating the main prize – an Isuzu pick-up truck – and our media sponsor Fix Radio for shouting about the awards. On to the pressing matter of skills and labour gaps in our industry. We know from our own surveys that there are shortages in key trades, particularly bricklaying and plastering. On page 13, Minister of State for Employment Alison McGovern MP shares exclusive insight with the FMB on how a shake-up of Jobcentre Plus will enable construction bosses to bolster their workforces. We get a member’s perspective on page 22 from Safet Mustafaj of S&M Solutions Ltd as he reflects on the lessons he has learnt after 10 years in business. We also meet builder hosts of the FMB’s Build Up podcast series, David Gutierrez and Aidan Cropper, finding out why the podcast is a powerful tool to make members’ voices heard (page 17). It’s not just skills that builders are talking about; the dismal state of the housebuilding market, especially for SME and micro housebuilders, is a pressing concern. Over the last 40 years the percentage of all new homes built by SME housebuilders has fallen from 40 per cent to just nine
“It’s not just skills that builders are talking about; the dismal state of the housebuilding market, especially for SME and micro housebuilders, is a pressing concern.”
per cent. The government has committed to build one and a half million new homes by 2029, but given we haven’t built 300,000 new homes in one year since the late 1960s the target is looking increasingly optimistic. Economist Tom Hall says a jolt is needed to shake the housebuilding sector out of its malaise (page 15) and notes that the government’s housing target is looking near impossible. Accompanying this Jeremy Gray, the FMB’s Head of External Affairs, continues to keep us informed from the heart of government in ‘Word at Westminster’. This month kickstarts the party conference season and the FMB will be at the main events championing members’ issues including skills and training, housebuilding, retrofit, and a business environment that encourages growth. Finally, this month it’s all about change at the FMB. Chris Carr, FMB National President and Chair of the National Board, steps down after two dynamic years. On page 12, Chris outlines his impressive journey in the industry and at the FMB, helping to raise its influence and profile on the issues that matter to members. Chris will continue to drive the FMB’s strategic business plan, ‘Project Growth’, which he spearheaded.
BRIAN BERRY, Chief Executive Federation of Master Builders
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Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
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