Welcome BRIAN BERRY
W hat a year it has been with the election of the new Labour government and an economy struggling to get going. Members speak out on pages 18-19 about the challenges and successes they’ve faced in 2024, and their focuses for the year ahead. Many of the issues they raise were discussed at the FMB National Conference in Lincoln. On pages 12-13, we have a report from the conference where the tone was ‘very cautiously optimistic’ about the construction sector’s growth in the near future, due to increased economic stability and renewed consumer confidence. Key to that is the October Budget, which Jeremy Gray, Head of Policy at the FMB, addresses in his ‘Word at Westminster’ column on page 15. Our member project on pages 16-17 showcases Pencil and Brick’s refurbishment of a family home. Key to this was the tidying up they had to do after the client’s tilers did such a bad job, underscoring the need for reputable FMB members/ licensed construction professionals. On that front, Conservative MP Mark Garnier, who tabled a Private Member’s Bill in November 2021 calling for the licensing of domestic building companies, is being given a second bite of the cherry and is planning to table a new Bill. Despite the slowdown in repair, maintenance and improvement (RMI) work, the retrofit market is attractive for many members. The government wants all homes in the private rented sector to be EPC C
“The tone at the FMB National Conference was ‘very cautiously optimistic’ about the sector’s future growth.”
by 2030, which should be a market opportunity for many members. ‘Retrofit’ can sometimes confuse builders, but many in the RMI sector are more than capable of delivering this type of work with the required training (pages 28-29). Modern slavery in construction is on the rise. It is a serious crime involving the exploitation of workers to perform jobs or duties against their will, often with little or no pay. Many victims are trafficked from outside the UK, with the number of cases increasing. In our feature on pages 30-33, we explore this important topic, looking at what can be done to make the industry safer for the vulnerable. The Construction Industry Training Board estimates that we need an additional 250,000 extra people over the next four years. Apprenticeships will be key to creating a skilled workforce. On page 27 we hear from bricklaying apprentice Dylan Stacey, employed by SC Baker and Sons, about his experience. Now is the time to be thinking about entering the prestigious Master Builder Awards – the Oscars of the building industry. On pages 36-37, we outline the categories to enter, prizes to be won, how to nominate, and important dates. What better way to end the year than submitting your nomination for the opportunity to be a winner at next year’s awards.
BRIAN BERRY, Chief Executive Federation of Master Builders
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Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
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