INTERVIEW CHRIS CARR
M embers of the FMB have a powerful resource available to them: each other. Which is why Chris Carr, the recently elected National President, is striving to increase engagement amongst members. “To make the SME construction sector thrive, FMB members need to collaborate with one another,” says Carr who is also the co-owner of Carr & Carr (Builders) Limited in North East Lincolnshire. “That could be working on larger projects as a joint venture or something as simple as selling surplus building materials to each other.” A key part of facilitating member engagement is the new FMB app, which Carr is excited to play a role in developing further. Together with the FMB Find a Builder service, the digital presence is a great opportunity for members to showcase what they offer. Eager to continue the good work of his predecessor, Jan Etchells, Carr wants to serve all FMB members by: helping contractors find repair, maintenance and improvement (RMI) work through social housing providers, councils and local authorities; representing housing developers through his roles in the Construction Leadership Council’s Housing Group and the Future Homes Hub’s SME Housing Group; reducing planning and delivery burdens (Future Homes Standards, Biodiversity Net Gain, new planning legislation) that disproportionately affect SME/micro developers; and
sector work for the FMB’s contractor members. “As builders, we should be the first port of call for any public and third sector organisations. We need to promote to these clients the massive benefit of using an FMB member, including the warranties we provide.” Additionally, house builder members need support. Carr sees value in delaying the Future Homes Standard and finding more efficient ways of readying brownfield sites for developers. Long-term growth Well aware of the ongoing skills shortage, Carr wants the support of members to do more with colleges and construction training providers to attract the next generation of recruits. “We need to show new entrants to our industry what a great institution the FMB is and inspire them to be future members,” he maintains. Tied to the ambition to attract new recruits to the industry is Carr’s desire to grow the FMB – but the task is not a simple one. “Bringing new members into any organisation is difficult. Our Membership Team in Leeds does a great job, but we all need to help where we can. “As FMB members and office holders, we need to proactively ‘sell’ the benefits of membership to builders and housing developers.” Ways to do this include promotions, more FMB branded site boards, banners and van stickers. “We are all proud to be part of our fantastic FMB. I’m hopeful that individually and collectively we have great years ahead.”
Engagement, collaboration and growth are what new National President Chris Carr wants for the FMB FOCUSED ON THE FUTURE
became Yorkshire and Trent Regional President in his 30s and has since represented SME housing developers on a national level. He has presented on behalf of the FMB at three European Parliamentary conferences, two House of Lords Select Committee meetings and two House of Commons Select Committee meetings. Ready to tackle difficult tasks at hand, Carr says he wants to find more public
engaging architects and governing bodies to show the value, quality and assurances FMB companies offer clients. Ready for the job Carr is eager to “listen more and speak less” during his time as National President, and he is confident that his “long service in the FMB” has prepared him for the role. A member for more than three decades, Carr
21
Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker