YOUR FMB POLICY & PUBLIC AFFAIRS
The FMB regularly engages politicians and other important industry stakeholders to promote the interests of members. Here’s the latest summary of our activities IN YOUR INTERESTS
Tool theft consultation We have responded to a Bill, which is currently moving through Parliament and primarily aimed at agricultural equipment theft, requesting that it be expanded to cover construction tools and other construction equipment. Member experiences were fed back directly to the consultation process to provide evidence of the real-world impact tool theft has on businesses. We know this is a widespread issue for builders. Tool theft results in a loss of work and income, and can have a significant impact on victims’ mental health, which is why we think it’s important that such crimes are properly recognised. CITB review A review of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) took place over the summer. There are clear issues with a shortage of skilled labour in the construction sector as fewer people are joining the industry and SMEs are not well supported with hiring apprentices. We would like to see enhanced support for smaller builders to make it easier for them to employ new staff. But we also believe that the perception of the industry, starting at school level, needs to be improved to show more young people that construction is a worthwhile and rewarding career path.
The report was led by Chris Carr, FMB National President, via the Construction Leadership Council SME housing group that he chairs. The aim of the guide is to help those in the industry that want to be house builders by providing a comprehensive guide on what is required to build a new home.
scrutinised Natural England’s role in house building. Members also attended an online roundtable with Trudy Harrison MP, Minister for the Natural Environment and Land Use. They discussed the impact of environmental regulations on their businesses and methods to improve engagement with SMEs. State of Trade Survey Q2 2023 In August, the FMB released the State of Trade Survey Q2 2023 . While the report showed a healthy market for the repair, maintenance and improvement (RMI) sector, the picture was bleaker for house builders. Members have also been hit by rising material costs that are having an impact on their bottom lines and restricting their ability to hire new staff.
Housing members speak with UK Government
Members of the FMB’s SME and Micro Housing Group attended a session in Rugby with the House of Lords Built Environment Committee. It provided an opportunity to discuss how upcoming changes to regulation may affect SME house builders. The evidence was used frequently by the committee when it
Launch of the SME house builder guide
The FMB has played a supporting role in the official release of a new guide aimed at helping aspiring builders become developers. Becoming a small housing developer: advice and guidance from others in the new homes was launched at the Institute for Civil Engineers in London in July, following an online launch in November last year.
43
Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker