MEMBER News
SCOTLAND
Low Emission Zones in Scotland debated
With the Glasgow Low Emission zone having been in force since June, and Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen to follow next year, the FMB Scotland Board chose to discuss this at their meeting in September. Thank you to members who have already reached out to share views on the lack of alternatives for builders as well as the waiting times and increased cost of new vehicles. We also led a discussion with other trade federations representing plumbers and electricians to hear opinions about the potential impact of low emissions zones on local trade companies. Expect further updates in autumn but in the meantime, please get in touch to share your views.
NORTHERN IRELAND
FMB NI’s work with Building Mental Health Alliance FMB NI has been busy tackling a number of issues, including work streams through the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) and potential changes to building control regulations.
SCOTLAND
Licensing construction Whilst the Scottish Parliament does not have the power to introduce mandatory licensing of construction firms, we continue to remind Scottish policy-makers that the FMB is a flag bearer for quality and standards in construction. One of the ways we do this is by engaging MSPs who have shown an interest in licensing or accreditation for building contractors. Scotland Director Gordon Nelson met Foysol Choudhury MSP for Lothian Region in September to discuss licensing and accreditation and brief him on FMB membership criteria. Please contact Gordon for further information using the details at the bottom of the previous page.
Building Mental Health Alliance We have also been working with industry
colleagues to help those in need to access support to improve their wellbeing. The collaboration, under the name of BMHA: Building Mental Health Alliance, involves us visiting numerous sites to provide support packs and advice about available resources. One method that has been very well received is hard hat stickers with QR codes, which can be scanned to receive access to confidential support. It’s a simple but brilliant initiative and we hope to widen our reach to all members in Northern Ireland. If anyone would like a site visit please get in touch. We encourage all FMB members to consider their wellbeing and look for support. At times our industry can feel like a solitary place, but no one should be left to feel alone with feelings of anxiety. More information on our work can be found at bit.ly/MB-BMHA
SCOTLAND
Zoom in on the last Wednesday We run informal virtual meetings for Scotland members on the last Wednesday of every month. It’s a great opportunity for you to network with other members and voice your concerns and ideas. Challenges with clients, materials, apprentices, and business growth are some of the topics we’ve covered during our Zoom meetings. Pam Wilson, Vice-President of FMB Scotland, said: “I’ve found these Zoom catch-ups to be very helpful and supportive. We’ve shared business problems and concerns, and we’ve discussed ideas for the FMB to develop for members in Scotland. I encourage fellow members to Zoom into these meetings and I look forward to continuing to make new connections.” For more details about the Zoom meetings, members can visit bit.ly/FMB-events
CONTACT Gavin McGuire , FMB NI Director
Email: gavinmcguire@fmb.org.uk | Call: 07341 869 080 Simone McAllister , Membership Engagement Executive Email: simonemcallister@fmb.org.uk | Call: 02894 460 416
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Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
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