PHILLIP HALL
Meet new FMB National President Phillip Hall and learn why he is all about championing the craft of Master Builders EXPERIENCE
efforts. Add to that, he wants to tackle the skills shortage. “I’ve been talking about the skills crisis for 40 years – and it’s still going on. The workforce is ageing, myself included, so we need to inspire young people to join us.” Government housing targets, he points out, will only be met if apprenticeships and skills training are
but the finished result gave so much back to the town,” he says. Hall’s many years in construction – challenges overcome and successes earned – have given him keen insight into what matters most to small builders in the UK. Like so many members, he began his career in construction as an apprentice, drawn in through a chance conversation at a careers fair. he began constructi drawn in t conversati Where it began “That’s where it all started for me,” he recalls. “I realised quickly what I enjoyed, what I didn’t, and talking to people Where it “That’s wh for me,” he quickly wh I didn’t, an in the trad confidenc His appr in the trade gave me the confidence to commit.” His apprenticeship days set him up for decades of work as a bricklayer and stonemason, developing skills that have stood him in good stead for heritage and restoration projects. “Visiting National Trust properties as a boy made me want to be part of that legacy – preserving and building for the future.” Protecting history and him up for as a brickla developing him in goo and restor “Visiting as a boy m of that le building Prote meani for Ha – situ nex bu by meaning has been a key focus for Hall, and when his office – situated along the river next to his family’s laundry business – was devastated by a fire, he did what any but the fin much bac Hall’s m constructi overcome – have giv intowhat builders in Like so m
hardworking builder would have done: took stock and started again. “When the premises burned down, we had no choice but to rebuild,” Hall says. “It was a tough time, but in construction you learn to start again and carry on.” Today, his rebuilt office is a testament to his perseverance. We’ve got a long way to go, but by
prioritised. “Young people need to go to career fairs, meet tradespeople, and be inspired – just like I was.” During this time as National Vice President Hall worked with members to raise standards and build business opportunities.
supporting each other, raising standards, and encouraging new talent,
we build a stronger industry together.”
Now, as President, he wants to make legacy, mentoring, and practical knowledge-sharing his hallmark. “Being Vice President has been valuable, but I feel ready to demonstrate my knowledge and pass it on to members they can rely on. My legacy will be about sharing knowledge so the next generation can build on it.” To FMB members Hall says: “We’ve got a long way to go, but by supporting each other, raising standards, and encouraging new talent, we build a stronger industry together.”
Since his early days in the trade, Hall has felt strongly about regulations and standards. “Even back in the 1970s I saw customers being ripped off,” he says, which is why he is so committed to the FMB’s campaign to bring about mandatory licensing. Hall explains: “Licensing isn’t about red tape, it’s about protecting homeowners and raising standards.” As National President, he is determined to champion licensing, as he builds on the FMB’s past
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Master Builder
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