MEMBER NEWS
CYMRU
Connecting with members
(l-r) Jan Sloan, Ciaran Fox, Martin Haran and Gavin McGuire
and Gary Williams of T.G. Builders, who is leading a bar renovation project in Llandwrog. Both members shared their passion for work, business, and the wider industry. If you’re working on an interesting project that you’d like to showcase, please get in touch with Ifan using the details below.
FMB Cymru Director Ifan Glyn recently spent time in North Wales visiting local members to gain insights into their businesses, what drives them, and the challenges they face. He met with Huw Evans of Dyfi Renovations, who is working on a project to renovate a caravan park clubhouse in Tywyn;
NORTHERN IRELAND
FMB presents at Stormont
structured scheme that ensures only competent contractors deliver work. Failed schemes in England show that only properly accredited contractors can provide value for money and get the work done right. Gavin spoke of empowering leaders of local building firms with a pipeline of work so they can invest in training. “FMB members are central to the success of any scheme,” Gavin said, noting the committee’s receptive response. Contact Gavin if you would like to know more.
Northern Ireland Director Gavin McGuire presented to the Department of Communities Committee at Stormont – showing how the FMB voices its members’ concerns. Professor Martin Haran of the University of Ulster, Ciaran Fox of the Royal Society of Ulster Architects and Jan Sloan of Clanmil Housing joined Gavin in Stormont. The emphasis was on investing in the region’s existing housing stock as part of a retrofit scheme. The FMB and others stressed to nine MLAS present the need for a
Debating housing challenges
this trend is essential to supporting communities. “We’re grateful to the Cabinet Secretary,” Cymru Director Ifan Glyn said. “We’re committed to continuing this dialogue to shape a more SME-friendly environment for housebuilders.” If you’re a housebuilder and would like share your views, contact Ifan.
A delegation of FMB housebuilding members met with Jayne Bryant MS, the Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, to discuss issues facing small housebuilders in Wales. In the 1980s, small builders built 40 per cent of new homes. Today, that figure is 10 per cent. Reversing
CONTACT ● Ifan Glyn, Cymru and UK Senior Hub Director Email: ifanglyn@fmb.org.uk | Call: 07769 687 227
NORTHERN IRELAND
CYMRU
CITB NI’s strategy discussion
West Wales raises £3,000
● the need to invest in SMEs to support apprentices; and ● more transparency and returns from the existing levy system. “We will engage CITB and the Department of the Economy to press for improvement,” Gavin said.
FMB Northern Ireland board members Paul Collins of Marlfield Joinery & Construction and Steven Nickell of Nickell and Richmond joined Director Gavin McGuire at a CITB NI roundtable where two key issues were highlighted:
FMB West Wales’ Charity Dinner in Tenby was a success, marking an important milestone, as it was Phillip Hall’s first official event as FMB National President. More than £3,000 was raised in support of Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity. FMB West Wales extends its thanks to members for a memorable evening.
CONTACT ● Gavin McGuire , NI Director Email: gavinmcguire@fmb.org.uk | Call: 07341 869 080
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Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
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