Welcome BRIAN BERRY
P olitical, economic and social changes affect our industry, making it ever more important to know the latest developments. I’m, therefore, pleased to welcome Tom Hall, Chief Economist at Aqua Consultants, as our regular contributor to Master Builder . If you were at last year’s FMB National Conference in Lincoln, you would have heard Tom speak and know how familiar he is with the work that FMB members carry out. Tom launches his economics column, offering a data-driven perspective on the construction landscape. Alongside this, Jeremy Gray, FMB Head of External Affairs, keeps us informed from the heart of government in Word at Westminster. One of the biggest issues affecting the building industry is the ongoing skills shortage. We know from the FMB State of Trade surveys that skills shortages are holding back work. The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) estimates that an additional 250,000 workers are needed if the government is to meet its housing target of one and a half million homes. Even more concerning is the ageing nature of the workforce – 23 per cent of construction workers are older than 55 and only 10 per cent are aged 16-24. New research from TrustMark on page 15, shines a light on the ongoing skills shortage and the impact of vacancies on SME construction firms – an issue at the core of many members’ concerns. Member excellence is at the heart of the FMB. On pages 18- 19, we spotlight an impressive project by Buildwells Bricklaying
“One of the great things about our industry is the fact that it allows anyone with ambition and hard work to succeed.”
and Construction Ltd in the West Midlands, recently featured on George Clarke’s new ‘Building Home’ TV show. Client feedback is also business-critical to any successful company. On pages 20–21 we explore the value of client feedback and how it empowers members to grow in confidence and refine their craft. The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) is felt in all parts of our lives. On pages 24-25, Greg Wilkes of Develop Coaching, shares a fantastic list of free and low-cost AI tools to boost efficiency for small businesses – a real asset for members looking to modernise operations. One of the great things about our industry is that it allows anyone with ambition and hard work to succeed. We speak to Paul Jones of Kingswood Homes (pages 28–29), who shares his journey from Quantity Surveyor to successful homebuilder – a story of grit, growth, and ambition. Finally, we continue to celebrate success this year with Master Builder Awards ceremonies across the UK. On pages 30- 37, we highlight recent regional ceremonies in London, Northern Counties, North West, Yorkshire & Trent, and Wales. In the next edition, we’ll feature winners from ceremonies in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Central, Southern Counties, and the South West.
BRIAN BERRY, Chief Executive Federation of Master Builders
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Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
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