nihousebuilder hb
ASSOCIATION NEWS
FEDERATION OF MASTER BUILDERS NI DIRECTOR GAVIN MCGUIRE EXAMINES WHAT UK GOVERNMENT EFFORTS TO RAISE STANDARDS AND TACKLE ROGUE TRADERS MEAN FOR NI BUILDERS… Providing a voice for NI builders
The Government has announced new proposals aimed at tackling rogue traders and improving consumer protection in the home improvement sector. The announcement has generated considerable interest across the construction industry, but, for builders in Northern Ireland, it is important to understand what has actually been proposed and what it could mean for businesses on the ground. At this stage, the proposals are not a mandatory licensing or registration scheme for building companies. Instead, they centre on two voluntary, privately run initiatives: a Trusted Payments app, designed to help consumers and tradespeople manage home improvement projects and staged payments, and a voluntary code scheme linked to the Furniture & Home Improvement Ombudsman. There is currently no indication that building companies will be required to sign up to either initiative. However, there is still considerable detail to be worked through, including how the schemes will operate in practice, what obligations businesses choosing to participate may face, and how they might fit alongside existing industry schemes and consumer protections. For Northern Ireland, there is also an important question about how any developments will apply within our own regulatory and construction environment. The construction industry here operates within a distinct legislative and regulatory framework, so clarity will be essential before any conclusions can be drawn about the impact on NI businesses. FMB NI position The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) supports measures that raise standards, tackle rogue traders and improve confidence in reputable building companies. For too long, responsible
“For too long, responsible
builders have had to compete with businesses operating without the same commitment to
competence, standards and consumer protection.”
builders have had to compete with businesses operating without the same commitment to competence, standards and consumer protection. This can damage the reputation of the wider industry and leave homeowners exposed. That is why FMB has consistently campaigned for a mandatory licensing system for building companies through its Licence to Build campaign. A licensing system would establish a minimum standard that every building company must meet to operate. It would provide consumers with greater confidence when choosing a builder, while creating a more level playing field for legitimate businesses that already invest in skills, training, insurance, health and safety and good business practices. Voluntary initiatives may have a role to play, but they cannot by themselves ensure that every business operating in the sector meets an appropriate
minimum standard. FMB NI will continue to engage with Government and relevant stakeholders as further information becomes available. We will also continue to make the case for measures that protect consumers while recognising the needs of Northern Ireland’s small and medium-sized construction businesses. For builders, the message for now is straightforward: there is no new mandatory licensing or registration requirement arising from these proposals at this stage. FMB NI will keep members informed as the detail develops and will continue to ensure that the voice of Northern Ireland’s building industry is heard.
Want to know more?
T: +44 (0)28 9446 0416 E: fmbni@fmb.org.uk www.fmb.org.uk
www.nibuilder.co.uk
FOLLOW US ON:
NI BUILDER | 65
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online