YOUR FMB AREA BOARD MEMBERS
IN THE AREA Caryl Thomas Stephen O’Neill
like-minded members, each with a wealth of experience and knowledge, in shaping quality industry standards and working together to encourage ongoing continuous improvement.” Professional benefits Thomas and O’Neill relish the chance to shape the industry positively, but they also gain much from their involvement with their area boards, noting significant benefits. “I have learned a great deal from the board,” Thomas explains. “The platform has elevated my company's professional standing with clients. Moreover, my involvement has directly translated into tangible business gains as we've secured several contracts from the credibility established through my place on the area board.” For sole trader O’Neill, his area board membership has shown him “that there are others who are experiencing the same issues as me but maybe on a larger scale”. “It has also allowed me to put forward my thoughts on licensing and apprenticeships and to find out firsthand what the Government is thinking and proposing," O’Neill adds. Both O’Neill and Thomas point out that the demands
The FMB has 10 area boards, each with 14 members who work together to support fellow members. Here, we meet Caryl Thomas from Wales and Stephen O’Neill from Scotland
on them are manageable, only required to meet quarterly as an area board and attend other FMB events. They’re
expected to participate in meetings, discussions and decision-making
processes, and devote time to researching pertinent topics under discussion. Whatever inspires you to join your local area board, know that your perspective will be welcomed. After all, diversity in thought and experience is essential to the ongoing improvement of the construction industry. Advice to future area board members Seize the opportunity
B eing an FMB member has obvious business benefits, from reputational clout and access to an active professional network to receiving practical support and legal advice. Much of this value to members comes from many fellow members who choose to volunteer their time and expertise to further the progression of Master Builders. “I joined the FMB Wales Area Board to be part of the opportunity to shape high standards of workmanship in the construction industry,” explains Caryl Thomas, Company Director at SPK Property Solutions Ltd. “As the owner of a Ltd company, maintaining exemplary standards is imperative as we find that we often face elevated
expectations from clients," Thomas adds. As a sole trader, Stephen O’Neill of SJ O’Neill Construction believed he could offer valuable insights to the area board in Scotland. “A lot of the board members are from larger companies who face different challenges than a sole trader. I wanted to offer a different perspective to the board.” O’Neill was also motivated by another pressing issue that aggravates many in the FMB: cowboy builders. “I wanted to highlight the poor quality of work that some customers are getting done by so-called builders. I wanted to voice my opinions about licences for the trades.” The drive is similar for Thomas: “Being on the board provides a platform to work collectively with
to join. Thomas says: “Being part of the area
board is a chance to make a meaningful impact on the industry while enhancing your professional growth.” Give what you have. O’Neill: "If you feel you have something to give back to the industry and contribute towards its improvement, then it’s definitely worth considering."
34 Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
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