Remarkably, it was during some of the darkest days of the Second World War that the Federation of Master Builders came into being. Set up more than 80 years ago by 15 builders with a determination to rebuild following the ravages of the Blitz the organisation has since attracted generations of tradespeople to its cause – and become the voice for small builders in the process. Today’s members have been more recently tasked with building back better post-pandemic, but just what are the advantages of being a member of the trade association? Peter Atkins of Herts-based AS Homes talks to Professional Builder’s Lee Jones about why he is an enthusiastic advocate of the FMB and would thoroughly recommend the trade body to his fellow builders.
We caught up with Peter at a major St Albans project, where an existing detached property is benefitting from an extension to the sides and the rear of the first floor, a loft conversion, and complete remodel of the interior. “I’ve been working on this one road for four years now,” explains Peter, “picking up work by recommendation every time, and that’s something I’m really proud of. Once you’ve made one homeowner here happy then the jobs keep coming and it demonstrates that you’re working in the right way.”
AS Homes has been trading for five years and undertakes extensions, refurbs and one-off new builds across Hertfordshire. In that time Peter and his team have navigated the disruptions of covid, and subsequent price hikes in materials and labour, whilst the FMB has been a constant companion in business.
“I know I’m a good builder, and produce a high-quality finish, but it’s not always easy to communicate that to existing or prospective clients.” Peter reveals. “The FMB come out to inspect your work, makes sure you’re adhering to certain practises, have got the right insurances and are financially viable. In a competitive market, having that vetting process in place projects a positive image to the public and that’s a very useful tool. It provides you with a level of integrity. At the same time, if there are any issues on a job, the insurance warranties they offer to both the client and builder gives everyone peace of mind.”
Peter’s building business follows the model of so many in the industry. Whilst he is at the sharp end of the bricks and mortar his wife is helping out with the paperwork and accounts. In that context – for a time-poor tradesman – the trade association represents a vital resource. “One thing I really like is that the FMB is always on hand when you need them,” Peter continues. “Whether it’s changes in Building Regulations, or employment issues, I can pick up the phone and talk to someone. I’ve made good use of their building contract documents, and there’s loads of help on health & safety. These things can be a real minefield for a builder, especially if you’re not devoting the right amount of attention to them – and getting it wrong.”
In the past year Peter has also joined the board of the southern region of the Federation of Master Builders: “We meet once a quarter and, like the FMB itself, we’re a very diverse group. It’s been really interesting to get involved in the discussions because we’re able to make recommendations to the trade association as a whole and help to make it more relevant to its members.”
“That’s really the appeal of the FMB – it gives SME firms who can otherwise be overlooked by legislators a voice.”
Peter Atkins – AS Homes
A significant element of the trade body’s role is in its campaigning on issues that directly affect its members. In recent years, the FMB has lobbied for a mandatory licensing scheme for construction, for example, a cut in VAT on repair, maintenance and improvement works, as well as issues pertaining to retrofit & energy efficiency and skills & training.
“The message the FMB is sending out on licensing is important,” enthuses Peter. “It will professionalise the industry and give builders a much higher status if they’re recognised for the highly skilled people that they are. It can’t be right that anyone can decide to be a builder because the damage you can do to someone’s home, not to mention their well-being and mental health, can be enormous. 
“Whether there’s an appetite for it in government I’m not so sure, but even raising the issue has an impact because it helps highlight what the FMB already has in place. Whilst we can’t claim to license our members the Federation of Master Builders is all about promoting accountability. Extending that principle further, with regular checks on your work – and making sure that you’re going about your business in the right way – can only be a good thing.”
Peter is equally supportive of the FMB’s insistence that the industry needs more SME housebuilders. Whilst he already undertakes one-off new builds for private clients, like many small builders, he is confident it is an area of activity he could expand with the right support. “I could easily build 5-10 houses a year and there are hundreds of thousands of companies of my size – add that up and you could significantly increase the new build housing stock.”
“The only way we can impose any kind of change on any issue is it so come together as a collective and that’s what the FMB does for small builders,” concludes Peter. “The FMB does have access to government and, through us, they’re able to articulate the views of people that are actually doing the work on the ground.”
For further information on the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), click here.
