Professional Builder’s Lee Jones talks to FMB National President, Chris Carr about the trade association’s priorities for the years ahead.
The FMB is run by its members for its members, but its strategic direction is determined by the CEO & Board of Directors, the chair of which is the National President. Elected for a period of two years the current incumbent is Chris Carr. In post since September 2023, we asked the MD of Cleethorpes-based housebuilder, Carr & Carr what his priorities will be for his term of office?
“Fundamentally, we need to increase the membership and the only way we can do that is to make people understand the benefits of joining. That will equally require a renewed focus on understanding our own people – what they do, the size of their businesses, and turnover. We can then publicise and communicate exactly what they get from the FMB.”
For Chris, member firms form a collective voice that can be heard in the highest offices of government. Its campaigns engage with some of the sector’s most pressing issues and it strives to improve standards across the industry. Indeed, the benefits that Carr & Carr itself has accrued from FMB membership are indicative of the multiple roles the association plays, as Chris explains.
“Most members join because they want the reputational boost that the FMB provides. I’m a housebuilder, and our company is 120 years old, so we didn’t necessarily need that, but the information and the representation that we can access is vital. As a board member I’ve also been able to help the FMB deliver on national policy, which has been beneficial for my company and many others. The size of your business is irrelevant. We’re all in it together.”
As a housebuilder Chris is uniquely placed to understand the challenges the new build sector currently faces. “We recently undertook the FMB Home Builders’ Survey, asking what constraints existed for contractors. Planning was frequently cited, but there’s also problems around mortgage access, lack of available land, materials costs, and financing issues.
“What we want to see is resources allocated to local planning departments so that SMEs can benefit from dedicated teams. More small and micro sites need to be made available and Homes England should introduce funding packages for new SME developers. It’s not just about quantity where the gains will be felt either because – compared to what the volume companies are currently producing – it
would also improve the quality of new build housing.”
Chris was, in fact, instrumental in the publishing of a document which exists as an invaluable resource for budding developers. Produced in collaboration with the Construction Leadership Council, Becoming a small housing developer: advice and guidance from others in the new homes industry covers the whole process in depth and is available to download on the FMB website at Guide to becoming a small housing developer | FMB, Federation of Master Builders.
The guiding principle of the FMB is as a champion of quality and that’s exemplified in its campaign for a licensing approach scheme for contractors. “I just can’t believe we’re not already doing it,” declares Chris. “It will professionalise the industry, improve its image and provide a clear career path for new entrants, not to mention rooting out rogue traders. We’re pressing government for this but it’s also something that consumers should be asking for because it’s got to change and change soon.
“86% of our members have said they want it to happen and it could also work for Whitehall. A licensed industry would make collecting tax an easier proposition and stop our honest members being undercut by people who are not paying VAT.” Another active area of interest for the FMB is the skills crisis and the organisation is working with key stakeholders to make it easier for small builders to take on apprentices. “In the first instance, we need to make sure that SMEs have a consistent pipeline of work so they can take on trainees with confidence. To do that they will need greater access to local authority, social housing and third sector projects.
“In terms of practical measures we’ve been working on a General Builder apprenticeship standard that will help deliver a multi-skilled workforce. Accessing the necessary funding has been difficult for SME firms and that needs to be improved but here again the FMB is on hand to help. Communication is king and we’ve been really good at developing links with colleges ourselves, but I would also urge employers to approach educational establishments themselves because they’re really keen to work with industry.”
National Retrofit Strategy
One area where training and upskilling will play an essential part is in improving the energy efficiency of our existing housing stock. Government initiatives have thus far proven to be woefully inadequate but the Federation of Master Builders is lobbying hard for a coherent and comprehensive National Retrofit Strategy to be introduced.
“What we’re looking for is an on-going commitment that will unleash huge amounts of new work. It’s actually quite frustrating because – if you look at what the new build sector is being asked to do with the likes of the Future Homes Standard – the reality is that the real gains will be made in the repair, maintenance and improvement market.”
“We have the oldest housing stock in Europe and the first step is to understand exactly what it is we’ve got and the best methods for retrofitting. That’s a big undertaking and a long-term project. What we’ve seen so far from legislators is very much a short-term approach. This again is where a licensing regime for builders will find its place because – if it’s government that’s partly funding the work – guarantees will need to be in place as to its standard.”
As the construction industry’s largest trade association, the Federation of Master Builders demands the highest levels of integrity from its members. That’s an ethos that can then be communicated by tradespeople to new and prospective clients, whilst there’s a whole host of other services on offer. In addition, it is a platform from which real builders can articulate their concerns and help define the policies that will shape the construction industry. “I want new members to feel a part of an FMB family,” concludes Chris, “because we look out for each other wherever we can. Ultimately, FMB membership is a badge of quality and that’s the essential message.”
For further information on the FMB visit Federation of Master Builders: UK Leading Trade Body for Builders | FMB, Federation of Master Builders.
Chris Carr, and the work of the FMB, is the subject of Professional Builder’s latest podcast. Listen to the episode here:
