The FMB was established 67 years ago, and every two years, a new National President is elected. Master Builder’s Nicky Rogers spoke to the new president, Ron Storer just before he took up his new role.
Ron left Bebington Secondary Modern School (on the Wirral) in 1960 to begin a five year apprenticeship as a bricklayer with Sir Robert Lloyd Ltd Builders (again on the Wirral). His two older brothers were already working for the company having completed their apprenticeships there.
In 1967, Ron and his brother Bob set up a building company together and a couple of years later joined the FMB.
Ron has always been a very committed member and said: “Being elected as the National President is the greatest honour the FMB can bestow upon one of its members, especially as he is elected by fellow members.
“I have a great belief in the role and value of the FMB for its members and I am the first person from the North West Region to hold the position since Gordon Fisher in 1976.”
Prior to the 1970s, the FMB approached ‘distinguished persons in public life’ to occupy the position of National President, but in 1974, the then National Director, Bill Hilton, suggested that future National Presidents should be chosen from the membership.
He said: “Any president has honour and status given to him because of the power and standing of the organisation he represents.”
After some debate, this view was accepted and later the same year, Ken Warne, National Vice-President from the South West Region was the first in a line of Presidents who made their way up from the ranks.
TOTAL COMMITMENT TO THE ROLE
Before he was elected National President, Ron stood in for Geoff Lister the Immediate Past President on occasions when meeting dates clashed, Geoff said: “As the new National President, Ron will give total commitment to the role and continue to promote the FMB and look after its members’ best interests.”
Nicky asked Ron exactly what his new role would entail, and Ron said: “As Vice President, I was the Chair of the National Council, National Management Committee and of the Warranty Board, and as National President, I will retain the Chairmanship of the Warranty Board.
“I plan to meet with a diverse range of people representing construction and associated industries, together with politicians and members from across the regions. I have used my time as Vice President to listen to members and to make contacts to promote the benefits of the FMB, and to lobby on members behalf.”
He will be supported by two Vice Presidents, Derek Bostock from the Yorkshire and Trent Region and Jim Gilmour from Scotland. Derek has spent more than forty years in the construction industry. He joined the Nottingham and District branch of the FMB in 1981 and became a National councillor in 1990. Jim has also spent the last 40 years working in the construction industry and 20 years as an active FMB member.
According to Ron, the first key issue he’ll have to address as FMB National President is the economy and the credit crunch, he said: “During these difficult times, the help, advice and training provided by the FMB is crucial. We have a responsibility to ensure our members have access to up to date and accurate information to guide them through these times.”
He added: “I would advise members to use the strength of the FMB to support them and make full use of the services and resources available. Draw on the experience and expertise we have within the organisation – many older members will have weathered similar storms previously.”
USE THE STRENGTH OF THE MEMBERSHIP TO SUPPORT YOU
Before he knuckles down to work, Ron wanted in particular to thank Geoff Lister and the FMB staff. He said: “I want to continue the work Geoff’s started in unifying the organisation and, importantly, I want to promote the work of FMB members to the public – reminding them of the value of employing a FMB member and the reliability, quality and cost effectiveness they bring. I also want to continue to listen to members as it is vital their concerns and views are addressed and raised.”
He added: “I would say to all members that I’m approachable and here for them. If I am invited to a branch or region, I will do my best to attend. Members should make full use of their branch and the regional network, together with the information available via the FMB. There is a lot of experience available – use the strength of the membership to support you. I have always supported my local branch and Region and will offer the same commitment as National President.”
There are major challenges facing the construction industry at the moment and Ron is anxious to continue to enhance the internal structures of the FMB to ensure they meet the needs of the organisation in 2008 and beyond. He said: “We need to raise the profile of the FMB through our ongoing campaign work. We also need to use a range of media to reach out to those potential new and younger members, for example by fully utilising our website.”
The 2012 Olympics will hopefully allow many members to reap business benefits, Ron said: “There will be a focus on major projects by the largest contractors which may mean more opportunities for our members in small and medium sized enterprises. I also hope that the ‘feel good’ factor will filter through the economy following our success in Beijing as people optimistically look forward to 2012.”
The role of the FMB National President is to represent the federation at events at home and abroad, it is vital, time consuming and hectic. An enormous amount of travelling is required, and upkeep of the President’s diary is almost a full time job. FMB’s Alison King will be co-ordinating Ron’s diary, but just as much support will come from Ron’s wife Jean.
Jean is thoroughly looking forward to travelling around the regions with Ron to meet members and their families. She says she has already met many lovely people around the country who have made her feel very welcome, and she looks forward to meeting many more over the next couple of years.
...AND IN HIS SPARE TIME?
Ron doesn’t anticipate having a great deal of spare time over the next two years, but Tranmere Rovers will be glad of his continued support when he can snatch the odd Saturday afternoon off. He is a lifelong supporter and watched his first game in 1958 when he was 14. He said: “This year I have supported them for 50 years, through thick and thin - but mainly thin!”
Read Ron Storers first presidential address to members at the FMB 2008 National Conference.
