Three FMB members celebrate 143 years of building

The FMB was established in 1941, and is now the largest trade association in the UK building industry. FMB membership brings many advantages. The members on these two pages certainly think so - they have clocked up more than 75 FMB membership years between them.

George Butter joined the FMB in 1949, only eight years after the Federation was established.

George Butter Snr started as a bricklayer’s apprentice in the early 1920s. He went on to become a journey man bricklayer until he started work for John Wood & Son, a builder in Market Drayton, Shropshire. When that company ceased trading in 1936, George Butter Snr took over their premises and set up on his own. It is from there, George Butter & Son still run their business today.

The firm operated as general builders carrying out estate work, extensions, maintenance and repairs, and in 1949 George Butter Snr joined the FMB Shropshire Branch.

In 1950 George Butter Jnr started work in the family business as a bricklayer’s apprentice. On completion of his apprenticeship he was called up to do two years National Service, rejoining the family firm in 1958.

Ten years later George Butter Jnr went into partnership with his father, and George Butter & Son was formed. The firm continued as before, but with the help of sub-contracted labour was able to undertake larger projects.

GEORGE’S FMB CAREER

In 1993 George Butter Jnr, was elected onto the Executive Committee of the Shropshire Branch of the FMB, becoming Vice Branch President in 1997 and 1998, then Branch President from 1999 to 2000. He has also been one of the Honorary Auditors of the Branch accounts since 1995, and one of the judges for the branch annual Building Craft Apprenticeships Challenge Trophy. During George’s presidency, the Shropshire Branch was voted Best Midland Region Branch.

Patrick Matthews, current President of the FMB Shropshire Branch said: “George has been one of our Midland Region delegates since 1997 attending the quarterly and annual general meetings. He always promotes the Shropshire Branch issues and reports back to committee with beautifully hand written notes.”

FRED’S CHIMNEY

Supported by his wife, Sue, George has been the originator of many of the Shropshire Branch social events and outings. During his Presidency George hosted the Midland Region AGM in 1999, and a Millennium Dinner in 2000. For this event George built a chimney as a centre piece in honour of the guest speaker Fred Dibnah. George’s chimney was a replica of the one Fred had put up on his mother’s house years ago, and there was quite a story attached to it. George’s tribute to Fred was reported in the Market Drayton Advertiser, under the headline ‘George butters up TV’s Fred’, apparently the original chimney became quite a landmark, Fred’s mother was quoted in the paper as saying “He clapped that chimney on the roof when he was 16. I’ve had to live with it ever since. It’s awful. People drive here on Sunday afternoons to stare at it.”

George’s professionalism and his habit of going that extra mile were recognised officially when he won the Master Builder of the Year Heavenly Builder Award, Midlands Region. This award is given to those builders who go way beyond the call of duty and have to be nominated by their satisfied customers for their extra care and attention to a job.

Building on 40 years of success

EJS Construction from Penryn, Cornwall, is celebrating 40 years of business this year, having survived two recessions, they are looking to the future as they beat their third.

EJS Construction was started in 1969 by Eddie Sheldon. Eddie’s son Jamie joined the firm 14 years ago, forming a father and son partnership which has gone from strength to strength, with the team now 11 strong.

Their work has included new builds, extensions, renovations, restorations, ground works and civil engineering - including marinas and crane docks and Jamie puts their success down to family values delivered in a professional and honest way, with communication with the client paramount.

Jamie said: “We strive to be customer led and focused, providing the end result on budget and on time, to the standard that the client expects. We have the experience, skills and qualifications that show we are a skilled and trustworthy firm, being ISO9001 quality assured and members of the FMB.”

FMB MEMBERSHIP

He continued: “We joined the FMB in 2004 because of the services it provides in support of its members. The industry legislation and policy is changing so fast that it’s difficult to keep up, but the FMB keeps members bang up to date with everything. Also clients look for membership of a reputable trade association to give them confidence.”

Jaime thinks membership also helps to ensure standards and quality is maintained. He said: “I haven’t used the helplines yet but I am very reassured that they are there if needed.”

He added: “The Find A Builder website is a great benefit, I’ve had enquiries through it from clients who haven’t been recommended a builder by anyone else, they can search for FMB builders in their area and choose one from the list.”

Looking to the future, EJS Construction is aiming to continue to grow at a steady rate, Jamie added: “Each person is important and everyone’s role is vital. We are proud to be celebrating our 40th year this year, having worked with great clients and with the support of a fantastic team.”

FMB member celebrates 30th anniversary

In the late 70s, early 80s when grants were available for roof repairs, engineer Malcolm Clear decided to get his roof fixed. Even with the grant, the work was going to be too expensive, so he borrowed a book about roof repairs from the library and set to.

Neighbours were impressed by his work and asked him to replace their roofs. Word of quality workmanship spread and CRB Contractors was born. Now, as it celebrates its 30th anniversary Malcolm is still involved but son Ben is at the helm and keen to continue their customerfocused approach.

BUILDING ON FIRM FOUNDATIONS

Ben takes great pride in the company’s history and enjoys talking to customers who remember work done for them in the past. They remember, for example, the ‘Great Storm’ in 1987 and how Malcolm operated a strict ‘first come first served’ list with no queue jumping. Ben said: “It’s great talking to people now planning an extension who remember how we helped them after the storm.”

‘We are not prepared to compromise on quality. We won’t put our name to sub-standard work and aim to reassure customers through membership of the FMB,’ said Ben. ‘We joined to demonstrate reliability and credibility to potential clients. It reassures them that in the unlikely event of a problem, it will be overcome in a professional way. Even though CRB doesn’t supply the cheapest quotations – the backing of the FMB often means we win the job.

“One of the many benefits of membership is Master Builder magazine – it’s one of the main forms of communication between the FMB and its members, and provides us with up to date information on legislation, policy and products.

“Often a client will mention a product they have heard of and I will have seen it in the magazine which means I can talk about it with some knowledge.”

FIND A BUILDER

Ben said: “I monitor leads and conversions very carefully to work out what works and what doesn’t. ‘Find A Builder’ is invaluable – job leads from this means that I have been able reduce my advertising budget by around £8,000 this year.”

“I also use the HBXL estimating software. It helps me to produce extremely detailed quotations with nothing left out, plus, it cuts down the time I spend at my desk.”

Dad, Malcolm, retains his drive, confidence and strength of character and in October visited Rwanda to meet the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame at the opening of a community centre that Malcolm and many CRB suppliers helped fund. (Find out more about his charity at www.anewbeginningrwanda.org).

All in all, it seems the FMB membership helps builders succeed. Use your membership fully and take advantage of the offers and services you pay for. You have nothing to lose and plenty to gain.