Green Deal could stall without SME support
Tue, 14 May 2013 10:25:07 GMT
Small building companies need fairer access to the Green Deal (GD) market if the shortage of installers is to be addressed, warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to the latest statistics from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC).
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Small builders under threat as workloads fall
Wed, 15 May 2013 12:19:08 GMT
ALMOST a third of Britain's small building firms have shed staff since the turn of the year, as falling workloads and rising costs have forced many SME construction companies to scale back their operations, according to new research by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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FMB route to certification now includes replacement windows, doors and roofing
Mon, 15 Apr 2013 16:35:48 GMT
FMB route to certification now includes replacement windows, doors and roofing
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Government must build on budget for housing
Mon, 15 Apr 2013 16:44:30 GMT
The Government has today taken postive steps to address the housing crisis, but the measures announced may not go far enough to allow smaller builders to deliver the energy-efficent new homes Britain so badly needs, warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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Employers need more say on apprenticeships
Thu, 14 Mar 2013 14:09:50 GMT
The Government is right to recognise that employers need more say when it comes to the content of apprenticeship qualifications, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
Commenting on the Government's response to the Richard Review of apprenticeships, Brian Berry, the Chief Executive of the FMB, said: "Over the past two years the number of small construction firms employing an apprentice has fallen. Despite the fall in construction output since 2008, the sector still has a recruitment requirem
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Funding flop is crippling construction
Tue, 05 Mar 2013 14:18:34 GMT
A QUARTER of SME building firms have missed out on contracts because they can't secure vital funding, with many claiming banks and building societies are "actively discriminating" against construction companies, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has warned.
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BATJIC talks agree 2% pay increase
Wed, 20 Feb 2013 16:42:50 GMT
The FMB and Unite have agreed a 2% pay increase for construction operatives from June 2013
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We need a Budget for energy-efficient homes
Wed, 20 Feb 2013 16:48:34 GMT
The FMB has called on the Government to address the dire need for more incentives for energy-efficient homes in the Budget
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A quarter of local building firms want Green Deal work
Wed, 30 Jan 2013 12:58:23 GMT
The Green Deal needs to involve more small, local builders to work, as red-tape and negative publicity threaten to scupper the Government's flagship energy-efficiency policy before it gets off the ground, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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Britain must build its way out of recession
Fri, 25 Jan 2013 12:26:13 GMT
Ministers must find more ways to stimulate construction to boost economic growth and tackle the housing crisis, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), as the latest ONS GDP data showed output in the sector rose by just 0.3 per cent in the final months of 2012.
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A third of building firms may have to axe staff
Tue, 22 Jan 2013 11:01:55 GMT
A third of all small to medium-sized building firms fear they will have to reduce staffing levels this year as the decline in the construction industry continues, warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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Regional Winners Announced in FMB Master Builder of the Year Awards
Tue, 15 Jan 2013 11:38:00 GMT
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is delighted to announce the regional winners of its prestigious Master Builder of the Year Awards 2013.
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Community Levy Holding Back New Housing
Fri, 11 Jan 2013 11:26:19 GMT
The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) on new developments is hindering rather than helping smaller house-builders trying to meet the growing UK housing shortage, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has warned.
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VAT cut tops New Year's wish-list for builders
Fri, 04 Jan 2013 12:12:45 GMT
A VAT cut for housing renovation and repair work is at the top of the New Year's wish-list for most small and medium-sized construction companies.
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Chancellor falters on need for more energy efficient homes, says FMB
Wed, 05 Dec 2012 15:40:29 GMT
GEORGE OSBORNE'S failure to support energy efficiency in the home is a missed opportunity to help boost growth, cut carbon emissions and reduce householders' fuel bills, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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FMB Backs Boris Johnson's Call to Axe Stamp Duty on New Homes
Fri, 30 Nov 2012 12:39:00 GMT
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has backed Boris Johnson's call to cut stamp duty, clearing the way for developers to tackle the housing crisis and boost the economy.
Stamp duty is very high at the moment and you can certainly look at cutting it in the round. The benefit would be to reduce the price of a home and stimulate the market, the Mayor of London told the Evening Standard, as he called on Chancellor George Osborne to use his Autumn Statement next week to axe stamp duty on new developments
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Government Should Seize Opportunity to Support High Quality Apprenticeships
Wed, 28 Nov 2012 10:16:56 GMT
Apprenticeships should be clearly defined in order to distinguish them from other vocational or on-the-job training according to a newly published review into the future of apprenticeships. The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has welcomed the Richard Review's recommendations for prioritising quality over quantity when it comes to apprenticeship training.
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Government Needs to Promote Small Development Sites to Solve Housing Crisis
Wed, 28 Nov 2012 10:17:10 GMT
The Government needs to do more to help encourage the development of small and micro sites that exist in every town and city if it wants to tackle the housing problem, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to today's housing announcement by the Deputy Prime Minister.
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Government Must Build on Energy Efficiency Strategy with Radical Action to Tackle Housing
Thu, 22 Nov 2012 11:29:27 GMT
If the Government is to take full advantage of the economic, environmental and social benefits of improving UK energy efficiency then it needs to urgently tackle our existing housing stock which accounts for 27% of the UK's total carbon emissions, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to the Energy Efficiency Strategy, published today (12 November).
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Single Definition of 'Apprenticeship' Needed, says FMB
Tue, 06 Nov 2012 12:32:19 GMT
Government should follow the recommendation from MPs to provide a single definition of an apprenticeship to help restore the apprenticeship brand, said the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to today's report from the Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee.
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Autumn Statement Opportunity to Boost Growth, says FMB
Wed, 31 Oct 2012 14:37:06 GMT
December's Autumn Statement is a prime opportunity for the Government to boost UK economic growth, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). In its letter to the Chancellor in advance of the Autumn Statement, the FMB urges Government to stimulate growth in the construction industry and, as a result, the wider economy via a number of key measures:
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Green Deal cash back welcome but does not go far enough, says FMB
Fri, 19 Oct 2012 16:12:04 GMT
The Government's newly announced £125 million worth of cash back payments for households who take early advantage of the Green Deal is a welcome incentive for helping the scheme get under way according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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House Building Slump Continues, warns Federation of Master Builders
Mon, 15 Oct 2012 11:30:35 GMT
Small house builders' workloads have slumped as the recession for small to medium sized enterprises (SME) in the construction sector continues according to the latest State of Trade Survey from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), the UK's largest trade association in the building industry.
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Builder Honoured after 50 Years of FMB Membership
Wed, 10 Oct 2012 12:20:07 GMT
A builder from Cheltenham has been awarded honorary membership of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in recognition of the commitment he has shown to the FMB and the construction industry.
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Finance needed for new homes, says NFB and FMB
Tue, 09 Oct 2012 15:34:53 GMT
The lack of finance needed to build homes and buy homes is at the heart of the housing crisis. This was the consensus that emerged from a meeting today at the Conservative Party Conference, hosted by the National Federation of Builders (NFB) and the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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Jack Dromey Calls for SME Roundtable to Put Housing Centre Stage
Tue, 02 Oct 2012 12:23:07 GMT
Shadow housing minister Jack Dromey today pledged to hold a roundtable with small and medium sized (SME) housebuilders to help address the growing housing crisis. The offer was made in response to a 'call to arms' made by the National Federation of Builders (NFB) and the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) to address the decline in the SME housebuilding sector, which has fallen by 69 per cent since 1988.
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Green Deal delays will hinder economic growth says FMB
Mon, 01 Oct 2012 15:24:04 GMT
Delays to work beginning under the Green Deal will hinder growth in the construction industry and the wider economy according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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Public Procurement Policy Must Help Grow Welsh Construction Businesses, says FMB Wales
Thu, 27 Sep 2012 16:08:17 GMT
At a recent debate on procurement at the Plaid Cymru conference in Brecon, FMB Wales called for a new public procurement policy to support the small businesses at the heart of the Welsh construction economy.
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Final call for Britain's best builders
Tue, 13 Nov 2012 10:00:09 GMT
Time is running out to win yourself £3,000 and to see your Builder named the best in the UK, as the closing date for the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) Master Builder of the Year Awards is fast approaching. Nominations must be received by October 31st for your chance to win a fabulous cash prize, and for your builder to be awarded the coveted title of Master Builder of the Year.
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FMB kick starts the Scottish Independence Debate
Fri, 21 Sep 2012 13:47:59 GMT
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) brought together Politicians, journalists and a solicitor to debate the issue of Scottish Independence and the impact it would have on the UK construction industry, at Dunblane Hydro Hotel on Saturday 15th September.
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Federation of Master Builders Appoints New National President
Wed, 19 Sep 2012 16:48:36 GMT
Jim Gilmour has been appointed as the new National President of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), the UK's largest trade association in the construction sector. Jim Gilmour from Glasgow was elected on Friday 14th September, at the FMB's Annual General Meeting in Dunblane and is a well known figure in the Scottish construction sector representing the FMB on the CITB ConstructionSkills Board. Jim is also very active at the local level supporting many local community groups.
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FMB Backs Government Planning Proposals
Thu, 06 Sep 2012 14:03:32 GMT
Government proposals to speed up the planning system and allow householders to extend their homes without the need for planning permission are a welcome boost to both householders and the building industry, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to today's Government announcement.
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FMB calls on new housing minister to address decline of SME house builders
Wed, 05 Sep 2012 16:01:09 GMT
The FMB has called upon new housing minister Mark Prisk to prioritise SME house builders in a bid to solve the nation's housing crisis.
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FMB launches search for Britain's best building apprentice
Tue, 21 Aug 2012 10:36:52 GMT
Report finds learning a trade is best way for school leavers to develop a long-term career
As the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) launches its search for the best building apprentice in Britain, new research* reveals that the best option for school leavers looking to establish themselves in a career is to learn a trade that interests them.
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FMB launches Green Deal Certification Service
Fri, 07 Dec 2012 15:56:13 GMT
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is launching FMB Certification, a 'complete solution' registration and certification service to companies committed to delivering the highest standards of customer service and workmanship in the building industry. The FMB is pleased to be able to offer these services through a new agreement with NAPIT Group Limited, a UKAS accredited certification body for Green Deal, microgeneration and Competent Person Schemes.
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FMB Appoints Nigel Stubbings as its new Commercial Director
Thu, 20 Sep 2012 10:56:44 GMT
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has appointed Nigel Stubbings as its new Commercial Director. The appointment is part of the FMB's new five year strategic plan to modernise the trade association and make it the first choice for construction Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs).
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37% of Construction SMEs are Cutting Jobs says FMB
Thu, 20 Sep 2012 10:55:46 GMT
37% of Construction SMEs are Cutting Jobs, says Federation of Master Builders
MONDAY 16th JULY 2012 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Employment prospects for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the construction sector are continuing to deteriorate, according to the latest State of Trade Survey from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), the UK's largest construction trade association.
The FMB's State of Trade Survey, the only one of its kind looking at construction SMEs, reveals that in the seco
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Get Britain Building Fund Will Help Deliver More Homes says the FMB
Thu, 21 Jun 2012 13:48:42 GMT
The Government's decision to extend its 'Get Britain Building' fund is a welcome boost to help deliver home homes and jobs in the construction industry says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). The Government has announced it is inviting bids for additional Get Britain Building funding for building sites in which upwards of 15 homes are being built.
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Government Must Save our Historic Buildings from Disrepair, says FMB
Wed, 06 Jun 2012 10:23:03 GMT
The Government has a duty to save our historic buildings from disrepair and needs to abandon its Budget plan to add 20% VAT to listed building alterations, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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Construction SMEs are Vital to Growth and Jobs says FMB Wales
Tue, 29 May 2012 17:51:15 GMT
If the Welsh Government's plan to focus on growth and jobs, as set out in its Wales Infrastructure Investment Plan, is to succeed it must ensure Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) are included in the plan says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) Wales.
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SME House Builders Can Help Tackle the Housing Crisis, says FMB Wales
Thu, 24 May 2012 11:57:33 GMT
SME House Builders could help tackle the housing crisis says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) Wales in response to the Welsh Assembly Government's Housing White Paper.
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A Bigger Tax Burden will Damage All our Listed Buildings says FMB
Fri, 18 May 2012 11:24:55 GMT
Until the Government drops its plans to add 20% VAT to listed building alterations from 1st October, the UK's heritage is still at risk. On the day the consultation on this VAT increase closes, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) wants the Government to look beyond churches and recognise the value of all listed buildings.
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Paying cash for building jobs costs homeowners £260 million a year
Tue, 13 Nov 2012 09:58:53 GMT
Last year homeowners were duped out of £260 million by dodgy builders doing slapdash work, according to research to launch the Master Builder of the Year Awards.
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SME House Builders Can Help Tackle the Housing Crisis says FMB
Thu, 17 May 2012 12:41:29 GMT
The 11% fall in house building starts in England since the end of last year demonstrates the seriousness of the current housing crisis and the need for the Government to do more to enable small house builders help solve the problem, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), the UK's largest trade association in the building industry.
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Flexibility for Small Business Employers is Key to Economic Success says FMB
Wed, 09 May 2012 12:54:38 GMT
Court and tribunal reforms outlined in today's Queen Speech offer hope to small business employers who need greater flexibility to run their businesses more competitively and so help job creation, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), the UK's largest construction trade association.
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VAT Hike for Listed Buildings is a Further Break on Economic Recovery
Tue, 01 May 2012 17:53:36 GMT
A broad coalition of organisations has written to the Chancellor urging him not to press ahead with a 20% increase in VAT on approved alterations to listed buildings. Seventeen organisations including the Campaign to Protect Rural England, the Federation of Master Builders, the Heritage Alliance and the Royal Institute of British Architects have signed a letter describing the disruption the Budget measure is already causing to planned building projects and the threat it poses to the future of the UK's histo
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Construction Holds the Key to Economic Recovery says FMB
Wed, 25 Apr 2012 10:39:11 GMT
The Government needs to introduce a wide range of reforms to stimulate the construction sector if it is to get growth back in the economy, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to today's disappointing Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures issued by the Office for National Statistics.
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Workloads for SME House Builders Worst on Record, says FMB Scotland
Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:04:38 GMT
New build workloads for small house builders in the social housing market are at their lowest level since 1999, warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in its latest State of Trade Survey, the only one of its kind looking at small and medium sized (SME) companies in the construction sector.
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Proposed Building Rules Will Cost Homeowners Thousands, warns FMB
Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:29:11 GMT
Government plans to force homeowners to spend thousands of pounds extra on green home improvements when they extend their homes will be impractical, unpopular and counterproductive, warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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Workloads for SME House Builders Worst on Record says FMB
Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:43:53 GMT
New build workloads for small house builders in the social housing market are at their lowest level since 1999, warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in its latest State of Trade Survey, the only one of its kind looking at small and medium sized (SME) companies in the construction sector.
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TrustMark Widens It's Membership To All FMB Members
Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:20:01 GMT
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB), the UK's largest construction trade association, is inviting all its members to join TrustMark, the Government endorsed quality mark, which helps consumers to find reliable and trustworthy local tradesmen. Previously TrustMark was only available to FMB Build Assure members.
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Build Assure Offers 10 Year Warranties on New Homes
Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:14:18 GMT
House building companies of any size can now, for the first time, offer a 10 year warranty on the new homes they construct as Build Assure, a subsidiary of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), the largest trade association in the UK construction industry, today launches Build Assure New Home Policy.
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Cut the VAT on housing repair and maintenance to protect our heritage, says Kevin Stewart MSP
Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:26:36 GMT
Aberdeen Central MSP Kevin Stewart has urged the Chancellor of the Exchequer to cut the VAT on housing repair, maintenance and improvement work to support employment in Scotland, tackle rogue traders and to protect our built heritage.
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FMB Calls for Responsible Approach on Planning Reform
Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:32:09 GMT
The Government's new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), launched today, risks being undermined if local authorities do not adopt a responsible approach to planning reforms, warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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Protect your investment in your home by visiting Build Assure at the Homebuilding & Renovating Show
Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:46:08 GMT
Build Assure - Protect Your Investment in Your Home by Visiting the Build Assure Stand at the Homebuilding & Renovating Show
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Budget Misses Opportunity to Offer More Help to Small Construction Firms Desperate to Grow says FMB
Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:34:03 GMT
The Chancellor could have done more to restore consumer confidence and encourage spending in order to support key policy initiatives such as the Green Deal energy efficiency programme and a major increase in the number of new homes, argues the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to the 2012 Budget Statement.
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Banks Lending Criteria Might Threaten Chancellor's Lending Initiative, warns FMB
Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:32:50 GMT
The Chancellor's initiative to boost small business lending could be jeopardized if banks are allowed to continue to discriminate against certain industrial sectors such as construction that they consider to be too risky, warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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Additional Money for House Building Needs to be Coupled with Cuts in Red Tape says FMB
Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:33:05 GMT
The Prime Minister's announcement of an additional £150 million for stalled building sites is a welcome boost to the struggling building industry but needs to be coupled with cuts in red tape that are stifling small house builders, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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FMB Welcomes Government Help for First Time Buyers
Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:33:22 GMT
The Government's 'NewBuy' mortgage indemnity guarantee scheme which aims to provide higher-value mortgages for first time buyers is a welcome boost to the housing market, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB)
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Green Deal Cash for Skills Training Needs a Consumer Market, says Federation of Master Builders
Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:33:40 GMT
New government funding to train hundreds of people in greens skills ahead of the Green Deal launch is very welcome but unless there is consumer demand for the Green Deal there is the danger of training people with no future work, warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to today's announcement from the Deputy Prime Minister.
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Federation of Master Builders Appoints Brian Berry as Chief Executive
Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:33:54 GMT
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB), the UK's largest trade association in the building industry, has appointed Brian Berry as its new Chief Executive.
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FMB Urges Chancellor to Focus Budget on Help for the Housing Market
Fri, 02 Mar 2012 09:45:54 GMT
George Osborne MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, needs look to housing to support the Government's growth and jobs agenda in next month's Budget, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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Stephen Williams MP takes on Apprentice Role to Support Builders in Bristol
Mon, 27 Feb 2012 10:35:05 GMT
Stephen Williams, MP for Bristol West, has been spending time with a local building firm to find out more about life as an apprentice. Stephen met two carpentry apprentices from Federation of Master Builders (FMB) member firm Distinction Property Services Ltd, in conjunction with CITB-ConstructionSkills.
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Win a Building Rescue Worth £10,000
Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:18:40 GMT
Make Mine a Builders, the only tea tested and approved by builders, and the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), the largest trade association in the UK building industry, have teamed up to give one deserving person or community group a building make over worth £10,000.
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FMB and Jason McCartney MP take on Apprentice Role to Support Builders in Huddersfield
Mon, 07 Jan 2013 17:01:54 GMT
Colne Valley MP Jason McCartney has spent the day learning the building trade the practical way to help celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2012. Jason became an 'apprentice' for the day with Federation of Master Builders' (FMB) member company Peter Armitage Ltd in Huddersfield.
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Federation of Master Builders takes on Apprentice Role to Support Builders in Eastern Counties
Mon, 07 Jan 2013 17:03:55 GMT
To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week Federation of Master Builders (FMB) Regional Director, Helen Osgood, spent the day learning the trade the practical way by being an apprentice for the day with FMB member building company Princebuild Ltd in Peterborough.
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Training as an Apprentice is the Best Way to Learn a Trade
Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:52:10 GMT
Training as an apprentice is the best way to learn a trade, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). A survey carried out by the FMB of its members in the run up to National Apprenticeship Week 2012, which takes place between 6th and 10th February, found the apprenticeship tradition was alive and strong among small construction firms.
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The Government Must Tackle the Cash Economy by Cutting VAT on Home Improvements, says FMB
Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:55:58 GMT
Consumers should avoid being tempted by a cheap cash deal and protect themselves against paying more in the long term, says the FMB in response to comments by the HMRC Permanent Secretary in today's Telegraph.
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Government must back construction to revive economy says FMB
Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:07:42 GMT
The Government must make construction a priority, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), largest trade association in the construction industry, in response to the latest GDP figures released by the ONS today, which show that construction and manufacturing have dragged the economy back into negative growth.
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Green Deal Needs a Radical Boost to Succeed, warns FMB
Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:51:12 GMT
The Government's Green Deal initiative to makes our homes more energy efficient is in danger of failing at the first hurdle unless it provides a range of additional incentives to encourage householders to take it up, warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in its response to the Government's Green Deal consultation, which closes on Wednesday (18th January 2012).
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Collapse in Building Industry Confidence, warns FMB
Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:00:24 GMT
Confidence in the building industry has collapsed with only 5% of small building companies expecting workloads to increase in 2012, according to the latest State of Trade Survey from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), the UK's largest construction trade association.
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22% of Small Building Firms Shed Jobs Because of VAT Hike, Warns FMB
Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:57:43 GMT
More than one in five small building firms report being forced to cut jobs as a direct result of last year's VAT increase to 20%. In addition, more than half of these small businesses reported falling workloads as a consequence of the VAT hike. These are the findings from the Federation of Master Builder's (FMB) latest State of Trade Survey, the only independent quarterly survey of economic conditions for small and medium-sized construction firms operating predominantly but not exclusively in the domestic..
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SME House Builders and First Time Buyers are the Key to Economic Growth says FMB
Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:07:19 GMT
The Government could have gone further to help small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and first time buyers to get the economy back on the road to sustained economic growth, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to today's Autumn Statement from the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
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Create 100,000 New Jobs by Cutting VAT, says FMB
Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:08:20 GMT
Reducing VAT to 5% for all domestic Repair, Maintenance and Improvement (RM&I) works would create more than 100,000 extra jobs in the UK by 2020, according to a latest report from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), the largest trade association in the UK construction industry.
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Westminster Government Must Listen Again to the Welsh Assembly on VAT
Wed, 23 Nov 2011 09:17:33 GMT
A reduction in VAT on home repair, maintenance and improvement work to 5% would cut the number of empty properties in Wales and ease the pressure on housing supply, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) as politicians prepare to debate a Liberal Democrat motion* on housing in the Welsh Assembly. The motion supports the calls for this targeted cut in VAT, and the FMB is urging the UK Government to listen again to the arguments made by politicians in Wales.
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Local Builders Face Being Squeezed Out of the Green Deal, says FMB
Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:58:29 GMT
Local builders could still face being squeezed out of the Green Deal market unless the Government ensures that small local building companies have an equal opportunity to offer Green Deal finance to their customers, warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to today's launch of the Government's Green Deal consultation paper.
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Housing Strategy Is Not Radical Enough, says Federation of Master Builders
Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:05:42 GMT
The Government's new housing strategy is far from radical and only makes a small step in tackling the worst housing crisis we have seen for many years, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to the Government's Housing White Paper. In particular, it does little to help small and medium sized (SME) house builders who have the potential to deliver the homes that are required if the right policies and incentives were put in place.
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Housing Demand Will Exceed the Size of Birmingham by 2015, warns FMB
Tue, 15 Nov 2011 10:22:31 GMT
Demand for new housing will outstrip supply by over half a million units by 2015 which is equivalent to the size of the UK's second largest city Birmingham. This is startling conclusion from a new report, 'Tackling the Housing Crisis', from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). The report also reveals that the number of small house builders is at the lowest since 1982 because of escalating costs and regulatory burdens.
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FMB Contradicts Bank Lending Data
Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:01:09 GMT
Claims by the banking industry that they are striving to meet their obligations under the terms of Project Merlin, even if they haven't done so for two out of three quarters of this year, have been attacked as false and misleading by small business representatives following the latest research from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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Construction Industry Must Work on its Image to Help Recruit New Talent
Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:08:42 GMT
Too many people fail to understand that the construction industry needs highly skilled people from a variety of backgrounds. As CITB-ConstructionSkills continues its review of construction education, skills and training, the FMB has taken the opportunity to call on all industry bodies to work together to improve the image of the industry as a rewarding career choice and increase the number of high-achieving construction apprentices.
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FMB Joins The Construction Network
Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:42:01 GMT
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is the latest member to join The Construction Network. The Construction Network (tCn) is a construction networking site and forum, set up to encourage the sharing of information, opportunity and best practice within the UK Built Environment.
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FMB Backs Government Planning Reforms
Wed, 19 Oct 2011 09:29:50 GMT
The Government needs to stick to its guns and carry out its intended reforms to the planning system, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in its response to the Government's consultation on the draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
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HAVE YOUR SAY ON GREEN DEAL INSTALLER SKILLS
Fri, 07 Oct 2011 10:17:12 GMT
CONSTRUCTION firms are being urged to give their views in a consultation on the Green Deal to ensure they can get to grips with and shape the qualifications and standards that will be required of installers.
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Cameron needs to cut the burden on house builders if he is to get his housing revolution says FMB
Fri, 07 Oct 2011 10:13:19 GMT
Reacting to David Cameron's Key Note Speech commitment to lead a New Tory Housing Revolution, the FMB has called on the coalition to reduce the burden on house builders.
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Building Industry in Nose Dive, warns FMB
Mon, 03 Oct 2011 10:18:48 GMT
The building industry is heading towards a nose dive with workloads now falling for the 15th consecutive quarter. This is the warning from the latest survey of small building companies from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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FMB Welcomes Labour's VAT Cut Pledge
Mon, 26 Sep 2011 14:11:12 GMT
The Labour Party's announcement to support a VAT cut to 5% on domestic Repair Maintenance and Improvement (RM&I) works is welcome news to the building industry, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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New Focus on Construction Industry will help Wales Build a Stronger Economy, says FMB Wales
Fri, 23 Sep 2011 12:13:38 GMT
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) Wales is delighted with the Welsh Government's decision to make construction a priority sector. The decision comes following repeated calls by FMB Wales for ministers to recognise that supporting the construction industry is crucial to the future of the Welsh economy.
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FMB Scotland Launches Policy Manifesto
Wed, 14 Sep 2011 10:52:48 GMT
The Federation of Master Builders in Scotland has launched its 'Building for Success' policy manifesto to help kickstart the Scottish construction industry.
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Planning Reforms are Balanced and Fair says FMB
Mon, 03 Oct 2011 10:20:18 GMT
The Government's proposals to reform the planning system are balanced and fair, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in its response to the House of Commons Communities and Local Government Committee inquiry into the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
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Cut VAT to stimulate Green Deal Demand
Mon, 12 Sep 2011 15:10:48 GMT
The rate of VAT for energy efficient improvements needs to be cut if the Government's 'Green Deal' retrofit programme to upgrade the country's building stock to make it more energy efficient is to be successful. This is the warning from 27 different organisations in the construction, property and business industries as well as environmental groups who are worried that unless VAT is reduced consumers will be reluctant to take up the Green Deal when it is launched next year.
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Plymouth MPs Praise New Way of Recruiting Construction Apprentices
Fri, 02 Sep 2011 10:42:24 GMT
A pilot scheme to help increase the number of construction apprenticeships has won the support of two Plymouth MPs.
Thanks to funding from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), and support from the Cross-Industry Construction Apprenticeship Task Force (CCATF), first year students from City College Plymouth have been spending their summer on work experience placements with local construction businesses. As well as the chance to gain valuable on-site experience, the placements provided students and emp
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New Cover Removes Weather Worries for Construction Companies
Wed, 17 Aug 2011 11:35:37 GMT
Projects which are completed late and over budget could soon be a thing of the past with a new weather protection cover, FMB Weather Protect, offered exclusively by the National Register of Warranted Builders (NRWB), a subsidiary of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) which is the largest trade association in the construction industry.
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Work for Small Builders in Rapid Decline
Mon, 15 Aug 2011 15:00:16 GMT
The sharp decline in work for small builders working in the repair and maintenance sector in the second quarter of 2011 highlights the perilous situation facing construction small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). This is the response from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) to the latest report from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on construction activity in the three months to June.
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GDP Figures Reflect Slump in Building Industry, says FMB
Tue, 26 Jul 2011 11:27:24 GMT
Today's announcement by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by just 0.2% in the second quarter of 2011 is symptomatic of the on-going slump in the British building industry, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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Master Builder of the Year Collects New Nissan Prize
Tue, 26 Jul 2011 12:30:07 GMT
This year's Master Builder of the Year, David Charleton of FJ Charleton Building Contracts Ltd from Ballymartin, County Down today collected his prize a brand new Nissan Navara.
Over the last decade the Master Builder of the Year awards, run by the largest trade association in the UK building industry, Federation of Master Builders (FMB), have celebrated the best builders in the UK. FJ Charleton Building Contracts Ltd were announced as Master Builder of the Year by Phil Spencer of Channel 4 'Location, Lo
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Simpler Planning Guidance is Needed, says FMB
Tue, 26 Jul 2011 14:21:23 GMT
Government draft proposals to streamline the planning system are essential if we are to avert a housing crisis and build the homes that this country needs says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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Rising Construction Unemployment is Undermining Economic Recovery warns FMB
Thu, 07 Jul 2011 09:45:03 GMT
Construction unemployment is still rising and undermining the UK's economic recovery. This is the stark conclusion from the latest State of Trade Survey from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) which reveals that 29% of construction SMEs expect to cut more jobs over the next six months.
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FMB Leads the Way with 'Pre-apprenticeship' Scheme in Plymouth
Tue, 05 Jul 2011 12:37:28 GMT
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is helping to deliver a scheme designed to increase the number of apprenticeships in the construction industry. Thanks to funding from the FMB, eleven construction students from City College Plymouth are spending the summer months gaining valuable pre-apprenticeship experience with local employers.
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Mandatory Energy Efficiency Upgrades Need to be Coupled with Incentives, says FMB
Wed, 22 Jun 2011 09:46:19 GMT
Government plans to launch a consultation on mandatory energy efficiency upgrades are welcome provided they are coupled with a targeted VAT reduction on the price of installation. This is the reaction from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) to the publication of the Government's response to the Innovation and Growth Team's Low Carbon Construction report today.
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There Is Another Road to Recovery, says Federation of Master Builders
Mon, 20 Jun 2011 09:35:23 GMT
The Government needs to think more carefully about the powers it has to stimulate job creation in the construction industry, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to last week's official employment figures which revealed that the construction industry lost 24,000 jobs in the first three months of 2011.
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Government Must End Banks' Anti-Construction Prejudice says FMB
Thu, 09 Jun 2011 16:26:50 GMT
A third of small construction businesses have seen access to credit restricted as a result of banks prejudice against construction businesses says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) as Gordon Banks MP asks the Government to act.
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Government Land Release Won't Solve Problems at the Heart of the Housing Crisis, says FMB
Wed, 08 Jun 2011 09:17:31 GMT
The Government's decision to sell off billions of pounds worth of public sector owned land to house builders is a good decision, but this action alone will not be enough to end the country's housing crisis. In response to today's announcement that the Government's surplus land will be sold, the FMB is urging the Government to go even further in its bid to get Britain building more homes. The Government now needs to concentrate on the issue of mortgage finance and getting the planning system fit for purpose.
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Consumer Trust is Key to Green Deal Success, says FMB
Thu, 02 Jun 2011 16:06:56 GMT
The Government is taking the right approach by asking Green Deal assessors and installers to work to defined standards. Responding to the publication of new Green Deal details, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) said that a guarantee that Green Deal work would be done to a high standard is the only way to ensure the safety of consumers, and deliver the necessary energy savings.
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Green Investment Bank Must Help Deliver Green Deal says FMB
Tue, 24 May 2011 17:04:19 GMT
The Government can still have a home energy efficiency revolution but only by using the Green Investment Bank to help deliver the Green Deal, said the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to new announcements about the world's first bank focused on greening the economy.
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New poll piles pressure on MPs to improve Energy Bill
Tue, 10 May 2011 09:38:23 GMT
Almost two thirds (59%) of the public think the Government is not doing enough to improve energy efficiency in British homes, according to latest YouGov poll results.
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Homeowners Unlikely to Take Advantage of Green Deal, warns FMB
Tue, 03 May 2011 12:22:01 GMT
The Green Deal may not be the green revolution the Government hopes it will be according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) which recently surveyed its members and found that almost 44% thought homeowners were unlikely to take advantage of the Green Deal when it launches in autumn 2012.
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Construction Is Dragging Down UK Economic Recovery, says FMB
Wed, 27 Apr 2011 13:45:37 GMT
Today's announcement of GDP growth masks the perilous state of the building industry as construction activity fell by 4.7 per cent which is dragging down the UK's economic recovery, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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AMs Support FMB Wales' Manifesto for Construction
Wed, 20 Apr 2011 15:19:20 GMT
The Minister for Business and Budget has joined forces with other AMs in support of the FMB Wales manifesto, 'Building for Success', which was launched in the Welsh Assembly yesterday. 'Building for Success' calls on politicians to support FMB Wales's 20 point plan to get the building industry back on its feet. The event was hosted by Joyce Watson AM and other speakers included the Business and Budget Minister Jane Hutt and Rhodri Glyn Thomas AM.
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Energy Bill Needs to be More Ambitious, says FMB and WWF
Wed, 20 Apr 2011 14:17:36 GMT
The Energy Bill needs to be more ambitious if it is to succeed in getting householders to make their homes more energy efficient, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and WWF in a joint statement issued today.
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Budget Fails to Ignite Green Building Revolution, says FMB
Wed, 23 Mar 2011 14:19:13 GMT
For a Government committed to being 'the greenest ever' today's Budget failed to ignite the forthcoming Green Deal programme to retrofit our nation's homes. No additional incentives such as a cut in VAT for energy efficient repairs, stamp duty or council tax were announced to make Britain's homes greener and more energy efficient.
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VAT No Brainer Essential for Green Growth says FMB
Tue, 22 Mar 2011 14:26:16 GMT
Tomorrow's Budget must include a targeted cut in VAT for all domestic repair, maintenance and improvement (RM&I) works if the Government is to make the most of the scarce public resources available for generating growth and reducing carbon emissions according the UK's largest construction association, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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Recovery at Risk as 90% of Builders Fear Rising Inflation warns FMB
Thu, 24 Mar 2011 15:37:00 GMT
The Government's hopes for an SME[1] led recovery have been dealt a serious blow by the latest results from the building industry, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), the largest trade association in the UK construction industry.
The latest results from the FMB's quarterly State of Trade Survey, the only survey of small and medium sized building companies, show that 90% of members responding in Q1 2011 expect materials costs to rise over the next six months marking a two and a half yea
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FMB Supports MPs' Demands for Action on Planning Vacuum
Thu, 17 Mar 2011 11:51:22 GMT
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has joined the House of Commons Communities and Local Government (CLG) Committee in calling on the Government to end the current planning vacuum created by the pending abolition of Regional Spatial Strategies (RSS).
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BATJIC Agrees 1% Pay Increase
Wed, 16 Mar 2011 14:45:33 GMT
The Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC) has concluded the 2011/12 round of pay negotiations and agreed that there will be a 1% increase to the main rates of pay for Adult General Operatives, Intermediate Crafts (NVQ2) and Advanced Crafts (NVQ3) effective from Monday 12th September 2011. The agreement also includes recognition of the additional bank holiday for the royal wedding. All other rates and benefits remain unchanged.
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Let's Get Building Again, says FMB Scotland
Mon, 14 Mar 2011 13:37:21 GMT
Construction SMEs can help rebuild Scotland by creating more jobs, supporting economic growth as well as creating a greener more sustainable economy but only if the Scottish Government acts on three major challenges facing the construction sector, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) Scotland.
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Brighton builder is best in Britain
Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:14:28 GMT
R&R Building Services from Brighton beat the cream of the country's builders to become the UK's most Energy Efficient Builder at this year's 10th Master Builder of the Year Awards which took place today.
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Cardiff apprentice is the best in Britain!
Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:15:33 GMT
Patrick Williams from Dinas Powys, Cardiff beat the cream of the country's building apprentices to become the UK's Apprentice of the year at this year's 10th Master Builder of the Year Awards which took place today.
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Crieff builder is best in Britain
Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:13:27 GMT
Corryard Developments Ltd from Crieff beat the cream of the country's builders to become the UK's Best Large Renovations Builder at this year's 10th Master Builder of the Year Awards which took place today.
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Dunkeld builder is best in Britain
Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:12:51 GMT
Dunkeld Builders Ltd from Dunkeld, Perthshire beat the cream of the country's builders to become the UK's Best Medium Renovations Builder at this year's 10th Master Builder of the Year Awards which took place today.
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Okehampton builder is best in Britain
Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:12:13 GMT
Character Builders South West Ltd from Okehampton, Devon beat the cream of the country's builders to become the UK's Best Small Renovation Project Builder at this year's 10th Master Builder of the Year Awards which took place today.
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Stratton Audley builder is best in Britain
Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:13:58 GMT
Sporn Construction Ltd from Stratton Audley, Oxfordshire beat the cream of the country's builders to become the UK's Best Commercial Builder at this year's 10th Master Builder of the Year Awards which took place today.
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Keeping ConstructionSkills Will be Key to Delivering the Low Carbon Economy, says FMB
Wed, 09 Mar 2011 09:52:57 GMT
The Government's decision to keep the construction industry training body, CITB-ConstructionSkills, in the public sector is welcome but it must continue its focus on delivering the skilled workforce our industry needs to ensure construction can deliver the low carbon economy, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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Let's Get Building Again, says FMB Wales
Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:52:11 GMT
Construction SMEs can help rebuild Wales by creating more jobs, supporting economic growth as well as creating a greener more sustainable economy but only if the Welsh Assembly Government acts on three major challenges facing the construction sector, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) Wales.
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SME Construction Companies Hold the Key for Green Deal Success, says FMB
Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:50:01 GMT
The creation of a skilled workforce to deliver the Government's Green Deal retrofit programme will depend on more than just 1,000 apprentices, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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Let's Get Building Again, says FMB Northern Ireland
Mon, 07 Mar 2011 16:28:49 GMT
Construction SMEs can help rebuild Northern Ireland by creating more jobs, supporting economic growth as well as creating a greener more sustainable economy if the Northern Ireland Assembly acts on three major challenges facing the construction sector, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) Northern Ireland.
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Halifax Builder gets Backing from Local MP for VAT Cut
Mon, 07 Jan 2013 17:02:38 GMT
Halifax contractor DLE Construction wants local businesses to support the Federation of Master Builders' (FMB) call on the Government to cut VAT on home repair, maintenance and improvement work. David Ellis from DLE Construction met with local MP Linda Riordan to ask for her support for the cut, which would create more jobs and help eliminate cowboy builders.
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FMB Demands Budget Package for Green Homes
Fri, 25 Feb 2011 11:18:34 GMT
A package of incentives to include a reduced rate of VAT on home energy efficiency improvements and reduced Stamp Duty needs to be at the heart of the forthcoming Budget on the 23rd March if the Government is serious about its pledge to be the 'greenest ever' and transform our existing homes to make them greener and more energy efficient, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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Catherine McKinnell MP Is Construction Apprentice For The Day
Wed, 09 Feb 2011 10:40:18 GMT
In the run up to National Apprenticeship Week (7 - 11 February 2011), CITB-ConstructionSkills and the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) invited Catherine McKinnell, MP for Newcastle North, to visit a live construction project in Newcastle to experience life as an apprentice for the day.
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Inspections Mean Better Protection for Home Owners, says FMB
Thu, 03 Feb 2011 11:39:55 GMT
Homeowners wanting building work done to their homes can have increased confidence when choosing a Federation of Master Builders (FMB) member from today as all new members will be required to have their work inspected.
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EPCs Should Play a Bigger Role in Home Energy Efficiency Advice says FMB
Thu, 03 Feb 2011 11:50:39 GMT
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has welcomed news that the data from Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) will be used to offer advice and information to home owners and tenants about how to improve their property and reduce their fuel bills. The FMB has said for a long time that the Energy Performance Certificate should play a bigger role in improving the energy efficiency of the UK's housing stock.
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Construction Workloads Enter Fourth Year of Decline, warns FMB
Thu, 03 Feb 2011 11:52:46 GMT
The SME (Small to Medium-sized Enterprise) construction sector is to set to begin a fourth year of falling workloads and a third of companies are expecting to cut their staffing levels this year, according to the latest State of Trade Survey from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), the largest trade association in the UK construction industry.
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Localism Bill Must End Housing Crisis, warns FMB
Fri, 14 Jan 2011 09:32:43 GMT
The Localism Bill must legislate for the presumption in favour of sustainable development or the Government will struggle to honour its pledge to deliver the new homes the country needs, warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) ahead of the Bill's Second Reading by MPs.
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Keep Your Home Warm This Winter, says FMB
Wed, 22 Dec 2010 10:20:59 GMT
With much of the country experiencing exceptionally cold, snowy and icy conditions the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is advising homeowners how to look after their property this winter and save money in the process.
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VAT Increase Will Cost more than 11,000 Construction Jobs, warns FMB
Mon, 20 Dec 2010 11:12:36 GMT
11,400 jobs will be lost in the construction sector over the next decade as a result of the VAT rise to 20 percent in the New Year and a further 34,000 will be lost from the UK economy as a whole by 2019. In addition, homeowners will also be more vulnerable to rogue traders who will flood the market, warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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Green Deal Must Help Stamp Out Cowboy Builders, says FMB
Fri, 17 Dec 2010 09:57:12 GMT
A list of approved builders, who are registered as competent under a system of accreditation, will help ensure the success of Green Deal, but it won't solve the problem of consumer demand. This is the response from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) as the Green Deal legislation was announced today.
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Low Carbon Construction Report Needs Delivery Plan, says FMB
Thu, 09 Dec 2010 14:47:17 GMT
Today's publication of the 'Low Carbon Construction' report by the Government's Innovation and Growth Team (IGT) is the right road map to a low carbon economy but it needs a clear delivery plan backed by the Government if it is to succeed, warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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Cut VAT to Turn One Million Empty Properties into Homes, says FMB
Thu, 09 Dec 2010 10:54:39 GMT
Cutting VAT on domestic repair and maintenance work would help bring the one million empty properties across the UK back into use, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) during the 17th National Empty Homes Week. Turning empty properties into homes would help tackle the growing housing crisis with five million people on social housing waiting lists as well as the 90,000 people living in temporary accommodation.
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DIY Can Cost You More Than Just Money,Warns FMB
Thu, 09 Dec 2010 10:52:38 GMT
The cost of carrying out your own home improvements can be more than just financial because every year over 200,000 DIY enthusiasts are admitted to hospital. This is the warning from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) to householders as part of the ninth annual National Maintenance Week.
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Tax on Development Condemned as a Government U-Turn, by the FMB
Fri, 19 Nov 2010 11:24:12 GMT
The Government's decision to impose a tax on development is a spectacular U-Turn on its pre-election commitment to scrap the proposed Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and reform planning obligations, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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VAT Increase Will Damage the Green Deal, warns FMB
Thu, 09 Dec 2010 10:58:27 GMT
The increase in the rate of VAT to 20 per cent next January will cost the very jobs required to deliver the Green Deal, warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to today's announcement from the Energy Secretary Chris Huhne MP, outlining his vision for the Green Homes Revolution to retrofit the existing building stock.
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Government Support for SMEs Is An Important Stepping Stone
Mon, 01 Nov 2010 14:10:03 GMT
The Government's announcement of support for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) is an important stepping stone to helping create a new business environment for small companies, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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Government Infrastructure Plan Is Flawed, Warns FMB
Thu, 09 Dec 2010 11:38:08 GMT
The National Infrastructure Plan, announced today by Prime Minister David Cameron at the CBI conference, is fundamentally flawed as it excludes the need for new housing, warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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Small Parcels of Land Can Help Solve London's Housing Crisis, says FMB
Fri, 22 Oct 2010 09:42:54 GMT
London Mayor, Boris Johnson's decision to create a Task Force to create more affordable homes in London is a great initiative at a time when there is serious under supply of affordable homes, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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CSR Cuts Will Exacerbate Housing crisis, warns FMB
Thu, 09 Dec 2010 11:41:20 GMT
Today's announcement from the Chancellor of the Exchequer, as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR), to cut social housing to 150,000 over a four year period will severely exacerbate the current housing crisis warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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Young Health & Safety Review Needs To Go Further, says FMB
Tue, 19 Oct 2010 10:50:30 GMT
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has welcomed Lord Young's findings from his review of the operation of health and safety laws and the growth of the compensation culture but insists that the opportunity to save the taxpayer millions will be lost unless its principles are applied to public sector construction procurement and the waste it causes.
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SMEs Heading into Double Dip says latest FMB Survey
Thu, 09 Dec 2010 11:48:50 GMT
The SME construction sector has now experienced three consecutive years of declining conditions and is heading into a double dip recession as the economy falters, reveals the latest State of Trade Survey from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), the largest trade association in the UK construction industry.
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FMB and MPs Join Together to Support Renewable Heat Incentive
Thu, 09 Dec 2010 11:49:44 GMT
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) was joined by MPs and a solar-powered hot air balloon outside Parliament in support of clean, green heat for businesses and homes on Tuesday (12th October 2010).
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Keep Council Rent Receipts in Wales
Fri, 08 Oct 2010 15:33:15 GMT
Following yesterday's announcement by the UK Housing Minister that councils in England will be given the financial freedom to reinvest their council rents and will no longer have to pay them to the Treasury, the FMB Wales is supporting the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) call for the UK Government and the Welsh Assembly to clarify how this will affect councils in Wales.
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Four out of Five Small House Builders Say Restrictions on Mortgage Lending is Causing Building Output to Fall
Thu, 23 Sep 2010 15:20:27 GMT
Even tougher restrictions on mortgage credit would be a disaster for the housing market which is already suffering its worst slump in decades, warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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Government Must Help Construction Industry Train More Apprentices, says CCATF
Thu, 09 Dec 2010 11:52:11 GMT
The Government must help the construction industry employ young apprentices if a skills gap is to be avoided in future years, warns the Cross-industry Construction Apprenticeship Task Force (CCATF).
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Cowboy Builders Must Not Be Allowed to Undermine 'Green Deal' Jobs, warns FMB
Thu, 09 Dec 2010 12:03:28 GMT
Rogue traders must not be allowed to take advantage of the 250,000 jobs that the Government expects to be created as part of the Green Deal 'revolution', warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB)
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Government Policy Risking Future of Construction, warns FMB
Thu, 09 Dec 2010 12:02:41 GMT
Government public spending cuts, abolition of regional housing targets and the continual difficulties for first time buyers to secure a mortgage are risking the future of the building industry. This was the stark warning given by Richard Diment, Director General of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), speaking to the FMB London Regional Council in central London, ahead of the forthcoming Spending Review next month.
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FMB Joins ConstructionAlliance
Wed, 15 Sep 2010 16:08:20 GMT
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) today signed a memorandum of understanding with three other construction organisations to co-ordinate their work on the Strategic Forum for Construction. The 'Construction Alliance' consists of the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA), the National Federation of Builders (NFB), Scottish Building Federation (SBF), as well as the FMB giving the Alliance a combined membership of 13,500 companies across the UK.
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FMB Welcomes New National President
Fri, 10 Sep 2010 16:50:25 GMT
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB), the largest trade association in the UK building industry representing 11,000 companies across the UK, today welcomed Derek Bostock as its new National President. Derek was elected as National President at the FMB's National Conference at the Royal York Hotel in York.
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Last Call For Entries To 10th Master Builder Of The Year Awards
Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:16:23 GMT
Phil Spencer urges public to nominate their builder as awards deadline approaches
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Approval Threshold for New Home Schemes Needs to Be Lowered, says FMB
Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:01:24 GMT
The Government's proposed approval threshold for 'Community Right to Build' schemes needs to be lowered from the current 90 per cent of local people agreeing in order to prevent minorities holding back much needed development in the countryside to enable it to thrive and prosper, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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Extra Money for New Homes is Welcome But Now Local Authorities Have to Deliver
Wed, 11 Aug 2010 14:53:51 GMT
Extra money from the Government for Councils in England to build new homes is a welcome boost and now it is up to local authorities to deliver the housing needed to tackle the UK's chronic housing shortage, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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Banks Must Be Made to Help Small Businesses, Demands FMB
Mon, 02 Aug 2010 11:01:34 GMT
The Federation of Master Builders supports calls from the Chancellor and the Treasury Select Committee for the banks to increase support for small businesses as news emerges that Britain's five biggest banks are back in profit.
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Construction Workloads Continue to Fall
Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:49:42 GMT
Construction workloads for small building companies have continued to decline for the tenth consecutive quarter, according to the latest State of Trade Survey from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). However, there are signs that the continual fall in workloads maybe nearing its end with a leveling off in the rate of decline for both residential and non residential work.
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Householders Warned To Say 'No' to Rogue Traders
Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:47:13 GMT
Householders just need to say 'No' to rogue traders! This is the advice given by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) to all householders as part of this week's National Rogue Traders Week.
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VAT Increase Will Boost Informal Economy, warns FMB
Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:01:20 GMT
The Chancellor of the Exchequer's announcement that VAT will rise to 20 percent in today's emergency Budget will boost the informal economy and cowboy builders as consumers resort to 'cash-in-hand' to avoid paying VAT on building work, warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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A VAT Increase Will be a 'Charter for Cowboys', warns FMB
Fri, 18 Jun 2010 09:46:58 GMT
An increase in the rate of VAT for repairs and maintenance work of buildings will be a charter for cowboys, warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) ahead of the Government's Emergency Budget on Tuesday 22nd June.
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Small Land Sites Could Solve Housing Crisis
Thu, 24 Jun 2010 09:58:57 GMT
Reusing small empty sites of up to two hectares could more than meet the UK's housing demand without building on green field land. This must be coupled with upgrading existing buildings, reclaiming and remodeling empty buildings, converting and upgrading homes to make existing neighbourhoods attractive. These are key findings from a new research report, launched today, commissioned by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). This approach would
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Stopping Garden Grabbing Does Nothing To Tackle Housing Crisis
Mon, 14 Jun 2010 14:48:06 GMT
The Government's decision to give councils in England greater powers to stop developers building homes on gardens doesn't address the more serious and fundamental issue of tackling the current housing crisis and the urgent need to provide more affordable homes, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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Promising Start to Economic Recovery, says FMB
Tue, 15 Jun 2010 09:19:48 GMT
The new Government's legislative programme is a promising start to helping get the UK back on the road to economic recovery, says the Federation of Master Builders in response to today's Queen's Speech.
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Government Spending Cuts Bolster Business Confidence
Mon, 24 May 2010 13:57:31 GMT
Today's Government spending cuts amounting to over £6 billion combined with targeted investments for growth will help restore business confidence through economic recovery says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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BATJIC Agrees 2% Pay Increase
Thu, 22 Apr 2010 10:23:04 GMT
The Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC) has concluded the 2010/11 round of pay negotiations and agreed there will be a 2% increase to the three headline rates of pay effective from Monday 13th September 2010.
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Election Manifestos Fail to Tackle Housing Crisis
Fri, 16 Apr 2010 11:06:50 GMT
The general election manifestos of the three main parties don't go far enough to help the beleaguered building industry create the homes that are urgently needed, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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Tackling the Housing Crisis Needs to be Top of the List
Fri, 16 Apr 2010 11:07:06 GMT
Measures to tackle the current housing crisis need to be top of the list for all the main political parties as they spell out what they will do to get Britain back on its feet, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) .
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Construction Work Still Falling Dramatically, warns the FMB
Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:05:15 GMT
Nearly one in three (30%) building companies are expecting their workloads to fall this year and more than half (56%) have seen a reduction in the amount of private sector housing work in the first quarter of this year, according to the latest state of trade survey from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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Construction Work Still Falling Dramatically, warns the FMB
Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:06:25 GMT
Nearly one in three (30%) building companies are expecting their workloads to fall this year and more than half (56%) have seen a reduction in the amount of private sector housing work in the first quarter of this year, according to the latest state of trade survey from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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Stamp Duty Reform Will Help Building Industry, says FMB
Thu, 25 Mar 2010 16:04:04 GMT
Today's Budget announcement to extend the Stamp Duty threshold to £250,000 for first time buyers is a welcome boost to the housing market but the chancellor has failed to address the acute shortage of mortgage finance, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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FMB Launches its General Election Manifesto
Thu, 25 Mar 2010 16:04:26 GMT
Skills and training; the drive towards creating a greener Britain; and the urgent need to create a new business environment that will enable small businesses to thrive and prosper must be the three main priorities for the next government after the General Election, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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A Budget for Jobs and Growth, demands FMB
Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:30:13 GMT
Investment in job creation and construction must be the top priorities for the Chancellor of the Exchequer as he prepares for his last Budget before the General Election, demands the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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Green Building Strategy is the Future for Construction says FMB
Tue, 23 Mar 2010 15:14:04 GMT
A green building strategy with a focus on new work and new skills is the only way the UK construction industry will be able to compete and survive in a changing world with its emphasis on low carbon, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to today's Government announcement on how best the construction sector can deliver future carbon reductions.
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FMB initiative to train 1000 Apprentices
Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:24:07 GMT
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has committed £10,400 of funding for an innovative new scheme from the Cross-Industry Construction Apprenticeship Task Force (CCATF) to provide more young people with apprenticeships with FMB member firms.
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Green Homes Strategy Needs Simple Tax Incentive, warns FMB
Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:25:04 GMT
The Government's new green strategy to transform the UK's existing housing stock would benefit from a simple tax incentive to help householders worried about attaching a debt to their home to pay for energy efficient improvements, warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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FMB launches Deposit Protection Insurance for Homeowners
Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:17:55 GMT
A new deposit protection insurance to protect homeowners has been launched by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).The insurance offers two level of protection for deposits up to £1000 and deposits up to £5000 and can be offered by any FMB member who has been trading for three years or more.
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55,000 New Jobs Could be Created in 2010, Reveals New VAT Report
Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:26:21 GMT
More than 24,000 jobs in the construction sector as well as an extra 31,000 other new jobs in the wider economy could be created in 2010 by cutting VAT to five percent on the labour element of repair, maintenance and improvement works for residential properties, reveals a new research report launched today, Tuesday 23rd February, by Experian on behalf of the 'Cut the VAT' coalition.
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Conservative Planning Proposals Offer Hope, says FMB
Tue, 23 Feb 2010 10:10:46 GMT
Conservative Party proposals to reform the planning system by reintroducing a presumption in favour of sustainable development and replacing the Community Infrastructure Levy with tariff system would be a welcome boost to help the beleaguered building industry, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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Building Industry IS Still in Recession, warns FMB
Tue, 26 Jan 2010 10:49:42 GMT
The building industry is still in recession warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), despite today's ONS figures confirming that the UK has just crossed the line coming out of recession. Figures from the FMB's State of Trade Survey, the only survey of SMEs in the construction industry, for the last quarter of 2009 reveal that 44% of FMB firms expect their workloads to decline in the first three months of 2010. Only 18% of FMB firms expect their workloads to increase.
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Building Industry Still Deep in Recession, warns FMB
Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:42:20 GMT
The construction industry has a long way to go before a sustained recovery sets in, warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to its latest survey of members for the last three months of 2009.
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Liberal Democrat Housing Manifesto Misses A Trick, says FMB
Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:13:39 GMT
Today's Liberal Democrat housing manifesto pledge fails to address the urgent need to retrofit the UK's existing housing stock to make it greener and more energy efficient, warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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European Commission's '2020 Strategy' Consultation Won't Help Small Businesses
Wed, 13 Jan 2010 16:03:17 GMT
The European Commission's 'EU 2020 Strategy' consultation which is seeking views on the future direction of the European Union's policy for the next ten years fails to address the important role that small businesses can, and should, provide to assist Europe's economic recovery, warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
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County Down builder is Master Builder of the Year!
Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:11:09 GMT
FJ Charleton Building Contracts Ltd from Ballymartin, County Down beat the cream of Britain's builders to be crowned the UK's Master Builder of the Year at this year's 10th Master Builder of the Year Awards which took place today.
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