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2012 Press releases

Press releases related to local News stories can be found in the relevant FMB regional section under News.
 

  • Chancellor falters on need for more energy efficient homes, says FMB
    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).
  • FMB Backs Boris Johnson's Call to Axe Stamp Duty on New Homes
    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
  • Government Should Seize Opportunity to Support High Quality Apprenticeships
    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.
  • Government Needs to Promote Small Development Sites to Solve Housing Crisis
    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.
  • Government Must Build on Energy Efficiency Strategy with Radical Action to Tackle Housing
    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).
  • Single Definition of 'Apprenticeship' Needed, says FMB
    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.
  • Autumn Statement Opportunity to Boost Growth, says FMB
    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:
  • Green Deal cash back welcome but does not go far enough, says FMB
    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).
  • House Building Slump Continues, warns Federation of Master Builders
    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.
  • Builder Honoured after 50 Years of FMB Membership
    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.
  • Finance needed for new homes, says NFB and FMB
    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).
  • Jack Dromey Calls for SME Roundtable to Put Housing Centre Stage
    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.
  • Green Deal delays will hinder economic growth says FMB
    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).
  • Public Procurement Policy Must Help Grow Welsh Construction Businesses, says FMB Wales
    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.
  • Final call for Britain's best builders
    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.
  • FMB kick starts the Scottish Independence Debate
    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.
  • Federation of Master Builders Appoints New National President
    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.
  • FMB Backs Government Planning Proposals
    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.
  • FMB calls on new housing minister to address decline of SME house builders
    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.
  • FMB launches search for Britain's best building apprentice
    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.
  • FMB launches Green Deal Certification Service
    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.
  • FMB Appoints Nigel Stubbings as its new Commercial Director
    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).
  • 37% of Construction SMEs are Cutting Jobs says FMB
    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
  • Get Britain Building Fund Will Help Deliver More Homes says the FMB
    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.
  • Government Must Save our Historic Buildings from Disrepair, says FMB
    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).
  • Construction SMEs are Vital to Growth and Jobs says FMB Wales
    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.
  • SME House Builders Can Help Tackle the Housing Crisis, says FMB Wales
    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.
  • A Bigger Tax Burden will Damage All our Listed Buildings says FMB
    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.
  • Paying cash for building jobs costs homeowners £260 million a year
    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.
  • SME House Builders Can Help Tackle the Housing Crisis says FMB
    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.
  • Flexibility for Small Business Employers is Key to Economic Success says FMB
    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.
  • VAT Hike for Listed Buildings is a Further Break on Economic Recovery
    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
  • Construction Holds the Key to Economic Recovery says FMB
    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.
  • Workloads for SME House Builders Worst on Record, says FMB Scotland
    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.
  • Proposed Building Rules Will Cost Homeowners Thousands, warns FMB
    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).
  • Workloads for SME House Builders Worst on Record says FMB
    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.
  • TrustMark Widens It's Membership To All FMB Members
    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.
  • Build Assure Offers 10 Year Warranties on New Homes
    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.
  • Cut the VAT on housing repair and maintenance to protect our heritage, says Kevin Stewart MSP
    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.
  • FMB Calls for Responsible Approach on Planning Reform
    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).
  • Protect your investment in your home by visiting Build Assure at the Homebuilding & Renovating Show
    Build Assure - Protect Your Investment in Your Home by Visiting the Build Assure Stand at the Homebuilding & Renovating Show
  • Budget Misses Opportunity to Offer More Help to Small Construction Firms Desperate to Grow says FMB
    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.
  • Banks Lending Criteria Might Threaten Chancellor's Lending Initiative, warns FMB
    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).
  • Additional Money for House Building Needs to be Coupled with Cuts in Red Tape says FMB
    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).
  • FMB Welcomes Government Help for First Time Buyers
    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)
  • Green Deal Cash for Skills Training Needs a Consumer Market, says Federation of Master Builders
    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.
  • Federation of Master Builders Appoints Brian Berry as Chief Executive
    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.
  • FMB Urges Chancellor to Focus Budget on Help for the Housing Market
    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).
  • Stephen Williams MP takes on Apprentice Role to Support Builders in Bristol
    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.
  • Win a Building Rescue Worth £10,000
    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.
  • FMB and Jason McCartney MP take on Apprentice Role to Support Builders in Huddersfield
    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.
  • Training as an Apprentice is the Best Way to Learn a Trade
    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.
  • Federation of Master Builders takes on Apprentice Role to Support Builders in Eastern Counties
    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.
  • The Government Must Tackle the Cash Economy by Cutting VAT on Home Improvements, says FMB
    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.
  • Government must back construction to revive economy says FMB
    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.
  • Green Deal Needs a Radical Boost to Succeed, warns FMB
    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).
  • Collapse in Building Industry Confidence, warns FMB
    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.
  • 22% of Small Building Firms Shed Jobs Because of VAT Hike, Warns FMB
    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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