Who's Who in External Affairs

Brian Berry - Director of External Affairs

Brian Berry has been Director of External Affairs at the FMB since May 2007, where he has responsibility for UK and EU policy, public affairs and media relations. Prior to his appointment Brian was Head of UK Public Policy at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). During his time at the RICS Brian was seconded to Brussels to set up the RICS European Policy Unit. Brian was born and educated in Devon and has two degrees in History and European policy. He started his career as a teacher at The Charterhouse Square School in central London and was made a Freeman of the City of London in 1989.

Peter O'Connell - Policy Manager

Peter O'Connell joined the FMB in April 2005, and has been Manager of Policy since May 2006. In his current position, Peter has responsibility for FMB policy development and advocacy across a wide range of issues impacting upon the construction industry, from housing to health and safety. Peter was born in London and has a degree in politics. Following graduation, he gained considerable experience of Whitehall and the government decision making process from time spent on assignments at the Cabinet office, the office of the Deputy Prime Minister, and in the Private Office of the former the Attorney General, Lord Goldsmith.

Jayne Curtis - Media and Communications Manager

Jayne has been Media and Communications Manager at the FMB since March 2008. Jayne is responsible for increasing the awareness of the FMB and its campaigns in the press and media as well as all other external and internal communications. Jayne Joins the FMB from a computer and video games company, Mercury Games, where she was Public Relations Manager. Prior to that Jayne worked for a marketing agency, MICE Group. Jayne has a degree in film, radio and television studies at Christchurch University in Canterbury.

Daniel Hunt - Public Affairs Adviser

Daniel Hunt joined the External Affairs Department at the FMB in August 2008. He is responsible for the work of the Cross Industry Apprenticeships Task Force, which is charged with doubling the number of apprenticeship places in the construction industry and manages three industry wide campaigns: ‘Building a Greener Britain’, ‘Cut the VAT’ and ‘Get Britain Building’. An expert on Skills and Training, he is a member of the Grant Scheme Working Party and sits on the Construction Apprenticeship Scheme Management Committee. Before joining the FMB he worked for various Shadow Ministers in both Houses of Parliament. He graduated from the University of St Andrews in 2006 with a degree in Modern History.