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The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) today announced that Elizabeth Whatmore, the Head of the DTI's Construction Sector Unit, will be seconded to three FMB member companies in London for one week, from October 14-18 2002.
The main aim of this initiative is to allow Ms Whatmore to gain 'hands on' experience with FMB member companies by following their day-to-day activities and to help improve the DTI's understanding of the issues faced by modern small and medium-sized businesses in the UK. The secondment will include both office-based and on-site work experience to give her the opportunity to observe the construction sector 'warts and all'. In return, FMB members will have the chance to show the DTI first-hand the problems and issues affecting smaller construction companies.
Ms Whatmore will be on secondment to three FMB member companies:
- Eaton Gate Builders Limited of Wandsworth, London;
- Sandwood Construction of Crouch End, London;
- A. Wilson and Sons (Islington) Limited of Nazeing, Essex.
The initial contact with the DTI came from Andrew Large, the FMB's Director of External Affairs. Following discussions with Ms Whatmore's office, it was suggested that it might be beneficial for DTI staff to spend time with FMB members in the real work environment to promote a mutual understanding and an appreciation of the day-to-day running of a building small building businesses. Secondments are actively encouraged in the Department for Trade and Industry to enable officials to develop closer relationships with the businesses and industries it sponsors. It is hoped that there will also be a chance for builders or FMB staff to spend time on secondment at the DTI.
The FMB hopes the exchange of information and ideas will flow freely both ways. If this initial secondment goes well, it is expected that other members of the Construction Sector Unit will be similarly seconded to FMB members next year.
FMB Director General Ian Davis commented:
"This exchange is great news for the Federation and we hope it marks the start of an ongoing exchange of ideas and experiences. It will give weight to the representations FMB makes in Whitehall on behalf of its members. It also provides a real opportunity for the DTI to experience the challenges of running a modern building business and gain an understanding of the issues faced by FMB members. We all wish Elizabeth well on her secondment and look forwards to hearing about her experiences!"
First posted: 7 October 2002. Last modified: 17 October 2002.
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Pictured (from left to right) Graham Merton (MD, Eaton Gate), Elizabeth Whatmore (Head, Construction Sector Unit, DTI), John Longworth, Tony Rutter (A Wilson (Islington) Builders Ltd), Peter Danby, Richard Garland (Sandwood). Click on to enlarge image.
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