As 2021 draws to a close, we look back on five key highlights from our 80th anniversary year.
1. We celebrated the Master Builder Awards
Every two years, the FMB runs a free-to-enter Awards competition for its members across the UK, which help to celebrate their success while also raising awareness of the FMB with consumers and possible new members.
The 2021 Master Builder Awards were just the sort of celebration we all needed, in the second year of Covid, and to align with the FMB’s 80th anniversary. We were pleased to attract 550 entries of outstanding projects delivered by FMB members. 2,400 people have watched the online ceremonies; 65,000 joined the conversation on social media, and we reached 25 million people through media coverage. Well done to Stonewood Builders, this year’s overall winner, who picked up the headline prize of an Isuzu D-Max V-Cross pick-up truck.
2. We helped members navigate building material and labour price rises
We know from our daily conversations with members, regional meetings, the FMB’s national Board, and our membership surveys, that the struggles with finding skilled labour and building materials have dominated 2021.
The FMB has kept up the pressure with merchants and manufacturers to make sure there’s been a fair distribution of materials to the smallest firms. We’ve given FMB members a voice in the media and in government and provided regular guidance and resources. We’ve delivered webinars to help inform and explain the current supply issues and also revised our contract templates to help members communicate with their clients about the impact of supply issues on pricing.
3. We supported members to make the most of their membership
As an FMB member, you have access to a range of services and support to help you manage and grow your construction business. In 2021, our helplines dealt with more than 2,000 calls, providing advice on HR, health & safety, legal issues and tax, and over 8,000 FMB contract templates were downloaded. Almost 1,000 members completed one of our online training courses, which are available via our e-learning platform.
We welcomed nearly 800 new companies into FMB membership this year, with a growing number of our members also opting to join TrustMark. FMB Insurance’s expanded choice of policy types, including van and fleet, also helped attract new members in 2021.
4. We kept in touch with each other
Even when we haven’t been able to be together in person this year, the FMB has made sure there are chances for members to network. The FMB Facebook Group now has over 1,000 members and is a great forum to share questions and experience with fellow builders. Online Area Board meetings and regional drop-ins have kept our important local support going for members right across the UK. In the brief window when we could all meet up, we were pleased to be able to welcome members to Parliament for our 80th anniversary reception.
5. We continued to shape the future of the UK construction industry
The FMB may have a proud history that we enjoyed marking this year, but our eyes are firmly on the future. This year we’ve made good progress in three major areas that will impact our members’ businesses:
- Our campaign to licence the UK construction industry, get rid of cowboy builders, and increase the reputation of the sector, took a step forward, with a debate in Parliament and press coverage on the ongoing campaign.
- We’re a step closer to establishing a new general builder, multi-trade apprentice, answering your calls for the sorts of skills you want new recruits to have.
- With an eye to future business potential, we progressed the call for a national retrofit strategy, helping builders to win work making our homes greener.
If you want to learn more about your membership, make sure to log into My FMB on the website.
