The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) needs to increase its representation of construction SMEs and better reflect the building industry, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
Commenting on today’s announcement that the Chief Executive of Balfour Beatty is stepping down from the CLC, Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), said: “Whoever replaces Leo Quinn as the Skills Lead on the CLC should come from a small or micro construction firm. Construction SMEs train two-thirds of all construction apprentices and are key to resolving the chronic skills shortage in the UK. Small construction firms are champions of quality training and will play an integral role in helping the Government to reach its ambition to deliver three million apprenticeships by 2020.”
“More generally, questions remain regarding how well the CLC reflects the structure of the construction industry. Quinn stepping down presents the Council with an opportunity to take a fresh look at its membership. Arguably it doesn’t currently represent or engage with huge swathes of the construction industry – most notably the private domestic contractor. Professionalising the domestic builder is key to improving the overall image of the construction industry and until we do that, we won’t succeed in attracting the right calibre or number of new entrants into our industry.”
Notes to editors
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is the largest trade association in the UK construction industry representing thousands of firms in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Established in 1941 to protect the interests of small and medium-sized (SME) construction firms, the FMB is independent and non-profit making, lobbying for members’ interests at both the national and local level.
The FMB is a source of knowledge, professional advice and support for its members, providing a range of modern and relevant business building services to help them succeed. The FMB is committed to raising quality in the construction industry and offers a free Find a Builder service to consumers.
