In this round-up Sam Eden London Director takes members through some key points that have taken place in the capital over the last few months.
This includes Interviews with the BBC, driving change with the Greater London Authority (GLA) and working with the London Board to ensure we do everything we can to make the SME construction sector as beneficial to our members as possible.
Remember you can shape the future of the FMB by joining many of our groups and committees take a look here
Skills for Sustainable London Skyline Taskforce success
The FMB continues to feed into the Skills for Sustainable London Skyline Taskforce - the taskforce is a three-year project led by the City of London Corporation, which has been tasked with bridging the skills gap to ensure Central London has a sustainable commercial and domestic built environment.
The FMB has been reenforcing the need to improve the image of construction in schools and ensure it’s a profession that is encouraged by educators. The taskforce has listened and has added engagement with schools to their list of recommendations.
London Director Sam Eden spoke to the BBC
I spoke to the BBC Economic Reporter Susanna Mendonca on BBC Radio London in mid-December about the impact inflation and the current national economic climate are having on home building in London.
I explained that borrowing not only affects the public but it also affects small house builders.
Phillip Roach Past Presidents’ Medal
Congratulations to Phil Roach for collecting a Past Presidents’ Medal for all the work he has done for the FMB and the London Region. Phil is a Director at Roach Brothers Ltd who have been a long-standing member with the Federation. The award was presented to him by National President Janet Etchells.
Reiterating the need for change to the GLA
I have explained that the UK desperately needs a nationwide energy efficiency upgrade programme to improve millions of people’s lives by making their homes warmer and cutting bills. Government needs to work with industry to deliver on such a plan and we stand ready to provide support. Clear direction from the Government would give industry the confidence to invest, resulting in new jobs and deliver much needed green skills training opportunities.
London Board Meeting
The London Board have met a number of times over the last quarter and discussed key areas where we can support members in London well in 2023. These include engaging with schools to encourage educators to promote construction to young people with strong practical skills. We continue to work with the Construction Leadership Council on material price rises and ensuring membership services are as relevant and benefitting to your business as possible. A key challenge that the Board would like to highlight to its members is the Building Safety Act 2022, this will affect SME building firms and we therefore encourage all of you to watch the free training webinar here.
Find out more
If you have any questions about the above or want to know more about how you can be more involved in the Federation then please get in touch.
Authors
Tom Peardon
Tom represents the London membership of the FMB championing their interests to key industry stakeholders in London and providing a support to the membership.
Tom has eighteen years of experience working commercially in construction media including fifteen years on the CIOB publications Construction Management and BIMplus. Tom has also worked on the Architects’ Journal, the Architectural Review and the Association for Project Safety publication the Project Safety Journal.
Tom holds a degree in English and Philosophy from the University of Roehampton.
