Federation of Master Builders (FMB)

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Planning reforms welcome, but planning needs cash injection, says FMB17/12/2025
Today's announced reforms to the planning system are welcome changes to boost housing output, but without adequate funding for local authority planning teams, smaller house [...]
FMB backs MPs urgent call for retrofit skills plan08/12/2025
The House of Commons Energy Security and Net Zero Committee has today (5/12/25) published its report on, “Workforce planning to deliver clean, secure energy”, warning [...]
Westminster Debate Highlights Urgent Need to Tackle Rogue Builders17/11/2025
A Westminster Hall debate yesterday, led by Mark Garnier MP, brought MPs from across the political spectrum together to address the growing problem of rogue [...]
FMB launches first construction training academy to tackle workforce shortages13/11/2025
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has started an innovative construction training academy aimed at addressing the critical skills shortage and getting more people into [...]
FMB President Highlights Retrofit Excellence Amid Growing National Quality Crisis16/10/2025
The new National President of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has started his presidency with a strong warning on the urgent need to improve [...]
Licensing builders must happen following ECO debacle, says FMB14/10/2025
Today’s National Audit Office (NAO) report, highlighting widespread failures in the Government’s ECO energy efficiency scheme, demonstrates that without a mandatory licensing scheme for domestic [...]
Five-year slump in construction activity is a wakeup call, says FMB08/08/2025
The steepest fall in construction activity since May 2020 is a serious a wakeup call that government announcements on construction have yet to be delivered, [...]
Federation of Master Builders CEO Appointed as YouthBuild UK Trustee07/08/2025
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is proud to announce the appointment of Brian Berry, FMB Chief Executive, as a Trustee of YouthBuild UK—the leading [...]
Worst construction performance since COVID should set alarm bells ringing, warns FMB12/03/2025
Urgent action is needed to address the slump in construction output demonstrated in S&P Global/CIPS UK Construction PMI data for February 2025, which shows the [...]
Fall in construction workloads, warns FMB03/03/2025
Workloads for small building companies fell by 8% in the last three months of 2024, according to the latest Q4 2024 State of Trade Survey [...]
FMB backs Farmer Report31/01/2025
Mark Farmer’s review of the two Industry Training Boards to transform the construction workforce is a much-needed blueprint to address the skills crisis and get [...]
A long and winding road14/01/2025
Brian Berry of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) looks back over what has been a pivotal year for housing, and highlights the challenges and [...]
Small builders key to delivering 1.5 million housing target, says FMB06/12/2024
The Prime Minister’s speech, re-committing the Government to their target to build 1.5 million new homes over the next five years, and the significant promises [...]
Downturn in building work for small building companies, warns FMB07/11/2024
Small building companies are reporting falling workloads, material costs going up, and a shortage of available workers, according to the latest State of Trade Survey Q3 [...]
How can you rebuild Britain without builders?", asks FMB16/10/2024
The Government has today launched its consultation on the new Industrial Strategy for Britain, 'Invest 2035: the UK’s modern industrial strategy', however, the Federation of [...]
Will housing be left in a state?05/07/2024
Brian Berry, CEO of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) says that as the Election looms, the current Government appears to have abandoned the need [...]
A busy start to 2024 & concerns for what’s ahead23/04/2024
Brian Berry, CEO of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), summarises the last few months for SMEs and looks towards future challenges lying before firms [...]
Positive signs on the horizon for small builders, says FMB13/03/2024
The 1.1% growth in construction is welcome news after the 0.9% fall in construction output in the three months to January 2024, says the Federation [...]
Budget is a missed opportunity to build, says FMB07/03/2024
The Budget was a missed opportunity to build new homes and improve the ones we have, to make them more energy efficient, which would have [...]
Construction enquiries fall by half, warns FMB08/02/2024
Nearly half (47%) of all Master Builder companies reported a fall in enquiries for new work at the end of last year leading to a [...]
Counting the cost of 202313/12/2023
Brian Berry, CEO of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), assesses the damage after what’s been a turbulent year for housebuilders, and what the new [...]
Grow your business with support from the Federation of Master Builders31/10/2023
At the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), we support SME house builders to manage and grow their business with industry recognition, helping you to win [...]
Comment – Housing benefits politicians17/10/2023
Brian Berry of FMB looks at the political manoeuvrings on housing as we approach the General Election buildup Looking back at my article from this [...]
Boost in workload for builders, says FMB04/08/2023
There has been a continued upward trend in the repair, maintenance, and improvement (RMI) building work in Q2 of this year, but house building lags [...]
Housebuilding is still a struggle12/06/2023
Brian Berry, CEO of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), discusses the latest data from the FMB’s State of Trade Survey and finds few reasons [...]
Housebuilding sector in crisis of delivery, says FMB08/06/2023
Despite an overall upbeat assessment of construction output from the Purchasing Managers' Index in its most recent report, it shows the housebuilding sector is in [...]
Creating opportunities for SME house builders30/03/2023
We’re on a mission to help small and medium-sized (SME) house builders and developers like you to build more quality homes across the UK by removing the [...]
The need for new support in 202321/02/2023
Brian Berry, CEO of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), discusses what the Government needs to do to deliver new homes plus extra support for [...]
Back to business24/10/2022
Brian Berry of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), considers what the new Government must focus on, for construction to prosper as the dust settles. [...]
Growth, Growth, Growth’, but is it focused in the right place? asks FMB05/10/2022
Commitment to growth and business could help building firms through the tough economic times ahead, but the detail and focus are lacking, says the Federation [...]
Did the queen’s speech deliver?16/06/2022
Brian Berry, CEO of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), discusses his views on the recent Queen’s Speech, and how it compared with industry expectations. [...]
MPs right to call on Government to publish retrofit strategy, says FMB31/05/2022
The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) is correct to highlight that the Government’s missing retrofit strategy remains a barrier to green the nation’s homes and upskill [...]
Playing our part in levelling up21/03/2022
Brian Berry, CEO of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), discusses why SME housebuilders should be utilised in achieving the Government’s agenda to ‘level up.’ [...]
Playing our part in levelling up24/02/2022
Brian Berry of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) discusses why the government should be harnessing the power of SME housebuilders to achieve ‘levelling up.’ [...]
Local builders are key to levelling up, says FMB03/02/2022
Local builders have a key role in helping the country level up, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to the announcement of [...]
A tough year for SME builders08/12/2021
Brian Berry of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), takes a look at the barriers SME housebuilders have overcome in 2021, and the challenges that [...]
Scottish building company breathes award winning life into derelict croft buildings04/10/2021
Aberdeenshire-based Coldwells Building Company Ltd celebrates win at the FMB’s 2021 National Master Builder Awards Building firm praised for their project’s effective integration of the [...]
Isle‌ ‌of‌ ‌Wight‌ ‌building‌ ‌firm‌ ‌sails‌ ‌to‌ ‌victory‌ ‌at‌ ‌top‌ ‌industry‌ ‌awards‌ ‌04/10/2021
Bagshots Ltd, a family-run company specialising in bespoke kitchens, takes home prize at the 2021 FMB National Master Builder Awards Firm wins Kitchen Project category, [...]
Dilapidated barns to superb family homes, wins business best House Builder Award04/10/2021
Keigar Homes Ltd picked up the prestigious industry award at the FMB’s 2021 National Master Builder Awards Keigar Homes congratulated for positive contribution towards the [...]
Award winning renovation brings much needed homes to Welsh town04/10/2021
Award winning renovation brings much needed homes to Welsh town Property Building Maintenance (Wales) Ltd celebrates success at the FMB’s 2021 National Master Builder Awards [...]
Durham firm bags Best Bathroom Award04/10/2021
Radford Construction Services Limited celebrates success at the FMB’s 2021 National Master Builder Awards Firm praised for overcoming hurdles and delivering a “stunning finished result” [...]
Northern Irish joiner wins Apprentice of the Year04/10/2021
Luke Emery, an apprentice at Northern Irish construction firm Lowry Building & Civil Engineering Ltd, named Apprentice of the Year at the FMB’s 2021 Master [...]
Making homes fit for the future13/08/2021
Brian Berry, CEO of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), explores a potential, more sustainable future for housebuilding in the UK. This summer’s floods – [...]
Material price increases holding back recovery for small builders, says FMB16/06/2021
Work for builders in the repair, maintenance and improvement sector remains healthy with a 5% increase in the three months to April 2021, but the [...]
Short supply14/06/2021
Brian Berry, CEO of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), explores how the shortage of construction materials is constraining small builders’ ability to ‘build back [...]
Support needed for SMEs to build greener18/05/2021
Brian Berry of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) explores why SMEs should be at the heart of the government’s plans for green construction to [...]
Construction recovery needs to support green homes, says the FMB10/05/2021
Government measures to unlock the full potential of local builders would maximise the construction sector’s economic recovery and support the country’s transition to net zero, [...]
Net Zero targets only possible with a National Retrofit Strategy to green our homes, says FMB21/04/2021
The Prime Minister’s announcement that the UK Government will set a target of cutting carbon emissions by 78% by 2035 is welcome news in tackling [...]
A difficult picture for SMEs14/04/2021
Brian Berry, CEO of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) takes a look at the challenges facing smaller builders this year, and what the Government [...]
Declining construction apprenticeships threatens ‘build back better’ recovery, says FMB29/01/2021
The year-on-year decline in construction apprenticeships threatens the UK’s ability to ‘build back better’ from the coronavirus pandemic, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) [...]
Long term plan needed to improve our homes, says FMB08/01/2021
Green home upgrades, that would improve the warmth and comfort of the nation’s homes, are being held back by the lack of a clear long-term [...]
Home improvements boosting construction work, says FMB11/12/2020
Repair and maintenance work is supporting recovery in the construction sector, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to today’s Office of National Statistics [...]
Green homes retrofit strategy needed to accelerate construction activity, says FMB08/12/2020
The slowdown in construction activity since the summer needs to be boosted by a national strategy to upgrade our existing homes to make them greener [...]
Joining the fight for increased diversity24/11/2020
Brian Berry explores how a different kind of diversity – housing diversification – is vital to meeting housing targets, and why the FMB has co-founded [...]
Green Industrial Revolution needs long term plan to green our homes, says FMB20/11/2020
The announcement about the start of a Green Industrial Revolution needs to go further with the inclusion of a long term strategy to make all [...]
Green Jobs Taskforce must support builders' contribution to net-zero13/11/2020
The UK Government’s announcement of a Green Jobs Taskforce reflects calls by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) for a strategic approach to net-zero, with [...]
Master Builder Awards: celebrate the best of UK builders12/11/2020
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is today launching its fifteenth biennial Master Builder Awards, a national competition that celebrates the best of the UK’s [...]
Small builders given voice at top of construction industry12/11/2020
A restructure of the Construction Leadership Council (CLC), the leading coordinating body for UK construction, has seen the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) take a [...]
Right to Build boost will help SMEs, says FMB02/11/2020
The Government’s announcement of a review to increase self and custom builds will prove valuable for local communities and SME housebuilders, says the Federation of [...]
Builders call for clarity from Welsh Government, says FMB Cymru26/10/2020
Builders in Wales are seeking clarity on whether they can continue to work in people’s homes during the fire-break lockdown in Wales. Ifan Glyn, Director [...]
Rise in construction activity offers employment opportunities, says FMB08/10/2020
The sharp increase in UK construction activity in September, according to the IHS Markit/CIPS PMI data published today, offers hope for new jobs in the [...]
New home space standards will prevent 'rabbit hutch' homes, says FMB02/10/2020
The Government’s announcement that new homes delivered through Permitted Development Rights will need to meet minimum space standards is a welcome boost to creating quality [...]
Building trades need to be prioritised for new skills funding, says FMB30/09/2020
Construction must be made a strategic priority for life learning, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to the Prime Minister’s speech today [...]
FMB Elects First Woman National President21/09/2020
Members of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) have elected Jan Etchells as their new National President at their Annual General Meeting, held virtually on [...]
Invest in planning to help house building sector bounce back, says FMB14/09/2020
The Government must release bottlenecks in housing delivery with more resource for local authority planning departments and mechanisms to hold them to account if they [...]
Buyer demand for new homes plummets to lowest levels in six years, says FMB10/09/2020
Demand for new homes has reached its lowest level since 2014, according to small to medium-sized (SME) house builders. The new figures, published today in [...]
Setback for construction recovery can be fixed with successful Green Homes Grants scheme, says FMB08/09/2020
Government must release the breaks on sluggish construction sector activity by stepping up its support for builders who want to get accredited for the Green [...]
Government must use Budget to invest in sustainable growth, says FMB11/08/2020
Construction is bouncing back from historically sluggish activity levels during the coronavirus lockdown, but this relative optimism must be converted into long-term growth and jobs, [...]
Planning reforms will help build, build, build, says FMB06/08/2020
In response to the wholesale reform of the planning system in England announced by the Government today, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) welcomed the [...]
Kickstart measures must lead to long term recovery, says FMB08/07/2020
Commenting on today's Summer Economic Update from the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), said: “I welcome [...]
New campaign will help builders and homeowners adapt to ‘new normal’, says FMB07/07/2020
Builders and homeowners are working hard to adapt to home improvement in the ‘new normal’ circumstances, and new guidance published today helps provide further clarity. [...]
Build, Build, Build needs Repair Repair, Repair, says FMB01/07/2020
The Prime Minister is right to call for ‘build, build, build’ but not let’s not forget the need to repair, repair, repair, says the Federation [...]
Construction apprenticeships needed to turbocharge economy, says FMB24/06/2020
Construction apprenticeships are needed to turbocharge economic recovery, according to new research published by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). The FMB’s report Trading Up [...]
Economic recovery needs local builders, says FMB14/05/2020
The Government must back local builders by bringing forward policies that support their recovery, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). This is in [...]
Government green light needed for safe return to work, says FMB06/05/2020
The construction industry needs a green light from the Government to ensure that sites can be re-opened safely, according to the Federation of Master Builders [...]
Britain’s builders need immediate Government help, warns FMB19/03/2020
Small and medium-sized construction building companies need urgent and immediate additional support from the Government to prevent wide-scale insolvencies and job losses, said the Federation [...]
Licensing would complete consumer protection picture, says FMB26/02/2020
Following today's announcement by the Government on the creation of a New Homes Ombudsman, Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) [...]
Builders waiting for the 'Boris bounce', says FMB29/01/2020
Workloads for small building companies fell in the final quarter of 2019 but builders are more optimistic for 2020 according to a recent survey from [...]
Back small house builders to improve the design of new homes, says FMB27/01/2020
Removing barriers to small house builders will deliver better quality homes and happier people, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to [...]
The SME Case for Self-Build20/11/2019
Brian Berry of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), explores how and why Government policy designed to aid self-builders can actually help SME housebuilders too. [...]
Transforming the industry for the better07/06/2018
Sarah McMonagle of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), explains the organisation’s three point plan to reform the construction sector’s approach to quality, in the [...]
Construction skills shortage gets worse, warns FMB31/01/2017
The skills shortage in the construction industry has got worse and has now spread beyond bricklayers and carpenters to other key trades, according to the [...]
SME house builders boosted by Section 106 ruling, says FMB12/05/2016
The Appeal Court’s decision to uphold a Government initiative to waive affordable housing requirements for small developments is a boost for SMEs and house building, [...]
Khan’s affordable housing targets would hurt SMEs, warns FMB04/05/2016
Sadiq Khan’s welcome focus on construction skills risks being overshadowed by an unrealistic affordable housing policy, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has warned ahead [...]
Fast track planning urgently needed, says FMB18/02/2016
Government proposals to offer a fast track planning process for house building are needed urgently, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Brian Berry, [...]
Council Tax misuse hitting SME house builders, warns FMB15/02/2016
Central Government must prevent local authorities from hindering SME developers with unfair Council Tax burdens, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has warned ahead of [...]
Council Tax proposals may damage house building, warns FMB07/01/2016
Charging Council Tax on unbuilt developments could decrease house building numbers by deterring SME house builders, warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response [...]
Queen’s Speech: Housing targets will falter without apprenticeships27/05/2015
The Government must succeed in its aim to create millions of apprenticeships over the lifetime of this Parliament if it is to solve the housing [...]
New BIS Secretary right to tackle late payment, says FMB20/05/2015
Proposals by the New Business Secretary, Sajid Javid MP, to combat late payments to small firms have been cautiously welcomed by the Federation of Master [...]
Council planning budgets should be ring fenced, says FMB16/12/2014
Council planning departments should be treated as front line services and protected from local authority spending cuts, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). [...]

3 found

Material change needed in 202103/03/2021
The FMB’s Brian Berry takes a look at the changes that must be seen in Government policy to allow SME builders to thrive in these [...]
Making builders licenced26/07/2019
For a profession which affects so many people’s lives, arguably more than most others, the housebuilding industry is a strikingly under-regulated one. Doctors have a [...]
Small builders face barriers to growth23/10/2014
Small housebuilders and developers in the UK face serious barriers to growth, with planning, access to finance and land availability highlighted as the biggest challenges [...]

Federation of Master Builders (FMB) Visit website

Planning reforms welcome, but planning needs cash injection, says FMB17/12/2025

FMB backs MPs urgent call for retrofit skills plan08/12/2025

Westminster Debate Highlights Urgent Need to Tackle Rogue Builders17/11/2025

FMB launches first construction training academy to tackle workforce shortages13/11/2025

FMB President Highlights Retrofit Excellence Amid Growing National Quality Crisis16/10/2025

Licensing builders must happen following ECO debacle, says FMB14/10/2025

Five-year slump in construction activity is a wakeup call, says FMB08/08/2025

Federation of Master Builders CEO Appointed as YouthBuild UK Trustee07/08/2025

Worst construction performance since COVID should set alarm bells ringing, warns FMB12/03/2025

Fall in construction workloads, warns FMB03/03/2025

FMB backs Farmer Report31/01/2025

A long and winding road14/01/2025

Small builders key to delivering 1.5 million housing target, says FMB06/12/2024

Downturn in building work for small building companies, warns FMB07/11/2024

How can you rebuild Britain without builders?", asks FMB16/10/2024

Will housing be left in a state?05/07/2024

A busy start to 2024 & concerns for what’s ahead23/04/2024

Positive signs on the horizon for small builders, says FMB13/03/2024

Budget is a missed opportunity to build, says FMB07/03/2024

Construction enquiries fall by half, warns FMB08/02/2024

Counting the cost of 202313/12/2023

Grow your business with support from the Federation of Master Builders31/10/2023

Comment – Housing benefits politicians17/10/2023

Boost in workload for builders, says FMB04/08/2023

Housebuilding is still a struggle12/06/2023

Housebuilding sector in crisis of delivery, says FMB08/06/2023

Creating opportunities for SME house builders30/03/2023

The need for new support in 202321/02/2023

Back to business24/10/2022

Growth, Growth, Growth’, but is it focused in the right place? asks FMB05/10/2022

Did the queen’s speech deliver?16/06/2022

MPs right to call on Government to publish retrofit strategy, says FMB31/05/2022

Playing our part in levelling up21/03/2022

Playing our part in levelling up24/02/2022

Local builders are key to levelling up, says FMB03/02/2022

A tough year for SME builders08/12/2021

Scottish building company breathes award winning life into derelict croft buildings04/10/2021

Isle‌ ‌of‌ ‌Wight‌ ‌building‌ ‌firm‌ ‌sails‌ ‌to‌ ‌victory‌ ‌at‌ ‌top‌ ‌industry‌ ‌awards‌ ‌04/10/2021

Dilapidated barns to superb family homes, wins business best House Builder Award04/10/2021

Award winning renovation brings much needed homes to Welsh town04/10/2021

Durham firm bags Best Bathroom Award04/10/2021

Northern Irish joiner wins Apprentice of the Year04/10/2021

Making homes fit for the future13/08/2021

Material price increases holding back recovery for small builders, says FMB16/06/2021

Short supply14/06/2021

Support needed for SMEs to build greener18/05/2021

Construction recovery needs to support green homes, says the FMB10/05/2021

Net Zero targets only possible with a National Retrofit Strategy to green our homes, says FMB21/04/2021

A difficult picture for SMEs14/04/2021

Declining construction apprenticeships threatens ‘build back better’ recovery, says FMB29/01/2021

Long term plan needed to improve our homes, says FMB08/01/2021

Home improvements boosting construction work, says FMB11/12/2020

Green homes retrofit strategy needed to accelerate construction activity, says FMB08/12/2020

Joining the fight for increased diversity24/11/2020

Green Industrial Revolution needs long term plan to green our homes, says FMB20/11/2020

Green Jobs Taskforce must support builders' contribution to net-zero13/11/2020

Master Builder Awards: celebrate the best of UK builders12/11/2020

Small builders given voice at top of construction industry12/11/2020

Right to Build boost will help SMEs, says FMB02/11/2020

Builders call for clarity from Welsh Government, says FMB Cymru26/10/2020

Rise in construction activity offers employment opportunities, says FMB08/10/2020

New home space standards will prevent 'rabbit hutch' homes, says FMB02/10/2020

Building trades need to be prioritised for new skills funding, says FMB30/09/2020

FMB Elects First Woman National President21/09/2020

Invest in planning to help house building sector bounce back, says FMB14/09/2020

Buyer demand for new homes plummets to lowest levels in six years, says FMB10/09/2020

Setback for construction recovery can be fixed with successful Green Homes Grants scheme, says FMB08/09/2020

Government must use Budget to invest in sustainable growth, says FMB11/08/2020

Planning reforms will help build, build, build, says FMB06/08/2020

Kickstart measures must lead to long term recovery, says FMB08/07/2020

New campaign will help builders and homeowners adapt to ‘new normal’, says FMB07/07/2020

Build, Build, Build needs Repair Repair, Repair, says FMB01/07/2020

Construction apprenticeships needed to turbocharge economy, says FMB24/06/2020

Economic recovery needs local builders, says FMB14/05/2020

Government green light needed for safe return to work, says FMB06/05/2020

Britain’s builders need immediate Government help, warns FMB19/03/2020

Licensing would complete consumer protection picture, says FMB26/02/2020

Builders waiting for the 'Boris bounce', says FMB29/01/2020

Back small house builders to improve the design of new homes, says FMB27/01/2020

Federation of Master Builders (FMB)
Visit website

Council Tax proposals may damage house building, warns FMB07/01/2016