What did the Labour Party have to say at the FMB Building Conference?
Bill Esterson MP is the Shadow Minister for Business and Industry, and he attended the event to provide the Labour Party’s perspective on supporting successful small businesses. With an election less than two years away, it’s important that the FMB can work will all political parties in finding solutions to the pressing challenges facing construction.
During the conference, Bill delivered a short speech where he discussed a range of industry concerns such as licensing, skills shortages and supply chain issues. He also referenced his recent visit to a fully retrofitted London home, alongside the FMB’s Chief Executive, Brian Berry, Ellie Reeves MP, and Nik Nelberg, a member of the FMB London Board. Bill left the conference in no doubt that he values the vital role SME builders play in the industry.
Skills challenge
We know from our recent State of Trade Survey that skills shortages are a major issue for FMB members, so it was important to hear Bill recognise this. Our State of Trade data shows that carpenters, bricklayers and general labourers were the most difficult occupations to recruit in Q3, with at least one third of FMB members struggling to recruit each occupation. The shortage of skilled workers also goes hand in hand with the aging workforce, alongside increased recruitment costs.
Cowboy Builders
Bill spoke about cowboy builders, and how this industry-wide issue which predominantly affects consumers tarnishes the reputation of builders as a whole. At the FMB, we support more regulation within the industry, and we believe a mandatory licensing scheme would help to increase quality and standards across the whole industry, while also boosting the reputation of our hardworking builders.
Economic woes
The Shadow Ministercalled on the Government to urgently transform the UK’s economic prospects, as there are serious concerns at an individual level and on the economy as a whole. He also highlighted that one of the best ways to tackle issues facing house builders would be to collaborate with those working across the industry.
He said: “The FMB has highlighted key issues within the industry such as cowboy builders. And I’m eager to continue to work with the FMB to tackle this issue, alongside supporting a national retrofit strategy.”
Solutions
During the conference, Bill addressed the need to find a retrofit strategy that works, and he described other retrofit strategies as being inadequate. We hope Bill will continue to support the FMB in getting a national retrofit strategy implemented. This would help provide a steady stream of work for FMB members, and bring benefits to the wider economy, while also helping the UK work towards more sustainable energy solutions.
Speaker
Bill Esterson has been MP for Sefton Central since 2010 and is Shadow Minister for Business and Industry. His brief covers manufacturing, construction and professional services and includes responsibilities for skills, levelling up and net zero.
Mr Esterson started and grew two businesses between 1995 and 2010 and was a local councillor before entering parliament. He graduated from Leeds University in 1990 with BSc Hons in Maths and Philosophy and trained as a chartered accountant after graduating.
He was a member of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Education, Housing, Communities & Local Government and Treasury Committees between 2010 and 2015, is Treasurer of the Tribune group of Labour MPs, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, vice-chair of the All Party Group for Children in Care and Care Leavers and vice chair of the All Party Group on Carbon Capture and Underground Storage.
