FMB Winter Parliamentary Reception 2024

The FMB once again headed to the House of Lords for this year’s Winter Parliamentary Reception, on 16 December. Each year the event gives us an opportunity to ensure that the issues which matter most to you, our members, can be heard by our politicians in Westminster, as well as allowing us to celebrate the achievements of our organisation.

This year’s reception was kindly sponsored by the People’s Partnership, and hosted by Liberal Democrat Peer, Lord Foster, featuring the launch of the FMB’s new research report, in collaboration with the London School and Economics and Political Science (LSE), “Supporting SME Housebuilders: Challenges and Opportunities.” We were delighted to be joined by several exciting speakers, including the Government’s Housing Minister, Matthew Pennycook MP, at what was a hotly attended event.

What was said?

Brian Berry, FMB Chief Executive, took the opportunity to speak about the achievements of the FMB over the past year, and to pay tribute to the essential role that the industry plays in supporting people across the UK with freedom and security in their lives.

Brian spoke about the new Government’s ambitious targets to build 1.5 million homes over the course of the next 5 years, but was clear that they need to take steps to diversify the housing market if they are to deliver on these goals.

He paid tribute to the work of Christine Whitehead and Adriana Gaganis, the authors of LSE’s report, and stressed the importance of Ministers paying attention to its recommendations.

We were delighted to be joined by the Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook MP, who was clear that more needs to be done to support SME builders across the UK.

He explained the steps the Government have already been taking to release land and support Local Authority planning departments, but added that a long-term strategy for the housing market will be key.

Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Kevin Hollinrake MP once again joined the FMB at our annual reception, having previously joined us in his former role as Minister for Small Businesses at last year’s event.

Speaking about his own nearly 30 year career as an estate agent before becoming an MP, he spoke about the importance of the Conservatives working with the new Government to deliver more homes, but made the point that Ministers must consider the impact on SMEs in the new Employment Bill.

Nicola Sinclair, the Head of Responsible Business and Construction Alliance at the People’s Partnership, the sponsor for the event, talked about the work that their organisation does to support construction workers.

Nicola spoke about the work that their Charitable Trust has done in donating funding to the construction sector, supporting people in the industry, a talked further about the amazing work the People’s Partnership does to support worthy causes which extend far beyond builders.

Finally, we heard from the FMB National President Chris Carr, attending his first Parliamentary Reception in the role. Chris stressed the importance of everyone in politics coming together to solve the challenges builders face, but that he is proud FMB members continue to provide clients with high quality reliable work, despite the challenging times they have been experiencing in recent years.

Why these events matter

The 2024 Winter Parliamentary Reception was a great success, with more than 120 people joining us in the House of Lords. Events like this help to ensure that the work of the FMB is able to reach the widest possible audience, and can be heard by the decision makers in our society.

The reception was attended by many FMB Members, politicians and policy makers, journalists and stakeholders from across the construction industry, who we will continue to work with to push forward our members’ needs. At the event we asked for the Government to tackle the ongoing Housing Crisis head on, and take the significant steps needed to tackle the ongoing construction skills crisis; diversify the housing market from a small number of volume housebuilders; and ensure substantial planning reforms are rolled out.

Events like this are vital in ensuring that the work we do throughout the year actually has a real impact, and this means our members having their voices heard at the highest level. Our speakers at the event were full of praise for the work which the FMB does, and the most senior politicians responsible for Housing policy in Britain choosing to support FMB events demonstrates clearly that our message is cutting through.

Thanks to all who took part...