Getting to know your London Board

Question: What kind of work does your company do in London?

We are a design and build company that has moved from residential renovations to building much needed quality homes in London.  We work with developers but we are also starting to do our own developments where our focus will be to provide 100% affordable housing.

Question: What attracted you to becoming an FMB Board member?

Quite simply I was asked and I thought it would be a good opportunity to give something back to the industry and to support other FMB members.

Question: What would you say is the next big thing to come in construction over the next 5 – 10 years?

'Green skills' to enable members to play an important part in retro-fitting homes to a high standard to meet net zero targets.

There is a need to embrace all types of modern technology to improve productivity but we will always need skilled tradespeople on site to actually construct new homes and renovate existing buildings.  

Question: If you could change one thing to make life easier for builders what would that be?

Improve the perception of schools career advisors (and parents) about the range of opportunities in construction so that all young people can see a role they could enjoy and build a career.  This would improve the uptake of construction apprenticeships and bring more skills into the industry, which would help to arrest the rising cost of labour due to skills shortage.  This is not short term but after all, that is how we will get the next generation of Master Builders!

Question: What do you hope to achieve whilst you’re on the Board?

It is an honour to be the London Board representative on the National Board where I can make sure the voices of London Members are heard and influence the future direction of the FMB. I am also Chairing a Trailblazer Group to create a new 'General Builder' apprenticeship standard.  This will especially help SME building companies giving more flexibility for trade skills on site, and has been warmly welcomed by FMB members.

Question: What kind of work does your company do in London?

We are a design and build company that specialises in contemporary transformations.

Question: What attracted you to becoming an FMB Board member?

Being a Board member interested me for many reasons. Our industry has had a bad name for years and I believe times have changed and I want the public to know how professional our members are.  I also would like to help improve our industry where needed, from increasing the skill shortage to challenging material prices etc.

Question: What would you say is the next big thing to come in construction over the next 5 – 10 years?

I think that regularisation in the UK is going to be the biggest game-changer to our industry in the next 5-10 years’ time.

Question: If you could change one thing to make life easier for builders what would that be?

I would change the reverse VAT for SME companies.

Question: What do you hope to achieve whilst you’re on the Board?

I’d like the public to know more about the great work Master Builders do to ensure we eliminate fraudulent companies taking advantage of people and giving the industry a bad name.  I would also like to see our great industry being regulated one day.

Question: What kind of work does your company do in London?

A mix of private residential work and contract work.

Question: What attracted you to becoming an FMB Board member?

To try and make a difference and all round improve the industry and keep abreast of changes.

Question: What would you say is the next big thing to come in construction over the next 5 – 10 years?

The continued shortage of new people entering the industry and the lack of training and cohesion between schools and training for the industry.

Question: If you could change one thing to make life easier for builders what would that be?

Fully Incentivise apprenticeships and fully support their administration requirements, especially with H&S. As a consequence of lower wages whilst training, I would consider and propose "Apprenticeship Loans" On similar terms as "Student Loans" To further incentivise prospective candidates into the industry. Naturally this will require cross-party political will.

Question: What do you hope to achieve whilst you’re on the Board?

All of the above.

Question: What kind of work does your company do in London?

We are a building company based in South East London that focuses on residential refurbishment with a seperate building consultancy which provides design, structural engineering and party wall services.

Question: What attracted you to becoming an FMB Board member?

I wanted to give something back to the industry.

Question: What would you say is the next big thing to come in construction over the next 5 – 10 years?

I hope it will be licensing. This will be a game changer for Master Builders and consumers.

Question: If you could change one thing to make life easier for builders what would that be?

Licensing again. It will help out drive out unscrupulous contractors and help level the playing field for all

Question: What do you hope to achieve whilst you’re on the Board?

Licensing, increasing awareness amongst SME builders of the pitfalls they might not know about – making sure they have adequate insurance for example - improving the professionalism and standards of FMB builders and how they are perceived by consumers. Greater engagement to and between members, so that SME builders realise that there is a fantastic community in the FMB they belong to.

Question: What kind of work does your company do in London?

We are a design and build company that offer a wide range of services from small renovations to full house builds. We also undertake our own Development work 

Question: What attracted you to becoming an FMB Board member?

Firstly, the chance to meet and work alongside likeminded individuals with a common goal to increase the standards of workmanship and the perception of the industry on the whole. Secondly, the opportunity to use experience gained over the years to assist others in the industry facing the same challenges. 

Question: What would you say is the next big thing to come in construction over the next 5 – 10 years?

The continuing increase of net zero energy buildings / sustainable buildings.

Question: If you could change one thing to make life easier for builders what would that be?

As unrealistic as it may be I would introduce licensing. Leading to Increasing standards and in turn incentivise competent builders to remain in the industry. I believe that in turn this could go a long way to solving the labour shortages we are all facing.

Question: What do you hope to achieve whilst you’re on the Board?

For the board on the whole, I would like its reach to go further. Assisting more of the public to find reputable contractors.

Personally, knowing that my experience and advice was helpful and useful to other members – the new app will be a good space to meet other members.

Question: What kind of work does your company do in London?

We specialise in new builds, residentials & commercial extensions & refurbishment in SW London, Surrey & Sussex. We also offer retrofit solutions, including heat pump installations.  

Question:  What attracted you to becoming an FMB Board member?

Industry have given me so much, I like to give back too, As an FMB Board member, I aim to be a voice for SME construction, ensuring that the concerns of small companies are heard.

Question: What would you say is the next big thing to come in construction over the next 5 – 10 years?

A) The integration of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation into construction processes is expected to be a transformative trend over the next 5-10 years, improving efficiency, safety, and sustainability. But operation and large aspect of the construction still expected manual, and we might face bug shortage few years down the line.

B) Anticipate a focus on sustainable materials and energy efficiency in UK construction, alongside increased use of digital tools like BIM for improved project management.

Question: If you could change one thing to make life easier for builders what would that be?

A) To ease life for builders, I would simplify SME access to public sector contracts, ensuring that the best-suited companies secure these opportunities.

B) Build an app specially for builders, to help keep records, inv, quotes, payments, project photos etc. plus streamlining and automating regulatory processes to reduce paperwork and administrative burdens for builders could significantly ease their workload.

C) Compulsory 2 days off the site to enjoy life and improve mental health.

Question: What do you hope to achieve whilst you’re on the Board?

A) Would love for the sector to be licensed or regulated somehow, plus make a strong network for FMB builders among them to make power-full connection to be strength for each other.

B) Increase public awareness of the valuable work Master uilders contribute and combat fraudulent companies tarnishing the industry's reputation. May be within own bubble.

Question: What kind of work does your company do in London?

We are a small design and build company based in south London that focuses on residential refurbishments, extensions and energy efficiency upgrades.

Question: What attracted you to becoming an FMB Board member?

Joining the FMB has helped our business understand the issues we are all facing and helped us start to address them. It’s also been great to network and build friendships.

Once we started understanding the problems, I started wanting to solve them. One of the problems was my fixed mindset and I made a decision to get involved.

This has meant engaging more and more with the FMB and building new skills in communication and understanding. Joining the London Board has been a big part of this and has given me confidence to understand I can not only get involved, but hopefully make a difference and be the change that’s needed in our industry. Also the Christmas dinner was a big factor.

Question: What would you say is the next big thing to come in construction over the next 5 – 10 years?

A revived enthusiasm for taking pride in building and an increased skills level.

Question: If you could change one thing to make life easier for builders what would that be?

Help us all run profitable businesses. Too much of the industry is slanted towards the builder taking a disproportional amount of the financial risk. The competitive tender process is nonsense and encourages under-pricing. Our industry has a huge number of companies going bust which negatively effects our industries reputation and customers get caught in the middle. This is multi layered and needs a holistic approach.  Skills – Understanding the numbers and business – mental health and mindset – training and engagement – trade skill levels – good healthy inclusive business.

Question: What do you hope to achieve whilst you’re on the Board?

Help other builders avoid the traps that can cause businesses to be under financial pressure, leading to stress and mental health issues. Help us all put our egos aside and help each other be great builders, with sustainable businesses that make profit, deliver for our customers and attract more builders to join the FMB. Show others though our actions that getting involved is good for your business, general satisfaction and sustained enjoyment of being a builder / creator.

Question: What kind of work does your company do in London?

We are a family-run building contractor in South London, trading since 1946 as a general builder. More recently, we have specialised in insurance repair work.

Question: What attracted you to becoming an FMB Board member?

As the local FMB branch chairman, I wanted to get more involved in the region to raise the profile of local builders, and have previously served four years as Regional President.

Question: What would you say is the next big thing to come in construction over the next 5 – 10 years?

Our focus now, and in to the future, needs to be training the next generation of builders.

Question: If you could change one thing to make life easier for builders what would that be?

Regular and reliable cash flow is essential for every builder.

Question: What do you hope to achieve whilst you’re on the Board?

I want to raise public awareness of the FMB, of the planning and Building Control process, and of the realisation that a career in the construction industry is something to be valued and aimed for.

Question: What kind of work does your company do in London?
We are a small build company, with a sister architecture practice, and we do design and build services for homeowners and small property developers, most often in east and north London. We mostly build extensions, lofts, basements and period-inspired refurbishments of homes.

Question: What attracted you to becoming an FMB Board member?

What attracts me to being an FMB Board member is the ability to affect positive, tangible change to our segment of the construction industry, to lead the charge for raising and upholding standards amongst builders.

Question: What would you say is the next big thing to come in construction over the next 5 – 10 years? 

The next big thing in construction will be around new methods to lower the embodied and operational energy of our existing housing stock. New materials, methods, standards, details and specialists will be required to achieve this mammoth and worthy task.

Question: If you could change one thing to make life easier for builders what would that be?

Enact a law that makes registration for acting as a builder compulsory, with a national code of conduct and an easy, intuitive means for customers to vet their builders.
 
Question: What do you hope to achieve whilst you’re on the Board?

When I pitched to be elected to the Board I set out to drastically improve the public's perception of FMB members’ integrity. And I’ll do that so that the public comes to identify the FMB membership as the only safe, sensible, quality choice for any new customers. This protects the members, it protects the consumers, and raising those standards in the built environment will provide longer lasting, quality built, lower maintenance buildings.

Question: What kind of work does your company do in London?

Happy Building is a dynamic design and build company located in London. Our speciality lies in innovative residential refurbishments, where we blend contemporary design with practical construction solutions. We are committed to transforming living spaces while maintaining the unique character of London's neighbourhoods.

Question:  What attracted you to becoming an FMB Board member?

Joining the FMB Board aligns with our mission to elevate construction standards. I am passionate about contributing both directly and indirectly to the industry, ensuring that our collective voice drives meaningful improvements and recognition for small and medium-sized enterprises in construction.

Question: What would you say is the next big thing to come in construction over the next 5 – 10 years?

The construction industry is on the cusp of a technological revolution, with the integration of AI and advanced technologies leading the charge. These innovations promise to not only enhance building efficiency and sustainability but also revolutionise how we approach design, planning, and execution. This integration will be a pivotal factor in shaping the future of urban development and the overall construction landscape.

Question:  If you could change one thing to make life easier for builders, what would that be?

Streamlining regulatory processes would be my focus. Simplifying compliance procedures would allow builders, especially SMEs like ours, to focus more on quality and innovation rather than being bogged down by complex bureaucratic hurdles.

Question: What do you hope to achieve whilst you’re on the Board?
During my tenure, I aspire to foster a more collaborative community among FMB members. By sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices, we can collectively raise industry standards, promote transparency, and enhance the reputation of Master Builders, ultimately benefiting both the industry and consumers.

Question: What kind of work does your company do in London?

We are a small family-run maintenance, refurbishments, kitchens and bathroom business running from our offices and showroom in E14. We mainly do residential but also work for a few of the sites doing general maintenance for them direct.

Question:  What attracted you to becoming an FMB Board member?

My father was running the company when we became members but since his retirement i have kept this membership running as the amount of support from the FMB staff when needed is second-to-none be it the insurance services or legal advice.

Also the support from other members i.e. looking for a specific tradesman it just gives a real sense of a family feel.

Question: What would you say is the next big thing to come in construction over the next 5 – 10 years?

I personally think the biggest impact for me as a business has been the ULEZ expansion, the proposed charges for the Blackwall tunnel (coming soon) and generally how much materials have increased since COVID.

Question:  If you could change one thing to make life easier for builders, what would that be?

A country-wide register for all builders to be on so customers can check who they are employing. We go to at least 3 jobs a year where someone else has started a job then left without finishing it.

Question: What do you hope to achieve whilst you’re on the Board?

I have been on the Board for so long (on and off) my main goal for many years was the introduction of an app for FMB to use, this is nearly there and once done will become that tool to get to know other members and share decent subcontractors etc.

Going forward I think the goal is to try to make all members’ lives easier (and stop the Mayor of London ruining our great city even more).