As the Federation of Master Builders marks its 85th anniversary, members from across the UK reflect on the businesses, communities and industry the FMB has helped shape over the past eight decades.
From Glasgow to Cheltenham, builders reflect on eight decades of craft, community and change as the Federation of Master Builders reaches a landmark 85 year anniversary
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is marking its 85th anniversary this year and members from every corner of the UK are reflecting on what those eight decades have meant for their businesses, their trade and the people they build for.
Founded in 1941, the FMB was established on a simple but enduring principle: that skilled, reputable builders deserved a voice, and that consumers deserved protection. Today, it remains the UK’s largest trade association for small and medium-sized building companies, championing high standards in an industry that continues to face significant challenges — from a deepening skills shortage and planning delays to the ongoing scourge of rogue traders who cost British homeowners an estimated £14.3 billion over the last five years alone.
As the FMB looks ahead to its National Conference at Oxford’s historic Exeter College on 9–10 July, members who have been part of the organisation for decades — and those who joined more recently — are united by a shared commitment to the values that have defined the FMB since its founding.
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders:
“Eighty-five years ago, the Federation of Master Builders was founded on a simple but powerful idea: that skilled, trustworthy builders deserved a voice, and that the public deserved protection from those who would undermine the trade. That mission is as urgent today as it ever was. As we mark this anniversary, I’m proud of everything our members have built, not just the homes, extensions and renovations that have transformed people’s lives, but the standards, the reputation and the community that the FMB represents. Here’s to the next 85 years.”
To mark the milestone, the FMB spoke to members past and present across the UK, asking them to reflect on their time with the Federation, the changes they’ve seen in the industry, and what membership means to their business today — and looking ahead to the challenges still to come.
NORTH — I J Curry & Son Ltd, Penrith, Cumbria | In business since 1990 | FMB members for nearly 30 years
For the Curry family, joining the FMB was about standing for something in an industry where standards are not always guaranteed. “Building is a people business,” says Nick Curry, “and we wanted our customers to know that we were committed to doing things properly and working to the highest standards.”
The firm has been building in Cumbria since 1990 — 35 years of barn conversions, new builds and renovations across the region. Over nearly three decades as FMB members, the industry has changed beyond recognition: customer expectations are higher, sustainability and energy efficiency have moved centre stage, and technology has transformed everything from how plans are drawn up to how sites are managed. But Nick is clear that some things remain constant: “Despite all the changes, the importance of craftsmanship and trust has remained.”
For a family firm now spanning three generations — Nick, his father Ian who first joined the FMB nearly 30 years ago, and Joan — multi-generational working is something they’ve had to navigate in practice. “The key is communication and recognising that nobody has all the answers,” says Nick. “Family businesses thrive when there’s mutual respect, clear roles and a shared vision for where the business is going.”
The FMB has been part of that journey every step of the way. The Currys’ proudest achievement to date is being recognised with two national Master Builder Awards last year, alongside a string of regional wins. “It’s reassuring to know that we’re part of something bigger than our own business.”
MIDLANDS — Graline Construction Ltd, Solihull, Birmingham | In business since 1974 | FMB members since 1995
Graline Construction has been one of South Birmingham’s leading family-run builders since 1974 — over 50 years of craftsmanship in kitchens, extensions and renovations across the region. But for Director of Operations Kathryn Poppitt, the FMB story is personal as much as professional. She now sits as the FMB Central Area Board President and serves as a Vice President of the regional FMB board.
Her father joined the Federation in 1995 — when the company had already been trading for over two decades — because he wanted the credibility of a professional body behind the Graline name. Thirty years later, that commitment has passed to the next generation.
“I feel like I’ve grown up with the FMB. My dad joined in 1995 because he wanted credibility behind our company and wanted to raise standards in an industry he’d worked in since he was 15. Being part of the Federation has been part of my childhood and is now a huge part of my business journey too.”
LONDON — JA Lofts, South East London | FMB members for 10 years
Jordan Ali started JA Lofts a decade ago with a clear intention: to stand out in a crowded market by holding himself to the highest standards. The South East London-based loft conversion specialist joined the FMB on day one — and has recently taken that commitment further by joining the London Board.
“Happy 85th FMB! When I started my company I wanted to stand out from the crowd and hold myself to high standards so signed up with the FMB right away. I recently was elected to the London Board so am looking forward to making a contribution to the direction the FMB takes — particularly on bringing the next generation into the industry. Here’s to the FMB raising standards for many years to come!”
SOUTH WEST — Newman Construction and Sons Ltd, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire | FMB members since 2019
Newman Construction and Sons Ltd may be a newer name — established in 2019 — but the team behind it brings decades of experience to every project across Cheltenham, Gloucester and Bishops Cleeve. For Emma Newman, the decision to join the FMB from the outset was straightforward: in an unregulated industry, credibility has to be earned.
For Emma, the single biggest challenge of recent years has been the worsening skills shortage — and the mounting pressure it places on firms committed to doing things properly. “The pipeline of skilled workers entering the industry has not kept pace with demand,” she says, “and this puts real pressure on businesses like ours who are committed to maintaining high standards.”
Alongside that, training costs remain a serious barrier for small firms. “A small building site can be every bit as dangerous as a large one, and proper training is essential — yet the funding available to support that training is simply not accessible enough for small businesses.”
“Being an FMB member remains as important to us today as when we first joined. It gives our customers the reassurance that they are dealing with a trustworthy, professional business in an unregulated industry — that mark of credibility matters enormously. It also means we are part of a wider community that is actively pushing for higher standards across the sector, which is something we feel strongly about and are glad to support.”
SOUTHERN COUNTIES — Batten & Beam Ltd, Hastings, East Sussex | FMB members since March 2026
For Batten & Beam, a heritage restoration specialist working across Hastings, Rye, Battle and the surrounding East Sussex villages, joining the FMB earlier this year was about proving something that’s hard to prove on reputation alone. Director Michael Esdaile-Stringer says the company’s independent vetting process was the deciding factor.
“We believe clients deserve confidence that the contractor they appoint has been assessed against recognised standards,” he says. “Becoming an FMB member was a natural step in demonstrating our commitment to quality workmanship, transparency and continuous improvement.”
As specialists in period and character properties, Michael sees the industry’s biggest looming challenge as a narrowing pipeline of traditional skills. “Many traditional skills are becoming increasingly difficult to find, particularly within specialist areas such as heritage restoration, lime work, traditional carpentry and conservation repairs,” he says. “The industry needs to ensure that construction remains an attractive career path while also supporting small and medium-sized firms that provide the majority of training opportunities within the sector.”
Three months into membership, Michael says the value is already clear on both sides. “For our clients, it provides reassurance that they are working with a vetted contractor who is committed to high standards and professional conduct. For us, it places us within a network of like-minded businesses that care about quality, integrity and the long-term reputation of the construction industry.”
WALES — Wyn Davies, West Wales | FMB member since 1998
Wyn Davies has been building since he started as an apprentice straight from school in 1978. When the West Wales branch was established around 1998 — the only branch in Wales — a handful of builders, Wyn among them, put in £10 each to open a bank account and get it off the ground.
Over the near-30 years since, he has watched the industry transform: tools, materials, technology and communication have all evolved beyond recognition. “When I started, all you really needed was a trowel, bolster, hammer, and level,” he recalls. “Today, you have to invest in the best tools just to stay competitive.” Yet the fundamentals endure. “The wheelbarrow, the pulley, scaffolding — still much the same. You simply can’t stand still in this industry.”
For Wyn, the FMB has been a constant through all of it. “The FMB has always felt like a family,” he says. One of his proudest career moments came through membership: winning the FMB Medium Renovation Award for Wales, followed by the National Award. “That recognition meant the world to me and showcased the skills and abilities of builders in our region.”
SCOTLAND — Young Wilson & Cunningham Ltd, Glasgow | In business since 1989 | FMB members for approximately 30 years
Glasgow-based Young Wilson & Cunningham Ltd has been building across Scotland since 1989 — a 37-year track record of civil engineering, construction and plant hire from their base in Rogart Street, Glasgow. The firm has been part of the FMB for around 30 of those years, joining to signal to clients that they operate to a standard above and beyond what an unregulated market would otherwise guarantee.
“Being a member of the FMB gives our clients the peace of mind that we are audited by industry professionals and that we meet the high-quality standards required in our industry,” says Operations Manager and Director Theresa Brown.
NORTHERN IRELAND — Nickell and Richmond | FMB Northern Ireland Board President
Steven Nickell, President of FMB Northern Ireland and Director of Nickell and Richmond, speaks for builders across the country when he reflects on what eight and a half decades of the FMB has meant: “Every project starts with strong foundations, and for 85 years the FMB has provided exactly that for builders across the UK. Thank you for supporting our trade, promoting excellence, and helping businesses like ours develop.”
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