The FMB has been out in force this autumn, attending the Liberal Democrat, Labour and Conservative Party Conferences to make sure the voice of small, local builders is heard loud and clear. With Labour now in Government, our focus was on their plans to fix the housing crisis and support the construction industry. But we also kept a close eye on the largest opposition parties in Parliament, who are shaping their own ideas for the future.
Labour in Government: Big Promises, Big Challenges
At the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, housing and construction were front and centre. You couldn’t walk far without stumbling into a debate about how to get Britain building again.
The FMB hosted and joined a range of events, from packed panel discussions to policy roundtables, highlighting the vital role SME builders play in delivering quality homes and training the next generation.
Key themes included:
- Skills and apprenticeships: At the City & Guilds roundtable, the FMB met Skills Minister Baroness Jacqui Smith, where the conversation focused on licensing and training. FMB Chief Executive Brian Berry joined an NHBC panel to highlight the financial barriers SMEs face when training apprentices. We also called for unspent Apprenticeship Levy funds to be redirected to local builders. Brian discussed this with Tan Dhesi MP and Antonia Bance MP, and emphasised the need for more investment in FE colleges.
- Licensing: Licensing of domestic building companies was a hot topic at our panel with SME4Labour, chaired by Sarah Edwards MP, and supported by Bill Esterson MP, Chair of the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee. We also raised the issue at an event hosted by the Electrotechnical Joint Industry Board and Baroness Wendy Alexander.
- Planning and delivery: Labour MPs including Pam Cox, Chris Curtis, Noah Law, and Alison Hume contributed to discussions on the barriers to building and the need for practical guidance. Keep an eye out for the FMB’s new SME Developers Guide coming later this month!
- Industry collaboration: The FMB co-hosted a built environment event with CIOB, RIBA, RICS and the Labour Housing Group, showing strong cross-industry support for getting Britain building.

Conservatives: Listening and Learning
The Conservative Party Conference in Manchester was quieter than usual, but the FMB still made its mark.
Brian Berry spoke at a packed NHBC housing fringe event alongside Shadow Housing Secretary Sir James Cleverly MP, where a water leak sparked a lively debate about the need for competent, licensed tradespeople.
We also sponsored the Enterprise Forum Business Reception, which drew a strong crowd. Brian took the opportunity to speak directly with Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride MP, Lord Eric Pickles, and Baroness Rachel Maclean, a former Housing Minister and long-time supporter of SME housebuilders.

Liberal Democrats: Housing High on the Agenda
At the Liberal Democrat Conference in Bournemouth, housing was a hot topic from day one. Brian joined an NHBC panel to champion the role of small housebuilders and the skills they bring to the table.
The Lib Dems were clear: restoring a diverse housing market means putting SMEs back at the heart of delivery. The FMB also connected with Olly Glover MP, reinforcing the FMB’s message that small builders are essential to solving the housing crisis.

What’s Next?
Across all three conferences, the FMB made sure builders were part of the conversation - and the solution. Whether it’s licensing, skills, planning reform or apprenticeships, we’ll keep pushing for policies that support local builders and help Britain build better.