Five things I’ve learned about FMB members since joining London Hub Director
I’ve been with the FMB for around a month now so thought I’d take the time to share some of the things I’ve learned so far…
- Our industry needs licensing now! I was privileged to speak to victims of rouge builders at our House of Lords’ launch of our License to Build Campaign. Their stories of financial loss, stress and the mental health impact of poor building work are the best argument for licensing of our industry.
- The technical knowledge of our members is second to none. Spending time at Grand Designs Live on our ask the expert stand showed me the depth and range of knowledge our members have. Watching our members help with a wide range of enquiries from complex structural changes, mitigating noise from neighbors in a small flat to some bizarre project queries was impressive. A lot of visitors left with new ideas and big smiles.
- The next generation of skilled tradespeople are out there – but they need the right teaching. I recently met some of the young learners enrolled in our Build Academy programme and watched them learn block paving for the first time. The difference in confidence in the students by the end of the first day was noticeable. I’m looking forward to seeing how they develop over the course.
- FMB members in London come from a wide range of backgrounds and nationalities and all have their unique stories about how they came into the industry. It means that no two site visits are ever the same!
- Despite their different stories and pathways into the construction industry our members are united by a commitment to high standards and fine craftmanship. The 2025 Master Builder Awards are a fantastic showcase of this and I’m looking forward to the national awards in September.
If you’d like to tell your story, have a site visit or fancy talking through some of the challenges you are facing please get in touch: tompeardon@fmb.org.uk
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Authors
Tom Peardon
Tom represents the London membership of the FMB championing their interests to key industry stakeholders in London and providing a support to the membership.
Tom has eighteen years of experience working commercially in construction media including fifteen years on the CIOB publications Construction Management and BIMplus. Tom has also worked on the Architects’ Journal, the Architectural Review and the Association for Project Safety publication the Project Safety Journal.
Tom holds a degree in English and Philosophy from the University of Roehampton.
