Builders from across Wales joined builders from around the UK as the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) marked its 85th anniversary with its UK Conference — with FMB Cymru members playing a leading role both on stage and in the room.
More than 100 builders attended the two-day event at the Oxford Belfry Hotel & Spa on 9–10 July, bringing together 156 delegates for a Business Conference themed "Elevating your Business", with sessions covering AI-powered coaching skills, technology for small builders, and growing a building business through social media.
Among them was Gareth Jones, Managing Director of Carbon Zero Renewables and immediate past president of FMB Cymru, who has just taken up a new seat on the FMB's UK board — a sign of Wales' growing influence within the federation.
Taking up the reins as the new FMB Cymru President is Marc Reardon, Director of Pearwood Projects, whose CV includes a six-month stint building a research station in Antarctica for the British Antarctic Survey.
The conference, chaired by presenter and broadcaster Philippa Forrester, gave members the chance to debate the issues facing builders in Wales and beyond — from rising costs and skills shortages to the future of new housing. Celebrations concluded with a black-tie Gala Dinner for guests in the historic Dining Hall of Exeter College, University of Oxford, where former Fleet Street editor Eve Pollard delivered the after-dinner speech. A charity raffle on the night raised funds for The Lighthouse Club, the construction industry's wellbeing charity.
Marc Reardon, President of FMB Cymru, said:
"Being an FMB member means being recognised as a reputable builder. We're vetted on our finances and our health and safety — it carries real clout. I want to push the Licence to Build scheme here in Wales because there are too many cowboys and rogue builders out there causing so much grief, and I want to see more apprentices and more women coming into the industry. My own daughter is a qualified carpenter and machine driver — that's brilliant for the trade."
Ifan Glyn, FMB Director for FMB Cymru, added:
"It was fantastic to see so many Welsh builders make the journey to Oxford for this milestone conference. Wales has always had a strong voice within the FMB, and this year proved it more than ever — with Gareth stepping up onto our UK board and Marc taking on the presidency of FMB Cymru. Small builders across Wales are dealing with real pressures right now, from rising costs to skills shortages, and it's brilliant to see them coming together, learning from each other, and backing campaigns like Licence to Build that raise standards across our industry."
Gareth Jones, Immediate Past President of FMB Cymru and newly appointed FMB UK Board member, concluded:
"The best thing about FMB membership is the support network — the HR support, the health and safety, the legal advice. That's one of the biggest things for our business today. My advice to any young builder in Wales is simple: get involved. You'll meet like-minded people, you'll learn from experts in their field, and you'll always go away with something that improves your business."
