FMB Licensing Reception 2025

We headed to Westminster this week, to take the fight for licensing to Parliament.

In the UK today, there are no legal requirements for someone to prove their training, experience, or ability before carrying out construction work. The absence of essential regulation is damaging our industry. It endangers lives, erodes public trust, and tarnishes the reputation of skilled professionals who take pride in delivering quality work.

We believe this must change, which is why we’re calling for the Government to introduce a Licence to Build.

Our campaign

The campaign took centre stage at the FMB’s Spring event, where nearly 200 politicians, journalists, industry experts and FMB members, alongside members of the public who have been victims of rogue traders, packed out the House of Lords to call for change.

This year’s reception was kindly sponsored by the People’s Partnership, and hosted by Peer, Lord Best, and we were delighted to be joined by Bill Esterson MP, the Chair of the Parliament Energy Committee which is backing the call for licensing. Shadow Energy Security and Net Zero Minister Andrew Bowie MP, and Munira Wilson MP from the Liberal Democrats also shared their thoughts with guests.

BB Addresses 2025 Spring Reception — Licensing is crucial to protecting both builders and consumers, says Brian Berry

Why these events matter

Events like this help to ensure that the work of the FMB is able to reach the widest possible audience, and can be heard by the decision makers in our society. They are vital in ensuring that the work we do throughout the year actually has a real impact, and this means our members having their voices heard at the highest level.

Introducing a licensing scheme is essential for the future of the construction industry, with overwhelming support from 86% of FMB members.

But change can only happen with the Government’s backing. The FMB Spring Reception attracted supporters and representatives from across the political spectrum - securing cross-party support will be the key.

Having some of the most senior politicians in Britain choosing to support FMB events demonstrates clearly that our message is cutting through.

Bowie Wilson 2025 2 — _{MPs Andrew Bowie and Munira Wilson spoke on the need to back Britain's Builders}

What was said?

Brian Berry, FMB Chief Executive, took the opportunity to speak about the achievements of the FMB over the past year, and to pay tribute to the essential role that the industry plays in supporting people across the UK with freedom and security in their lives.

Talking about the new ‘Licence to Build’ report, Brian was clear about the damage that rogue traders do to the industry. Highlighting the horrifying experiences of some of the victims of cowboy builders who joined us on the evening, he stressed the importance of setting minimum competency levels, both for builders and consumers.

Bill Esterson MP continued, explaining the work that the Energy Security and Net Zero Select Committee (ESNZ), which he chairs, does to focus on efforts to retrofit the UK’s homes with energy efficient upgrades. Bill noted the essential role SME builders have to playing in carrying out retrofitting work, and explained the importance of ensuring the people doing the work carry out projects to the highest possible standards.

The ESNZ Committee’s backing for licensing is a major victory for the FMB, and shows the power small builders can have when they come together.

Munira Wilson MP, the Lib Dem spokesperson for Children and Families, first contacted the FMB back in February following meetings she had had with a constituent about the devastating impact rogue builders had had on their life, wrecking their home, destroying their mental health, and costing them tens of thousands of pounds.

It is vital that change is made to protect some of the most vulnerable people in society.

Nicola Sinclair , the Head of Responsible Business and Construction Alliance at the People’s Partnership, the sponsor for the event, talked about the work that their organisation does to support construction workers.

Nicola spoke about the work that their Charitable Trust has done in donating funding to the construction sector, supporting people in the industry, a talked further about the amazing work the People’s Partnership does to support worthy causes which extend far beyond builders.