From the Basement: What licensing the building trade could look like for builders

In episode three of Buildup from the Basement, our host Iona Stewart-Richardson and FMB Head of External Affairs Jeremy Gray take a deep dive into the topic of builder licensing in the UK. With nearly half of UK adults wrongly believing that builders are already licensed, Iona and Jeremy unpack why this misconception persists and the risks it poses for homeowners and the industry.

They explore the FMB’s ongoing campaign for a mandatory licensing scheme, highlighting how the current lack of regulation leaves consumers vulnerable to rogue traders and undermines standards across the sector. The episode discusses what a licensing regime could look like, including competence checks, background vetting, and mechanisms for accountability.

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Watch more in the series

21 May 2025

From the Basement: Mark Garnier MP on why builders need a Licence to Build

Why licensing matters for builders. Mark Garnier MP joins the FMB to explore how a Licence to Build could raise standards and protect quality work.

14 May 2025

From the Basement: What licensing the building trade could look like for builders

What would builder licensing mean for your business? FMB unpacks the facts, the misconceptions, and what better regulation could look like.

14 May 2025

From the Basement: The economic outlook for builders with economist Tom Hall

FMB and Aqua Consultants’ Tom Hall break down the economic outlook for construction SMEs - unpacking interest rates, uncertainty, and what it means for construction.