I’ve recently been speaking with Lucy Lewis Project Co-ordinator from Build Torbay to learn more about the initiative and how FMB members in the area could get involved. It's an initiative that was first brought to my attention by South Devon based Master Builder and South West Area Board member Victoria Edwards, whose company Edleigh Construction Ltd is a member of Build Torbay.
What is Build Torbay?
Lucy told me that Build Torbay was established in 2021 by Torbay Council to inspire local people to have a career in construction, including the wide range of opportunities coming from the area's regeneration projects and other investment. By collaborating with local businesses and training providers, Build Torbay is actively working to close the skills gap in the construction sector, helping residents secure well-paid careers and directly benefit from the investments transforming Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham. As well as building new spaces, Build Torbay also focuses on building a skilled local workforce to meet the local skills need.
FMB becomes a Build Torbay partner
We’ve recently become a partner of Build Torbay to help showcase and represent members in the area and to raise awareness of opportunities that come up. You can learn more about the partners (along with the Build Torbay members) here.
How can Build Torbay help local FMB members?
For Victoria, Build Torbay provides an opportunity for local businesses to make a difference to the communities they live and work in:
'At Edleigh Construction, we joined Build Torbay alongside other locally based construction businesses because we believe in keeping work within our community. We live here, our families live here, and we directly benefit from the development of our towns and cities. That makes us more committed, more invested, and more determined to deliver quality work. We’re not just building for a client — we’re building for the future of our own community.
'By working with local firms like ours, councils and developers can achieve better value while also ensuring that investment circulates within Torbay, supporting local jobs and skills.
'Finally, we have to say that Lucy, who heads up Build Torbay, is an absolute star. She brings community businesses together for tenders, keeps us educated on changes in the industry, and — with our support — takes that education to the next generation. It’s a two-way effort that not only strengthens our sector but also helps drive our communities forward.'
Become part of Build Torbay – it's free
If you’re based in the area and would like to become a free member of Build Torbay or would like to learn more, then just get in touch with Lucy 07977 055562 lucy.lewis@torbay.gov.uk.
Authors
Iain Kirtley
With over 20 years’ experience of membership bodies, not for profit organisations and the private sector, Iain joined the FMB in August 2023 from the Chartered Institute of Building where he worked with construction companies of all sizes to support them with training, development and accreditation.
