Geoff Anderson of Anderson Contractors Ltd was recently elected by members as their new FMB Southern Counties President. He takes over from Maddy Uren and will be in post for a two-year term. FMB Senior Hub Director, Ifan Glyn, caught up with Geoff to find out more about his hopes and aspirations as President, and to find out what makes him tick.
Question: Congratulations! How do you feel about members electing you as their new FMB Southern Counties President?
I feel very privileged! My predecessor Maddy Uren, and before her Martin Fosbrook, did a brilliant job of putting the Southern Counties Board in good shape and I’m excited about continuing with their good work. I’m also looking forward to working with our new Vice President, Tim Vinn, who also has some excellent ideas.
Question: Can you tell us about your career in the construction industry to date?
I left school, did a few jobs that were not construction related, and then did a degree in timber technology. After graduating, I predominantly did home extensions and renovations and then built my first new build in 2005. That then evolved, and now my sole focus is on building new homes. I have a keen interest in sustainability, and therefore I guess my USP is that the homes we build are particularly green, eco, whatever you want to call it! I have done a whole house to Passivhaus standard, which I particularly enjoyed. I use local materials as much as possible and like to get hands-on with all my projects.
Question: What drove you to the green side of building? Was it an ethical decision, a business decision, or just something that interests you?
All three I guess. I obviously have an interest in timber, which is a sustainable product, I see the future of the industry as inevitably green, so there’s a limitless business opportunity there. I also have kids and believe that I have a responsibility to leave the planet in a better state than I found it, however small my contribution.
Question: What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the building industry right now?
Skills shortages is a massive problem and has been for some time. I think the core reason for this is that construction has an image problem - it’s seen as an industry that you should only get into as a last resort, which is a shame.
There’s also a problem with professionalism and poor quality within the sector. Too many so-called builders are getting away with poor workmanship and poor professionalism, and we’re all then unfortunately tarred with the same brush.
Consumers are also at fault and there’s a big piece of work that needs to be done to educate people about choosing the right builder. People too often look for the cheapest builder - why do you want someone that’s cheap? I don’t look for someone cheap when I’m fixing my car; why would I look for someone cheap to work on my house?
Question: Any ideas on how we overcome some of these challenges?
Now you’re asking! As the largest trade association in the construction sector, I think the FMB has a massive role to play in speaking on behalf of the SME building community. We, the members, also have a major role to play, especially those of us who have been elected to represent the interests of our fellow members.
On the need to raise standards, and champion quality, this in my eyes, is one of the FMB’s primary reasons for existing. With the inspection structure and company checks in place, it’s not easy to become a Master Builder. I’m all for that. We are the best in the business, and we should be shouting about it.
Professionalising the sector and demanding higher standards would make a decent dent in resolving the skills crisis as it would make it a more attractive industry to join.
Question: As you know, one of the FMB’s main campaigns is for the licensing of the UK construction sector; an issue that many members on the Southern Counties Area Board feel passionately about. What are your thoughts on licensing?
In principle, I agree with it. However, I’m not sure that it’s the silver bullet that some people hoped it would be. For me, it’s one piece of the jigsaw. It is vitally important that if a licensing scheme was ever introduced, that it is not too onerous on small companies; your one-man bands and so on. Too often, new legislation and regulation disproportionately impacts small businesses, and that’s unfair in my eyes.
I’m aware that interest for a licensing scheme within Government is currently lukewarm at best. Therefore, for now, I think the important thing is that we, as members, support the FMB in its quest to continue raising the standards of its membership.
Question: What are your thoughts on current new build standards in relation to net zero?
In a nutshell, I think minimum standards in terms of EPC need to be higher. I also think that solar panels on new homes should be compulsory - it’s a no-brainer for me. Most SME housebuilders do it now anyway. The larger players seem more hesitant for some reason.
Energy-efficiency regs are going to become tighter and tighter, and rightly so in my view. It’s going to be a two-pronged approach; you’ve got the regs, but you’ve also got the clients, who are increasingly demanding more energy-efficient homes, especially in the face of rising energy costs.
Question: What are your hobbies outside work?
I love watching live sports, especially cricket. I am also a keen motorcyclist and go to watch all sorts of races across the world, particularly Moto GP. I take part in various country sports and I also have a wife and two sons - one who is 17, and the other is 21, so they keep me busy!
Question: What type of President do you hope to be?
Approachable, and someone who champions the causes of members. I’d encourage any member in the Southern Counties who wishes to get in touch to do so. If you have ideas about improving the FMB, or have views on a particular industry matter, get in touch. I can then raise this with my fellow Board members, and we can then hopefully help.
My mobile number is 07940104294 and my email address is geoff@andersoncontractorslimited.co.uk.
