We recently brought our Licence to Build campaign to Stormont, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders and construction professionals to discuss how licensing can raise standards and create a fairer environment for SME builders across Northern Ireland.
Hosted by Matthew O'Toole MLA and generously sponsored by VELUX, the event highlighted growing support for a licensing system that would help protect consumers, tackle rogue traders and give professional builders the recognition they deserve.
Why construction licensing matters for SME builders
For FMB members and the wider community of SME builders, licensing is about more than regulation. It's about creating a construction industry that rewards professionalism, competence and quality workmanship.
Too often, reputable builders find themselves competing against rogue operators who undercut prices, fail to meet expected standards and leave homeowners facing costly problems. The actions of a small minority can damage trust across the whole sector, making it harder for responsible businesses to demonstrate their value and win work.
A licensing scheme would help level the playing field. By setting clear standards for domestic building companies, licensing would give consumers greater confidence when choosing a builder and help distinguish professional businesses that are committed to delivering quality work.
Growing support for licensing in Northern Ireland
The strong attendance at Stormont reflected growing recognition that change is needed. Policymakers, industry stakeholders and construction professionals came together to discuss how licensing could support a more trusted, accountable and professional construction sector across Northern Ireland.
FMB Regional President Steven Nickell closed the event by highlighting the need for a construction industry that works for both consumers and builders. He emphasised that licensing is not only about protecting homeowners from poor practice, but also about supporting the many skilled SME builders who invest in training, uphold high standards and play a vital role in local communities and economies.
The impact of rogue builders on consumers and the industry
A key part of the discussion focused on our research into the impact of rogue builders on households across Northern Ireland. The findings revealed the significant financial costs, stress and disruption experienced by consumers when building work goes wrong.
The research also highlighted the wider consequences for reputable builders. Every poor customer experience risks damaging confidence in the industry as a whole, making it more difficult for trusted businesses to stand out from those operating without the necessary skills, experience or professionalism.
Building a stronger and more trusted construction sector
That's why we're calling for the introduction of a mandatory licensing scheme for domestic building companies through our Licence to Build campaign. Licensing would help raise standards across the sector, improve consumer confidence and create a fairer environment for the many professional builders who take pride in their work.
The message from Stormont was clear: there is growing support for construction licensing in Northern Ireland. By working together, we can help build a stronger, more trusted construction industry that benefits consumers, builders and the wider economy.
Find out more about our Licence to Build campaign and how we're calling for change.
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