With the 2025 Scotland Master Builder Awards fast approaching, FMB members are taking centre stage to celebrate and promote the pinnacle of building excellence.
Pam Wilson leads the charge
Pam Wilson, FMB Scotland President and Managing Director of Kevin Wilson Master Builders, recently stepped in front of the camera to promote the upcoming awards ceremony. Scheduled for 6 June 2025 at the InterContinental Edinburgh, The George, this event is a highlight in the construction calendar, drawing members from across Scotland, including the Shetland and the Outer Hebrides.
Watch out for Pam’s video which will be shared online soon. It underscores the significance of the awards in recognising the craftsmanship and dedication of Master Builders throughout Scotland.
The Scotland Master Builder Awards are more than just a ceremony – they’re a celebration of the hard work, skill, and commitment that define our industry. If you haven’t booked your place yet, now is the time to do so. Tickets are available for members, associates, and non-members, with options for individual seats or tables of ten. Book your ticket today.
Martin Daly shares his FMB journey
Pam wasn’t the only member who in recent weeks has faced the camera to help the FMB. In a recent video testimonial, Martin Daly, Managing Director of Martin Daly Builders Ltd shares his positive experiences with the FMB. He highlights how membership has provided valuable support and networking opportunities, and he encourages other quality builders to join the federation.
Watch the video on our YouTube channel here.
Martin's testimonial is part of a broader initiative where members share their stories to promote the FMB's values and benefits. These authentic accounts play a crucial role in attracting like-minded professionals to the organisation.
The FMB's Member Referral Scheme offers current members the opportunity to benefit when they refer new members. By sharing your positive experiences and encouraging others to join, you help strengthen the FMB and ensure the continued excellence of the construction industry.
Get involved
If you're interested in sharing your FMB journey or learning more about the benefits of membership, reach out to your regional team today and discover how you can contribute to the vibrant FMB community.
Challenge issued to the CITB
A core part of my role is lobbying on behalf of members. It’s about speaking out on the issues that matter to you and your business to key audiences which include civil servants, MSPs and industry stakeholders such as the CITB. Quite how this is done varies: from ensuring FMB has a seat on key working groups and committees to writing to Scottish Government Ministers.
Now the Standards and Qualifications Council for Scottish Construction (SQSC) isn’t exactly a household name. It is an important forum for the FMB and our members though. The CITB, the Scottish Government, the college sector and the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) are all around the table. At the meeting in Glasgow on 29 April, I challenged the CITB to increase the apprentice grants. This following feedback from Scotland Board members (and other members) on the rising costs for employers in employing apprentices. It has been over 6 years since the CITB last increased the CITB apprenticeship grants in Scotland.
The CITB noted my point and explained that they are discussing how best to spend the levy income from industry to support construction apprenticeships. More on this later in 2025.
Programme for Government
The Scottish Government published a 1 year Programme for Government on 6 May. From Planning to support for SME’s and the Heat in Buildings Bill: there are relevant parts of this programme for builders. I’ll be discussing this with your Scotland Board when we meet on 15 May.
Authors
Gordon Nelson
Director, Federation of Master Builders Scotland
