How we're run
As you know, we’re run by our members, for our members, and our governance is structured across both national and local levels.
Nationally, an elected Board of Directors, made up of 13 member representatives who have been nominated by their Area Boards, provides the strategic leadership. The National President chairs this board for a two-year term.
Locally, there are 10 area boards each comprising up to 14 elected FMB members. These boards meet regularly to discuss and consider local building sector experiences and make recommendations to support members.
As well as helping to coordinate activities, represent the FMB and our members to industry stakeholders and undertake member engagement across the South region, another part of my role is to support the FMB’s governance across the where we have two area boards; the South West and the Southern Counties. My other Hub Director colleagues also do this for their nations and regions and you find more information who they are and where they cover on our Where we operate page.
What’s been happening?
Earlier this month the Southern Counties area board appointed their area president and national board representative which saw Geoff Anderson elected as the Southern Counties area president and John Ford as the area’s national board representative.
Focus for the board
Following his appointment as area president, I’ve been speaking with Geoff who shared his priorities for the region over the next year.
“I'm delighted to have been re-elected as the regional president for my second term. In the next couple of years I'd like to see some serious progress on the Licence to Build proposals which will continue to raise standards within construction and particularly within the FMB membership. The Building Safety Act will have significant ramifications for every small builder and we're working at both regional and national levels to help members to navigate this relatively new legislation.
I'd love to see significantly increased public awareness of the FMB and our hugely talented Master Builder members; this would lead to increased membership and to the FMB becoming an aspirational brand.
The national economy is in a tricky position at the moment with a lot of uncertainty for many of the general public which will lead to downscaling or even cancellation of extensions and other building projects. The knock-on effect of this will be additional stress and pressure heaped on the shoulders of FMB members. The FMB and organisations such as the Lighthouse Charity have many resources aimed at helping members of the construction industry to cope. Construction is a tough industry and it challenges you both physically and mentally; recognising the signs of poor mental health and seeking help is a big and difficult step to take but it is essential.
I am always pleased to hear from any members who simply want a chat or who need any help, advice or support.”
You can contact Geoff on 07940 104294 or geoff@andersoncontractorslimited.co.uk.
Who’s who on the Southern Counties Area Board?
As well as Geoff from Anderson Contractors Ltd, your other Southern Counties board members are:
- Peter Atkins from AS Homes and Construction UK Limited, who’s also the Area Board Vice President
- John Ford, Build My Home Ltd, National Board Representative
- Phillip Hall, Hall Construction - National Vice President
- Terry Vinn, Totus Construction Ltd
- Gareth Daniel, G Daniel Building & Maintenance Ltd
- Jim Barton, Emsworth Builders
- Maddy Hitchcox, Apli Construction Ltd
- Spencer Ellis, Kent Building & Construction Ltd
- Nikki Lambert, Lambert Design and Build Ltd
- David Short, R Short & Sons Ltd
- Simon Banham, Aztech
- Victoria Collins, KingsRock Construction Ltd
- Duane Tobin, S&D Brickwork Ltd
Your area board members are your voice in the region and the meetings focus on the issues that are affecting you. If you’d like to learn more or get involved, then please just let me know.
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.
