The National Federation of Builders is the foremost professional association of builders, contractors and housebuilders serving the United Kingdom.
Founded in 1878, the NFB is the longest-established trade body representing the building sector.
Our VISION
An industry that is fit for the future: productive, purpose-driven and made up of professional people and companies.
Our MISSION
To lead and support members through change, provide trusted professional services, offer relentless advocacy and uphold standards of excellence.
Our VALUES
We will achieve our mission by being:
- Personal: We believe in the power of genuine connections. Every member is valued and encouraged to grow, fostering an environment where individual contributions create a collective strength.
- Professional: Upholding exemplary standards is at the core of our ethos. We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our work, ensuring that professionalism and reliability are never compromised.
- Pioneering: Innovation drives progress. We embrace a forward-thinking mindset, challenging conventional methods and continuously exploring new ideas to push the boundaries of what is possible in our industry.
Become a member today
Annual Membership from £685 (£822 inc. VAT) to £10,725 (£12,870 inc. VAT) dependant on annual turnover.
Our Story
The National Federation of Builders (NFB) represents builders, contractors and house builders across the UK.
As one of the UK’s longest standing trade bodies, it was created to represent the building profession and to promote conditions its members need to thrive and contribute to the economic success of the UK.
Its members range from the sole trader to large, multi-million pound construction companies, with turnover ranging from below £500,000 to over £1.1 billion. The federation provides expert advice, training, representation and business services for members so that they can comply with industry standards, excel in delivery, and grow successful businesses.
Our timeline
As one of the UK’s longest standing trade federations, we have evolved to serve the industry’s changing environment. Our timeline explains some of the biggest shifts in our industry over the last 140 years.
1878
Formation of the National Master Builders of Great Britian
After a brief period as the General Builders Association from 1865 -1871, the Federation was founded in 1878 as the National Master Builders of Great Britain.
1905
Organised renamed as the NFBTE
The organisation adopted the name of National Federation of Building Trades’ Employers of Great Britain and Ireland (NFBTE). By dropping ‘Master Builders’, it formally recognised the associated building trades such as plastering, plumbing and tiling etc that were already included in memberships of the local and regional federations and associations.
1948
HBF was officially formed
HBF was formed in 1948 (known then as the Federation of Registered House Builders). It was an amalgamation of three pre-war bodies and represented the housing element of the National Federation of Building Trades Employees (NFBTE).
1984
The NFBTE joined the Building Employers’ Confederation (BEC)
Founded in 1878 under the name ‘National Association of Master Builders of Great Britain’, in 1984 the Building Employers’ Confederation was formed.
1995
Name changed to National Federation of Builders
1997
NFB joins the Construction Confederation
The NFB joined the Construction Confederation, an umbrella organisation including BEC, Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors (FCEC), Scottish Building Federation (SBF) and British Woodworkers Federation (BWF).
2009
NFB leaves the Construction Confederation
The NFB votes to leave the Construction Confederation and incorporated as the National Federation of Builders Limited.
2010
The House Builders Association is established
The NFB sets up the House Builders Association. The HBA is very active in lobbying government to formulate policy that encourages and rewards small to medium sized housebuilders.
2012
The NFB Heritage Group is formed
The National Federation of Builders formed the NFB Heritage Group. By working with our members and industry stakeholders, the Group is able to help ensure that the necessary skills, expertise and competences are in place to support a robust built heritage sector.
2019
Major Contractors Group formed
The Major Contractors Group is established. Open only to members, this highly influential and dynamic group establishes policy, holds exclusive events with influential policy makers and has developed a suite of resources just for major contractors.
2020
Britbuild and Heritage & Traditional Building magazines are launched
The NFB launches both the Britbuild Magazine and Heritage & Traditional Building Magazine. Both magazines are published three times per year focussing on the latest industry and NFB news, current issues and interesting topics. Over the course of the year 30,000 copies of Britbuild are printed and distributed and read on average by 90,000 key individuals across a number of sectors. Heritage and Traditional Build magazine has a reach of over 60,000.
2021
HouseBuild Magazine launched
The NFB launches HouseBuild Magazine in 2021 to support housebuilders. It’s published twice per year.
2023
Heritage Approved Contractor Mark launched
The NFB launches the organisation’s Heritage Approved Contractor Mark. The Heritage Approved Contractor Mark is an NFB-awarded badge which allows NFB members to show their adherence to the NFB’s code of conduct, their experience of working on heritage and traditional buildings and their commitment to employing or using experienced heritage and traditional building work project managers and tradespeople.
The NFB Membership Value
Whether you’re striving to maintain the highest standards of excellence, access trusted professional services for upskilling and expert advice, or engage with a network of industry peers through relentless advocacy, our comprehensive membership proposition is tailored to support you and your business.
Relentless Advocacy
The NFB lobbies government and industry bodies on key construction policies, represents members in regulatory discussions, and provides strategic guidance on legislation such as the Building Safety Act and CITB reform.
Standards of Excellence
The NFB upholds high standards by requiring members to meet strict entry criteria and adhere to the Federation’s code of conduct, proving your quality to clients and customers.
Trusted Professional Services
Members access a range of services including expert guidance on HR, health and safety, procurement, tax, legal, and policy through the Ask NFB platform, alongside specialised interest groups, bespoke consultancy, market insights, and industry events.
Our Partners
With decades of experience building relationships with leading companies across the country, the NFB provides members with a comprehensive support network.
From industry-leading education partners to exclusive discounts on essential services such as supplies, insurance, and marketing, members benefit from a network designed to support their success.
Industry
We collaborate with the leading UK authorities, groups and federations to fight for a better construction industry for all.
Educational
We’re proud to work with industry leading educational providers to give your teams access to the very best training modules and accreditations.
Commercial
We partner with a range of businesses to source you the best deals and discounts to help your bottom line.
Suppliers
Gain access to a range of trusted providers to help you elevate your business across a range of areas both online and offline.
