Bill spent many years as MD then Chairman of an awarded winning regional construction group mainly undertaking general contracting works and house building in Central Southern England and The West Country .Throughout his career he has been fully committed to improving Health & Safety both within his companies and the wider industry . He spent 6 years representing the NFB on the HSEs Advisory Committee ( CONIAC) , and had a long spell as a non executive director of The Building Safety Group.

Amongst his other roles has been chairing the CIOB ‘s Procurement Practice Committee and serving on its National Council , chairing the SME group on the Strategic Forum for Construction, and had the honour to serve as National Chair of the NFB . He is past Chair and now serves as a member of the management committee of the Southern Counties Builders Association.

Bill is keen to promote the responsible use  of AI to improved performance within the Industry, to further enhance the serves given to our members , and to improve those members bottom line. He leads on this topic within our Board.

Mark Wakeford MA CEng FICE CDir  Director of Brackley Holdings Ltd.  Mark Wakeford | LinkedIn

My group of businesses is based on a renewables company, Evoenergy that employs over 40 people and turns over circa £25M.  We are generally a design, build and maintain contractor, but occasionally work as a domestic subcontractor.  Other group companies include Aspen Retirement and the Brackley suite of companies that are developers.

“I am proud to have been elected to serve the NFB.  I hope to support the executive with ideas, contacts and resource to allow the federation to become the best trade federation in UK construction, representing and supporting our members regardless of size or location.  I also hope to help improve the governance of the NFB through implementing structured, best practice processes.”

Rupert is the Managing Director of John Perkins Construction, an award-winning construction company operating in Bristol and Newport. He joined the company in 1998 after working on major London-based projects for Taylor Woodrow Construction. As Managing Director Rupert is focused on enhancing efficiency, developing smarter working systems and building steadfast business resilience. Throughout his career Rupert has been deeply committed commitment to developing business strategy with collaborative relationships at the core, building trust and positive outcomes.

Beyond his role at John Perkins Construction, Rupert is actively involved in industry leadership. He serves as President of the Southwest Builders Federation, a Non-Executive Director of the Building Safety Group, and an Ambassador for the Considerate Constructors Scheme. He also spent eight years as a member of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) Industry Funding Committee.

In 2022, Rupert was appointed as an Independent Non-Executive Director to the Board of People’s Partnership, provider of The People’s Pension, further expanding his experience in governance and strategic oversight within the UK Economy.

Managing a H&S strategy within an organisation does so much more than “keeping your colleagues from harm”; at its best it provides the comfort for all of us to know that we can deliver products and services in a safe working environment, not overly restricted by ‘red tape’ and ideally with a positive impact on our mental health.

During my career I worked in a range of diverse locations and industries, some unsophisticated (Russia) some highly regulated (Steel, Petrochemicals – Upper tier COMAH) but all considered dangerous! I learned that systems, procedures, policies and behaviour are key components, but that communication and leadership are crucial to implementing an effective management strategy.

In my current role as H&S director/lead of Lindum (Construction) Group I have a close working relationship with the HR team and I am proud to say that my team and I have regular input in the business planning process as well as the divisional management team meetings; evidence that my team’s mission ‘to promote H&S in everything we do’ is succeeding.

Simon has over forty years of leadership experience in the Construction industry, having sat on the board of both private and publicly listed companies. He was notably recognised in the 2020 HM Queen’s Birthday Honours List, receiving a CBE for services to the construction industry and charity.

Simon currently is the chair of Northern Bear Plc, sits on the board of trustees at Beverly Minister Old Fund and is the chair of the board of both Road Link (A69) Limited and Road Link (A69) Holdings Limited (both companies that Henry Boot Plc hold a major shareholding in). He is also a past National Chair of the National Federation of Builders.

Simon was previously the Managing Director and Vice Chair of Henry Boot Construction Limited and sat on the Executive Committee of Henry Boot Plc, stepping down at the end of 2021. He was also a private-sector board member for the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership Board for eight years plus sitting on several related public private sector boards. Simon also sat on the CBI Construction Council for six years and is a past president of the Yorkshire Builders Federation.

Richard Beresford started his Chief Executive role at the National Federation of Builders in June 2014.

Richard brings senior management and commercial experience with proven leadership ability to build high performing teams and maintain excellent internal and external business relationships. He was the Head of the International Division at the British Medical Association between 2007 and 2014, focusing on both the commercial and representation functions to develop significant income stream and increase membership and profile.

Prior to the BMA, Richard was the Director, Europe for professional accounting body CPA Australia where he launched and established the London operation, developing qualifications, training, products and services for members. Richard also worked at law firm Nabarro Nathanson as Head of Marketing and Development, where his focus lay in project management and business development.

Before this, Richard worked in Australia for a number of financial and telecoms companies in senior roles. He is also an accredited instructor in lecture, has advanced accreditation in sales and marketing management and is a customer delivery specialist.

Richard lives in London and is a great lover of sports including rugby, water sports and running.  He also loves the theatre.

James M. Butcher is an Executive Director of the National Federation of Builders, responsible for strategy and operations, running day-to-day operations, strategy and overall business performance. James’ role is to realise the organisation’s vision to help NFB members build prosperous businesses and create optimal conditions for the construction industry – including ensuring that contractors pick the very best supply side partners, reducing risk, improving efficiency and delivering better value and outcomes for all involved.

James is a member of the UK’s Construction Leadership Council (CLC), sits on the CITB Levy Strategy Committee and is currently chairing CITB’s Sector Skills Plan for Heritage. He also manages industrial affairs for the NFB, as well as its key relationships with other sector organisations such as the Construction Industry Joint Council (CIJC), the HSE’s Construction Industry Advisory Committee (CONIAC) and the Contractors Legal Group (CLG).

James is a public affairs professional by trade, having spent over 10 years working in policy, public affairs and public relations – from one of the UK’s biggest political parties to Parliament, from agency to in-house and previously serving as a councillor.

Vaughan Hart is an accomplished Human Resources professional with over 35 years of extensive experience in the Construction Sector, Facilities Management, Hospitality, and Retail. Vaughan’s career commenced in operational and site management roles, eventually transitioning to Learning and Development and Senior HR generalist positions. His professional journey led him to become a Chartered Human Resources Professional, contributing significantly to both single and multi-site businesses within multi-national Companies

With a robust focus on Employee Relations, Employment Law, and Business Management over the past two decades, Vaughan is recognised for his strategic thinking and ability to provide pragmatic advice across diverse business disciplines. He is adept at both hands-on and strategic approaches to ensure business success and risk mitigation.

Starting with the Scottish Building Federation heading up the Employment Affairs department, Vaughan eventually took over as Managing Director, leading the organisation through transformative change. After eighteen years of service, Vaughan now works as a consultant, predominantly within the construction sector, supporting businesses with day-to-day issues as well as strategic business planning.

Claire Wallbridge is Director of Heritage Skills at the National Federation of Builders and one of the UK’s leading figures in heritage construction, traditional craft skills and workforce development.

With more than 20 years’ experience, Claire has built a national reputation for developing education programmes, qualifications, apprenticeship pathways and strategic partnerships that support the preservation of Britain’s historic built environment. Throughout her career she has worked with government, employers, professional bodies, colleges, universities and heritage organisations to strengthen skills across the construction sector.

Before joining the National Federation of Builders, Claire led the Natural Stone Industry Training Group (NSITG), providing strategic leadership for education and workforce development across the UK’s natural stone industry. She previously held several senior positions with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), where she led national heritage projects, developed qualifications and worked closely with over one hundred specialist construction organisations.

Claire has collaborated with organisations including Historic England, Cadw, Historic Environment Scotland, the National Trust, City &Guilds and NOCN, helping shape qualifications, continuing professional development programmes and national skills initiatives.

A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, she founded Women in Natural Stone (W.I.N.S.) to encourage and support women entering specialist construction careers.

A Freeman of the City of London and Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Masons, Claire has chaired the Craft & Training Committee and the HRH Duke of Gloucester Awards for Stone Masonry. She continues to champion the people, partnerships and skills needed to safeguard the UK’s rich heritage for future generations.

Sean Houlston is the Associate Director for Membership at the National Federation of Builders, where he leads service delivery, membership growth and HQ operations. 

With a background in planning engagement and political work in Westminster, Sean brings together industry experience and political insight. He regularly speaks on the future of construction, with a focus on how AI, technology and innovation are reshaping the sector.

Sean launched Ask NFB, a digital hub providing practical guidance for construction businesses, and founded the NFB’s Employment Affairs Group to give contractors a strong, unified voice as employment legislation evolves. He also sits on the board of Reaseheath College – one of the UK’s leading institutions for construction and land-based industries – and City & Guilds’ Construction Employer Industry Board.

Sean was selected to be a Parliamentary Candidate in the 2024 General Election and again in the 2025 Runcorn and Helsby by-election, standing on a platform of boosting skills, infrastructure and employment.

Director of Policy and Market Insight, Rico Wojtulewicz has been the National Federation of Builder’s (NFB) and House Builders Association (HBA) policy mainstay for a decade, ensuring members views and issues are solved and if required, raised with local and central government. As one of the most experienced industry voices he sits on industry and government working groups and boards, such as the Construction Leadership Council (CLC), Future Homes Hub and Heritage Alliance, and is across all manner of topics including Net Zero, skills, planning, industrial strategy, retrofit and procurement.

Edward de Souza is Brighton-born and joined the NFB in September 2026. He is currently completing his ACCA Accountancy Qualification, alongside developing his professional experience within the NFB.

Outside of work and his studies, Edward has a keen interest in both football and cricket and enjoys following both sports in his spare time. He also has a strong interest in history and current affairs, particularly through reading and listening to podcasts.

Elle is Membership Manager for the North West and North East, working closely with members to understand the challenges they face, identify their support needs and uncover opportunities to help them get the most out of their membership.

Before joining the NFB, Elle worked in Customer Success within the SaaS industry, where she focused on enhancing the customer experience, supporting clients through software implementation and helping them maximise the value of their solutions to achieve their strategic goals.

Outside of work, Elle enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring the outdoors with her Cocker Spaniel, Pippin, and travelling.

With more than 20 years’ experience in account management, business development and sales, Lee works closely with contractors and construction businesses to understand their challenges, identify opportunities and ensure they get maximum value from their NFB membership.

Away from the NFB, Lee is a lifelong Manchester United fan and has a real passion for football. He is also Head Coach of Warrington Town Women’s First Team, where he combines his enthusiasm for the game with his experience in leadership, team development and performance.

Whether supporting construction businesses or developing a football team, Lee is passionate about building strong relationships, creating opportunities and helping people and organisations achieve their ambitions.

Having started his professional life as a civil engineer, Eddie’s journey through the housing sector has including managing housing development and maintenance projects, chairing the board of a housing association, serving as a Housing Minister in Government, and now finds him supporting the Church of England in its housing ambitions.

With a background in public service, Emily works as part of the policy team ensuring members are represented and heard by government. She also sits on the Construction Industry Advisory Committee’s working group for Supporting Small Employers and works to ensure that our members have support from every level.

Jackie is the Marketing and Communications Manager at the National Federation of Builders (NFB), where she leads marketing, communications and events. Having worked at the NFB for nearly six years, she is responsible for delivering member focused campaigns, overseeing the federation’s magazines and managing flagship events including the Heritage and Traditional Build Conference and the Construction Awards of Excellence.

An experienced marketing professional with experience across live events, (Ticketmaster UK), healthcare and construction, Jackie is a former Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Chair and Branch President.

Mia Silverfield is Strategy and Technical Manager at the National Federation of Builders, responsible for delivering organisational strategy and developing new products, services, and initiatives. Mia’s role is to create practical and innovative solutions that deliver value to NFB members, helping them navigate industry challenges and contribute to a stronger construction sector.

Mia oversees the NFB’s technical advice line, providing members with guidance on key issues, from procurement and building safety to digital innovation and skills. She also leads the NFB Academy, providing industry-led training and careers support to help members develop their workforce, access new talent, and address the wider construction skills challenges.

Mia began her career at the NFB as an apprentice specialising in policy, parliamentary affairs, and communications, giving her a broad understanding of the construction industry and the NFB’s role in supporting its members. She also leads the NFB’s neurodiversity in construction initiative, working to raise awareness and champion a more inclusive industry.

Isabelle Hooker was born and raised in Shavington and joined the NFB in late September 2026. She is currently an apprentice studying Digital Marketing which is helping develop her skills within the NFB.

Away from the office, Izzy has been a Formula One fan supporting McLaren for the last four years. She also enjoys cooking and baking as a way of relaxing and having a rest from work.

Hayden Cornes was born in Stoke-on-Trent and moved to Crewe when he was young. He joined the NFB in late September 2026 as a digital marketing apprentice for the NFB where he is keen in developing his skills within the company.

Outside of the NFB Hayden has been trying to 3D model to print new and exciting things with his 3D printer. He also enjoys golf where he goes to the driving range with his dad whenever he gets the chance.