The National Federation of Builders has met with Gareth Davies MP, Conservative Shadow Minister for Business and Trade, in Parliament to discuss the challenges facing SME and growing contractors across the UK construction sector.
Representing the NFB at the meeting were Chief Executive Richard Beresford and Associate Membership Director Sean Houlston. The discussion focused heavily on CITB reform, workforce shortages and the increasing pressures being placed on employers across the construction industry.
The NFB raised concerns around funding changes, competency demands under legislation, workforce planning and the need for a more transparent and employer-led approach to skills reform. Wider discussions also covered procurement practices, contract risk and the cumulative impact of employment reforms on construction SMEs.
The meeting formed part of the NFB’s ongoing engagement with parliamentarians to ensure the experiences of contractors and builders are properly represented within policy discussions affecting the future of the industry.
Richard Beresford, Chief Executive of the NFB, said:
“It is vital that the voices of professional construction businesses are heard in Parliament. Our role is to ensure policymakers understand the real-world challenges facing SME and growing contractors, from skills and workforce pressures through to procurement, regulation and the future direction of CITB reform.
“These conversations are essential if Government wants a construction sector that is productive, resilient and capable of delivering long-term economic growth.”
