By Sean Houlston, Associate Director of Membership at the National Federation of Builders
As the National Federation of Builders looks ahead to 2026, our focus is clear.
Our vision is for an industry that is fit for the future: productive, purpose-driven and made up of professional people and companies. Our mission is to lead and support members through change, provide trusted professional services, offer relentless advocacy and uphold standards of excellence. And our values of being personal, professional and pioneering guide how we show up for members every day. In 2026, these principles will be more visible than ever in the services we deliver.
Membership of the NFB will continue to be a recognised mark of professionalism and credibility. Our standards of excellence, underpinned by entry criteria and an enforced Code of Conduct, are there to help members stand out in a competitive market. In 2026, we will continue to strengthen these standards, including greater promotion of the Heritage Approved Contractor Mark for specialist contractors and continued support for members working towards high-quality, responsible and sustainable practice.
Alongside standards, 2026 will see a continued focus on delivering trusted professional services that genuinely support business needs. Members will experience proactive engagement from the membership services team, clearer points of contact and a stronger emphasis on building long-term professional relationships with the NFB and other members. Every member will know who to speak to, what support is available and how to access it quickly when it matters.
Ask NFB will remain central to this offer. In 2026, we will promote it more actively as the go-to knowledge hub for members, providing fast, reliable access to expert advice across HR, legal, health and safety, tax, CIS, payroll, procurement matters and much more. Ask NFB is not just a platform, it is a philosophy. If you have a question, then just ask NFB.
Training and skills development will also remain a core part of our service offer. The NFB will deliver additional cohorts of the Leadership Diploma, supporting business owners and senior leaders to strengthen their capability. We will also expand access to Building Safety Act training and other legislative briefings, helping members stay compliant, reduce risk and operate with confidence as regulation continues to evolve. Additionally, we have a number of in-house courses in development which will be launched throughout the year. Keep an eye out for these!
Members will see the NFB as visible and engaged through events, forums and publications. Our flagship events, including the Construction Awards of Excellence (November 2026), Heritage and Traditional Build Conference (17 September 2026), parliamentary receptions and regional meetings, will continue to connect members, celebrate excellence and share insight. Our industry publications like Britbuild, Housebuild and Heritage Magazine will remain a platform for members to showcase their work, promote their businesses and help build the future of construction.
Advocacy remains a defining part of what the NFB delivers for its members, and in 2026 our approach will continue to be firm, credible and evidence-led. We will maintain a strong presence with government, regulators and industry bodies, ensuring members’ voices are heard on issues such as building safety, employment reform, skills, procurement and planning. Through our sectoral groups and forums, members will continue to shape positions that influence national decision-making and protect the interests of responsible construction businesses.
Underpinning all of this is our commitment to reflect our values in how we operate. Being personal means being accessible, responsive and genuinely interested in members’ businesses. Being professional means maintaining high standards, providing reliable advice and acting with integrity. Being pioneering means anticipating change, embracing innovation and helping members prepare for what comes next.
Above all, 2026 is about delivery that members can see and feel. By aligning our standards, services and advocacy with our vision, mission and values, the National Federation of Builders will continue to support members to operate professionally, influence change and succeed in a demanding and evolving construction industry.
