Posts by National Federation of Builders
Suspensions are good but the Prompt Payment Code needs financial penalties to be meaningful
The NFB has welcomed the decision to remove or suspend seven major construction firms from the Institute of Credit Management’s Prompt Payment Code for failing to pay suppliers on time. The announcement to suspend or remove some of the worst offenders follows chief executive of the NFB Richard Beresford’s call to action for the Government…
Read MoreLords have an honest conversation about the role of SMEs in solving the housing crisis
Lord Bourne’s housing debate shows us how far politicians have come in discussing potential solutions to the housing crisis. Although the debate focussed on modern methods of construction (MMC), passionate speakers made such informed contributions that the Government would do well to act on them. These included considerations around the skills crisis, disability access, the…
Read MoreAn honest debate about housing is needed
SMEs are integral to solving the housing crisis. Lord Bourne is introducing a home building debate that focuses on driving up supply, reforming the planning process and improving the speed and quality of new homes. Citing the ambitious 300,000 new homes a year figure, Lord Bourne also focuses on modern methods of construction and making…
Read MoreSmall sites will help solve the housing crisis
RenKap will deliver an online platform where housing associations and local authorities can upload their unused small sites. Through its geovation accelerator programme, which awards grants to help Ordnance Survey and HM Land Treasury make better use of their data, the Government has announced funding for 7 property and geospatial start-ups. This includes RenKap, an…
Read MoreNotre Dame: construction’s priceless contribution to history captivates the world
As a fellow country with buildings and structures that date back hundreds of years forming part of our national identity, we share in the grief of Parisians. A fire engulfed the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which resulted in the destruction of the 850-year old external timber roof and…
Read MoreHousing a pawn in Tory Brexit leadership scrap
Former Housing Minister Dominic Raab has called for “radical” housing reforms in an attempt to help renters get on the housing ladder and increase the rate of home building. Attacking the Conservative failure to stand up to developers and ensure the construction of enough homes to tackle the housing shortage, Raab advocated a new Help…
Read MoreAll political parties must work together to deliver Brexit
The National Federation of Builders (NFB) believes that the House of Commons needs to work in the national interest to deliver Brexit. This is in response to the European Council granting the UK an extension to Brexit until 31 October 2019. This means that the UK will remain a member of the EU for at…
Read MoreWinners of the NFB Awards 2019 announced at ceremony in Birmingham
Construction companies and industry figures from across England and Wales gathered in the Midlands to celebrate outstanding contributions made to the built environment, and the high quality work and commitment delivered by both NFB members and non-members across the regions. Hosted by ITN’s broadcaster and journalist, Nina Hossein, alongside actor, comedian and writer, Robert Llewellyn,…
Read MoreIs the housing crisis returning as a Government priority?
Planning reform will go a long way to helping solve the housing and skills crisis. Addressing the policy conference of the Home Builders Federation (HBF), Housing Secretary James Brokenshire set out what the Government is doing to tackle the housing shortage and improve the quality of new homes. Brokenshire emphasised: the need to reduce planning…
Read MoreNFB helps members with the EU Settlement Scheme
NFB concerned that many skilled construction workers may not have the language or technical skills to understand how to apply for settled status. The National Federation of Builders (NFB) is concerned that many skilled construction workers may not have the language or technical skills to understand how to apply for settled status. From 30 March…
Read MoreNFB: Brownfield first is the correct approach
The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) published an updated analysis on the potential of brownfield land for housing. It calls for a stop to the unnecessary loss of our countryside and green spaces. Identifying suitable brownfield land for more than one million homes across 18,000 sites, the CPRE called on the Government to implement…
Read MoreBrexit gridlock could cripple construction
The NFB is seriously concerned about the consequences of leaving the EU without a withdrawal agreement. Leaving without well-defined transitional arrangements will leave the construction industry worse off than the financial crisis of 2008, which saw the industry losing more than 250,000 skilled workers. With the UK currently importing 90% of its timber from the…
Read MoreExtra CITB funding only half the battle
If the Government wants to tackle the construction skills shortage, it must support SMEs. The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has announced that apprenticeship funding will increase by 30%. From 1 April 2019, CITB attendance grants given to employers will increase to £2,500 per year. In addition, employer achievement grants will rise to £3,500 once…
Read MoreFinalists announced for the National Federation of Builders’ 7th annual awards
The awards reflect the dynamic nature of the construction industry and the excellent standards that have been achieved. The NFB Awards 2019 will celebrate the high quality work and commitment delivered by NFB members across England and Wales. The awards reflect the dynamic nature of the construction industry and the excellent standards that have been…
Read MorePM’s offer to delay Brexit spells further uncertainty for UK construction
The prime minister has pledged that MPs will have three chances to vote on the next stages of the process to leave the EU. Theresa May promised the House of Commons to hold a meaningful vote on the withdrawal agreement on 12 March. If the deal fails, the Government will ask MPs on 13 March…
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