Record membership growth despite COVID-19
Since March 2020 the UK has seen an unprecedented period where COVID-19 has impacted the construction sector, with many construction businesses, large and small, being put in very difficult operational positions. Every construction business needed to act differently and change the way they operated. From a multinational to a small start-up business, NFB has been providing clear guidance, contextualised and structured for all sizes of construction businesses.
During these challenging times, there have been continued demands for accurate and tailored guidance and the National Federation of Builders (NFB) has proudly been one of the organisations where members turn and get support and despite the difficult trading period it has seen NFB recruit a record number of members in one week.
Richard Beresford, Chief Executive of National Federation of Builders, commented ‘NFB has been working tirelessly for its members and I am proud how proactive we have been in providing timely and construction specific advice and guidance for COVID-19’. The guidance is partially shared with prospect members to aid them during this difficult time and we have seen a marked increase in prospect members seeing the true value of the NFB and joining for the detailed rounded, construction specific guidance.
New member, Herman Kok, Company Secretary of the Lindum Group, added “We joined the NFB to help us raise issues such as a Dysfunctional Apprentice Levy system and the CITB being an unwelcome cost to our industry in these challenging times. We have no issue with the Apprentice Levy, but its scope should be widened to support companies in keeping Apprentices and Trainees on the payroll and we hope that NFB will support an appropriate suggestion for change to the Construction Minister and the Chancellor”.
Mark Barber, NFB’s Business Development Manager, commented: ‘The National Federation of Builders exists for one reason and that is to support its members. Over the last few years the federation has made improvements to make a step change and make sure it is fit for continuing to add value to members in the future. This is being recognised more and more and new members are joining as they can see the tangible benefits that being part of the NFB’.
New member Sarah Barraclough, Managing Director of Skipton Properties, added: ‘We’re keen to do all we can to help drive meaningful change in the construction industry; endeavouring to simplify the process for all parties whilst delivering the new homes this country needs. Being part of the NFB will amplify our voice within the industry, give us the opportunity to shape policy and provide access to influential groups such as the House Builders’ Association. I look forward to collaborating with the NFB to benefit not just my business, but the industry as a whole.’
The NFB continues to support and champion change to help its members with regular updates and support on COVID-19 and business recovery.
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