The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and Local Authority Building Control (LABC) have forged a new partnership aimed at promoting the recognition of quality builders.
The FMB which is the UK’s largest construction employers’ organisation and the LABC the largest provider of building control services have signed a Memorandum of Understanding which sets out a series of joint aims, including supporting quality builders, and informing consumers of the importance of using competent, vetted builders for their work.
FMB Chief Executive Brian Berry welcomed the new agreement, saying: “The FMB and LABC have always worked closely and this new agreement reinforces our already strong ties.
"LABC’s recognition of the new rigorous membership criteria we have introduced is affirmation of our commitment to quality. It will help ensure the FMB is synonymous with quality workmanship which consumers can trust. For our members, this is a really exciting development as they will now have access to the wide range of technical advice and guidance offered by a building control body with unparalleled knowledge of the industry.
"With more plans for co-operation in the pipeline, we firmly believe that our relationship will continue to go from strength to strength, which will ultimately deliver benefits for consumers, Master Builders and building control services alike.”
Paul Everall, LABC’s Chief Executive, said: “LABC is delighted to enter into a new partnership with the FMB, recognising that they now audit the quality and business practices of all of their members. We see this as a major initiative for their customers and especially home owners seeking a contractor for an extension or conversion. Too often the public rely on chance referrals and word-of-mouth.
"We would rather that the public can find a master builder whose business is properly run, uses contracts and is demonstrably competent as a builder. It makes LABC’s task of ensuring Building Regulations compliance much easier if we know that the homeowners are using recognised businesses.”
