SMEs can play crucial role in delivering PM’s vision, says FMB

In response to the Prime Minister’s speech, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has called on the government to encourage the role that both small and medium-sized construction companies can play in a thriving economy and working partnership with the public sector.
In his speech delivered on Friday 11th September, David Cameron outlined his plans for a smarter state with better services and value for the taxpayer.

Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, believes smaller companies, such as small and medium-sized firms, can play a vital role in delivering the Government’s ambitions for a “Smarter State”.

He said: “Small construction firms boost local growth and job creation, and train the majority of new apprentices in the industry.

“However, smaller firms are often put at a disadvantage when it comes to crucial areas such as public tendering and delivering of new housing.

“When the Prime Minister says “What energises many markets are new insurgent companies, who break monopolies and bring in new ways of doing things” this is especially true of the house building industry.”

Berry also welcomed the Prime Minister’s plans to release more public sector land for housing.

“The plans to put Ministry of Defence land, government and local council buildings put up for sale with planning permission already granted is exactly the kind of welcome move which can provide opportunities for small firms and new entrants,” added Berry.

The FMB is one of the UK’s largest trade associations in the building industry, with offices in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and is interested in protecting the interests of small and medium-sized companies.