FMB Cymru Meet Edwina Hart AM to Discuss Rogue Traders

A group of Federation of Master Builders (FMB) Cymru members have met with Edwina Hart AM, the Minister for the Economy, on 11^th July to discuss current topics affecting the sector.

In addition to addressing specific issues FMB Cymru want to build a direct dialogue with Welsh Government, especially through discussions with the Minister and the Sector Panel on Construction.

Richard Jenkins, Director of FMB Cymru said:

“FMB Cymru’s members will be able to advise the Minister on the realities currently facing small construction firms, and importantly what changes they need in order to grow. To be accepted as a FMB Cymru member building firms are independently assessed to ensure only businesses meeting our standard can carry the badge – this means that the work of our members is the highest quality in the sector. Rogue or cowboy builders unedrmine the sector’s reputation and undermine and undercut genuine construction companies.

“FMB Cymru plans to put a stop to rogue builders by seeking improved regulation of the domestic building industry. We were pleased that the Cross Part Group on Construction has supported our campaign to drive out the rogue builder at their meeting. We hope that this meeting will place this important FMB Cymru campaign at the heart of the Minister’s agenda for the construction industry in Wales.

“We hope that this meeting will open a continued dialogue between FMB Cymru, small construction firms in Wales and the Minister. FMB Cymru would welcome backing by the Minister for our campaign to ensure high standards for domestic construction in Wales - which would not only benefit the honest small builders who often struggle to compete against rogue builders, but the consumer as well.”

Following the meeting Economy Minister Edwina Hart said:

“The construction sector in Wales is dominated by SMEs and the meeting with the FMB, which represents the interest of SMEs, was very informative. Construction is one of our key economic sectors and I want businesses of all sizes to be in a position to benefit from the number of large scale projects that are currently underway or in the planning stages in Wales."