Berry promoted to lead FMB

National president Derek Bostock said: “I'm delighted that Brian Berry has agreed to take on the role as the FMB's first chief executive. Brian Berry has an excellent track record in the construction sector having worked for the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and more recently as director of external affairs at the FMB. His achievements speak for themselves having quadrupled the FMB’s media profile and ensuring that the FMB is listened to seriously within government, the media, and the built environment sector generally.”

Richard Diment was placed on gardening leave in November after a disagreement with the council about the structure and finances of the organisation. He officially left the organisation in January.

Mr Bostock added: “The construction sector industry is facing a very tough time with an estimated 45,000 people expected to leave the industry this year. The FMB is working towards a new business plan to ensure that the range of services that we offer to builders is the very best in the market. It’s more important than ever that small building companies have the expertise and single voice that the FMB is able to offer them. Brian's background makes him ideally suited to achieving our aim to transform the FMB into a professional trade association."

Mr Berry said: “Leading the UK’s largest trade association in the building industry is an exciting challenge. The FMB's drive towards becoming a professional trade association is something that I'm personally committed to as it will help ensure that FMB members are recognised as the best in the building industry. The FMB's application to government later this year to become a Competent Person Scheme operator will be the first milestone on this journey as will the review of how FMB delivers services to its members."

Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk