Its origins trace back to 1878 with the formation of the National Association of Master Builders of Great Britain, which succeeded the General Builders’ Association (1865-1871). In 1880, the organisation adopted the name National Federation of Building Trades’ Employers of Great Britain and Ireland (NFBTE), formally recognising associated building trades such as plastering, plumbing, and tiling.

In 1948, the Federation of Registered House Builders was established, representing the housing sector within the NFBTE. This body later evolved into the House Builders Federation in 1970, focusing on the interests of private sector homebuilders.

Over the years, the federation underwent several transformations. In 1984, it reorganised and was renamed the Building Employers’ Confederation. Later, in 2001, it incorporated as the National Federation of Builders Limited.

In this article we look at the organisation through the eyes of two separate companies: a longstanding member of the organisation with a distinguished history and a new company with lofty ambitions. 

NFB Then

To give us a glimpse into the life of a long-standing NFB member, we spoke to Howard Parsons from Parsons construction, who’s business has been an NFB member since his father joined in the late 1950’s. We asked Howard some questions about his experience with the NFB.

How long have you been a member of the NFB, and what was your original reasons behind joining?

Our business was started by my father and Uncle in 1958, with my father learning his skills as  a joiner in the RAF. That far back, the NFB was known by a different name then, I believe it was the NFBTE, The National Federation of Building Trade Employees, and I believe he joined at some time between our founding and 1960. As for the reasons behind our joining, my father always wanted to make sure the business was of the best professional calibre, and the NFB was the perfect mark of quality to let people know they could expect higher standards from us.

How has your business grown over the years, and how has being an NFB member helped?

Our business has flourished over the years, and since our founding we’ve continued to expand to where now we actually have third generation family members involved, as well as all of our other talented staff who make our work possible. Construction can be a volatile industry, but we’ve always stayed consistent and made sure to deliver high-quality work throughout our history and show a great deal of respect to our clients and collaborators. 

We’ve always been grateful to be able to consult and take advice from the NFB and it’s a massive reassurance to know the NFB’s expertise, across many departments has always been on hand should we need it. 

As a small to medium sized firm, having the NFB’s stamp of quality goes a long way to let others know that your business is trustworthy, and being able to call on their expertise when needed is a great reassurance to us as well.

What would you say to anyone thinking about joining the NFB?

To put it simply; join! There’s a myriad of benefits to joining the NFB, to keep it simple I’ve highlighted three points in particular:

• Construction can be a difficult industry, and the NFB is a great industry backer when needed.
• Being a member adds a stamp of quality to your business; it adds kudos which can be a real difference maker when clients are looking for businesses they can trust.
• It opens up great network opportunities, and meeting and discussing topics with your peers can be a great help to any business.

What have been some of your fondest memories from your time as an NFB member?

We’ve had many fond memories with the NFB over the time, including meeting and forging connections with both NFB staff and other members.

There’s also been a number of times when the NFB has helped immensely with support when needed, be it with consultations, legal advice, or any other matters.

 Being a smaller contractor can sometimes be difficult when encountering difficult clients, or any other complications, and having the NFB as a body to lean on has been a great help over the years. 

NFB now

Now we look at the life of a new NFB member, Andrew Eddy started his life in construction as a bricklayer before turning his hand at various other jobs within the industry. Eddy is now looking make his own way as co-owner and director of newly established business, Isaaks.

1 – For context, give the reader some background information into your business. Who are you? What do you do? 

We are Isaaks. We believe in better. 

From humble beginnings as a bricklayer’s labourer on sites at the turn of the century, I have worked in the construction industry for the lion’s share of my working career in some form or another, for the last decade working with developers in everything from project management to sales and snagging. 

Having grown through the ranks on site and spent many days counting the stacks of bricks I’ve loaded out, I always wanted to do my best and be the best at whatever task I undertook. 

My business partner and co-director Paul Molinaro is a highly skilled carpenter and project manager with 20 years experience which adds a unique dynamic to our partnership via our synergy of skills, knowledge and attributes. We both have a keen eye for detail and are highly driven to provide the upmost standard of workmanship and delivering the premier standard of product and services possible.

2 – How long have you been a member of the NFB? What benefits have you seen so far from being a member of the NFB? And to follow up on this what are you hoping to gain from your membership as time goes on?

As a new member and new company this year, becoming an NFB member was high on our priority list due to my experience with the NFB whilst working with other organisations, not least the support network that is in place at NFB and the extensive benefits afforded to us as a member. 

Since joining recently, we have utilised a number of different facets of our membership, the interactions with NFB and their services has been fantastic – something that I’ve experienced in the past but nonetheless heartwarming to have a federation of support behind us.

 The benefits have been fruitful for us immediately since joining, especially effective on the legal side of things, which was a gap in our collective knowledge, yet firmly supported by calls with NFB’s lawyers which gave us clarity, advice and direction within an area that could have caused us issues in the future had they not been identified as risks by the lawyer. 

We will definitely be utilising further NFB benefits and services in the future to assist with the growth of our fledgling, yet budding company.

3 – Your motto is ‘Build Better’ What does that phrase mean to you? How do you hope to achieve that?

 ‘Build Better’ is our Modus Operandi. We believe that whilst there is always a demand on the construction industry to produce housing, estates, meet targets, spec homes or even one-off small works, all require targeted attention and deliberate care to ensure that the correct products are deployed and installed to the highest standard.

We see no place for the common attitudes of ‘it’ll do’ or the standoff nature of some constructors and developers. We are hands-on and involved in all our projects and take pride in our work; from our initial client meetings to delivery of our completed projects.

4 – I understand that your business is newly established. How have you found setting up the business in the current market? How do you hope NFB membership can help establish yourself moving forward? 

Setting up a new business in the current industry and economic environment was initially seen as a flagged risk, however we have been incredibly fortunate to have landed some fantastic projects to commence our new company’s history with. 

Having worked with most of our suppliers and tradesmen in other workplace roles over the last decade, it has enabled us to start our business meaningfully and with people we enjoy working with both within the business and with our clients.

Being based in Cornwall, we are already blessed with some fabulous locations and buildings to work on. 

From a standing start earlier this year, we have quickly grown our core on-site team and are now taking on additional administrative support to assist in strategically growing the business in a deliberate and controlled manner to ensure longevity and continuity, whilst maintaining our standards throughout the operational side of the business.

5 – As the business grows how are you hoping to leverage NFB membership? 

As Isaaks grow, we intend to continue our relationship with the NFB and grow in line with the principles of the Federation and further utilise the benefits of our membership. Despite only being a small, regional building company at the moment, we hope that we can become a valued member of the community and contribute back after the incredible assistance we have experienced in our short tenure with the NFB.