The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has asserted that Scotland’s small and medium-sized (SME) construction firms are ready to play a critical role in addressing the country’s housing crisis, advancing Net Zero ambitions, and supporting local economic growth. However, the organisation stresses that this potential can only be unlocked with targeted support from the next Scottish Government.
The FMB has outlined five key policy areas in its new manifesto where governmental action is required to empower Scotland’s construction SMEs:
- Skills: The FMB calls for increased investment in training and apprenticeships to cultivate the skilled workforce necessary for future demands.
- Standards and Licensing: The introduction of a mandatory licensing scheme is proposed to raise industry standards and enhance consumer protection.
- Retrofit and Energy Efficiency: The Federation demands the delivery of a comprehensive national retrofit strategy to upgrade Scotland’s existing housing stock and significantly cut carbon emissions.
- Planning and Housebuilding: The manifesto advocates for reforming the planning system, making it easier for SME builders to deliver much-needed, high-quality homes.
- Public Sector Contracts: The FMB urges the government to make procurement processes fairer and more accessible for small firms seeking public contracts.
The FMB noted that its manifesto is shaped directly by the experiences of builders on the ground, offering practical solutions to some of Scotland’s most pressing challenges. The organisation concluded that, with the right policies implemented, SME builders can effectively deliver economic growth “from the ground up.”
