More than 100 builders came together in Oxfordshire for the FMB's National Conference, which doubled as a milestone celebration of the Federation's 85 years supporting the trade.

Staged on 9–10 July at the Oxford Belfry Hotel & Spa, the event welcomed 156 delegates for a Business Conference under the banner 'Elevating your Business'. Sessions explored coaching skills powered by AI, technology solutions for small firms, and how to grow a building business via social media.

Hosted by presenter and broadcaster Philippa Forrester, the programme also tackled the pressing challenges facing the sector, from rising employment and materials costs to skills shortages and the outlook for new housing, alongside extensive networking opportunities.

Festivities culminated with a black-tie Gala Dinner for 114 guests in the historic Dining Hall of Exeter College, University of Oxford. Journalist and former Fleet Street editor Eve Pollard delivered the after-dinner address, and a charity raffle raised funds for The Lighthouse Club, the construction industry's wellbeing charity.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: "What a way to mark 85 years! Our conference showed the FMB at its very best with a room full of skilled, passionate builders sharing ideas, backing each other, and looking to the future. Small builders are the backbone of UK. My thanks go to our members, our speakers, and our sponsors for making it such a special milestone event."

FMB National President Phillip Hall, speaking at the Gala Dinner, said: "Standing in that hall in Oxford, surrounded by builders who do the job properly and take pride in their craft, you could feel 85 years of history in the room. Times are tough for small firms, but this week proved there's real strength when we stand together. Here's to the members who make the FMB what it is - and to the next generation coming through."

Guest speaker Eve Pollard, journalist and former Fleet Street editor, who delivered the after-dinner speech at the Gala Dinner, said: "What a joy to spend an evening with the people who actually build Britain. Builders have some of the best stories in the country — and they deserve to be front-page news. I look forward to working with the FMB to get builders in the headlines, where they belong."

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Members travelled from all parts of the UK to take part in the landmark gathering.

Gareth Jones, Managing Director of Carbon Zero Renewables, immediate past president of FMB Cymru and new UK board member, said at the event: "The best thing about FMB membership is the support network — the HR support, the health and safety, the legal advice. That's one of the biggest things for our business today. My advice to any young builder is simple: get involved. You'll meet like-minded people, you'll learn from experts in their field, and you'll always go away with something that improves your business. This conference has been informative and thought-provoking — plenty of nuggets to take home."

Mark Reardon, Director of Pearwood Projects and newly appointed FMB Cymru President — who once spent six months in Antarctica building a research station for the British Antarctic Survey — said at the event: "Being an FMB member means being recognised as a reputable builder. We're vetted on our finances and our health and safety — it carries real clout. I want to push the Licence to Build scheme because there are too many cowboys and rogue builders out there causing so much grief, and I want to see more apprentices and more women coming into the industry. My own daughter is a qualified carpenter and machine driver — that's brilliant for the trade."

Louise Tingley, FMB member based in Norfolk, who attended with her partner Simon and is the founder of Tradeways, added: "Coming together with builders from right across the country reminds you that you're not on your own. Simon and I took so much away from the two days — from the sessions on technology and social media to the conversations over the BBQ. Through Tradeways we're passionate about raising standards and championing skilled trades, and the FMB's 85th anniversary was the perfect moment to celebrate everything this industry does well. We'll be back next year."

Victoria Collins, Director of Kings Rock Construction, based in Sussex, said: "Being part of the FMB gives you a real sense of pride in your work — you're not just another builder, you're part of a community that's actively raising standards across the industry. It's why I back the Licence to Build campaign — too many good firms get tarred by the same brush as the cowboys, and licensing is how we fix that. Oxford was a brilliant opportunity to swap ideas with other small firms facing the same challenges, and to remember why we do what we do. Roll on year 86."

Sarah Bolton, CEO of the Lighthouse Charity, the construction industry's wellbeing charity and the conference's chosen charity partner, concluded: "A huge thank you to the FMB and its members for their generosity in Oxford. The money raised at the Gala Dinner will make a real difference — every penny goes towards supporting construction workers and their families through their toughest moments. Life in this industry can be hard, and no one should have to struggle alone. It means the world to have the backing of the UK's small builders, and we're proud to stand alongside the FMB in looking after the people who build our country."

The conference was supported by headline sponsor People's Pension and Gala Dinner sponsor Flip The Review, with exhibitors including Citation, Build Academy, Bibby Financial Services, Buildscout, EEBS, MKM Building Supplies, Glodon, The Pallet Loop, Construction Technical Excellence Colleges, Kynekt, TradePoint and VELUX.