New start–up construction companies that have been trading for less than one year now have the opportunity to join the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), the largest trade association in the UK building industry. T

he FMB has launched a new affiliate membership category for those companies that have been trading for less than twelve months which offers them the same level of support and benefits as full members.

Richard Diment, Director General of the FMB said: "The recession has meant that many builders have been laid off and many of these have decided to go it alone and set up their own company. These builders are often highly skilled tradesmen but have no experience of running a business. Affiliate membership of the FMB is designed to support them during the first year of business which is often the most difficult period when 80% of businesses fail. Affiliate membership will give new firms access to all the FMB services and benefits that full members enjoy including our help lines, insurance discounts, training and complaints resolution service. The FMB is committed to improving standards in the construction sector and our new affiliate membership category will help ensure that new building firms have the business skills and help to hand to get them get through the first year."

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Gerry Breslin, National Sales Manager at the FMB added: "By joining the FMB a new building firm is declaring that they want to run an efficient business which is committed to quality workmanship. The company will need to submit references through their annual membership then at the end of the membership these references will be reviewed to ensure the member meets the standards expected of an FMB member before being allowed to apply for full FMB membership."

(CD/BMcc)