North Devon building contractor David Parsons has been sworn in as the new national Chairman of the National Federation of Builders (NFB) for 2012/13.

David, Managing Director of Pearce Construction (Barnstaple) Ltd, has taken the reins as The Saunton Sands Hotel played host to the historic ceremony.

The evening was attended by several North Devon dignitaries including long standing and valued members of the local NFB branches and various clients. The event saw heads of other European construction federations come together, including Tom Parlon, Director General of the Irish Construction Industry Federation.

David set out his vision for the Federation and for the success of the construction industry in difficult economic times.

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He said: "In equal measures it is an honour and a privilege to be the figurehead of an organisation that has represented its wide membership so well for so many years, through the good times and the not-so-good times.

"Being appointed as national Chairman represents a golden opportunity and a massive challenge to ensure that we continue to support our members both locally and with a national voice, as they navigate their way through prolonged choppy waters.

"My primary aims will be to ensure the survival and growth of our members in readiness for the return to more favourable trading conditions and to support the Federation and the wider industry in lobbying for procurement policies which provide small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) fair access to opportunities for local private and public sector work. With the trend of regional and national frameworks continuing, many SMEs are losing the opportunity to access local work, which has been their 'bread and butter' and has enabled them to provide vital jobs within their local communities."

David takes on the position from chair Alison Perry OBE from Liverpool.

(CD/GK)