The Government is right to identify the need to improve the image of the building industry, to help drive up standards and improve consumer protection, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to the new industrial strategy Construction 2025.

Brian Berry, the Chief Executive of the FMB, said: "For too long the image of the building industry has been blighted by the unscrupulous practices of those operating in the informal economy. Today's announcement to expand the TrustMark scheme for tradespeople and to introduce new standards is a welcome step to help drive out the rogue traders. The challenge going forward both for government and the building industry as a whole will be to ensure that consumers are made aware of the benefits of only using TrustMark-accredited tradespeople."

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Mr Berry continued: "The Government's commitment to do much more to promote the range of access to finance products available to construction SMEs is also welcome, but it is disappointing there are not additional commitments to stop banks discriminating against construction firms. Construction SMEs are more likely to be turned down for an overdraft or loan than SMEs in other sectors. The banks must take a long hard look at their lending policies to viable construction firms, and stop restricting growth in the industry."

(CD/JP)