In a move to strengthen the voice of SME contractors in the national retrofit programme, Brian Berry, chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), has joined the board of The Centre of Refurbishment Excellence (CoRE).
The FMB has also become a key partner in CoRE, alongside the National Energy Foundation and the BRE.
CoRE is a non-profit, national centre of excellence for green building retrofit and its primary aim is to facilitate the exchange of knowledge between industry experts and those who work on the frontline of building retrofit, or those who want to get into this area.
David Pierpoint, chief executive of CoRE, said: “Our board will be significantly strengthened by Brian’s knowledge of what is important to the many thousands of small- and medium-sized building firms upon whom the successful mass-market refurbishment of our homes and other buildings depends so much.
“Many SMEs have felt somewhat disenfranchised from the national retrofit programme and initiatives like Green Deal and ECO. Through the closer relationship between CoRE and the FMB, we will be working to unlock the broader market for reputable contractors.”
Mr Berry added: “CoRE is an important initiative in the development of vital skills in green building retrofit. I am looking forward to contributing towards CoRE’s growth and also in representing the needs of FMB members on the sustainability agenda.”
CoRE and the FMB have also agreed to collaborate on a number of skills development initiatives in the sector.
