The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has welcomed the launch of the Regional Building Foundation, a new organisation that brings together businesses across the construction industry to help deliver better homes, stronger communities and greater opportunities for regional developers and SME builders.
BMF CEO John Newcomb has joined the Foundation's Advisory Board, where he will represent the interests of the building materials supply chain and ensure the sector has a strong voice in discussions. Stark UK has already announced its support for the new initiative which launched earlier this month.
The Regional Building Foundation has been established to encourage closer collaboration between builders, local authorities, landowners, funders, material suppliers and construction professionals. It will provide research, networking opportunities, practical guidance and demonstration projects to help businesses share knowledge and develop new approaches to housing and community development.
By helping these groups work together more effectively, the Foundation aims to support the delivery of high-quality, locally distinctive and resilient communities, places where people want to live and that enable them to thrive for the long term. The Foundation calls this "Place Building."
For the BMF, the Regional Building Foundation presents an opportunity to ensure the building materials sector has a strong voice in discussions about the future of housing delivery.
Newcomb explained: "I'm delighted to join the Regional Building Foundation's Advisory Board and help ensure the expertise of merchants, manufacturers and suppliers is fully represented.
"Innovation in construction, materials and design will help deliver high-performance homes that reflect local identity, set within the sustainable communities envisaged by the Foundation. By working together, we can support builders, improve productivity, encourage innovation, and ultimately help deliver better places to live."
The BMF is encouraging its members to engage with the Foundation, contribute their expertise and help shape its future programmes.
Newcomb added: "Our members understand the challenges facing housing delivery better than most. Their experience, technical knowledge and understanding of local markets make them invaluable partners in creating successful developments. I would encourage BMF members to get involved and help influence this important initiative from the outset."
The BMF also believes that collaboration across the industry must be matched by government action if the UK's housing ambitions are to become reality.
While organisations such as the Regional Building Foundation can help bring together the right expertise and encourage new ways of working, long-term success will depend on a supportive policy environment. This includes a planning system that enables development, continued support for regional builders, investment in infrastructure and skills, and policies that provide confidence for businesses to invest.
John Newcomb concluded: "Industry can provide the expertise and the commitment. Under a new leader and with a greater focus on regional growth, the Government has an opportunity to work alongside organisations like the Regional Building Foundation to remove barriers, support innovation and create the conditions needed to build more high-quality homes and sustainable communities across the UK."
To learn more about the Regional Building Foundation and its vision for the future of place building, visit regionalbuilding.org.
