EASTBOURNE CONTRACTOR APPOINTED NFB CHAIRMAN

Mike Jones has been appointed chairman of industry body the National Federation of Builders (NFB).

Mr Jones is commercial director of Eastbourne-based Ellis Building Contractors, a firm he joined in 2002 with almost 30 years of industry experience at firms including Llewellyn, E. Powell & Sons and his own company. He was president of the NFB’s Sussex Association in 2002 and regional chairman from 2005 to 2007. Mr Jones officially took over the national chairman’s role from Neil Ramsey at the body’s AGM on 1 July, at which the NFB announced strong membership growth for 2007/08.

NFB chief executive Julia Evans said: “In the first six months of 2008, I’m pleased to say a growing number of small, medium and large companies across all regions have bought into the benefits of NFB membership and joined our ever-expanding ranks. This is a great platform for a new chairman. Mike is a very experienced operator who has is already well respected within the NFB after years as a member and in positions of office.”

Mike Jones said: “The NFB continues to represent a broad spectrum of industry interests through its specialist divisions, ensuring that specific needs and concerns of the small, medium and large companies are effectively met.

“While it’s no shock to say that 2008 is expected to be a challenging year for the industry, I think membership of a trade federation can be an enormous help when business is tough, giving members a wealth of experience to tap into and a collective platform to ensure their voice is heard at the highest level.”

Mike – who is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building - began his career in construction as a management trainee in 1973 at the age of 17. His passion is historic restoration and he has worked on a number of projects such as Battle Abbey and Wilmington Priory in East Sussex.