Former Apprentice Bricklayer Appointed NFB Chairman
Jim Harrison, a former apprentice bricklayer from Preston, has been appointed chairman of the National Federation of Builders (NFB).
Mr Harrison is managing director of Kirkham-based JE Harrison Builders, the firm he set up in 1980 just six years after completing his apprenticeship.
He officially took over the national chairman�s role at the body�s AGM this week (27 June), at which the NFB announced its third successive year of surplus cash generation.
Reporting her first set of results as chief executive, Julia Evans � former director of the Strategic Rail Authority - said the Federation was in a strong position thanks to improved retention and recruitment.
Ms Evans said: "A firm focus on our three core priorities � the provision of value for money services, specialist expertise and effective lobbying � have helped NFB deliver another confident set of results.
"This is the direction we will continue to take, enhancing our members� performance through cost-effective services, preparing them for industry change and championing their interests at local and national government."
She added: "Using our strengths to grow our market share of those 170,000 or so firms not in membership is a major goal for the business."
Around 95% of the NFB�s 2,000-strong membership is made up of SMEs, with 60% turning over less than �1million. At the larger end, contractors such as Galliford Try, Seddon and Wilmott Dixon are also members.
Last year, the NFB also launched a specialist housebuilders division, advised by former Home Builders Federation chief executive Roger Humber, which has over 800 members.
Incoming chairman Jim Harrison 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 are effectively met."
On future developments, Ms Evans said: "We continue to invest in our regional network, with a new centre opening during the second half of this year to service our members in the South west of England.
"We are also expanding our training division, which will soon have a dedicated online search and booking facility for member companies."
Jim Harrison has taken over the chairman�s role from John Robinson, managing director of Hofton & Son.
Neil Ramsey, chairman of Kendall Cross, was also appointed chairman of the NFB�s policy board and deputy chairman.
ENDS 28 June 2006