The Year Of Professionalism

Made your New Year’s Resolutions yet? Here is one to head any professional builder’s list: boost your business by making 2014, ‘The Year Of Professionalism.’

You have always been professional, of course, but you know that there is always room for improvement. Beyond that, there is usually more that you can do to ensure that customers know just how professional you are. You can start to address both of these by joining the organisation that has been helping builders just like you since 1941: the Federation of Master Builders. As an FMB member, you have an immediate edge over competitors, having the right to display the badge of building quality. That means the customer recognising your professionalism as soon as they see the van. Assuming that you can pass a site inspection – not required by any other building trade association, but a mandatory requirement for FMB membership – showing the badge will be just the first step. As an FMB member, you will also be eligible to join the government endorsed TrustMark scheme and display that logo on your van and elsewhere. Resolve to make 2014 the year when you make a good first impression, with the FMB’s vast array of membership services. These include free logos, stickers, downloadable professional documentation and exclusive discounts of all manner of stationery and workwear. At the first meeting, you can impress any prospect by handing them a copy of the FMB Code of Practice. This lays out in clear terms the high standards that they can expect from you, from before the project begins through to any post-completion snagging work. As part of winning the job, you can show the customer the exact contract that will cover the job, written in plain English for easy understanding. You can download this comprehensive, but simple to complete, contract from the FMB web site. It is all part of resolving that 2014 will be the year that the customer has already picked you before they even see the price. Before signing any contract, a real professional makes sure that the customer has the ability to pay. As an FMB member, this is straightforward: your membership package includes up to 50 free credit checks per year. When it comes to payment, if a customer has the money but is reluctant to part with it, you can always call on the FMB for help with debt recovery. Make a firm 2014 resolution to continue being more professional than your competitors, with the help of the FMB. Promise yourself that you will take advantage of all the training that you need, from specific site skills to business management, all at special FMB rates. When it comes to promises, customers will come to know that you are as good as your word, but offer them something more tangible: a written guarantee. As an FMB member, you can give a comprehensive Build Assure warranty on any job over £250. You should be resolving to make 2014 the year that no question goes unanswered. The free FMB 24-hour business helpline assures members of fast, reliable advice on all manner of legal and commercial topics, from employment law to consumer protection. The wide choice of free information sheets gives immediate answers to the most frequently asked questions on a spectrum of subjects that takes in cashflow and debt, risk assessment, holiday pay, criminal records, energy performance, site waste… Want to know about the Party Wall Act? There is an FMB information sheet. Got an issue with trees? The FMB has it covered. Concerned about the Provision of Services Regulations? Go online and download the answers. Whatever your question or issue, being a member of the FMB makes it easy to get it resolved.

For further information, visit www.fmb.org.uk/apply or call 0800 0965 765.