The launch and first conference of the Heritage Group of the National Federation of Builders (NFB) took place on 7 February at Eltham Palace.
The event included speakers from the National Trust, English Heritage and the Cross Construction Task Force (CCATF). IHBC member Graham Lee contributed with a presentation on the Bursary Scheme which he is running on behalf of the National Heritage Training Group (NHTG).
David McDonald, IHBC President said: ‘I welcome this initiative from the NFB. It shows that the value of heritage and the special skills required to maintain our traditional buildings are being recognised by the mainstream building industry’.
The NFB writes:
Around 6 million buildings in the UK were constructed before 1919 with the built heritage sector estimated to generate almost half the output of the construction industry overall. Conserving and caring for our historic inheritance requires professionals and craftspeople who not only understand traditional building methods and materials but who also have a sound knowledge of the technical approach towards conservation, repair, maintenance and restoration.
Against this backdrop, the NFB Heritage Group was formed by the National Federation of Builders (NFB) to work with its members and industry stakeholders to ensure that the skills, expertise and competences are in place to support a robust and sustainable built heritage sector.
Clare Watson, Chair of the NFB Heritage Group says, “The heritage sector is a resource under threat with skills, experience and expertise being lost to future generations. Without these skills we will be unable to repair and care for our historic buildings, highlighting the need for immediate, strong and sustained action to prevent further erosion of the skills base. I am proud that the NFB, with its long standing commitment to the industry, has been able to bring together these key sector specialists with the aim of mutually addressing these challenges.”
