<![CDATA[Build Up from the Basement]]>bdfe93c5-994c-559c-9507-3580eafbec5dTue, 28 Jul 2026 10:00:20 +0000Captivate.fmFMBhttps://artwork.captivate.fm/6799650a-e09b-4643-bd67-0d7627611cc5/2QAhIFcooK9DpLWXVwgTKA8R.pngBuild Up from the BasementFMBFMB🎙️ BuildUp from the Basement – the podcast for builders who want the bigger picture. Hosted by the FMB’s policy and public affairs team, this deep-dive podcast unpacks everything shaping the construction and housebuilding world—from planning policy and industry economics to the real issues affecting builders on the ground. If you’re in the trade and want to stay ahead, tune in and build up your knowledge from the foundations.https://build-up-from-the-basement.captivate.fmfalseepisodicnopodcastLicensing builders: Can regulation rebuild trust in construction? | Build Up From the Basement | Tom Gordon MPLicensing builders: Can regulation rebuild trust in construction? | Build Up From the Basement | Tom Gordon MPWhat happens when rogue builders damage consumer confidence and leave homeowners with nowhere to turn? In this episode of Build Up From the Basement, Iona Stewart-Richardson is joined by Tom Gordon MP to explore why licensing is back on the political agenda and what meaningful reform could look like.

From rogue builders and spray foam insulation to skills shortages, local planning and the future of SME house builders, this conversation looks at the policy decisions shaping construction today. Whether you work in the industry or influence housing policy, you'll hear practical insights into the challenges facing builders, consumers and government.

You'll learn

  • Why many argue the current system fails homeowners when building work goes wrong
  • How a licensing scheme could work without creating unnecessary barriers for builders
  • Why supporting SME builders is essential to delivering new homes and local growth
  • How skills shortages, planning and regulation are shaping the future of construction

Hosts

Host: Iona Stewart-Richardson

Guest

Tom Gordon MP, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough

CTA

Find out more about the issues discussed in this episode: [Insert link here]

]]>What happens when rogue builders damage consumer confidence and leave homeowners with nowhere to turn? In this episode of Build Up From the Basement, Iona Stewart-Richardson is joined by Tom Gordon MP to explore why licensing is back on the political agenda and what meaningful reform could look like.

From rogue builders and spray foam insulation to skills shortages, local planning and the future of SME house builders, this conversation looks at the policy decisions shaping construction today. Whether you work in the industry or influence housing policy, you'll hear practical insights into the challenges facing builders, consumers and government.

You'll learn

  • Why many argue the current system fails homeowners when building work goes wrong
  • How a licensing scheme could work without creating unnecessary barriers for builders
  • Why supporting SME builders is essential to delivering new homes and local growth
  • How skills shortages, planning and regulation are shaping the future of construction

Hosts

Host: Iona Stewart-Richardson

Guest

Tom Gordon MP, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough

CTA

Find out more about the issues discussed in this episode: [Insert link here]

]]>f6ffae13-85ac-43e7-901e-df59663b26efTue, 28 Jul 2026 11:00:00 +010043:13falsefull213132Planning reform for small builders: How to build more homes with less delay | Build Up From the Basement | Gideon Amos MPPlanning reform for small builders: How to build more homes with less delay | Build Up From the Basement | Gideon Amos MPPlanning reform is high on the political agenda, but what does it mean for SME builders? In this episode of Build Up from the Basement, Iona speaks to Gideon Amos MP about the barriers holding small builders back, from slow planning decisions to skills shortages and access to land.

Together, they explore practical ideas to help smaller building firms deliver more homes, including proposals to simplify planning for small developments, improve apprenticeships and raise standards across the industry. If you want to understand how policy decisions could affect your business, this episode is worth a listen.

You'll learn:

  • Why planning reform matters for SME builders
  • How simplifying planning could unlock more small-scale housing
  • What changes could help tackle the construction skills shortage
  • Why builder licensing is back in the political conversation

Hosts

Iona Stewart Richardson

Guest

Gideon Amos MP, Liberal Democrat housing and communities spokesperson and MP for Taunton and Wellington

Read more and watch the full episode on the FMB website: https://www.fmb.org.uk/resource/planning-reform-for-small-builders-how-to-build-more-homes-with-less-delay.html

]]>Planning reform is high on the political agenda, but what does it mean for SME builders? In this episode of Build Up from the Basement, Iona speaks to Gideon Amos MP about the barriers holding small builders back, from slow planning decisions to skills shortages and access to land.

Together, they explore practical ideas to help smaller building firms deliver more homes, including proposals to simplify planning for small developments, improve apprenticeships and raise standards across the industry. If you want to understand how policy decisions could affect your business, this episode is worth a listen.

You'll learn:

  • Why planning reform matters for SME builders
  • How simplifying planning could unlock more small-scale housing
  • What changes could help tackle the construction skills shortage
  • Why builder licensing is back in the political conversation

Hosts

Iona Stewart Richardson

Guest

Gideon Amos MP, Liberal Democrat housing and communities spokesperson and MP for Taunton and Wellington

Read more and watch the full episode on the FMB website: https://www.fmb.org.uk/resource/planning-reform-for-small-builders-how-to-build-more-homes-with-less-delay.html

]]>f137f00f-735c-4247-8f4d-1d8e46f3f335Tue, 21 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +010027:59falsefull212122Why planning delays are holding back SME house builders | Build Up From the Basement | Sarah Edwards MPWhy planning delays are holding back SME house builders | Build Up From the Basement | Sarah Edwards MPSME house builders: planning reform, skills and growth in UK construction. Sarah Edwards MP and the FMB explore how planning delays, skills shortages and rogue builders are affecting SME construction businesses and what needs to change.

In this episode of Build Up From the Basement, we’re joined by Sarah Edwards MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for SME Housebuilders and MP for Tamworth.

We discuss why SME house builders are critical to solving the housing crisis, the barriers stopping them from growing, and what Government, industry and educators need to do to unlock more homes and support the next generation of construction professionals.

]]>SME house builders: planning reform, skills and growth in UK construction. Sarah Edwards MP and the FMB explore how planning delays, skills shortages and rogue builders are affecting SME construction businesses and what needs to change.

In this episode of Build Up From the Basement, we’re joined by Sarah Edwards MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for SME Housebuilders and MP for Tamworth.

We discuss why SME house builders are critical to solving the housing crisis, the barriers stopping them from growing, and what Government, industry and educators need to do to unlock more homes and support the next generation of construction professionals.

]]>34a20d95-9b85-491b-914e-f4ac104a394dWed, 24 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +010051:56falsefull211112What Sir James Cleverly says UK builders need to thrive | Build Up From the Basement | James Cleverly MPWhat Sir James Cleverly says UK builders need to thrive | Build Up From the Basement | James Cleverly MPHousing policy and small builders: Sir James Cleverly MP explains what needs to change. The FMB explores how tax, planning and employment costs could affect SME builders' growth, recruitment and future opportunities.

In this episode of Build Up From The Basement, we sit down with the Rt Hon Sir James Cleverly MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, to discuss the policies shaping the future of the built environment.

From stamp duty reform and housing targets to apprenticeships, planning and the pressures facing small and medium-sized (SME) building firms, this conversation explores what politicians can do to help the businesses that keep Britain building.

]]>Housing policy and small builders: Sir James Cleverly MP explains what needs to change. The FMB explores how tax, planning and employment costs could affect SME builders' growth, recruitment and future opportunities.

In this episode of Build Up From The Basement, we sit down with the Rt Hon Sir James Cleverly MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, to discuss the policies shaping the future of the built environment.

From stamp duty reform and housing targets to apprenticeships, planning and the pressures facing small and medium-sized (SME) building firms, this conversation explores what politicians can do to help the businesses that keep Britain building.

]]>a492f398-2c93-448d-9875-1fa123e69f06Wed, 24 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +010016:13falsefull210102Build Up from the Basement, Richard TiceBuild Up from the Basement, Richard TiceIn this episode of Build Up: From the Basement, Reform UK Deputy Leader Richard Tice joins FMB CEO Brian Berry and host Iona Stewart-Richardson to discuss the future of UK housebuilding and small construction businesses. Tice shares his backing for the FMB’s Licence to Build campaign, his concerns about missed housing targets, and why he believes smart, simple regulation is key to tackling rogue builders. The conversation covers everything from energy costs and net zero challenges to apprenticeships, tax incentives, and unlocking brownfield sites. If you care about housing policy, small builders, and the big ideas shaping construction, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

]]>In this episode of Build Up: From the Basement, Reform UK Deputy Leader Richard Tice joins FMB CEO Brian Berry and host Iona Stewart-Richardson to discuss the future of UK housebuilding and small construction businesses. Tice shares his backing for the FMB’s Licence to Build campaign, his concerns about missed housing targets, and why he believes smart, simple regulation is key to tackling rogue builders. The conversation covers everything from energy costs and net zero challenges to apprenticeships, tax incentives, and unlocking brownfield sites. If you care about housing policy, small builders, and the big ideas shaping construction, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

]]>65a74197-b3cd-4de6-b27d-330e386a22a7Tue, 02 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +010029:39falsefull99Build Up from the Basement Kit MalthouseBuild Up from the Basement Kit MalthouseWhat does it really take to hit the UK’s ambitious housing targets, and why does design matter just as much as quantity? In this episode of Build Up: From the Basement, Iona sits down with Kit Malthouse MP, former Housing Minister, to explore the big lessons from his time in government and his candid predictions for the future of construction. From the challenges of meeting the 300,000 homes target to the practical constraints of bricks, skills, and planning, Kit shares what he learned about turning policy into real homes and why his mantra was “more, better, faster.”

The conversation also dives into the “conspiracy of crap” in housing design, the vital role of small builders, and how to make construction an aspirational career for the next generation. Kit offers his views on apprenticeships, progression, and whether licensing builders would help or hinder the industry – with stories from his time in Government, and his own experience hiring builders. Packed with insights and straight-talking advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about housing, design, and the future of UK construction.

]]>What does it really take to hit the UK’s ambitious housing targets, and why does design matter just as much as quantity? In this episode of Build Up: From the Basement, Iona sits down with Kit Malthouse MP, former Housing Minister, to explore the big lessons from his time in government and his candid predictions for the future of construction. From the challenges of meeting the 300,000 homes target to the practical constraints of bricks, skills, and planning, Kit shares what he learned about turning policy into real homes and why his mantra was “more, better, faster.”

The conversation also dives into the “conspiracy of crap” in housing design, the vital role of small builders, and how to make construction an aspirational career for the next generation. Kit offers his views on apprenticeships, progression, and whether licensing builders would help or hinder the industry – with stories from his time in Government, and his own experience hiring builders. Packed with insights and straight-talking advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about housing, design, and the future of UK construction.

]]>a088c147-a236-4f38-b47c-c8430ede94bdTue, 04 Nov 2025 09:00:00 +010038:39falsefull88Build Up from the Basement - The Future of UK Construction with Mike Reader MPBuild Up from the Basement - The Future of UK Construction with Mike Reader MPIn this episode, we sit down with Mike Reader MP for Northampton South - a former civil engineer turned Construction Champion for the UK Government - to explore the future of UK construction, infrastructure, and housing policy. With nearly 20 years in the industry at firms like Mace and Pick Everard, Mike brings real-world insight into the challenges and opportunities shaping the built environment today.

We talk about:

UK government housebuilding targets and why they’re so hard to hit

How SMEs and builders can stay resilient amid regulations and market shifts

The debate on mandatory builder licensing and raising construction standards

Mike’s priorities as Chair of the APPG on Infrastructure

Why skills, training, and apprenticeships are vital for the next generation

If you’re passionate about UK housing policy, infrastructure investment, construction careers, or the future of building standards, this is a must-watch!

]]>In this episode, we sit down with Mike Reader MP for Northampton South - a former civil engineer turned Construction Champion for the UK Government - to explore the future of UK construction, infrastructure, and housing policy. With nearly 20 years in the industry at firms like Mace and Pick Everard, Mike brings real-world insight into the challenges and opportunities shaping the built environment today.

We talk about:

UK government housebuilding targets and why they’re so hard to hit

How SMEs and builders can stay resilient amid regulations and market shifts

The debate on mandatory builder licensing and raising construction standards

Mike’s priorities as Chair of the APPG on Infrastructure

Why skills, training, and apprenticeships are vital for the next generation

If you’re passionate about UK housing policy, infrastructure investment, construction careers, or the future of building standards, this is a must-watch!

]]>9ae127e2-b273-4b2c-9761-709e268c9383Mon, 15 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +010011:05falsefull77Build Up from the Basement - Sir John Hayes, MP for South Holland and The DeepingsBuild Up from the Basement - Sir John Hayes, MP for South Holland and The DeepingsRecognising our best and brightest young builders, solving the housing crisis, and professionalising the construction industry are all on the agenda as MP for South Holland and the Deepings, and former Government Minister, Sir John Hayes joins us in the basement. We also take a dive into the question, "Why was Jesus a carpenter, and what does it tell us?", and Sir John makes a "very very very good point". Check out the full interview now

]]>Recognising our best and brightest young builders, solving the housing crisis, and professionalising the construction industry are all on the agenda as MP for South Holland and the Deepings, and former Government Minister, Sir John Hayes joins us in the basement. We also take a dive into the question, "Why was Jesus a carpenter, and what does it tell us?", and Sir John makes a "very very very good point". Check out the full interview now

]]>5ccb50d1-2617-4c21-b003-7fce29e27db4Tue, 12 Aug 2025 09:00:00 +010026:25falsefull66Build Up from the Basement MP Richard QuigleyBuild Up from the Basement MP Richard QuigleyMP for the Isle of Wight West, Richard Quigley, joins us in the basement at the FMB to chat about tackling the skills crisis, a licensing scheme for builders, and whether or not the UK genuinely has a realistic chance of meeting it's housebuilding targets.

]]>MP for the Isle of Wight West, Richard Quigley, joins us in the basement at the FMB to chat about tackling the skills crisis, a licensing scheme for builders, and whether or not the UK genuinely has a realistic chance of meeting it's housebuilding targets.

]]>fb4235c7-7eea-47bf-9aab-79df7e157458Mon, 28 Jul 2025 09:00:00 +010020:11falsefull55Build Up from the Basement with Mark Garnier MPBuild Up from the Basement with Mark Garnier MPWe’re joined by Mark Garnier MP, Member of Parliament for Wyre Forest, to discuss why it's time to introduce licensing for the building industry. 🏗️

From protecting homeowners to raising standards and boosting trust in the trade, Mark explains why licensing is long overdue—and what his Private Members’ Bill aims to achieve.

]]>We’re joined by Mark Garnier MP, Member of Parliament for Wyre Forest, to discuss why it's time to introduce licensing for the building industry. 🏗️

From protecting homeowners to raising standards and boosting trust in the trade, Mark explains why licensing is long overdue—and what his Private Members’ Bill aims to achieve.

]]>c7a43184-95e1-4663-a80c-c2d4eeba9cf4Mon, 19 May 2025 09:00:00 +010017:24falsefull44Why we’re calling for a License to BuildWhy we’re calling for a License to BuildIn the UK today, anyone - regardless of training, skill, or experience - can legally carry out construction work. No tests. No proof of competence. Just tools in hand and access to your home, your business, your safety.

Here's why we’re calling for a License to Build.


]]>In the UK today, anyone - regardless of training, skill, or experience - can legally carry out construction work. No tests. No proof of competence. Just tools in hand and access to your home, your business, your safety.

Here's why we’re calling for a License to Build.


]]>eca22f20-b7c8-45cc-830d-e0a15393fb67Tue, 13 May 2025 09:00:00 +010011:34falsefull33Build Up from the Basement with Tom HallBuild Up from the Basement with Tom HallWe’re joined by Tom Hall, Chief Economist at Aqua Consultants, on the latest episode of our podcast Buildup from the Basement.

Tom shares expert insights on the UK’s economic outlook and what it means for the construction industry—from interest rates to infrastructure investment.

]]>We’re joined by Tom Hall, Chief Economist at Aqua Consultants, on the latest episode of our podcast Buildup from the Basement.

Tom shares expert insights on the UK’s economic outlook and what it means for the construction industry—from interest rates to infrastructure investment.

]]>d255a8a3-da8d-4227-bb01-06d5e65beb95Tue, 06 May 2025 09:00:00 +010026:42falsefull22Build Up from the Basement: FMB's take on the Spring Statement, What builders need to knowBuild Up from the Basement: FMB's take on the Spring Statement, What builders need to knowThe FMB's Iona Stewart-Richardson speaks to CEO Brian Berry and Head of External Affairs Jeremy Gray about the Spring Statement and how the construction industry will be affected by the recent announcements.

]]>The FMB's Iona Stewart-Richardson speaks to CEO Brian Berry and Head of External Affairs Jeremy Gray about the Spring Statement and how the construction industry will be affected by the recent announcements.

]]>d672b4fe-1f59-47d3-861f-e93d1747fb73Wed, 02 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +010017:56falsefull11