Trade Associations

The UK Building Industry

The UK building industry is supported by several key trade associations that represent various sectors and professionals within the construction field. Notable organizations include:

  • Build UK: Serving as a leading representative organization, Build UK brings together clients, main contractors, trade associations, and other industry stakeholders to promote collaboration and address key industry issues.
  • National Federation of Builders (NFB: Established in 1896, the NFB represents regional contractors and small to medium-sized house builders across England and Wales, providing support, training, and advocacy for its members.
  • Federation of Master Builders (FMB): As the largest trade association in the UK building industry, the FMB has been protecting the interests of small and medium-sized building firms for over 60 years, offering resources and support to its members.
  • Construction Industry Council (CIC): Acting as a representative forum for professional bodies, research organizations, and specialist business associations in the UK construction industry, the CIC provides a single voice for professionals across the built environment.
  • Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB): With origins dating back to 1834, the CIOB promotes and advances the science and practice of building and construction, offering professional qualifications and support to its members worldwide.
  • Construction Products Association (CPA): Representing manufacturers and suppliers of construction products, the CPA works to support and promote the UK construction products industry, ensuring its voice is heard in key policy discussions.

These organizations play a crucial role in advocating for the building industry, providing training and resources, and promoting best practices across the UK construction sector.

The UK Construction Materials

In addition to the previously mentioned organizations, the UK construction materials sector is supported by several key trade associations that represent manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors. Notable organizations include:

  • Construction Products Association (CPA): The CPA represents manufacturers and distributors of construction products and materials in the UK, providing members with expertise, economic forecasts, and a voice in government legislation.
  • Builders Merchants Federation (BMF): The BMF represents and promotes the interests of merchants, manufacturers, and service providers operating in the building materials industry.
  • Mineral Products Association (MPA): The MPA is the trade association for the UK's mineral products industry, representing companies involved in the extraction and processing of minerals used in construction, such as aggregates, asphalt, cement, concrete, and industrial sand.
  • Construction Equipment Association (CEA): The CEA represents the UK construction equipment industry, including manufacturers and suppliers of construction machinery and equipment.
  • Federation of Environmental Trade Associations (FETA): FETA is an umbrella group representing manufacturers, suppliers, installers, and contractors within the building services sector, including those involved in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration.

These organizations play a crucial role in advocating for the construction materials industry, providing training and resources, and promoting best practices across the UK construction sector.

The UK HVAC and Plumbing Sectors

In the UK, several key trade associations represent professionals in the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) and plumbing sectors. Notable organizations include:

  • Building Engineering Services Association (BESA): Formerly known as the Heating and Ventilating Contractors' Association (HVCA), BESA is the main UK trade association for companies involved in the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration (HVACR), and related engineering projects.
  • Federation of Environmental Trade Associations (FETA): FETA represents the interests of manufacturers, suppliers, installers, and contractors within the refrigeration, heating, ventilating, and air conditioning industry in the UK.
  • Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Board (ACRIB): ACRIB serves as a central forum for all sectors and interests concerned with the air conditioning, refrigeration, and heat pump industry.
  • Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC): The APHC is a not-for-profit trade body for the plumbing and heating industry in England and Wales, representing large companies working on commercial projects to sole traders working in domestic properties.
  • Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE): As the professional body for the UK plumbing and heating industry, CIPHE has represented, supported, and developed members since 1906.

These organizations play a crucial role in advocating for the HVAC and plumbing industries, providing training and resources, and promoting best practices across the UK.