Build Up from the Basement

FMB

🎙️ 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.

Episodes

  1. 02/12/2025

    Build Up from the Basement, Richard Tice

    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.

    30 min

  2. 04/11/2025

    Build Up from the Basement Kit Malthouse

    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.

    39 min

  3. 15/09/2025

    Build Up from the Basement - The Future of UK Construction with Mike Reader MP

    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!

    11 min

  4. 12/08/2025

    Build Up from the Basement - Sir John Hayes, MP for South Holland and The Deepings

    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

    26 min

  5. 28/07/2025

    Build Up from the Basement MP Richard Quigley

    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.

    20 min

  6. 19/05/2025

    Build Up from the Basement with Mark Garnier MP

    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.

    17 min

  7. 13/05/2025

    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.

    12 min

  8. 06/05/2025

    Build Up from the Basement with Tom Hall

    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.

    27 min

  9. 02/04/2025

    Build Up from the Basement: FMB's take on the Spring Statement, What builders need to know

    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.

    18 min
  • 9 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

🎙️ 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.

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