Bill Rabbetts

I am honoured to have been elected Chair for the second time at what is undoubtedly one of the most significant and exciting periods in our Federation’ s history.”

immense pride, and optimism

for the future.

First and foremost, I want to thank Mark for his exceptional leadership and dedication to the Federation. His commitment has strengthened our organisation and provided the solid foundations on which we will continue to build.

I am honoured to have been elected Chair for the second time at what is undoubtedly one of the most significant and exciting periods in our Federation’ s history. The construction industry is entering an era of unprecedented change, driven by technological innovation, particularly artificial intelligence, alongside the growing challenges and opportunities presented by climate change.

Our responsibility as a Federation is to help members not only navigate this changing landscape but thrive within it.

That means looking beyond the immediate pressures of today and focusing firmly on the horizon. By anticipating future challenges and identifying emerging opportunities, we can equip our members with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to remain competitive and successful.

Artificial intelligence will be a key area of focus over the coming years. We are already seeing AI transform the way businesses operate, and our role will be to help members understand, adopt, and benefit from these emerging technologies responsibly. Alongside embracing innovation, we must ensure that integrity, safety, and good governance remain central to everything we do.

I am pleased to see that the NFB is also embracing new tools and technologies that will undoubtedly strengthen member engagement and demonstrate the Federation’ s commitment to innovation. These initiatives are about delivering tangible benefits for members and ensuring the NFB remains fit for the future.

The future also demands collaboration. Whether through our regions, specialist groups, industry partners, or wider stakeholders- working together will be essential in tackling shared challenges and seizing new opportunities. I am committed to ensuring that we build on the success of

initiatives such as the Heritage Group and the Heritage Mark which demonstrate what can be achieved when vision, expertise, and commitment come together behind a common goal.

As always, our priority remains the health, safety, and wellbeing of our people. We will continue to provide the guidance, support, and training our members need while expanding opportunities for learning, professional development, and business growth. The NFB Academy is a great example of investing in people, not only in health and safety but also in their wider leadership roles..

The challenges ahead are significant, but so too are the opportunities. I firmly believe that membership of the NFB should be viewed not simply as access to services and support, but as an investment in the future. Our role is to help members see what lies ahead, prepare for change, and turn emerging trends into lasting success.

I look forward to meeting some of our readers at future events and hope that together we can navigate the challenges ahead and turn them into opportunities. The future is ours to shape, and I look forward to the journey ahead.

Bill Rabbetts Chair of The National Federation of Builders