Boasting over 8,000 members the FMB is the UK's largest trade association in the building industry, with national offices in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, supported by additional regional offices.
Established in 1941 to protect the interests of small and medium-sized building firms, the FMB is independent and non-profit-making, lobbying continuously for members’ interests at both national and local levels. The FMB have confirmed that Regentsmead will be a key industry partner for FMB Southern region bringing their development finance offering to FMB South members that are currently feeling the pinch from the inactivity of traditional high street lenders.
Commenting on the partnership, Regentsmead chief executive James Bloom said:
“We are delighted to announce this really exciting partnership with FMB. We have been in talks with them for some time and we really admire their tireless efforts to help support and provide assistance for their members. We saw a natural synergy in that many FMB members have expressed dismay about the lack of finance available in the market. Hopefully we can step in a plug this gap whilst delivering our usual five star service. Ultimately we are aiming to help get Britain building again and feed the desperate shortage of housing this country needs”.
Phil Hodge, services director for FMB South commented:
“Many FMB members are involved in bringing forward new housing development and many more would like to do so, if they could access the finance they need. FMB surveys of members involved in residential development show that access to finance remains the most commonly-cited constraint on their ability to build more homes, and many large lenders remain unwilling to lend to this sector. That is why FMB Southern region is extremely pleased to be partnering with Regentsmead. Not only are Regentsmead committed to providing finance to this sector, but they have long experience and understanding of the industry which allows finance to be arranged, and projects to move forward, much more swiftly.”
James continued to note that: “We have listened to a lot of our existing clients and the developer community is still reeling from a lack of mainstream funding sources. I have no doubt Regentsmead can plug the gap here for SME builders and developers and continue to help educate the community”.
Regentsmead are already working with the FMB to organise regional events and are due to present at their upcoming AGM.
