The regional committees still play a vital role in Federation affairs – in fact, each committee now has more say on a national scale. This is because the regional committee meetings are planned to take place in sequence. Sophie attends every meeting, co-ordinates the agenda and reports back information to the NFDC Boards
The decision to tighten membership criteria is certainly not intended to discourage them. In fact, 2015 will see a renewed campaign to recruit new members to the Federation. “Sadly we lost several members during the recession and these haven’t been replaced,” says Sophie
Returning to the topic of membership, Sophie also explains why the traditional category of ‘Associate Members’ has been replaced by ‘Industry Service Providers’. “Not everybody was happy about it initially,” admits Sophie. Some of the existing associates questioned the reasoning behind it.”
Admission to the Federation certainly isn’t a shoo-in and in terms of sheer numbers, the NFDC represents a minority of companies describing themselves as ‘demolition contractors’. “There are literally thousands of them,” says Sophie. But figures suggest that approximately 80% of all demolition work carried out in the UK is done by NFDC members, which currently total 150.
But the new term more clearly acknowledges the role of these companies within the industry and their relationship with the core membership. “It has helped them and it has been a success: we’ve had a lot more interest from new Industry Service Providers as a result of this” says Sophie.
This has resulted in a more joined-up approach nationwide: “There’s a brilliant flow of information now,” says Sophie. This new arrangement also allows for value-added features, such as guest speakers. “For example this year I was accompanied by the CITB’s Levy Manager who gave a presentation to each regional group on changes to the levy process and how it would affect our members,” explains Sophie. Some of the charities that NFDC members have supported this year are below. All of these charities work tirelessly to raise much needed funds to support their cause and the NFDC are pleased to be able to be part of this.
London & Southern Region Strongbones- £6000 Emily Ash Trust- £5000 Lily Foundation- £12000 + Snowdon Trust- £5000 +
Midlands & Welsh Region Alex’s Wish- £1000 MacMillan Cancer Support- £1000
North West Region Good Life Orphanage- £8000 – international charity Salford Loaves & Fishes- £500
30 NFDC YEARBOOK 2015 | ORGANISATION AND THE REGIONS
With their role more clearly defined, the Industry Service Providers have lost none of their influence nor has their contribution been curtailed. In fact, they play an increasingly valuable role in major Federation events, most notably the biennial Demolition Expo. “This year we held two meetings with Industry Service Providers to identify sponsorship opportunities at the Demolition Expo where they can showcase their kit and help create a successful event.” North East Region Cystic Fibrosis Trust- £9000 North East Education Charity- £5000 North East Autism Society- £5000 Paul Cunningham Nurses- £2000 Scotland & Northern Ireland NHS Forth Valley- £400 Roybroyston Boys Brigade- £500
Stan Bowley Trust- £6000 - donated from several regions
TOTAL £60,400