14th January 2022
Federation

Dear NFDC Members,

Re: Regional Meeting Attendance in 2022

I hope this message finds you all well and looking forward to a happy and prosperous 2022. 

As we all know, 2020 and 2021 were challenging years for us to get together in a room as a membership, but we hope that this year will bring the return to near-normality that allows us to connect, discuss issues and share learning face-to-face. 

It struck me late last year, during some of our Regional Meetings which took place in person, how much value our Members gain from connecting and talking about current demolition industry issues affecting us all. It also struck me how important it is that the ‘right’ people are in the room. 

A new year is always a good time to re-set expectations and this letter aims to do just that.

As active NFDC Members, you are expected to join our Regional Meetings and actively participate. Of course, there are schedule clashes from time-to-time, and you may opt to send another member of your team – this is no problem, provided the representative from your Company is of suitable knowledge and seniority to contribute to the discussions. 

With all Membership Organisations, you get out what you put in, so I would encourage all Members to come along to this year’s Regional Meetings, suggest ways we can improve them, ask for topics of interest to be added to the Agendas and have a voice in the discussions. I would remind our ISP members that they are welcome to request presentation slots at our Regional Meetings and we will also make every effort to engage industry speakers to join our meetings this year. 

During the last London & Southern Counties regional meeting, which was well attended by a good balance of Corporate and ISP members, ninety minutes of lively and interesting debate covered topics including the labour shortage, training, transitioning to HVO fuel, site audits, as well as the usual NFDC traditions of charity fundraising efforts coming up and the social events on the horizon. Those who missed it missed out, in my opinion! 

Similarly with last week’s Midlands & Welsh regional meeting, although held via Zoom, there was active participation from many members discussing a wide spectrum of Federation matters for over 2 hours. Reading the meeting minutes is no substitute for rolling your sleeves up and getting involved! 

Our Regional Chairmen, and myself, very much look forward to seeing you and listening to your views at this year’s meetings. Let’s see a marked improvement in Regional Meetings attendance and engagement this year for the benefit of all of our Members individually and for the Federation as a whole. 

Kind regards,
Howard Button
NFDC CEO

Originally published Jan 14, 2022 4:33:00 PM, updated July 22 2022.