Howard Button is Chief Executive Officer of the National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC). A former demolition contractor himself, he is responsible for addressing the day-to-day running of the organisation and its training subsidiary.
Construction Magazine: What does the National Federation of Demolition Contractors do?
Howard Button: The NFDC was established in 1941 to improve the lot of the industry. To try to guide our members and to keep them abreast of changes in legislation affecting the industry. We are very proactive.
CM: Why is there a need for such an organisation?
HB: The Federation was formed in answer to a demand from the War Office for a body to deal with WWII bomb-damaged buildings.From that point the Federation has evolved to the position we are in presently, helping to improve standards throughout the industry through information dissemination and up-to-date training. We see ourselves a raising the benchmark of the industry.
CM: How does the Federation work?
HB: We take feedback from members attending seminars to find out what their needs are. We also monitor and advise on legislation that affects our members and prove the competency of our members for those who use their services and members.
CM: Who can join the NFDC?
HB: Anyone who carries out a significant amount of demolition works as part of his or her operations – normally 65% and above. Our membership is completely voluntary, which might seem surprising. Our 160 members would take up 70-80% of all demolition contracts in the UK.
CM: What are the main challenges facing demolition contractors at the current time, and what advice is the NFDC offering members to meet these challenges?
HB: The biggest challenge facing our members is the current difficult economic situation. We offer best practice advice and help keep them up to date with the latest legislation that will affect them. For instance the latest Health and Safety legislation affecting asbestos removal. This is as a result of a directive from the EU following a challenge to the existing directive. This legislation changes in April this year, but as is frustratingly usual in this situation it is difficult to draw out information on how this will affect members.
