NFB appoints James Butcher as deputy chief executive to drive industry innovation
The National Federation of Builders (NFB) has appointed James Butcher as its deputy chief executive, marking a significant step in the organization’s leadership evolution. Butcher, who joined the NFB five years ago from a background in public relations and lobbying, has been recognized for his policy expertise and strategic insight, attributes that the federation’s chief executive, Richard Beresford, says have been invaluable. Beresford emphasized Butcher’s passion and vision as central to the NFB’s ambition to enhance value for its members amid an evolving industry landscape.
Butcher’s appointment comes as he commits to steering the NFB away from the traditional trade association model, which he views as increasingly unfit for the future. He expressed a clear desire to innovate, stating that he and Beresford will lead the federation into a new era that embraces the rapid technological, cultural, and business environment shifts shaping the construction sector. Butcher highlighted the significant role of the federation’s engaged membership and dedicated staff as fundamental to navigating these challenges and opportunities.
Before his tenure at the NFB, Butcher held senior roles in campaign management and public affairs at Spink, a healthcare PR agency, where he managed diverse client campaigns and honed skills in budgeting, media relations, and strategic communication. This experience underpins his current role, where he also sits on key industry bodies, including the Construction Leadership Council and the Construction Industry Training Board’s (CITB) Levy Strategy Committee. These roles position him at the heart of industry-wide strategic discussions about skills development and levy funding reforms.
The Levy Strategy Committee, part of the CITB governance structure, plays a crucial role in shaping the levy proposals that impact training funding across the construction industry in Great Britain. It ensures industry perspectives are heard regarding levy legislation and evaluates the financial models underpinning CITB’s strategic goals. This is particularly pertinent given ongoing parliamentary debates concerning the CITB levy system and the industry's training needs. Recent government discussions have highlighted concerns about the current levy’s effectiveness and stressed the need for reforms to build a skilled workforce aligned with the sector’s future demands.
Looking ahead, the UK Parliament has called for more radical restructuring of the construction sector’s training framework. Proposals have included merging training boards into a more unified body with statutory levy authority, reflecting a broader ambition to develop a competent, productive, and resilient workforce. Butcher’s dual roles within the NFB and these pivotal industry forums place him in a critical position to influence and adapt to these developments, advancing the federation’s mission to serve its members amid significant change.
In summary, James Butcher’s elevation to deputy chief executive signals a strategic pivot within the NFB towards innovation and proactive leadership. His comprehensive background in policy, advocacy, and industry governance equips him to help the organization and its members navigate a complex landscape of technological progress, policy reform, and skills development challenges.