National federation role for Simon Girling of SEH French

An Ipswich based firm is celebrating after one of its directors was appointed as national chair of the National Federation of Builders (NFB).

Simon Girling, director of SEH French, has been involved as a member of the NFB for 15 years. He took up the role of chairman for Suffolk in 2012 and became Eastern chairman in 2014.

This latest appointment means that he is now ‘Incoming’ National Chair for the organisation and, next June, will be voted in to take on the role of National Chair.

The role will see Simon acting as the spokesman and thought leader for the entire building and construction industry in the UK.

The NFB provides a wide network of resources and business solutions to builders, contractors and house builders across England and Wales. It offers a platform for members to air their views, concerns and issues regarding the industry and its regulations.

Simon’s role will be to champion the causes that are of real importance to UK businesses, including any policy lobbying issues that may occur.

With Simon having been at the helm of SEH French for the last 15 years, the company continues to go from strength to strength, having recently secured the third generation of the Suffolk County Council Construction Framework – making them one of just three contractors who have been listed on the framework since day one.

Simon said of his new appointment: “It’s a great honour to be working as part of the NFB on a national level. Over the last decade, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with the Suffolk and Eastern branches, and I look forward to taking that further and acting on behalf of all UK members, effecting change and debating the future of construction on a national level.”

Richard Beresford, chief executive at the National Federation of Builders, said: “We’re delighted that Simon has accepted the post as our incoming national chair. We’re confident that he will provide fine representation and leadership for our members on the issues that are most important to them.”

For more information on the work of the NFB, visit www.builders.org.uk.