Forum for the built environment (fbe), a national networking organisation for professionals in the construction, property and development industry, has appointed a new director to lead the growth of its sister group, forum for tomorrow (fft).
Jo Jones, business development manager for Midlands-based design consultancy, Building Services, has been announced as fft’s new director. Offering informal networking opportunities, fft aims to assist young and emerging professionals establish their careers, build new industry contacts and improve networking skills. Jo has been a committee member of fft’s West Midlands branch for the past five years and in her new role, is responsible for raising awareness of the group nationwide, hosting a variety of events throughout the year, establishing links with similar organisations, increasing membership and representing members at quarterly board meetings.
“I’ve found fft to be a really dynamic, supportive and exciting organisation to be a member of and have developed a network of contacts and friends that otherwise I probably wouldn’t have met,” explains Jo. “For those either on the cusp of their professional career or entering the construction industry later in life, I believe fft presents an ideal platform to learn, share industry knowledge and gain access to business opportunities and experience in an informal setting.”
Established by fbe in 2008, fft currently has five active branches in Bristol, East Midlands, London, West Midlands and Yorkshire. Events are organised by committees of volunteers and include breakfast meetings, evening drinks receptions, site tours, quiz nights and golf days. All fft members are actively encouraged to attend fbe events to further their personal and career development by networking with more experienced professionals.
Howard Gadd, fbe’s national chairman commented: “Ensuring a pipeline of enthusiastic and knowledgeable construction professionals is essential for safeguarding the industry’s future and this ethos is at the heart of fft.
“Jo has first-hand experience of how networking benefits a career and in addition to her role with West Midlands fft, she has also sat on the committee for fbe’s Black Country & Telford branch, meaning she has total understanding of both organisations and how they should dovetail together. I am extremely pleased Jo has taken up directorship of fft and am confident we have secured the right person to champion the next generation.”