What would it mean for the UK if builders were required to be licensed?In this episode of Hard Hat Talks, host Kenneth Martin is joined by Gordon Nelson, Scotland Director of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), to discuss one of the most pressing topics in UK construction: the campaign for mandatory contractor licensing.Gordon unpacks the FMB’s "License to Build" initiative, a campaign that seeks to raise standards, protect consumers, and eliminate the billions lost each year to the construction shadow economy. With a specific focus on domestic works requiring building warrants, this episode shines a spotlight on the very real dangers of an unregulated sector—and how licensing could protect both homeowners and reputable contractors.From staggering statistics to personal stories of poor workmanship and financial ruin, Gordon and Kenneth explore:Why the public thinks builders are licensed—and why that’s a myth.The £41.7 billion shadow economy eroding trust and standards.How Scotland’s building warrant system provides a unique opportunity for change.What a good licensing system looks like (spoiler: it starts with 4 key pillars).How licensing can support decarbonisation and the complex retrofit market.Why now is the time for architects, homeowners, and builders to unite in reform.This is more than just a technical conversation—it's a moral one. As homeowners make some of the biggest investments of their lives, and as the industry moves toward the green transition, ensuring that only competent, qualified professionals are allowed to build is no longer optional—it’s essential.

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