FBE 80th YEAR CELEBRATION
80 years of building connections — 1946 to 2026
Founded in 1946 as the Faculty of Building, fbe has grown from a technical learned society into one of the UK's leading independent networking organisations for the built environment. In 2026 we celebrate 80 years of building connections - and we're using the anniversary year to launch the next chapter of the network: stronger member value, 16 new initiatives, and a clearer national direction.
The fbe Story
fbe began life as the Faculty of Building — a learned society founded in the aftermath of the Second World War to bring built environment professionals together, share knowledge, and raise standards across the sector. That founding purpose hasn't changed. The network has.
Over eight decades, fbe has grown into a national organisation with branches across the UK, a community of members spanning every discipline in the built environment, and a Forum for Tomorrow connecting the next generation to the industry they're building their careers in.
80 years. One network. Built on relationships.
Why 2026 matters
80 years is a milestone. It reflects the strength of a volunteer-led network that has continued to grow, adapt, and serve its members across eight decades of change in the built environment.
It reflects the contribution of everyone who has been part of the fbe story - members, branch committees, supporters, sponsors, and partners across the UK.
And it's a moment to demonstrate not just where fbe has come from, but where it's going. The 80th year is the platform for the most ambitious membership programme in fbe's history.
What the 80th year programme includes
The anniversary programme is practical and woven into everything fbe does in 2026:
Anniversary branding across all fbe channels - logo, banners, communications, and events.
Heritage and milestone content published through the year - stories, archive moments, and member histories.
Member, branch, and partner spotlights celebrating contribution across the network.
Celebration moments integrated into existing national activity and events.
The Branch Awards Ceremony - recognising the volunteer committees who make fbe work.
16 new member initiatives - the landmark benefits programme launching across 2026.
How the anniversary connects everything
The 80th year gives a single thread that runs through all of fbe's 2026 activity:
New member benefits and partner initiatives - 16 in total, the largest programme yet.
Content and learning - Meet the Master podcast, CPD Library, and eLearning Platform.
Branch recognition - the inaugural Branch Awards Ceremony.
Early-career pathways - fft and the new FBE Academy for students.
Stronger national coordination - new branches, collaboration frameworks, and member voice through the Satisfaction Survey.
2026 is not a year of looking back. It's a year of building forward - using 80 years of relationships as the foundation.
Get involved in the 80th Year
There are several ways members, partners, and supporters can be part of the celebration:
Share your fbe story - photos, archive items, memories, and moments from your time in the network.
Support the programme through sponsorship or collaboration.
Contribute content, insight, or speakers for anniversary activity throughout the year.
Help spotlight branch achievements and volunteer contribution.
Attend national events where anniversary moments will be marked throughout 2026.
If you've been part of the fbe story as a member, volunteer, supporter, sponsor, or partner - we'd love to get you involved.
