NEW INITIATIVES & MEMBER BENEFITS 2026
Sixteen new initiatives. One landmark year. Everything we're doing in 2026 to give your membership more value.
2026 is a landmark year for fbe. As we celebrate our 80th anniversary, we're proud to launch 16 new national initiatives and member benefits - our most ambitious programme yet.
From new collaboration frameworks and digital learning tools to expanded membership categories and regional growth, these initiatives are designed to deepen the value of your fbe membership and strengthen the built environment community across the UK. Explore each initiative below and discover what's coming for you this year.
NETWORKING & RECOGNITION
Connecting members, rewarding contribution, and creating the right introductions across the built environment community.
FBE Affiliate - National Service Provider Network
A national network of trusted service providers offering practical value to members - from legal and insurance to software and recruitment. Member-only rates, education-led sessions, and opt-in introductions managed by the FBE team. No contact list swapping, no pay-to-play. Learn more…
Branch Awards Ceremony
As part of the fbe 80th year programme, we're introducing a Branch Awards moment to recognise the volunteer-led branches that deliver events, build local networks, and keep the organisation moving across the UK. A small number of awards celebrating contribution, best practice, and real outcomes. Learn more…
FBE Connect - Curated Business Connections
Not more networking - the right networking. fbeConnect is a member-only introduction service that matches members by sector, discipline, company size, and growth goals. Facilitated introductions with follow-up support, so it doesn't end at “great to meet you.” Pilot launching 2026. Learn more…
FBE 80th Year Celebration
Founded in 1946 as the Faculty of Building, fbe turns 80 in 2026. We're marking the anniversary with heritage content, member and branch spotlights, and celebration moments woven into national activity - alongside one of the most ambitious membership programmes in our history. Learn more…
FBE Collaborate - Built Environment Member Co-ops
A framework for structured collaboration with aligned professional bodies across the built environment - including RICS, CIOB, CIBSE, RIBA, and others. Joint events, reciprocal access, shared CPDs, and stronger corporate engagement. Learn more…
FBE Advocate - Member Referral Rewards
FBE has always grown through introductions. FBE Advocate formalises that by rewarding members who bring new people into the network. Refer a contact who joins as a paid member and earn a discount off your next renewal - with no cap on successful referrals. Learn more…
LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT
Structured learning, CPD resources, and digital tools to help members and their teams build capability throughout the year.
FBE Podcast - Spotlighting Members and Companies
Meet the Master - a new podcast and video series produced with Invennt and the Worshipful Company of Constructors. Short episodes spotlighting leaders and innovators across the built environment, covering skills, mental health, inclusion, and sustainability.
Learn more…
Faculty Membership
fbe began life as the Faculty - a learned society founded in 1946. In 2026 we're relaunching Faculty Membership as a curated tier for influential built environment professionals who want deeper connection, stronger rooms, and a clear route to contribute. Includes a mentorship bridge into fft and the FBE Academy for the next generation.
Learn more…
FBE Academy - Free Membership for 16–18 Age Students
FBE Academy offers free membership for anyone in full or part-time built environment education. Early access to the network, industry events, and real sector conversations - with a clear pathway through the member journey:
Academy → fft → fbe Member → Faculty.
Sponsor-supported so cost is never a barrier. Learn more…
FBE CPD Library
A growing bank of education-led sessions and resources designed to support professional development across the built environment. One clear standard: education first, no sales pitches. Members can access content, recommend topics, or propose sessions they can deliver themselves.
Learn more…
FBE eLearning Platform
FBE members get preferential access to a comprehensive online learning platform built for construction and built environment professionals. Self-paced courses across health & safety, compliance, regulation, and management topics - a practical way to upskill yourself or your team without heavy admin. Learn more…
MEMBERSHIP & GROWTH
Expanding the reach and value of fbe membership - for individuals, companies, committees, and the regions we serve.
Branch Committee Discounts
Branch committee members give significant time keeping local fbe and fft communities running. We're formalising a consistent national discount structure to reflect that - with a minimum 25% off annual membership for all active committee members, applied simply and consistently across all branches.
Learn more…
Member Benefits Brochure
Everything you need to know about fbe membership in one place. The updated Member Benefits Brochure gives a clear overview of what members get - from events and networking to CPD-style learning and fft opportunities for younger professionals. Easy to download, easy to share with your team. Learn more…
Corporate Membership
Many organisations engage with fbe as a team, not just through one individual membership. We're developing a Corporate Membership option to better reflect how companies actually use the network - supporting team participation, company-level recognition, and deeper involvement. Currently in development - register your interest now and help shape the framework.
Learn more…
FBE National Expansion
North + Central + South
fbe is strengthening its national footprint with improved coverage across North, Central, and South regions. More consistent national activity, better regional access to events and networks, and a new structure with a central steering group and regional sub-committees. If you want to help grow fbe activity in your area, we'd love to hear from you. Learn more…
Membership Satisfaction Survey
Your chance to tell us what's working, what isn't, and what would make your membership more valuable. The fbe & fft Membership Satisfaction Survey covers everything from events and benefits to communications and future direction - and will directly shape what we prioritise next. Short, anonymous, and genuinely acted on. Learn more…