Welcome to the Scottish Building Federation

Scottish Building Federation Structure Change

The New Year has seen a change in management structure at SBF.

Michael Levack has stepped down from his role as Chief Executive and will assume a new position of Executive Director with the Federation.  Michael will continue to promote the public face of the Federation and will continue the political lobbying that has raised the profile of the SBF in recent years. Michael will also continue his strong links with our Major Contrators' Forum.

Vaughan Hart has stepped up to the position of Managing Director, from his previous position of Deputy Chief Executive, taking over the management of SBF going forward. Vaughan will also continue to manage the employment affairs function within the Federation on a strategic basis.

Meanwhile, Ian Robb, the current Honorary Treasurer of SBF, will expand his role to include the role of Commercial Director within the Federation.

SBF will continue to operate as a Company Limited by Guarantee and its existing Directors, emanating from our Association structure will not change.



President for 2013 / 2014 - Mr. Douglas Thomson (CHAP Construction (Aberdeen) Ltd)

Founded in 1895, the Scottish Building Federation (SBF) is a Company Limited by Guarantee, registered in Scotland (SC354581) and is the lead voice of the Scottish construction industry, an industry which, prior to recession, was responsible for more than £10 billion of output annually – roughly 10% of Scotland’s total economic output. 

Through working with industry, government and the media, the overall aim of the organisation is to ensure that the important contribution of the Scottish construction industry to Scotland’s economy and society is recognised and valued and that industry standards are raised. 

A true federation, comprising 16 Regional Associations, the SBF promotes the interests of the construction industry to a diverse range of stakeholders, representing around 700 companies from Orkney to the Borders.

SBF provides an exclusive range of invaluable support services to a wide range of member companies, whether these are small single trade firms or major regional and national contractors - the shared objective that all members have in common is their commitment to health and safety, skills and integrity, ensuring the delivery of the highest standards of performance, professionalism and quality within the industry in Scotland.

Over the years, SBF has strengthened working relationships with a wide range of kindred bodies to ensure that it is a powerful voice for construction within Scotland.  The continual development of relationships with the media and politicians ensures that SBF is a key point of contact for comment and lobbying within the construction industry.  Liaising with Local Authorities, key clients and public bodies, among others, allows us to explain the importance of the Federation and express the views if our membership at a variety of forums and levels. 

SBF is a founder member of the Scottish Building Apprenticeship & Training Council (SBATC).  SBATC was founded in 1934 and has the main purpose of regulating the working conditions, wages, recruitment and training of apprenticeships within the industry throughout Scotland.

There can be no doubt that the construction industry has suffered significantly as a consequence of the recent economic downturn and the immediate outlook for the sector remains challenging, therefore there has never been a better time to engage with your federation and ensure you have access to all the assistance and support you need.  Our collective ambition must be that the construction industry continues to make a positive contribution to a vibrant and successful Scottish economy in the years to come.