The National Federation of Builders’ (NFB) Heritage and Traditional Build Conference 2025 brought together leading voices from across the construction, conservation and heritage sectors for a day of discussion, learning and collaboration. 

Held on 18 September in one of London’s most remarkable historic settings, Apothecaries’ Hall, the conference explored the future of heritage construction, the importance of specialist skills and the evolving responsibilities facing those who care for the nation’s built heritage.

With its theme, “Building on Tradition”, the event highlighted a central truth of modern conservation. Heritage work is not simply a matter of preserving the past. It is a forward-looking discipline, deeply connected to issues such as sustainability, regenerative development, skills shortages and national identity. Delegates from across the UK heard how traditional craftsmanship and modern construction standards must work hand in hand if the sector is to thrive in the years to come.

Apothecaries’ Hall, A Living Landmark

The choice of venue for the 2025 conference was more than symbolic. Apothecaries’ Hall is a building that embodies the craftsmanship, endurance and continuity at the heart of heritage work. Nestled in the City of London, it is the oldest surviving Livery Hall in the capital and has been owned by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries since 1632.

Originally part of the medieval Dominican Priory of Blackfriars, the site once included elements of a monastic guesthouse. Like much of the surrounding district, the Hall was destroyed during the Great Fire of London in 1666. Yet its significance was such that the Society rebuilt it on the same site, completing a new structure by 1672. That early modern reconstruction remains largely intact today. When delegates stepped inside for the 2025 conference, they were entering a space that has changed very little in more than three centuries.

The Hall’s interiors are among the finest surviving examples of 17th century civic architecture in London. The oak-panelled Great Hall, with its high ceilings and portraits of past masters, provided a dramatic backdrop for the day’s discussions. Nearby rooms such as the Court Room and Parlour retain their original plasterwork, stained glass and carved wood. These details served as a constant reminder of the value of traditional craftsmanship and the care required to maintain it.

A Centre of Early Science and Innovation

Apothecaries’ Hall also has a distinguished history as a hub of medical science. From the 17th to the early 20th centuries, the Society operated laboratories, a pharmacy and a manufacturing centre on the site. These facilities produced medicines for the Royal Navy, the British Army and the East India Company. By the 18th century, the Hall was exporting tinctures, pills and surgical tools across the world.

This legacy of technical skill and professional training aligns closely with the themes of the NFB conference. Heritage work today requires the same degree of commitment to learning and apprenticeship that defined the apothecaries’ trade. Delegates were able to view some of the Society’s historic artefacts, including 18th and 19th century drug jars, dispensing tools, silver ceremonial pieces and paintings depicting the history of the profession.

The Society continues to maintain a library and archives containing rare botanical texts, early pharmacopoeias and centuries of professional records. Scholars, historians and students still visit these collections by appointment. The Hall remains a working venue for education, examinations and licensing, continuing traditions that stretch back hundreds of years. This blending of past and present made it an ideal home for a conference dedicated to heritage practice.

Opening the Conference, The Future of Landmark Conservation

The formal programme began with an update on the Palace of Westminster Restoration and Renewal Programme, one of the most significant conservation projects currently underway in the UK. James Young, Programme and Assurance Director for UK Parliament Restoration and Renewal, outlined the scale of work required to safeguard the UNESCO World Heritage Site for future generations.

Young emphasised that the restoration would provide major opportunities for specialist supply chains across the UK. New jobs and apprenticeships in heritage trades will be created, and the project will depend heavily on highly skilled traditional crafts. His message was clear. Restoring the Palace is not only a matter of protecting a national symbol. It is also a means of strengthening the heritage sector and expanding its economic reach.

The audience then heard from Kelly O’Driscoll, Head of Built Heritage at Blenheim Palace, and Edward Lewis, Practice Director at Donald Insall Associates. They discussed Blenheim’s £60 million restoration programme, which includes dredging its historic lakes and a £12 million roof renewal. O’Driscoll and Lewis explained how modern sustainability principles are being integrated with traditional conservation methods. Climate resilience, they noted, is no longer an optional consideration. It must be central to any long term preservation strategy.

Delegates also learned about work at Grimes Graves in Norfolk, a 4,000 year old flint mine that offers unique insight into prehistoric construction. NFB member Hutton Construction shared how they have approached this ancient and fragile landscape. Their presentation demonstrated that heritage work encompasses a wide range of sites, from grand palaces to archaeological locations that require sensitive excavation and conservation methods.

The importance of craftsmanship and accreditation

Craft skills and specialist knowledge were at the heart of the mid morning sessions. Ronnie Clifford of Ornate Interiors another NFB member spoke about his award winning plasterwork, which features in buildings such as Durham Cathedral and Admiralty House. Clifford described the distinct approaches required when working on listed and non listed structures and the importance of understanding the history behind each site.

The NFB used the conference to provide an update on its Heritage Approved Contractor Mark. This accreditation has been developed to help clients identify firms with proven heritage expertise. As heritage projects grow in scale and complexity, the need for quality assurance becomes increasingly important.

James Butcher, Deputy Chief Executive of the NFB, also delivered a progress report on the CITB Heritage Sector Skills Plan. The Plan aims to tackle shortages in traditional trades by linking learning providers with industry leaders and policymakers. Delegates heard repeated calls for more structured training routes and increased visibility for heritage skills among young people.

Heritage led regeneration

The afternoon sessions turned to the role of heritage in wider regeneration. Pearce Construction another NFB member with the Heritage Approved Contractor Mark, presented their work at Boutport Street in Barnstaple, where a disused cinema has been transformed into a business hub. The project demonstrates how heritage led development can deliver community benefits while respecting the character of older buildings.

Collette Hall, Conservation Officer at North Devon Council, spoke about managing development pressures across a district with more than 3,500 listed buildings. She highlighted the need for local authorities to work closely with contractors and developers in order to balance economic growth with the protection of historic assets.

Reflections from sector leaders

Clare Watson, Chair of the NFB Heritage Group, reflected on the day’s discussions with a clear message about the direction of the sector.

“This conference proves that heritage is not about looking back with nostalgia, but about looking forward with purpose. Our industry thrives when we bring together traditional craftsmanship, modern standards and a shared vision for the future. The Heritage Approved Contractor Mark is central to that. It gives clients confidence, showcases our members’ expertise and helps set the benchmark for quality in our sector.”

Her comments underscored the shared commitment among delegates to raise standards and advocate for the value of heritage construction.

Keynote Address, Heritage and National Identity

The keynote speech was delivered by Nigel Huddleston MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. Huddleston discussed the importance of heritage to Britain’s economy and identity. He argued that investment in traditional skills not only safeguards historic buildings but also generates employment, apprenticeships and community opportunities.

His remarks reinforced a central theme of the conference. Heritage is both a cultural asset and a driver of economic growth. It supports local trades, strengthens regional supply chains and contributes to national well being.

A Venue that Embodies the Message

Throughout the day, the setting of Apothecaries’ Hall played an important role in shaping the atmosphere of the event. Delegates gathered in spaces that have witnessed centuries of craftsmanship, civic life and professional development. The same rooms that once hosted pioneering physicians now welcomes architects, contractors and conservation specialists who share a commitment to protecting historic buildings.

The venue’s long tradition of learning, apprenticeship and innovation mirrors the heritage sector’s current priorities. As the construction industry seeks to balance technological change with traditional techniques, places like Apothecaries’ Hall remind us of the enduring value of quality, skill and knowledge passed down across generations.

Looking Ahead

Although the conference celebrated progress, speakers were open about the challenges facing the sector. Skills shortages, climate adaptation and regulatory complexity all require sustained attention. However, there was a strong sense of shared purpose. Delegates expressed confidence that the heritage community has the expertise, passion and collaboration required to meet these challenges.

The NFB reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the Heritage Approved Contractor Mark, seeking out training opportunities and advocating for policies that recognise the cultural and economic importance of the historic built environment.

As delegates left Apothecaries’ Hall, they did so with a renewed understanding of the sector’s role in shaping the future. Heritage construction is not simply about safeguarding what has been inherited. It is about creating sustainable, resilient and culturally rich places for generations to come. The 2025 Conference demonstrated that building on tradition is not a constraint. It is a foundation for innovation, opportunity and long term stewardship.