All three have a wealth of experience in the sector and will help represent the voice of both SMEs and large contractors at the highest level within CITB.

Kevin Mcloughlin MBE is the founder and managing director of London-based SME K&M Mcloughlin Decorating. Robert Williams MBE is the founder and chairman of Welsh SME WRW Construction Ltd. Steve Fox CBE, chief executive of Bam Nuttall, one of the UK’s largest contractors, completes the trio.

The appointments were made by apprenticeships and skills minister, Anne Milton, who said: “I am pleased to appoint new Board Members to the CITB. The construction industry experience these Board Members bring will be of great value to the sector.”

CITB Board Trustees are responsible for the governance, strategic direction and monitoring of business performance.

The Board will play a crucial role in helping to deliver CITB’s Vision 2020, which will make the organisation more accountable, representative and responsive to industry’s needs.

The three join the Board at an important time for CITB. The organisation has recently launched a new three-year business plan and they will oversee this reforming programme of work designed to modernise CITB and relentlessly focus on skills.

The next stage of changes to the governance of CITB will be the formation of new Nations Councils for England, Scotland and Wales, which should become active later this year.

Peter Lauener, chair of the CITB Board, said: “To deliver Vision 2020 we need a Board that represents employers of all sizes. That’s why I’m delighted we have appointed three hugely talented people from both SME and large contractor backgrounds. All three are vastly experienced, and passionate about supporting skills and training, with each playing a pivotal role in delivering apprenticeships within their own firms.

“Reform is gathering pace at CITB and Kevin, Robert and Steve will have a crucial role in shaping the future of the organisation. I look forward to working with them to ensure we make Vision 2020 a reality and deliver a CITB that truly meets British construction’s needs now and in the future.”

Brian Berry, chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), said: “The FMB has long championed the need for more representation of smaller employers on the CITB Board. We are therefore delighted that the Government has appointed not one but two new board members with an SME background.

“This is a big step in the right direction for an organisation that is in a critical period of reform. I very much encourage Kevin and Robert to ensure they are a strong voice for small and micro firms at Board level.

“Construction SMEs make up 98% of industry employers and train two-thirds of all apprentices. If the CITB succeeds in better reflecting the needs of small employers, it will be well placed to work with the industry to solve the construction skills crisis.”

Suzannah Nichol MBE, chief executive of Build UK, added: “I am delighted to see the range of experience, knowledge and background in those newly appointed to the CITB Board and with its reform plans well underway it is essential that we have strong and committed Board members that understand the construction industry. Whilst supporting the CITB Executive and Chairman in leading an organisation that is fit for the future, their role is also to ensure an effective training, skills and qualifications framework and supporting employers is at the heart of CITB’s activities.”