The NFDC’s first executive membership was drawn from a very few specialist companies and, as the 1941 account shows, there was much amateurism in the world of demolition then, contractors often relying on brute strength rather than thought out procedures and special equipment.
With the momentum of the war effort behind them founder members started the open transfer of experience and problem solving techniques that grew into the technical support, training and safety awareness services for which the Federation is known today.
By 1943 liaison with the government and professional associations had resulted in the establishment of a Demolition Industry Wages Board.
In 1946 the NFDC was formally incorporated as the official body representing the UK demolition industry. Then in 1948 the Federation was granted armorial bearings by the English King of Arms. It was now a fully fledged body taking its place in the post-war reconstruction effort.
1971 saw the publication of the NFDC’s Form of Direct Contract and Code of Practice 94 Demolition. Five years later, the NFDC helped spawn the Institute of Demolition Engineers with the specific aim of advancing the science of demolition.
In 1977, the NFDC forged firm links with its sister organisations in the Netherlands and Germany, helping to form what would ultimately become the European Demolition Associations.
With the co-operation of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) the National Demolition Training Group was formed in 1978, with the major objectives for the provision of training specifically for the demolition industry.
In 1990, the Scheme for the Certification of Competence for Demolition Operatives was launched, with the ultimate aim for every demolition operative in the demolition industry to be trained in safe and skilled operating techniques.
Experienced operatives were able to obtain a nationally recognised qualification for the first time. From 1 April 1992, new entrants were required to complete the training laid down in the CITB's Training Specification: Demolition Operatives and on completion of training and appropriate work experience assessments would be carried out by Assessors appointed by the National Demolition Training Group (NDTG).
In May 1997 the National Demolition Training Group approved the course syllabus for the Demolition Supervisors. The course has been incorporated into the Certification of Competence Scheme.
From its beginnings in war-torn London, the NFDC has grown into an organisation that represents the UK demolition and dismantling industry throughout the world; from a fledgling organisation of a few specialists responding to an immediate need into a strong Federation with a detailed and committed strategy for the future.