Rise in number of women in construction apprenticeships – CITB
The number of women pursuing construction training is increasing, according to the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). CITB pointed to figures from the Department for Education, showing that the number of women starting construction apprenticeships “jumped” from 1,450 in 2018 to 2,410 in 2025. During the same period, the number completing a construction apprenticeship rose from 340 to 910.
Survey reveals trade mental health pressures
More than one in three UK tradespeople say their job is harming their mental health, according to new survey data from Trade Direct Insurance. With 900,000 people working in skilled trades across the UK, the findings suggest hundreds of thousands could be struggling with work-related mental health issues, according to the insurance company, which covers more than 70 recognised trades.
Profit holding at Barratt Redrow despite Iran conflict
Barratt Redrow completed 3,274 homes in its third quarter ending March 29 (2025: 3,717) bringing total home completions in its financial year to date to 10,718 homes (2025: 10,824). The firm said that it expected completions and profit for its full year to the end of June to hold up despite the Middle East conflict.
Heritage housing a “key delivery pathway” – PJ Livesey
Heritage housing should be recognised as a “key delivery pathway”, according to developer PJ Livesey. Launching a report, Unlocking Heritage for Housing, the specialist heritage developer has called for national policy reform of the treatment of historic buildings, pointing to Historic England’s assessment that more than 670,000 homes could be delivered through the reuse of existing heritage buildings.
Taylor Wimpey makes first customer experience director appointment
Taylor Wimpey has appointed Maria Sebastian as the housebuilder’s first group customer experience director. Sebastian joins as part of Taylor Wimpey’s group management team, leading the sales, marketing and customer service functions. The company said she would be “instrumental in ensuring the continued delivery of a cohesive journey for all Taylor Wimpey customers”.
Vistry chooses new ceo
Vistry Group has chosen Adam Daniels as its new chief executive officer. Daniels, who becomes the partnership housebuilder’s ceo as well as executive director with immediate effect, was previously the executive chair of one of Vistry’s two largest operating divisions and a member of the group's executive leadership team. Joining Countryside Partnerships in 2016, Daniels helped establish new regions and grow the business, taking on his first senior leadership role in 2019.
Housebuilder Awards 2026 – enter now
Entries are open until May 1 for the Housebuilder Awards 2026, the industry's own awards, supported by the Home Builders Federation and NHBC. Winning a Housebuilder Award can boost your business, brand and team, as 2025’s Housebuilders of the Year Bellway and Spitfire Homes explain: “Being named Large Housebuilder of the Year at the Housebuilder Awards recognises the commitment, professionalism and teamwork of colleagues right across the Bellway business,” says Matt Grayson, Bellway’s customer experience and sales director.
PfP and Barratt Redrow join forces on 8,500-home garden town
Places for People (PfP) and Barratt Redrow have unveiled a joint venture (JV) to build a 8,500-home community in East Hertfordshire. The joint venture will create interconnecting villages on the outskirts of Gilston which will be set within 660 hectares of public open space, restored historic parkland, meadows and woodland.
Richborough agrees debt facility with National Housing Bank
Homes England has agreed a multi-million-pound debt facility with land promoter Richborough, in an investment marking one of the first commitments made through the National Housing Bank, launched last week. The flexible facility will help Richborough accelerate its planning application activity, growing the supply of consented land for SMEs, housing associations and major housebuilders, Homes England said.
