<b></b>The latest HBF survey reveals a distinct slowdown in September in line with fears over the escalating international crisis. <br> But it is too early to judge whether this represents temporary loss of confidence or a more permanent problem.<p></p><p> Visitors dropped slightly in September, the first time in eight months, while net reservation growth fell sharply. Prices continued to rise.</p><p><b><br> <b>HBF Monthly Survey Summary Results</b><br> <b>Activity in the month compared with the same month a year ago (balance*)</b><br> &amp; <b>Jun</b> <b>July</b> <b>Aug</b> <b>Sept</b><br> Site visitors +6 +6 +15 -2<br> Net reservations +14 +25 +24 +5<br> <b>Net house price change during the month (balance*)</b><br> &amp; +46 +44 +47 +32<br> <b>Companies expecting higher sales in 2000 (balance*)</b><br> &amp; +52 +54 +58 +52<br> <i>The HBF survey is based on responses from over 400 companies across all regions of Great Britain weighted to take account of their size *Balance: % reporting an increase less % reporting a decrease (Great Britain)</i></b></p><p> <br> <b></b></p><p>Gleeson Homes South East md Howard Fisher joined other members of management in a &amp;“back to the floor&amp;” exercise of building walls, tiling roofs and fixing radiators as part of &amp;“Be a Builder&amp;” day. </p><p>The day was held to address the skills shortage …