Housing debate should focus on quality not quantity
Election campaigns always create a challenge for magazine editors, journalists and editorial contributors.
HBF Policy Conference Report
With housing high on the agenda for the looming general election, the traditional big three political parties sent senior politicians to the HBF Policy conference last month to add detail to their plans. Ben Roskrow reports
Skills and good government boost quality and quantity
The continued positivity in the market and the level of building activity means that sourcing the skills on site and in the office to build a consistent and high quality product remains a challenge
Testing the market at Northstowe
Our front cover picture this month shows the Cambridge guided busway at Northstowe rumbling along its track as it serves a nonexistent community.
Hold on to your hats - it's election 2015
Hardly had the new year's eve fireworks fizzled out over Old Father Thames than the political parties stepped up the campaigning ahead of the general election in May.
Uh oh - interesting times ahead in 2015
So, that was 2014. Not bad on the whole - a decent housing market, plenty of political interest in the industry, material shortages easing and a growing economy. In this edition of Housebuilder several columnists look back at the year - and their mood is one of satisfaction, tinged with concern at some of the emerging trends.
Keeping housing high on the agenda
I confess that I was one of many who earlier this year had written off the Scottish referendum as something of a foregone conclusion.
SWOT 2014: SUPPLIERS - Supply side looks to innovation to fulfil industry growth potential
How do the firms that supply materials and services to the housebuilders see the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats facing the industry? Ben Roskrow looks at the responses from this key sector
SWOT 2014: People and politics threaten the positive mood
Housebuilder's analysis of the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats facing the housebuilding industry reveals a sector enjoying a buoyant market with much potential but which may be undermined by a lack of staff both on site and in the office. Ben Roskrow reports
A skills crisis - on site and in the office
The football transfer window will have closed by the time you read this. But as I write there is a mad scramble among clubs from all divisions to bring in the key players they need to achieve their goals for the season - be that to win the league, qualify for Europe or avoid relegation.
