Ben Roskrow

New skills needed to maintain quality

April 9, 2015

As new home building increases, finding the right skills will become increasingly important. A nice problem to have, says Ben Roskrow, but one that needs tackling if high levels of customer satisfaction are to be maintained 

Happy days ahead for politicos

Feb. 10, 2015

The HBF Policy Conference in March will feature the Conservative housing minister, his Labour shadow and the LibDem housing spokesman - signs that election fever is on us and, as Ben Roskrow says, housing has a big role to play

What's in store in 2015?

Dec. 2, 2014

Ben Roskrow looks ahead to 2015, an election year of course. But what if there were two elections next year, as in 1974? What would that uncertainty do to the market and the economy

Our transfer window never closes

Sept. 2, 2014

Housebuilder's annual industry SWOT analysis reveals that skills shortages on site and in the office are the biggest threat to growth. Ben Roskrow says that the industry has a big job on to tackle this lack of talent

Our Awards reflect an industry of innovation

July 25, 2014

The finalists have been announced for the Housebuilder Awards and the winners revealed for the Housebuilder Product Awards. Ben Roskrow argues that these Awards help the industry innovate and reward those who go the extra mile

Election countdown begins at HBF conference

April 2, 2014

Housing minister Kris Hopkins and shadow housing minister Emma Reynolds laid out their vision for housing at the recent HBF Policy Conference. It seems the election campaign is already underway, says Ben Roskrow

Giving new homes a fair hearing

Jan. 28, 2014

Ben Roskrow despairs of the anti-developer tone of much of the media interest in the housebuilding industry, but finds solace in Kirsty and Phil on Location, Location, Location

Government delight as builders build

Sept. 24, 2013

The government has pinned its colours to increasing housebuilding - so it will be delighted, says Ben Roskrow, that the new Housing Market Intelligence Report launched on October 9 reveals the top builders are building more

The sun's shining - make hay

July 26, 2013

Ben Roskrow, risking a role as a forecaster against his better judgment, says that the period up to the next election will be an excellent one for the housing market. After that though....

Help to Buy (part one) going well despite the critics

June 10, 2013

The Help to Buy scheme has been dubbed "moronic" as detractors say it will fuel more boom and bust in the housing market. But Ben Roskrow argues that the signs are that the equity part of the initiative is working well