April 2019

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April19-Cover

In this issue

HBF Policy Conference

The HBF Policy Conference covered a wide range of issues facing the industry, with challenges old and new up for debate. Housebuilder reports

The Interview - Chris Weedon, Stonebond Properties

Chris Weedon is the amiable md of Stonebond properties, a small housebuilder owned by the founders of Countryside. He talks to Suzie Mayes about his ambitious growth trajectory, taking care over community consultation and what he has learned from his years at Countryside

Nature net gain

In its Spring Statement, the government confirmed it would mandate biodiversity net gain in new schemes in England. Before this announcement, Suzie Mayes found out the industry's views on the plans and what housebuilders are doing to encourage and protect biodiversity

MMC identity

Richard Lankshear, NHBC's innovation manager, looks at what is deemed a modern method of construction and the systems NHBC has been reviewing

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SWOT shows industry in turmoil

Following a trying 12 months for housebuilders, this year’s SWOT analysis exposes the desperate state of some in the industry as consumer confidence nosedives and viability issues overwhelm. Ben Roskrow reveals the many Threats and Weaknesses the industry currently faces while searching for the Strengths and Opportunities

Time to give average prices the index finger

Matt Fleming, executive chairman at the Henry Agency, is launching a new house price index. He explains why he believes it will be better than what we have now

The Interview – Paul Turner, NHBC

After his first year as chief executive of NHBC, Paul Turner talks to Ben Roskrow about his plans to ensure the 90-year-old business is still around in another 90 years, supporting customers and consumers

HBF Viewpoint

Catherine Williams, HBF’s planning director, welcomes the publication of the National Planning Policy Framework. But certain changes since the draft version have weakened the intended “rules-based” approach. And SMEs are not as supported as they could be