April 2020

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In this issue

CORONAVIRUS CRISIS - The HBF's message to the industry

HBF executive chairman Stewart Baseley says that, as the trade body for the home building industry, HBF has a key role to play in keeping members informed of the latest developments on coronavirus

The Interview - Andrew Brooks, Bewley Homes

Andrew Brooks, the lively md of Hampshire-based Bewley Homes, talks to Suzie Mayes about growing the small plc business, what quality means and learning from the "University of the breakfast table"

Keeping well

A year on from the launch of HBF's mental health campaign, Suzie Mayes looks at what housebuilders are doing to protect the mental health and wellbeing of their employees and subcontractors, in the office and on site

On the buses

Surely in these sustainable times, a bus route to serve a new scheme would seem essential. But, as Mark Smulian finds, this is not always a given

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Policy Conference captures hurdles to homes target

The HBF Policy Conference saw the housing secretary send a “call to arms” to industry to get building while other speakers detailed the numerous obstacles to this. Suzie Mayes reports

The Interview – Dave Smith & Matt Vincent, Spitfire Homes

Dave Smith became managing director of Spitfire Homes in 2025, with Matt Vincent operations director since 2024. They talk to Suzie Mayes about offering high quality homes in different markets, changes to the company and moving from being an SME to a more regionalised business

Celebrating social value

Julie Baker, Keepmoat North West’s social value manager, was crowned 2025’s Housebuilder Star for her commitment to helping young people. Suzie Mayes discovers why Baker’s background motivated her and takes a look at how other housebuilders approach social value

Crafting a career in construction

NHBC explores the various routes into housebuilding and the training it delivers to help resolve the skills shortage and retain talent