February 2020

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February 2020

In this issue

The Year Ahead

The year 2020 has begun with a sense of clarity. But what are the industry's hopes and predictions for the next 12 months? Suzie Mayes finds out

The Interview - Marcus Hawley, Blackswan Properties

Marcus Hawley established Blackswan Properties in response to the "old boys' club of real estate". He talks to Suzie Mayes about changing the face of rental, restoring old properties and becoming a bigger player in Birmingham

Pride in sites

The UK's' best site managers were recently celebrated at NHBC's Pride in the Job 2019 Supreme Awards in London. Housebuilder reports on the winners and why they have joined the elite

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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