DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021

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December COVER 2020

In this issue

The Interview - James Williams, Sero

James Williams is co-founder and md of Sero, a Cardiff-based zero carbon housebuilder and sustainable energy service company. He talks to Suzie Mayes about the company's growth plans, "true zero" and the challenges of expressing the value of low carbon abodes

Neutralising the nitrate problem

Natural England's decision last year that schemes should be nitrate neutral is creating obstacles for housebuilders. Steve Menary reports on the possible reasons behind nitrate problems and what can be done.

New Standards

NHBC has launched its technical Standards for 2021. Head of standards Richard Smith outlines the changes that come into effect at the start of the new year

Changes and challenges at HMI 2020

The annual Housing Market Intelligence conference and report turned digital this year. Delegates logged in to hear speakers discuss the changing landscape from Covid-19, the surprisingly robust housing market and other challenges the industry faces as it looks ahead.

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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