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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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