May 2014

In this issue

Let battle commence

Housing minister Kris Hopkins and his shadow Emma Reynolds start the election campaign at the HBF Policy conference

The return of the council house

Local authorities are considering building homes again. Is this an opportunity for housebuilders?

Finance special

Our finance special looks at development finance, part exchange, incentives and provides a round up from lenders on the finance market

Eco and sustainability

Our round up of the key products helping saving water and energy

Part L guide

Our special supplement on the latest changes to Part L

Read Online

Latest Issue

Read Online

Latest Issue

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