October 2017

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OCT17-FRONTCOVER

In this issue

Britain's Biggest Housebuilders

Housing Market Intelligence Report editor Brian Green offers a taste of what is in the 2017 report launched in October and reveals this year's Top 25 housebuilders.

The Interview - David Thomas

Barratt Developments is once again Britian's biggest housebuilder according to the Top 25 revealed in this issue. Chief executive David Thomas talks about maintaining quality in a time of growth, the market, Help to Buy and the skills shortage.

On Fire - Spitfire Bespoke Homes

Spitfire Bespoke Homes has grown significantly in its first seven years of life, becoming known for its individually designed home. Md David Jervis speaks about growth, attention to detail and local markets.

Pledging to close the skills gap

A year after it offically began, the Home Building Skills Partnership launches a Skills Pledge to mobilise the whole of the industry and signal its intent.

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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