Getting better
Site safety has had a lot of press but less has been publicised about occupational health and illness in the construction sector. Michelle Aldous, ceo of Constructing Better Health, looks at the figures and how CBH can help improve them
Early blows struck in 2015 election fight
The general election campaign is well underway if the performances of housing minister Kris Hopkins and shadow housing minister Emma Reynolds at last month's HBF Policy conference are anything to go by. Ben Roskrow reports on the opening exchanges and the other conference highlights
Politicians and the greenbelt
Stephen Byfield, managing director of communications consultancy PPS, argues that planners should be left alone to make decisions on the greenbelt, to overcome the "idiocy" of the current policy
You've got a deal
It may be an improving market, but that does not necessarily mean that selling a new home has become any easier for housebuilders. However, continuing our finance special, Chris Windle finds out how part exchange and incentive deals can move things along
Lenders assess the finance market
As the finance market begins to awaken again, Housebuilder asks key players in the lending sector for their assessment of the present situation
Think small
The housing market may be continuing its recovery, but the funding world remains a rather hostile environment for smaller developers. In the first part of Housebuilder’s finance special, Chris Windle reports on housebuilders’ experiences when sourcing development finance and the lenders that can help
The return of the Council House
Changes in council borrowing rules and the cutting of grant to housing associations have prompted local authorities to consider building homes themselves again. Will this be an opportunity for housebuilders? Mark Smulian reports
The value of being registered
Being registered with NHBC provides housebuilders with a host of benefits including free flags, research and technical expertise. Housebuilder reports
NHBC works with industry to reduce basement claims
NHBC is set to issue new Standards for basement construction later this year that will build on the current standards and offer practical guidance for structural waterproofing and the construction of basements. Housebuilder reports
How planners kill innovation
Stephen Byfield, managing director of communications consultancy PPS, says high land values quash innovation ... and whose fault is that?
