Features

Much obliged

Bill Mackie of Cripps Harries Hall argues that it is essential that a landowner is required to enter into planning obligations – otherwise your development could be frustrated

Train times

As public funds become more scarce, those in charge of cash distribution are going to be more demanding. Take note – if you have not got an apprentice programme, start one now, because, as Mark Smulian reports, training will be the key to future funds

Making a difference

With Christmas approaching, thoughts turn to charitable deeds – and one housebuilder is paving the way. Suzie Mayes reports on Connolly Homes – the firm that diverts its profits to help the needy

Golden Gate

South Gate is a small scheme spread across four plots in Totnes which could have spelt disaster for Midas Homes but instead became an award winning project. Steve Menary reports

Thermal currents

The robust details scheme introduced for sound insulation regulations has been good for the industry and driven up standards. So could a similar approach work in the more complex world of thermal insulation? Dave Baker, chief executive of Robust Details Ltd, tells Ben Roskrowthat he thinks it could

Village genius

The restored Tudor Gatehouse at Bramshott Place Village

Persimmon equipped for steady growth

Persimmon is starting to recruit again – taking on 20 school leavers – and shifting its attention to traditional two storey family housing. Chief exec Mike Farley talks strategy with Ben Roskrow

TW builds again

Taylor Wimpey boss Pete Redfern tells Ben Roskrowhe is pleasantly surprised by the market and is seeing activity on his sites speed up

Riders of the storm

What has it been like being a chief executive of one of the big housebuilders during the storm of the past 18 months? Ben Roskrow talks to the bosses of two of the biggest players – Mike Farley of Persimmon and Pete Redfern of Taylor Wimpey – to find out, and, on pages 22 and 24, hears their plans to build again

A year or two of living very dangerously indeed