April 2018

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APR18-FRONTCOVER

In this issue

HBF Policy Conference

Ben Roskrow reports from the HBF Policy Conference where there were pleas to tone down industry criticism but with an acceptance that things must change

The Interview - Karl Hick, Larkfleet Homes

Karl Hick is the multi-talented boss of sustainable housebuilder Larkfleet Homes. He talks to Suzie Mayes about Brexit, his company's plans and why the sciences are so important

Forbidden land

Suzie Mayes looks at Greenbelt policy - decades old and widely misunderstood - and what can be done to encourage reform

Homing in on Hopkins

Hopkins Group has grown significantly over the past five years while maintaining the quality of build for which it has become known. Suzie Mayes talks to executive chairman James Hopkins about good design and how the government can help SMEs grow

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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