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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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