Friday, 4th February 2011
Top stories this week
Greg Clark: Localism to spark growth revival.....read more
Shapps: Communities to be given a right to reclaim land.....read more
Green Deal to be extended to new build.....read more
Zero Carbon Hub secures funding for 2011-12.....read more
Halifax: House price index, January 2011.....read more
CML welcomes Treasury Committee's report on regulation.....read more
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Government and political news
Greg Clark: Localism to spark growth revival
In a speech to the Adam Smith Institute this week, Minister for Decentralisation Greg Clark said the changes being introduced through the Localism Bill unashamedly pro-growth.
Mr Clark said the Bill was a huge opportunity to reboot the planning system making it pro-growth and pro-development, by allowing much greater involvement of communities from the outset to shape their neighbourhood and to share directly in the rewards of growth, not just the costs.
Mr Clark said:
"The Localism Bill is unashamedly pro-growth. Everything within it is designed to unlock the barriers to growth that have led to a crisis in development, with housebuilding at its lowest level in any peacetime year since 1924.
"The huge opportunity of the Bill is to reboot the planning system so it is no longer one of the major obstacles to growth. We have got into a disastrous situation where communities have become pitted against development by being shut out of the process and seeing only the costs, never the benefits.
"By allowing communities to share directly in the rewards of growth and giving them the chance to shape a positive future for their areas, the Bill will create the conditions where people begin to welcome rather than resist growth."
Read more
Please click here to read the text of the speech
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Shapps: Communities to be given a right to reclaim land
Housing Minister Grant Shapps has announced plans to give members of the public the right to reclaim and develop hundreds of acres of unused public sector land and buildings. The new “Community Right to Reclaim Land” is aimed at helping communities to improve their local area by using disused publicly owned land for new development.
A new one-stop shop is to be provided by the summer to give people information about empty land and buildings they can develop to improve their local area. The new online tool will combine information from existing databases to form the bedrock of a new Community Right – the Right to Reclaim Land – which will also include an improved system for members of the public to request that empty public sector land or buildings are sold off, so they can be brought back into use.
In the future, members of public will be able to access information about land owned by a much broader range of public bodies, and the system for considering requests will be streamlined, with all but the most sensitive decisions considered alongside other planning casework, instead of by Government Ministers.
As part of the move, Mr Shapps is also calling on Government departments to make more information about their surplus land available. To set an example for what the public sector can do, a detailed list of all the land and property assets owned by the Homes and Communities Agency is being published, so communities can see where land and property is located, and its status (for further details see the item on this under Industry News).
Housing Minister Grant Shapps said:
“It’s completely unacceptable that people have to walk past derelict land and buildings every day, in the knowledge that there’s almost no prospect they will be brought back into use, and there’s absolutely nothing they can do about it. For years, communities who have attempted to improve their local area by developing disused public land and buildings have found themselves bouncing off the walls of bureaucratic indifference - their attempts to do something positive for their community thwarted by a system that has proved totally ineffective.
“So starting today, we are introducing a new Right to Reclaim Land. Under our plans, communities will no longer be kept in the dark about what land is available; instead they will be able to see at the click of a button what local opportunities there are for development. And rather than requests to use that land being blocked and ignored, ordinary people who make a case to improve their local area will be listened to.
Read more
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CLG: Financial impact of the Localism Bill
CLG has published a suite of documents assessing the financial impact of the provisions of the Localism Bill.
These assessments predict that just over half of the identified “neighbourhoods” (currently defined as corresponding to electoral wards) are expected to produce a neighbourhood plan by 2022 despite predictions that such plans could cost between £17,000 and £63,000.
The cost of local referendums into communities right to build, right to challenge and the neighbourhood plans themselves is estimated at £2.7m per year over the next 10 years.
The proposal to introduce compulsory community pre-application discussions for large-scale major planning applications is expected to add £5.3m to costs on applicants. However, this is supposedly recouped through greater acceptance rates of proposals and a reduction of unexpected issues arising late in the development process. The impact assessment assesses this net benefit to be some £13m per year.
Please click here to view the entire suite of assessments
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Grant Shapps: New financial deal for council housing
Grant Shapps has also published details of the new financial deal for council housing. This includes a detailed description of how each council's opening financial position will be determined and the process for implementing these reforms in April 2012. The aim is to provide councils with clarity on funding for the future so they can now begin detailed preparations on how they plan to better meet the housing needs of their communities over the long term.
This new approach, developed in partnership with local government, will bring an end to the Housing Revenue Account subsidy system where councils were required to pay council rents to Whitehall which then decided how to redistribute it.
Grant Shapps said:
"This deal brings to an end a centralised system which meant councils didn't know what funding they would get for housing from one year to the next and were unable to take key decisions about their housing stock. It prevented them from delivering the best possible services for their tenants in the most efficient way.
"I am setting councils free to better meet the needs of their tenants. Today I am outlining these new freedoms as well as how each council's opening financial position will be calculated. By giving them clarity on their future revenue and the freedom they have to decide what is best in their local area they can now start preparing for this council house revolution that will begin next year. They now have the tools and incentives to radically overhaul the housing services they provide and deliver better value for money.
"And by putting councils in control and making the decisions they take more transparent tenants and local tax payers will be better placed to hold their landlords to account."
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Final council funding settlement published
Local Government Minister Bob Neill has this week published the final allocations of Government funding for Local Authorities in 2011-12. The final settlement:
Allocates a total Government Revenue Grant of £72.7bn to Local Authorities in 2011-12;
Distributes £29.4bn in formula grant in 2011-12 and £27.1bn for 2012-13;
Keeps the average revenue spending power reduction for 2011-12 at only 4.4% and reduces the upper limit from 8.9% to 8.8%;
Ensures a fair distribution between different parts of the country - north and south, rural and urban, metropolitan and shire;
Creates four new grant bands or 'floors' with different limits that protect those most dependent on grant against potentially steeper reductions.
Mr Neill said:
"We urgently need to reduce the country's public spending and local government accounts for around a quarter of all public expenditure so councils have a big part to play.
"We have listened to views and looked hard at the figures and have pushed more money to those most dependent on grant so now no council will face a reduction of more than 8.8%….
"These extra steps once again show we have worked to deliver a fair and progressive approach that directs grant to where it is most needed - the vulnerable and needy - whilst protecting taxpayers."
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LGA responds to local government finance settlement
Responding to the announcement of the local government finance settlement Richard Kemp, Vice Chairman of the Local Government Association, said:
“Today’s announcement confirms what councils already knew. Local government will have to cover a funding shortfall of around £6.5bn in the next financial year, with some councils facing more than 16 per cent reductions in the amount of money they receive from the Government. It is the toughest settlement in living memory.
“We are disappointed that the Government has not listened to our request to take some of the sting out of the cuts by spreading them evenly over the next four years instead of heavily frontloading them. The speed and depth of the cuts mean that conventional efficiency drives, such as shared services, will fall well short of delivering the kind of savings needed to protect all the services councils provide. Inevitably councils face extremely tough decisions on which services to save and which to cut.
Read more
Please click here to view the settlement
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Opposition MP criticises Government performance
In the Opposition Day Debate on the Performance of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, Jack Dromey (Lab, Birmingham Erdington) discussed the Labour Party’s record, comparing to it to the Government’s performance;
He stated,
“When times are tough, it is all the more important for the Government to have a strategy for growth. That is why the Labour Government, at a time of global crisis, invested in the economy to get it moving, with enormous benefits for our manufacturing base. The car scrappage scheme was warmly welcomed by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders because 400,000 cars were built. The stimulus package in the construction industry was warmly welcomed by everyone from the National House-Building Council and the Home Builders Federation. Some 110,000 homes were built, and 70,000 jobs and 3,000 apprentices were created or saved.
“The Government inherited a growing economy when they took power, but they have slammed on the brakes, and the economy has gone into reverse. Let me give three examples. First, 10% of our gross domestic product growth comes from construction. The construction industry was growing in the first half of 2010 as a consequence of the steps that Labour took in government, but in the last quarter of 2010, it fell by 3.3%. The construction industry and house builders are increasingly concerned about the consequences of the Government's actions in respect of everything from cuts in capital investment to the scrapping of regional spatial strategies. Two hundred thousand planned homes will not now be built, which is why the Federation of Master Builders, which represents SMEs in the building industry, predicts 11,000 job losses, and why the Construction Products Association predicts a 2% fall this year.”
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Industry news
Green Deal to be extended to new build
Speaking at the Zero Carbon Hub’s first annual conference on 1st February, Housing Minister Grant Shapps announced that the Government is proposing to extend its Green Deal programme for energy efficiency improvements to new build homes.
The existing Green Deal scheme proposals are limited to energy efficiency improvements to existing homes – with work being financed by Green Deal providers and repaid over time by householders. The criteria for the scheme also require that such repayments should not exceed the savings in energy bills achieved.
In his speech Grant Shapps said:
“Whilst the Green Deal is currently only a retrofit scheme for existing homes, today I want to let you know that I am interested in whether we should look at new build homes too.
“I reckon such a scheme could allow developers to recover some of the cost of building better homes to meet modern energy efficiency standards.
“At the same time we could protect the home buyer by ensuring that their repayment was no more than the savings made on their energy bills. It seems to me that this could be a win win.
“But I want to know what you think as an industry.
“I'm keen to work with you to look at how we can make a reality of this idea.
“This is my next big challenge to you.
“I'd like to invite you to come up with a system which is fair and works both for developers and home buyers.”
HBF will be discussing the opportunities created by this announcement with members through the HBF Sustainability Group.
In his speech Mr Shapps also confirmed that it was his long-term intention to merge the code for sustainable homes with building regulations and spoke about work to finalise the definition of zero carbon, including the means for delivering off-site “Allowable Solutions”.
Please click here to read Mr Shapps’ speech
Read more
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Zero Carbon Hub’s annual conference
Other speakers at the conference included Barratt chief executive Mark Clare, Crest Nicholson Chief Executive Steve Stone and HBF’s John Slaughter.
Please click here to view all of the documents from the conference
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Zero Carbon Hub secures funding for 2011-12
At its conference the Hub also announced that although the Government will no longer fund it from March, it has secured enough private finance to continue working to at least March 2012. The National House Building Council has provided £900,000 so that the hub’s research work can continue.
Paul King, Chair of the hub, told the conference:
“It is a testament to this success that the hub has now secured private-sector funding until at least March 2012, enabling it to help inform the final definition of zero carbon and the means of cost-effective delivery for the house-building industry.”
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HBF: Funding secured, now Hub must push on
HBF welcomed this week’s announcement that funding for the Zero Carbon Hub has been secured for another year and stressed the importance of the Hub taking the lead in the further work needed to find practical ways that will allow the industry to deliver low and zero carbon homes.
In a press statement HBF Executive Chairman Stewart Baseley said:
“I am delighted the Hub has been able to secure future funding and fully support the work it is doing. The review I have just completed clearly demonstrates its effectiveness. It has achieved a great deal in the short time it has been established. However, there is much still to be done. The Hub must now take the lead and pull all parties together such that we can progress towards a realistic, practical and affordable implementation of this challenging objective - one that doesn't detract from housing delivery.”
Read more
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HCA: Land and property assets
The Homes and Communities Agency has published a detailed list of all its land and property assets categorised by Local Authority area, type of asset, size and address. This is aimed at making it easier for local authorities and communities to see where HCA-owned property is located and its status.
The information could enable local authorities, Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) and community-based organisations work with the HCA to support assembly of land development opportunities for their area. It will also make it possible for members of the public to scrutinise the land and buildings owned by the HCA.
Pat Ritchie, Chief Executive of the Homes and Communities Agency said:
“Land and property is becoming an important ‘currency’ to support delivery. We hope that by publishing details of our assets, it will be easier for Local Authorities and others to see where we might be able to help them achieve their housing and regeneration ambitions in areas across the country.
“Through our enabling role and investment planning process, we are working with local authorities, RDAs and other partners to develop joined-up, coherent strategies that use public assets to best effect meeting local needs as well as delivering best value for the taxpayer.”
Any interest in the assets listed should be directed to AssetAdministration@hca.gsx.gov.uk where receipt of enquiries will be acknowledged, prior to their being forwarded to the appropriate HCA contact with detailed knowledge of the asset involved who will respond directly.
The asset details will be updated in March and September of each year, to coincide with the HCA’s asset valuation process.
Read more
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RICS: Construction industry slows
Construction workloads fell during the last quarter of 2010, as Government spending cuts and a lack of commercial finance took their toll on the industry, says the latest RICS Construction Market Survey.
5% more surveyors reported total construction workloads fell rather than rose in Q4 2010. Although this is a slight improvement from Q3 (-10%), work levels varied strongly across the UK. The South East/ London region was the only area to report positive activity, while all other regions saw sharp falls in workloads.
Northern Ireland and Scotland recorded the largest falls in activity with net balances of –52 and –23 respectively.
As a result of Government spending cuts, public housing and public non-housing sectors were the hardest hit - both recording net balances of -20. Surveyors report that the spare capacity created by falling public sector workloads is yet to be replaced by the private sector. Meanwhile, only the private commercial sector managed to remain in positive territory (+9) although this appears at the present stage to be more indicative of the sector bottoming out, rather than a sustained recovery.
Material costs rose dramatically, with 56% more surveyors reporting a rise in costs, up from 28% during the previous three months. Trades people and professional costs fell, reflecting increased competition for jobs, which is driving down the cost of labour. However, this was insufficient to offset the rise in commodity prices and as a result, the total input costs net balance climbed from +9 to +28.
Surveyors revealed the market became increasingly competitive in the last quarter of 2010, with firms seeking to secure work from a smaller and diminishing pool. As a result, surveyors predict that jobs will continue to be lost, with 14 per cent more respondents expecting employment levels to fall rather than rise over the next 12 months. Surveyors were similarly downbeat with predictions for workloads and profit margins (-7 and -37 respectively). Simon Rubinsohn, RICS Chief Economist, commented:
“The rebound in the construction sector seems to have run out of steam. Although bad weather at the end of the year will clearly have had some impact on responses to the survey, the bigger picture here is of an industry under significant pressure as public spending cuts begin to bite, while there is little sign of a private sector recovery across large parts of the country.
“Ominously for the housing market and medium term house prices, residential development is not at this point being cranked up to meet projected demand. This means that the response to the introduction of New Homes Bonus is going to be absolutely critical. ”
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Plans to free up self-builders
Ministers have met with self build industry leaders to launch a new group to advise them on how to cut the red tape and regulations that are stopping aspiring self-builders from realising their ambitions.
Since Grant Shapps called on aspiring self-builders to make a house building revolution last month, the National Self-Build Association has been working with officials to set up the group whose task it will be to develop an action plan to tackle the key barriers to the growth of self-build housing - such as availability of land, finance and expert support for people new to the industry.
Grant Shapps said:
"Self-builders already make a big contribution to new homes built in this country each year - yet we still lag behind most of Europe. I want to turn around the fortunes of self-builders by cutting the red tape and bureaucracy they often face.
"That's why I'm delighted that the National Association of Self-Builders has agreed to work with my officials to identify the barriers that aspiring self-builders often face, and to let us in Whitehall know what we can do to make it easier to help people achieve their dream of building their own home.
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Renewable Energy Targets: Commission calls on Member States to boost cooperation
The European Commission this week presented its Communication on the progress of renewable energy in the EU. It shows that the 2020 renewable energy policy goals are likely to be met and exceeded if Member States fully implement their national renewable energy action plans and if financing instruments are improved. It also stresses the need for further cooperation between Member States and a better integration of renewable energy into the single European market. Estimates indicate that such measures could lead to 10 billions Euros savings each year.
The EU is committed to reaching the objective of a 20% share of renewable energy by 2020. To achieve these targets, the Commission calls on the Member States to
Implement the national action plans that Member States have presented at the beginning of 2010. According to these plans, all Member States will meet their national binding targets by 2020. Latest data show however, that in 2010, the indicative targets the Member States set themselves for the electricity and transport sector were missed by most Member States and for the EU overall;
Ensure a doubling of annual capital investments in renewable energy from €35bn per year to €70bn. Further investment in renewables will require a substantial use of national support schemes. The Commission calls for these support schemes, and other instruments used to finance renewable energy at EU or national level, to be as cost-effective as possible.
The Communication shows that, while different financial instruments are used in all Member States to develop renewable energy – grants, loans, feed in tariffs, certificate regimes etc., their management needs to be improved. Investors need greater coherence, clarity and certainty.
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Housing market news
Halifax: House price index, January 2011
The latest data from Halifax showed that:
House prices in the three months to January were 0.7% lower than in the preceding three months. This continues the slight decline on this measure since last spring. The pace at which prices are falling, however, remains markedly lower than during the second half of 2008 when quarterly declines of 5-6% were recorded;
On an annual basis, prices in January were 2.4% lower as measured by the average for the latest three months against the same period a year earlier;
Fewer properties coming onto the market for sale. The latest RICS survey, for example, reported a decline in new seller instructions for the third successive month in December. A continuation of this trend would help to reduce the imbalance between demand and supply and support house prices;
Slight rise in housing market activity in 2010. The number of home sales in the UK increased by 4% from 846,000 in 2009 to 884,000 in 2010, according to the latest HMRC figures. Despite this modest improvement, sales remain very low historically and are just over half the annual levels of 1.6-1.7 million in 2006 and 2007;
Latest mortgage approval figures affected by the weather. Bank of England industry-wide figures showed a 10% decline in the number of mortgages approved to finance house purchase – a leading indicator of completed house sales – between November and December on a seasonally adjusted basis. These figures, however, are difficult to interpret due to the unusually severe weather in December, which is likely to have reduced the level of approvals in that month. Similarly, the 28% fall compared with December 2009 is significantly affected by the ending of the stamp duty holiday on properties between £125,000 and £175,000 at the end of 2009, which boosted the number of approvals during the last few months of that year.
Commenting, Martin Ellis, Housing Economist, said:
"Prices in the latest three months were 0.7% lower than in the previous quarter, continuing the slight downward trend on this underlying measure. House prices increased by 0.8% between December and January.
"We expect limited movement in house prices overall this year. There are, however, likely to be some monthly fluctuations with the risks on the downside. The prospects for the market in 2011 are closely aligned with the performance of the wider economy. Consumer confidence has fallen recently, partly as a result of nervousness about the economic outlook.
"On a positive note, there have been further signs that the recent downward trend in prices is causing homeowners to be more reluctant to put their properties on the market. This development should help to relieve downward pressures on prices as long as it is sustained. We also expect interest rates to remain very low for some time, supporting a favourable affordability position for many existing mortgage borrowers and those entering the market."
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Nationwide: House price index, January 2011
The latest data from Nationwide’s monthly house price index reported that:
The average house price fell marginally by 0.1% in January, from £162,763 in December 2010 to £161,602;
The annual house price change was -1.1%.
Commenting on the figures, Robert Gardner, Nationwide's Chief Economist, said:
“January’s data does little to alter the picture of a sluggish market that has been evident since the summer. Indeed, the three month on three month measure of house prices, which is a better measure of the underlying trend, showed a fall of 0.5%, consistent with the gradual moderation in prices that has been in place since the summer of 2010.
“The outlook is still highly uncertain, but the most likely outcome is that the pattern of low transaction levels and prices moving sideways or modestly lower will continue through 2011.
“Demand for homes looks to have stabilised, albeit well below the levels prevailing before the crisis. Interest rates remain at historic lows, and labour market conditions have stabilised – both factors that will provide support to the market. However, the continued uncertain outlook for the economy will probably continue to keep many buyers on the sidelines.
“At the same time, there are few signs of a glut of unsold homes building up on the market that would lead to a sharper price correction. Indeed, there are tentative signs that the volume of homes coming onto the market may be slowing.”
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Land Registry: House price index, December 2010
The latest Land Registry House Price Index shows prices in December 2010 at almost the same level as the start of the year. The December data shows an annual house price growth of 1.5%. December marks the seventh consecutive month in which annual growth has decreased.
The data shows a negative monthly house price change of -0.2%. This is a smaller fall than those seen in the previous two months. The average property in England and Wales is now worth £163,814.
The number of property transactions has decreased slightly over the past year. There was an average of 59,829 sales per month in July to October 2010, compared to 61,531 in the same period a year before.
Key regional observations
Five regions in England and Wales experienced increases in their average property values over the last 12 months;
The region with the highest annual price change is London with an increase of 6.2%;
The region with the greatest annual price fall is the North East with a movement of -3.3%;
London experienced the greatest monthly rise with a movement of 1%. The average property value in London currently stands at £342,325;
The South West is the region with the most significant monthly price fall with a movement of -1.2%.
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Economic news
CML welcomes Treasury Committee's report on regulation
The CML welcomes the publication of the Treasury Committee's report on financial regulation, and in particular the Committee's view that the authorities should take enough time in introducing reforms to ensure that we end up with rules that are "effective but proportionate." The CML agrees with the Committee that "it is more desirable that the government gets these reforms right than sticks to an arbitrary timetable."
The CML echoes the Committee's view that urgency could be counter-productive in reinforcing stability and certainty, and increases the risk that initial reforms could require further changes later, with unnecessary additional costs for consumers and firms. The Committee also says it is concerned that proposals for regulatory reform contain little information about costs.
The CML also welcomes the announcement that Martin Wheatley will become the chief executive designate of Consumer Protection and Markets Authority (CPMA). The CML looks forward to working constructively with him and his colleagues at the CPMA in delivering the goal of effective and proportionate regulation of the mortgage sector.
The lending industry agrees with the Treasury Committee's view that proper regulation of conduct should produce good outcomes for consumers and that branding the CPMA as a 'consumer champion' would be "inappropriate, confusing and potentially dangerous." The CML endorses the Committee's view that the regulator should see competition in financial services as an objective and strive for "a balance between preventing abusive behaviour and ensuring regulation does not impose excessive costs and restrictions."
Commenting on the report, CML Director General Michael Coogan said:
"The Treasury Committee has introduced a welcome dose of common sense into the debate about the future of regulation. It is essential that we take the time to introduce the right reforms, and strike the right balance between protecting consumers and ensuring they have access to mortgages at a reasonable cost."
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Bank of England: Lending to individuals, December 2010
According to the latest data from the Bank of England, total lending to individuals fell £0.1bn in December. The twelve-month growth rate fell to 0.7% from 0.8% in November.
Within the total, lending secured on dwellings fell £0.3bn, compared to the previous six-month average of a £0.6bn rise. The twelve-month growth rate fell 0.1 percentage points to 0.7% and the three-month annualised growth rate fell 0.1 percentage points to 0.4%. The number of loan approvals for house purchase (42,563) fell in December and was lower than the previous six-month average (47,433). Approvals for remortgaging (30,595) also fell in December but were still higher than the previous six-month average (29,362), while approvals for other purposes (20,173) fell in December and were lower than the previous six-month average of 23,597.
Consumer credit rose by £0.2bn, higher than the previous six-month average. The twelve-month growth rate was unchanged at 0.6%. Within consumer credit, credit card lending was little changed while other loans and advances rose £0.1bn.
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HBF news
HCA seminar for HBF members: The Private Rented Sector Initiative (PRSI) – Lessons Learnt
The HCA will be hosting a seminar for HBF members entitled “The Private Rented Sector Initiative (PRSI) - Lessons Learnt”, on 22nd February, from 11.00am to 2.00pm. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. If HBF members would like to attend please email your details to marian.macdonald@hbf.co.uk.
The seminar, which is free to HBF members only, will be held at the HCA offices in Tottenham Court Road, London.
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Events
HBF Policy Conference 2011
The Coalition one year on – putting Localism into action
Monetary Policy Committee Member Professor David Miles and Lloyds Bank Head of Mortgages Stephen Noakes are the latest speakers to join a powerful line up at the HBF Policy conference in London on 31st March.
They join CBI Director General John Cridland and HCA Deputy Chief Executive Richard Hill, along with a panel of experts who will explain and discuss the Localism Bill and National Planning Framework. Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has been invited to lay out the Coalition's view on this and on UK housing provision.
The annual conference will tackle the key issues facing the industry including Localism, the economy, mortgages and affordable housing, Zero Carbon Hub Chief Executive Neil Jefferson will also be there to update delegates on the path to zero carbon homes
For more information and details of how to book please go to www.house-builder.co.uk
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HBF Annual Industry Lunch 2011
Tuesday 10th May – Marriott Grosvenor Square London
Housing Minister invited to speak at this year’s Annual Industry Lunch
HBF can confirm that the HBF AGM & Annual Industry Lunch will take place on Tuesday 10th May at the Marriott Grosvenor Square Hotel, London. The day will begin with the AGM and Open Council meeting and be followed by a drinks reception and the annual lunch.
Please click here for more information and to download the booking form.
If you have any queries about any of the above please contact the events team on 020 7960 1646 and events@house-builder.co.uk
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Employers urged to put National Apprenticeship week in the diary
With National Apprenticeship Week (7-11th February) looming, CITB-ConstructionSkills is urging construction companies to visit one of their local events and find out what a ConstructionSkills apprentice could do for their business.
Events will be taking place everywhere from Luton to Liverpool, and experienced Apprenticeships Officers will be on hand to advise employers on how to take on an apprentice, and the grants that are available.
Chief Executive of CITB-ConstructionSkills, Mark Farrar said:
“Taking on an apprentice means that your business not only develops a loyal worker with the skills that your business needs, but also helps to ensure that our industry secures the talent it will need in the upturn. Apprentices are the lifeblood of our industry, and these events we’re holding during National Apprenticeship Week offer local construction companies a chance to find out just how easy and beneficial taking on an apprentice can be.”
To find out what is going on near you visit www.cskills.org/events
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Save the Date! - HMI annual report launch and conference
Wednesday, 12th October 2011, Savoy Place, London
The ninth annual Housing Market Intelligence conference will be held on 12th October 2011 and will include the launch of the annual Housing Market Intelligence Report. Over the best part of the past decade, the Housing Market Intelligence conference has established itself as the leading event for business planning and strategic thinking in the private sector house building industry.
Full details available soon. Keep up to date with events by registering for alerts at www.house-builder.co.uk
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Save the date – The Housebuilder Awards 2011
Thursday 3rd November, Millennium London Mayfair Hotel
The Housebuilder awards, the highlight of the house building calendar, celebrate the very best of industry and the achievements of those leading the way in innovation.
Details of how to enter and to book a place at the awards will be posted shortly. Keep up to date with events by registering for alerts at www.house-builder.co.uk
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Habitat for Humanity – Hope Challenge 2011!
HBF’s nominated charity Habitat for Humanity has announced that its annual fundraiser ‘The Hope Challenge’ will take place next year from 11-13th July. The event involves a weekend in the stunning Peak District national park where participants take part in a series of challenges and have to build their own shelter in which to spend the Saturday night.
Want to know more? Then email hopechallenge@habitatforhumanity.org.uk or call 01295 264240.
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HBM Business Manager to travel to Nepal – can you help?
Housebuilder Media Business Manager Helen Board will next year travel to Nepal with HBF’s nominated charity Habitat for Humanity, to work with homeless people in what is one of the poorest countries in the world.
During her time there she will work with the HFH people on the ground to build a home for a family.
To make the trip possible she has to raise £2600 and is looking for sponsorship.
Please click here to sponsor Helen or to find out more www.habitatforhumanity.org.uk/HeleninNepa
For other HBF events visit the website
For HBM events visit
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Rosie Hinchliffe
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