Insight, information and guidance on demand
HBF webinars cover a broad range of subjects, from Q&As on topical issues to career conversations with sector leaders to inspire industry's emerging talent.
Webinars are available for all HBF members to join live and watch back on demand. Some sessions are publicly available for non-members to join or view, too.
Take a look at live sessions available for you to join or replay previous recordings today.
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HBF webinar replays
Planning challenges in home building – A regional perspective
The Home Builders Federation’s regional planning team conducted an in-depth look at the planning issues shaping home building at both the local and regional levels.
Open to all
In the session, our regional planners – Rachel Daneman, Mark Behrendt, Chris Martin, and Director for Cities James Stevens – shared their insights on:
- Current trends emerging in Local Plans
- Common challenges arising across regions
- The impact of national planning policy on home building delivery at a regional level
Chaired by Planning Director Catherine Williams, the session provided an opportunity for you to put your questions directly to the planning team and gain a valuable perspective on the future of housing development in your area.
Speakers
- James Stevens, Director for Cities
- Rachel Danemann, Regional Planning Manager at HBF
- Mark Behrendt, Regional Planning Manager at HBF – South East and East
- Chris Martin, Regional Planning Manager at HBF – North West, North East, Yorkshire
HBF live briefing: Zack Simons KC on the CG Fry Supreme Court Judgment
This live briefing explored the CG Fry Supreme Court ruling, which limits the ability of decision-makers to revisit matters already approved in principle at the outline stage. While the case focused on nutrient neutrality for sites protected under the Habitat Regulations, its implications reach far across planning and development decisions.
HBF member exclusive content
Zack Simons KC, who represented HBF and LPDF in the case alongside Matthew Henderson of Landmark Chambers, supporting CG Fry’s legal team, explained the judgment and its wider impact.
Chaired by James Stevens, our Director for Cities, the webinar provided members with practical insights into the ruling, what it means for developers and planning authorities, and lessons for future planning applications.
Key topics discussed included:
- The Supreme Court ruling on nutrient neutrality and outline planning permission
- How the judgment limits decision-makers’ ability to revisit approved matters
- Practical implications for developers and planning authorities
- Lessons for future planning applications and strategic decision-making
The Home Building Sector Skills Plan
As demand for housing grows across the UK, addressing the industry's growing skills gap is essential to delivering the homes we need. This exclusive HBF webinar for members explored the recently launched Sector Skills Plan, designed to tackle both current and future skills challenges.
HBF member exclusive content
Timed to follow key developments in housing and skills policy, the session provided insights into the key programmes within the Sector Skills Plan. It examined the future of construction skills, strategies for attracting and retaining talent, and how collaboration across government, education, and industry is essential to developing the workforce we need now and for the future.
Attendees heard directly from sector leaders and experts who are driving the work within the Sector Skills plan.
Speakers included:
- Andy George, Director of Skills and Industry Attraction, HBF
- Garry Staines, CEO, Site Ready Solutions
- Victoria Anthony, Group HR Director, Hill Group UK
- Shaun Sumner, Construction Director, Anwyl Homes
- Darryl Stewart, Head of Commercial Services, NHBC
Understanding the current UK housing market landscape
This exclusive webinar for members was timely, as it follows recent reports on the demand side of the housing market including Broken Ladder: Stairway to Never, and a report conducted by Public First, Saving the British Dream: Investing in First Time Buyers for Economic Renewal, urging the government to support first-time buyers with a government-backed scheme.
HBF member exclusive content
With housing affordability reaching a critical tipping point, understanding the challenges facing first-time buyers and the wider housing market has never been more important.
The webinar discussed the current state of the housing market, affordability challenges, and the potential policy interventions needed to restore access to homeownership. It also provided insights into shifting buyer priorities and market trends.
The session attendees had the opportunity to submit questions for the panel of speakers from Public First, Zoopla, and Lloyds Bank:
- Steve Turner, Executive Director at HBF
- Jack Airey, Director, Housing and Infrastructure, Public First
- Andy Dean, Head of Housing Development & Sustainability, Lloyds Banking Group
- Richard Donnell, Executive Director of Research, Zoopla
Devolution: Metro Mayors and home builders
As housing delivery continues to stall, the role of Metro Mayors in unlocking growth is becoming increasingly pivotal. With the Government’s promised ‘devolution revolution’ on the horizon, the next wave of regional leadership presents a changing landscape for those planning and developing new homes and communities.
HBF member exclusive content
The Home Builders Federation hosted a live webinar for members exploring how the expanded powers of Metro Mayors could reshape the landscape for housing delivery, affordability, and strategic planning.
The session examined the introduction of Spatial Development Strategies (SDS), the benefits of cross-boundary cooperation among local authorities, and how housing can be better aligned with skills, transport, and environmental goals.
Chaired by James Stevens, our Director for Cities, this timely discussion assessed both the opportunities and challenges facing the sector in light of devolved governance.
Key Topics:
- What devolution means for homebuilders
- The role of Metro Mayors in coordinating housing strategies
- Risks and opportunities in the post-election policy landscape
- How SDSs could drive more effective regional planning
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The Home Building Sector Skills Plan
