<p>Barratt says it has seen a strong start to 2015 with 279 net private reservations per week over the past eight weeks, comparable with last year's lively market (2014: 285). There have been 0.71 net private reservations per active site per week (2014: 0.76).</p> <p>Reporting its half year figures to the end of 2014, the firm revealed that completions in the period were at the highest level for six years, up 12.5% at 6,971. Site openings are up significantly with nearly 100 new sites opened in the six month period.</p> <p>"Since 2009 we have committed to invest over £4 billion in land for new housing and this is now paying off," said Barratt Group ceo Mark Clare. "Housing completions were up over 12% during our first half and are running at the highest level for six years, supporting over 12,000 suppliers and subcontractor companies. Over the next six months we plan to open a further 90 sites (including jvs) that will deliver another 13,500 new homes over their lifetime."</p> <p>Barratt says materials shortages - particularly of bricks and blocks - have eased and while a shortage of skilled labour - especially bricklayers - continues to affect the industry, this has …