Market conditions curb SMEs – HBF
Market conditions are reducing most SMEs’ appetite to start new sites, according to a new survey by the Home Builders Federation (HBF). According to the HBF’s SME Sentiment Survey, 70% of respondents say current conditions are hampering their ability to begin schemes, “reflecting ongoing concerns about scheme viability, affordability and effective demand from homebuyers”. HBF said that while market pressures were impacting the entire industry, SMEs were particularly challenged with their smaller size making them less able to absorb market volatility, prolonged delays and rising costs.
Reeves announces £2.3bn fund for city-centre projects
The chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced a £2.3 billion fund for city-centre projects and large-scale regeneration schemes, including housing. Up to £1.7 billion of the City Investment Funds, comprising new grant, loan and patient capital funding, will go to mayors in Northern city regions.
NHBC launches first multi-skill training hub
NHBC has launched its first multi-skill construction training hub, part of its £100 million UK-wide programme to address the skills shortage and support the government’s goal of delivering 1.5 million new homes in this parliament. The training hub in Lichfield, Staffordshire, is the first of 12 being rolled out nationwide by the new home warranties and insurance provider. Collectively, the hubs will train up to 3,000 apprentices a year in real site conditions, tackling the growing demand for skilled trades across the housebuilding sector.
HBF calls on govt support at parliamentary skills event
The industry has made notable strides to address the skills issue but it needs government support to “fully close” the skills gap and meet housing ambitions, according to the Home Builders Federation, holding a parliamentary reception on skills yesterday (March 11). HBF’s reception demonstrated the diverse range of career pathways and entry routes that the housebuilding sector offers. It also stressed the importance of industry and government collaboration “to ensure long-term resilience in the future workforce”.
Govt consults on grid demand
The government is consulting on ways to tackle speculative demand grid connection requests, with priority over projects that “deliver growth and jobs”. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) said today (March 11) that the queue for demand connections to the transmission network had leapt 460% in the six months to June 2025, with the system “swamped with applications”
Persimmon hails “strong performance” but warns on Iran conflict
Persimmon’s completions and profit rose in 2025 with the business reporting a “strong performance”. But the housebuilder also noted the possible effect of the Iran conflict on customer sentiment this year. During the year ending December 31 2025, Persimmon’s revenue grew 17% to £3.75 billion against 2024, with completions lifting 12% to 11,905 new homes.
Shared Voice calls for planning consultation reform
The planning system’s approach to consultation is “structurally flawed and risks undermining the delivery of homes and infrastructure”, according to public engagement specialist Shared Voice. Submitting its response to the consultation on the revamped National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which closes today (March 10), Shared Voice has called for reform of the community consultation system, stating that it tends to favour local opposition instead of including those who support new housing.
Housebuilder Awards – entry deadline May 1
Entries are now invited for the Housebuilder Awards 2026, the industry's own awards, supported by the Home Builders Federation and NHBC. Categories one to 12 are available to enter. The Small, Medium and Large Housebuilders of the Year will be chosen from entrants in categories one to 11.
Industry celebrates Women in Construction Week
Women still only represent around 15% of the construction workforce, according to Office for National Statistics data. Marking Women in Construction Week and International Women’s Day, Housebuilder reports on the women working across a range of roles in housebuilding, why they love their jobs and the advice they would give to those looking to join them. “Don’t let being the only woman in the room intimidate you,” Abigail Pickering, Owl Homes' quantity surveyor, advises any girl or woman contemplating a career in housebuilding. “The industry needs different skillsets and life experiences to bring originality and fresh insight. Take all the opportunities you can.”
