Govt to “crackdown” on unregulated construction products
The government has published the Construction Products Reform White Paper which – in what it calls “a crackdown on unregulated practices” - sets out that all products must be properly assessed before being used in the building process.
Govt scraps plans to delay 30 local elections
The government has reversed its decision to postpone 30 local elections in England, due to take place in May 2026. Following legal advice, housing secretary Steve Reed has written to council leaders to confirm that the local elections will go ahead. This follows the government's invite in December to 63 local authorities – set for reorganisation under the government’s plans - to make their cases for postponement.
Cameron Homes founder becomes chair of Tara Group
Ian Burns, founder of Cameron Homes, has been appointed chair of the housebuilder’s parent company, Tara Group. Burns takes over from Sir John Crabtree who departs the role after six years. Crabtree took on the chair position in 2020 following the death of Noel Sweeney, who founded Chasetown Civil Engineering in 1974, part of Tara Group which is owned by the Sweeney family. The group includes affordable housing and partnerships specialist Keon Homes. Crabtree remains a trustee of the group.
HBF launches next cohort of Women into Home Building
The industry’s Women into Home Building programme has launched its eighth cohort, with the latest intake offering building inspector placements with NHBC alongside its usual site management placements. Launched in 2023, the Home Builders Federation’s Women into Home Building initiative, in collaboration with national and regional home builders, offers fully funded site management placements. Women across the UK applying to the scheme gain first-hand experience of site management roles, as part of the industry’s drive to improve access to leadership careers in the sector and address underrepresentation of women in construction and site roles.
Housebuilder Product Awards 2026 – deadline extended
The deadline for submissions into the Housebuilder Product Awards 2026 has been extended to February 25. The Housebuilder Product Awards reward excellence for products and systems which aid new home development in the UK. Organised by Housebuilder Media, they are supported by HBF and NHBC, with judges from organisations including CPA, HBF, the Future Homes Hub and leading housebuilders.
Market challenges restrict SMEs’ ability to recruit apprentices – HBF
Most SMEs think apprenticeships are vital to addressing the skills shortage, but market constraints are inhibiting housebuilders’ ability to recruit and train them, according to the Home Builders Federation. As the industry marks National Apprenticeship Week (February 9-15), HBF’s research shows that 95% of SME housebuilders recognise the key role apprentices play in expanding the workforce. However, less than 16% of smaller businesses – representing around 80% of the construction industry – currently take on apprentices.
Gleeson’s half year profit drops
Gleeson’s profit fell 53% during its half year, with the business undertaking further restructuring but reporting an increase in homes built. During the six months ending December 31 2025, the housebuilder and strategic land specialist’s pre-tax profit fell from £3.6 million in H1 2024/25 to £1.7 million. Group revenue grew 9.6% to £173.1 million with 848 homes sold, up from the previous year’s 801. Group operating profit dropped 17.6% to £4.2 million.
Jennie Daly appointed Future Homes Hub chair
Jennie Daly, chief executive of Taylor Wimpey, has been appointed new chair of the Future Homes Hub. Daly will take over the role from David Thomas, chief executive of Barratt Redrow, on June 10. Thomas became the Hub’s first chair in 2022. Daly has built a successful career in homebuilding across both the public and private sectors. She was awarded a CBE for services to business and housing in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours List.
Spring season key to Barratt Redrow 2026 performance
Barratt Redrow delivered 7,444 total home completions in the six months to December 28 2025, 4.7% ahead of last year’s aggregated total home completions (7,107). Its half year results reveal that adjusted profit before tax was £199.9 million, 13.6% below last year (£231.4 million adjusted aggregated profit before tax). Margin stood at 8.0%. The firm reported that the Redrow integration is progressing well.
Bellway reports “robust” half year but sluggish sales
Bellway has reported a “robust” half year performance, with housing completions growing 2.7% and the housebuilder on track to deliver full year volume completions but with private sales down. Issuing an update for the sixth months to January 31 2026 ahead of its interim results on March 24, Bellway said that during the period, its housing completions increased from 4,577 homes in H1 2025 to 4,702, with private completions representing 79% of the total, the same as 2025.
