April 2019

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April19-Cover

In this issue

HBF Policy Conference

The HBF Policy Conference covered a wide range of issues facing the industry, with challenges old and new up for debate. Housebuilder reports

The Interview - Chris Weedon, Stonebond Properties

Chris Weedon is the amiable md of Stonebond properties, a small housebuilder owned by the founders of Countryside. He talks to Suzie Mayes about his ambitious growth trajectory, taking care over community consultation and what he has learned from his years at Countryside

Nature net gain

In its Spring Statement, the government confirmed it would mandate biodiversity net gain in new schemes in England. Before this announcement, Suzie Mayes found out the industry's views on the plans and what housebuilders are doing to encourage and protect biodiversity

MMC identity

Richard Lankshear, NHBC's innovation manager, looks at what is deemed a modern method of construction and the systems NHBC has been reviewing

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Policy Conference captures hurdles to homes target

The HBF Policy Conference saw the housing secretary send a “call to arms” to industry to get building while other speakers detailed the numerous obstacles to this. Suzie Mayes reports

The Interview – Dave Smith & Matt Vincent, Spitfire Homes

Dave Smith became managing director of Spitfire Homes in 2025, with Matt Vincent operations director since 2024. They talk to Suzie Mayes about offering high quality homes in different markets, changes to the company and moving from being an SME to a more regionalised business

Celebrating social value

Julie Baker, Keepmoat North West’s social value manager, was crowned 2025’s Housebuilder Star for her commitment to helping young people. Suzie Mayes discovers why Baker’s background motivated her and takes a look at how other housebuilders approach social value

Crafting a career in construction

NHBC explores the various routes into housebuilding and the training it delivers to help resolve the skills shortage and retain talent