Warning signs as construction output flat-lines, says FMB

Rising costs and continued uncertainty over Brexit are to blame for the slight drop in construction output, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Commenting on the construction output figures for October 2018, published by the Office for National Statistics, Sarah... View Article

Rising concerns

Small and medium-sized (SME) housebuilders are deeply concerned about rising costs and the impact this could have on their businesses in both the short and longer term. Small housebuilders are seeing costs increase not in just one or two areas,... View Article

The shape of our future high street

Are our town centres destined to become predominantly residential zones? James Parker investigates this growing trend. Last week we experienced, depending on your point of view, what was either an exciting Christmas present-buying opportunity, or the blatant retailer-driven frenzy that... View Article

A Chinese takeaway for Theresa?

According to Riccardo Dawson of the new-build sales platform Yourkeys, overseas buyers should be thanked, not taxed, as they kick-start housing developments, boosting the overall number of new-build properties. In political parlance, the housing market is broken. And the party... View Article

Sector growth predictions downgraded

Growth predictions have been downgraded for the UK’s construction sector in 2019, amid concerns around Brexit uncertainty and ongoing delays in the delivery of major infrastructure projects. The Construction Products Association’s (CPA) Autumn Forecasts anticipate growth will remain flat in... View Article

Highest new home registrations in 11 years, reports NHBC

UK builders registered more than 43,500 new homes during the third quarter of 2018, according to NHBC’s latest new home registration statistics – making it the highest quarter since 2007. 43,578 new homes were registered during the period July –... View Article

Budget 2018: industry reactions

After Chancellor Phillip Hammond made several announcements of increased investment in housing and construction in his Budget speech, industry leaders have been quick to comment. With more positive spending news than many had expected, the commentary was largely favourable, though... View Article

Construction growth slows, says FMB

Growth among construction SMEs slowed in most parts of the UK in the third quarter of this year, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Key results from the FMB’s latest State of Trade Survey, which is the only quarterly... View Article

Next generation housing

John Whalley of Nationwide Windows & Doors discusses why he believes offsite construction is fast becoming the solution to fix the housing crisis, and describes some of the benefits the method can bring to the fenestration industry. It is well... View Article

Play with fire

There are more than 1.25 million stoves in the UK, with around 200,000 stoves sold annually. As Ian Sams of Specflue points out, there are many good reasons for their popularity, not least their environmental performance. Wood-burners are a stylish... View Article