RICS responds to the council house building announcement

Lewis Johnston, RICS Parliamentary Affairs Manager: “It is over 65 years since a Conservative Conference committed the party to delivering 300,000 homes a year. With today’s housing challenge no less urgent, the Prime Minister’s plan to unleash the first major... View Article

Construction skills shortage gets worse, warns FMB

The skills shortage in the construction industry has got worse and has now spread beyond bricklayers and carpenters to other key trades, according to the latest research by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). The FMB’s State of Trade Survey... View Article

Elmhurst Energy welcomes publication of the Bonfield Report

Energy performance measurement specialists Elmhurst Energy has welcomed the publication of the long-awaited “Each Home Matters” report by Peter Bonfield, but has expressed disappointment at some omissions. Despite having the scope of reviewing ‘Consumer Advice, Protection, Standards and Enforcement for... View Article

Autumn Statement comment: Policy must drive change

Statements from the Chancellor of the Exchequer aren’t always cause for celebration, but this one has left us feeling cautiously optimistic. Chris Coxon, Head of Marketing at Eurocell, takes a view. Wrapped up as the National Productivity Investment Fund –... View Article

CITB Statement: Apprenticeship Levy Update

In spring 2017 the way the government funds apprenticeships in England is changing. Some employers will be required to contribute to a new apprenticeship levy, and there will be changes to the funding for apprenticeship training for all employers. Steve... View Article

Comment on the latest Nationwide House Price Index

Founder and CEO of eMoov.co.uk, Russell Quirk, comments on the latest Nationwide House Price Index “Despite the artificial skew of April’s stamp duty deadline having been and gone, UK house prices have continued the upward trend that has been prevalent... View Article

Telford Homes 2015 final report

Owen Goodhead Comments on  Telford Homes plc 2015 final results. Owen Goodhead, managing director of specialist recruiters Randstad CPE comments: “Housebuilders are bearing up under a sea of adversity – battling on despite a growing skills shortage. For businesses like... View Article

UK construction industry walking the talent tightrope

Talent shortages, rather than increased demand, are behind the increase in bricklayers’ pay, according to One Way. An analysis by the construction and rail recruitment specialist found that a lack of available professionals was the major factor behind the huge... View Article