The Home Builders Federation (HBF) held its first SME Developer Seminar yesterday, bringing together more than 70 small and medium-sized housebuilders to hear from a range of industry service providers.
The event focused on practical issues affecting SME developers, with sessions covering development finance, legal considerations, tax, insurance and sustainability. The aim was to give attendees a clearer understanding of the support available and the challenges currently shaping the sector.
Opening the seminar, Neil Jefferson, chief executive at HBF, outlined how recent policy changes and wider economic pressures have impacted SME housebuilders over the past year.
Alan Gracie of Lloyds Banking Group provided an update on lending conditions, the mortgage market and the broader economic outlook.
Policy and regulation were a central theme throughout the day. Catherine Williams and Rhodri Williams addressed the implications of recent changes, including updates to the National Planning Policy Framework and the forthcoming Future Homes Standard.
Finance providers MSP Capital, Pluto Finance and Paragon Development Finance outlined funding options available to SME developers, while sessions on cost management and sustainability included contributions from Nexus ReGen and MukAway.
Tax considerations were covered by Rodéric van Hoof of The Fiscal Incentives Group, and insurance risks were discussed by Harry Holman from HWH Insurance Brokers.
Legal issues linked to site acquisition were addressed by Megan Largier of Winckworth Sherwood LLP, while Ian Thornton from E.ON Next presented on energy solutions for new-build homes.
The seminar marks a new initiative by the HBF to engage directly with SME developers on operational and regulatory issues affecting the sector.
Neil Jefferson said: “The HBF SME Developer Seminar is an opportunity to showcase the high-quality service providers in our industry. Giving SME developers the chance to connect with organisations that help home builders finance, insure, and facilitate construction is an essential element of stimulating housing delivery, not only to meet the government’s housing targets but also to support market diversity.”
