Home Builders Federation (HBF) held its first SME Developer Seminar yesterday, bringing together over 70 small and medium-sized homebuilders to hear from a variety of industry service providers.
The event focused on practical issues affecting SME developers, covering development finance, legal considerations, tax, insurance and sustainability. The aim was to give attendees a clear understanding of the support available and the challenges currently shaping the sector.
Inauguration of the seminar, Neil Jefferson, Chief Executive of HBF, It highlighted how recent policy changes and macroeconomic 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 macroeconomic outlook.
Policy and regulation were a central theme throughout the day. katherine williams And rhodri williams Addressed the implications of recent changes, including updates to National Planning Policy Framework and upcoming Future Homes Standard.
finance provider msp capital, Pluto Finance And Paragon Development Finance Funding options available to SME developers were outlined, while sessions on cost management and sustainability included contributions nexus regen And mukaaway.
tax considerations covered Roderick Van Hoof Of fiscal stimulus packageand insurance risks discussed harry holman From HWH Insurance Brokers.
Legal issues related to site acquisition addressed Megan Largier Of Winkworth Sherwood LLPWhereas Ian Thornton From e.on next Presentation on Energy Solutions for Newly Built Homes.
This seminar marks a new initiative of 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. Offering SME developers the opportunity to connect with organizations that help provide finance, insurance and construction facilities to homebuilders is an essential element of stimulating housing delivery, not only to meet the Government’s housing targets but also to support market diversity.”