London-focused housebuilder Galliard reported a pre-tax loss of £12.8m for the year to March 2023, down from a £4.6m profit in the previous year, with turnover decreasing by 18% to £167m. The loss was attributed to nearly £24m of exceptional items, including a provision for building safety work expected over the next eight years. Executive Chairman Stephen Conway emphasized Galliard's commitment to ensuring leaseholders are not held responsible for remediation costs. The accounts also disclosed a £39.6m provision for building safety, onerous leases, and a HMRC matter, as well as a £6.6m payment to an outgoing director, believed to be former CEO Don O’Sullivan. Conway cited lower construction activity, fewer completions, inflation, and the war in Ukraine as factors affecting turnover. Galliard, along with City Developments Limited, recently acquired the Morden Wharf development from LandsecU+I and Morden College charity.

Eight UK housebuilders, including Barratt, Taylor Wimpey, and Persimmon, are under investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority for alleged anti-competitive behavior. If found guilty, they could face fines totaling £2.5bn. The CMA is probing whether these firms shared sensitive information to influence new home prices and build-out rates. While the CMA can fine up to 10% of annual global turnover, it is noted that they rarely impose the maximum. The companies have varying potential fines based on their turnover, with Barratt facing the highest at £532m. Responses from Bloor Homes and Taylor Wimpey indicate cooperation with the investigation, while others declined to comment or have not yet responded.

A joint venture between Vinci and Sir Robert McAlpine, Integrated Health Projects, has been appointed by The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust as the design and construction partner for renovations at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford and the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital. The project includes a new emergency department in Shrewsbury and is valued at £312m, with work beginning at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital later this month and expected to span several years.

Savills has appointed Maxine Loftus and Julian Paine as directors in its affordable housing consultancy. Loftus joins from the Regulator of Social Housing, where she was director of regulatory operations, while Paine transitions from an associate consultant role at Savills. Both will work in the governance, risk, and regulation team led by Kelsey Walker, focusing on helping clients navigate significant developments in their organizations.

London developer Helical has hired Elliott Saunders as senior development executive from Third London Wall and Matt Redgrave as development executive from Turner & Townsend. Saunders, who has also worked at Avison Young, has experience with projects including Farringdon Crossrail, 5 Broadgate, and 80 Fenchurch Street. Redgrave joined Helical after over seven years at T&T.

Modulous, a modular housebuilder, is set to enter administration due to a £4m debt and a failed attempt to secure additional funding. CEO Chris Bone cited challenges with venture capital markets as a key factor. The company, which had developed a physical kit for multi-storey housing and a digital design tool named TESSA, had raised £10m in Series A funding but faced delays and withdrawal of pledged funds. Modulous's only client was Bristol County Council, and the company's assets are now being sold off by administrators Opus Restructuring. Employees face uncertainty regarding redundancy payments.

Unite Group has announced a record £1.3bn development pipeline, providing 37,000 bedrooms for UK students, including a £250m joint venture with Newcastle University. Despite a 71% drop in pre-tax profits to £102.5m, the company reported a 13% increase in adjusted earnings to £184.3m. CEO Joe Lister highlighted full occupancy, rental growth, and substantial investment as key drivers of these results. The company predicts continued rental growth and accelerated earnings growth from 2026 as development completions increase.

Gleeson, a housebuilder and land trader, reported a decline in its full-year gross margins by 1.5% to 2% due to legacy issues and market-wide effects. The company completed the sale of 769 homes in the half-year ending 31 December 2023, a 14% decrease from the previous year. Gleeson also reported net debt of £18.7m as of 31 December 2023, compared to net cash of £5.2m in June 2023. CEO Graham Prothero highlighted the impact of older site costs and aggressive planning interpretations. Despite these challenges, the company has a forward order book of 586 plots and expects improvements in the spring supported by better mortgage rates.

Gleeson, a housebuilder and land trader, reports a decline in full-year gross margins by 1.5% to 2% due to legacy issues. The company completed the sale of 769 homes in the half-year ending 31 December 2023, a 14% decrease from the previous year. Net debt rose to £18.7m from £5.2m net cash in June 2023. CEO Graham Prothero attributes the margin impact to market-wide effects and costs from older sites. Despite challenges, Gleeson entered the second half of the financial year with a forward order book of 586 plots, up from 319 in 2022, and expects improvement supported by better mortgage rates.

Emma Toms has been appointed as the interim CEO of the New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) following the departure of Leon Livermore. The NHQB, responsible for the New Homes Ombudsman Service, aims to enhance consumer protection in the housebuilding sector. Toms, with a background in senior customer service roles at Barratt and Berkeley, and as a board member at Livewest, is expected to maintain the momentum in improving consumer protection. The NHQB recently launched the New Homes Quality Code across the UK to establish a robust voluntary system of consumer regulation.

Cargo ships in the Red Sea are being targeted by Houthi rebels, causing significant disruptions to shipping routes and impacting the construction industry's supply chain. The majority of cargo operators are rerouting ships around the Cape of Good Hope, leading to increased shipping times and costs. Industry experts advise caution but do not foresee immediate panic, noting that the UK construction sector is largely resilient due to its reliance on domestically produced materials. However, prolonged disruptions could lead to inflation and supply chain issues, particularly for products imported from Asia. The situation is being closely monitored by industry bodies and government organizations.

Taylor Woodrow has secured a £120m contract for the Meridian Water regeneration project, led by Enfield Council. The project includes naturalizing Pymmes Brook and developing parks, bridges, and transport links. The council received £195m from the government to support infrastructure development.

Thrive Homes has appointed Stephen King as the new executive director of finance. King, who previously served as chief financial officer at Shaw Trust and spent nearly a decade at Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing, will lead a 25-member finance department. King expressed enthusiasm for contributing to Thrive's mission of providing quality affordable homes. Elspeth Mackenzie, Thrive's chief executive, highlighted King's role in working with investors and stakeholders to support the organization's goals. Thrive Homes manages 5,500 rental properties across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire.

UK house prices saw a significant drop in December, with an average decrease of £7,000, marking a 1.9% reduction and exceeding the 20-year average for December. Despite a year-on-year decrease of only 1.1%, the overall market remained resilient. Mortgage rates have been declining for 19 consecutive weeks, with the average 5-year fixed mortgage rate now at 5.11%. Transaction levels have fallen by 13% compared to 2022, and while asking prices have generally decreased, the South East experienced the most notable decline at 3.7%. Conversely, the North West saw a 1.5% increase in prices. Rightmove forecasts a 1% drop in new seller asking prices for 2024. Other building societies like Halifax and Nationwide reported slight increases in house prices for November.

Wates has appointed Cressida Curtis as its new group sustainability director, a newly created role. Curtis brings 20 years of industry experience, having previously worked at British Land, Logicor, and Quintain. She will join Wates in the new year, reporting to CEO Eoghan O’Lionaird, and will sit on the executive committee. Curtis is also a member of the Future Leadership Forum Advisory Board at the UK Green Building Council. The interim role is currently held by Bekir Andrews, who will return to his former position once Curtis starts.

Housing 21, a retirement living housing association, has made Andrew Shaw the permanent chief financial officer after he served on an interim basis since January and has been with the organization for ten years. Kris Peach and Pam Mastrantonio have been promoted to managing directors, while Amina Graham is leaving, and her role will not be replaced. Bruce Moore, the Chief Executive, emphasized the importance of Shaw's appointment for the organization's financial framework. Housing 21 manages over 23,300 properties in England and reported an annual turnover of £251.5m. Michael McDonagh was appointed interim chair in October, and the search for a new chair for 2024 continues after merger talks with The ExtraCare Charitable Trust were shelved.

Modulous, a modular housing firm, is set to enter administration after failing to secure necessary venture capital funding. All 50 staff were made redundant, and the company reported significant financial losses. The firm's digital design tool, TESSA, and its modular housing model were unable to sustain operations due to high outgoings and slow industry cycles. Bristol City Council, the firm's only active client, has paused its project and plans to continue with a different approach. The collapse highlights the challenges of aligning venture capital expectations with the construction industry's pace.

Arup has relocated to a new office in Birmingham's Paradise scheme, occupying 69,000 sq ft of the One Centenary Way building. The development, originally designed by John Madin, was demolished to make way for the new project, now owned by MEPC. The building, constructed by Sir Robert McAlpine, features modern amenities and sustainable design elements, including all-electric heating and smart sensors. The move consolidates 1,000 staff from Arup's Solihull Midlands Campus, with the office designed to achieve WELL Building Platinum Certification.

The owner of the Cavalry Barracks development site, where Hounslow council approved plans for 1,525 homes by Inland Homes, is expected to leave £20m of debts unpaid. Hounslow Property Development Ltd, previously owned by Inland Homes, filed for administration shortly after Inland Homes announced its intention to appoint administrators.

The Croydon Park Hotel site in South London is set to be redeveloped into a £220m build-to-rent scheme named Botanical House, comprising 447 rental homes across two towers. The project, a joint venture between Amro Partners and Flemyn, aims to meet high sustainability standards, including BREEAM 'Outstanding rating', Fitwel3 certification, and WiredScore Platinum. The development will feature a mix of two- and three-bedroom apartments, with 20% being affordable housing. Construction is slated to begin in 2024, with completion expected in 2027.

Northeastern University hosted a Thanksgiving dinner in London, bringing together 330 students and faculty. President Joseph E. Aoun engaged with attendees, emphasizing community and cultural exchange. The event featured traditional Thanksgiving dishes and activities, fostering a sense of home and connection among students from various backgrounds.

Marks & Spencer has been granted permission by the High Court to appeal a decision by Michael Gove, the communities secretary, that blocked the demolition and redevelopment of its flagship Oxford Street store. The retailer is seeking a judicial review of the July ruling, which was made on heritage and environmental grounds. M&S CEO Stuart Machin criticized the government's decision and emphasized the need for the Marble Arch proposal, which includes the demolition of three buildings for a new store and office block. The plans had previously been approved by Westminster Council and backed by London Mayor Sadiq Khan but were called in by Gove. Save Britain’s Heritage, opposing the redevelopment, will continue to defend the claim. A two-day hearing is scheduled for next year.

Mark Reynolds, co-chair of the Construction Leadership Council, emphasizes the importance of publishing the UK's National Infrastructure and Construction Pipeline as a more effective economic stimulus than tax cuts. He urges Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to consider this ahead of the Autumn Statement, highlighting the pipeline's role in providing long-term certainty for government spending. Reynolds also advocates for tax incentives on affordable housing and VAT relief on greening homes, aiming for both immediate growth and long-term stability in the construction industry. The publication of the pipeline was previously delayed due to economic uncertainty under former Prime Minister Liz Truss.

Construction industry wages in the UK increased by 2.6% in September, driven by a significant rise in bonus payments, according to the Office of National Statistics. Average weekly wages rose from £726 in August to £745 in September, marking a 3.5% year-on-year increase. The number of job vacancies in the construction sector also saw a slight rise, indicating a potential growth in employment opportunities.

Exclusive research by executive search consulting firm Beaumont Bailey for Housing Today has provided insights into the average salaries for leadership roles at the top 50 UK housebuilders. The survey, which received 272 anonymous responses from leaders, revealed that a regional chairman or managing director is paid an average of £251,000 a year.

Exclusive research by Beaumont Bailey for Housing Today reveals the average salaries for leadership roles at the top 50 UK housebuilders. The survey, which gathered 272 anonymous responses, shows that a regional chairman or managing director earns an average of £251,000 annually. The study provides insights into the pay and job satisfaction of high-level positions within the industry.

Pension Insurance Corporation has invested £50m in a development of 125 affordable and shared ownership homes in Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, marking its first foray into affordable housing. The project, funded through debt and equity, is a collaboration with London Square and Square Roots, aiming for completion by November 2025. The investment is part of PIC's broader £500m commitment to the London affordable housing sector, with the development also receiving a £4.9m grant from the Mayor of London's Affordable Housing Programme. The initiative is expected to provide secure cash flows for PIC's policyholders' pensions while addressing the housing shortage and generating social value in the region.

The construction industry is expected to face continued economic challenges with a forecasted output growth of 15% over the next two years. Glenigan's UK Construction Industry Forecast 2023-2025 indicates a cautious private sector investment and a housing market slowdown for the remainder of the year, with a decline in non-residential sectors. However, growth is anticipated in 2024 and 2025, driven by a strong development pipeline. Interest rates, which are believed to have peaked, may ease from 2024, potentially boosting private sector activity. Planning consents and main contract awards have seen a decline in 2023, and Barbour ABI's analysis shows a significant drop in new contract awards in October.

Justin Lowe, a former ISG regional pre-construction director, has joined John Sisk as operations director for its London commercial arm and will also sit on the company’s UK South board. This follows the appointment of Steven McGee, another ex-ISG employee, as COO in August. Despite a pre-tax loss in 2022, Sisk is optimistic about returning to profitability and its business prospects for 2024. The company is also expected to undertake the expansion of Manchester City’s Etihad stadium.

Housebuilding in the UK has dropped to the lowest levels since the COVID-19 lockdown, according to the National House Building Council (NHBC). New home registrations fell by 53% in Q3 compared to the same period in 2022, and completed homes decreased by 15%. The NHBC, which covers 70-80% of new homes in the UK, reported 20,680 new homes registered in Q3, with a significant year-on-year decline in both the private sector and affordable or build-to-rent sectors. Northern Ireland experienced a 52% increase in registrations, contrary to the overall trend. Economic conditions such as high interest rates and inflation, an ineffective planning system, and complex regulations were cited as reasons for the slowdown by NHBC's CEO, Steve Wood. Additionally, Glenigan reported a 30% drop in residential starts and a 35% decrease in the value of work compared to 2022 levels.

The UK government will not introduce new legislation to address nutrient neutrality rules that have been impeding the construction of 150,000 homes. Housing Secretary Michael Gove had expressed a desire to scrap these rules, but an amendment to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill was defeated in the House of Lords. With the King's Speech not including any new legislation on the matter, the government's plans to legislate on nutrient neutrality have been dropped. The speech did outline other government plans, including a long-term strategy for town regeneration and reforms to leasehold and freehold arrangements.

The construction industry experienced a significant decline in project starts and main contract awards in the three months to October 2023, with values down by more than half compared to the same period last year. Residential starts, including private and social housing, saw notable decreases. Despite these declines, detailed planning approvals showed a modest increase. High interest rates and a sluggish economy are cited as key factors depressing consumer and investor confidence, leading to reduced activity in the private sector.

The King's Speech 2023 outlined the UK government's plans for the upcoming year, including reforms to leaseholds and the private renting market, but omitted previously promised legislation to address nutrient neutrality laws affecting housing development. This omission means no new legislation on nutrient neutrality is expected before the next general election. The speech also highlighted the Leasehold and Freehold Bill, aimed at making it easier for leaseholders to purchase their freehold, and the Renters Reform Bill, which seeks to increase tenant security and reform landlord powers. The Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, which recently gained Royal Assent, was also mentioned, focusing on planning reforms and local regeneration.

The King's Speech 2023 did not include new legislation to overhaul nutrient pollution laws, which have been blamed for delaying the construction of 150,000 homes. Housing Secretary Michael Gove had previously indicated a desire to scrap these rules, but the plan was defeated in the House of Lords. The government has now dropped plans to legislate on the issue. King Charles III outlined the government's plans for the year, including the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill and the Leasehold and Freehold Bill, aimed at making it easier for leaseholders to purchase their freehold. Arcadis partner Simon Rawlinson noted that aside from leasehold and freehold reform, the speech had little impact on the construction sector.

Carl Leaver, chairman of modular housebuilder TopHat, has urged Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to eliminate stamp duty on homes with the highest energy efficiency ratings. Leaver argues that making Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) A-rated homes exempt from stamp duty would have minimal cost to the government but significantly boost the volumetric housing sector. He emphasizes the need for government support to achieve broadscale acceptance of modular housing and meet the UK's housing and carbon reduction goals. Leaver also calls for a portion of the Affordable Homes Programme to be allocated to volumetric housing. TopHat, backed by investors including Goldman Sachs, Persimmon, and Aviva, aims to address the housing crisis through industrialized housebuilding.

Interest rates and inflation are identified as major threats to growth in the construction sector, according to Gleeds' latest market survey. The report highlights concerns over cost escalation, viability pressures, and global headwinds affecting energy prices. Despite these challenges, material prices appear to be stabilizing, and tender opportunities for 2024 are expected to be comparable to 2023. Construction insolvencies remain a significant issue, disrupting local markets and supply chains.

Housebuilding in the UK has dropped to its lowest level since the COVID-19 lockdown, with new home registrations falling by 53% in the third quarter of this year compared to the same period in 2022. The NHBC reported a 15% decrease in home completions and a significant drop in private sector and affordable home registrations. Economic conditions, including high interest rates and inflation, were cited as contributing factors. Northern Ireland was the only region to see an increase in new house registrations. Data from Glenigan also indicated a significant decline in residential starts and the value of work commencing.

St William Homes, a joint venture between Berkeley Group and National Grid, has submitted plans to Newham Council for transforming the Bromley-by-Bow Gasworks, the largest surviving group of Victorian gasholders, into a new neighbourhood with 2,100 homes. The development in East London will include a 170,000 sq ft mixed-use development with residential buildings and major re-landscaping, including a riverside park. The masterplan is in outline form, with a full planning application for the first phase, which includes 634 homes and commercial space. RSHP is the architect, and Craddys and Shepley Engineers Limited are advising on the restoration.

Ballymore and Sainsbury’s have submitted a planning application for a joint venture development at Kensal Canalside in Kensington and Chelsea, aiming to deliver 2,519 new homes, including 500 affordable homes, two parks, and commercial spaces. The 19-acre brownfield site, currently housing a Sainsbury’s supermarket and other facilities, is designated as an opportunity area in the Mayor’s London Plan. The masterplan, developed by FaulknerBrowns Architects and Spacehub, could see construction start in 2025 with the first homes and a new Sainsbury’s supermarket completed by 2030.

The Home Builders Federation criticizes the UK government for shelving legislation intended to address nutrient pollution, which is delaying 150,000 homes. The current rules prevent housing developments from adding to waterway pollution, but the government has not included a bill to amend these rules in the upcoming King's Speech. The original plan to amend the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill was defeated in the House of Lords, and the government is now exploring alternative solutions.

Wolverhampton Council has approved a partnership with Muse, Legal & General, and Homes England to regenerate the city's west quarter. The joint venture, part of the English Cities Fund, aims to deliver 1,000 new homes, leisure, retail, and public spaces, with a gross development value of £50m. The partnership will develop proposals for the first phase of the scheme, following the identification of the west quarter as a priority investment opportunity.

Newham Council has approved plans for an additional 261 affordable homes as part of the Custom House regeneration project, bringing the total to 356 affordable homes. The £300m project, located near the new Elizabeth Line, aims to transform the area with 629 homes, over half of which will be affordable, along with new community facilities. The project, supported by the community and Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz, is part of a broader effort to revitalize the neighborhood, with further planning applications expected next year.

Stonewater is set to acquire the Surrey-based housing association Mount Green by January 31, 2024, pending lender consents. The acquisition, approved by both boards, aims to provide Mount Green with stronger financial security to enhance investment plans. Stonewater, which manages 36,000 homes, reported a 43% drop in its surplus for the first half of the year but continues to grow through partnerships and home purchases. The acquisition is seen as a strategic move to address ongoing housing crises, supply chain issues, and climate challenges.

A new managing director, Sally Cox, has been appointed for EKFB, the joint venture responsible for constructing 80km of HS2's central section. Cox, with over 30 years of experience in rail and civil infrastructure, will start in December, succeeding Mark Pengelly, who is retiring. EKFB, comprising Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial, and Bam Nuttall, is tasked with building significant structures like viaducts and bridges. Recently, EKFB was replaced by Align on part of HS2's phase one route as part of a rebalancing effort to address delays and cost increases.

McLaren Living will begin work next year on converting Watford Police Station and Magistrates Court into 300 build-to-rent homes and 300,000 sq ft of commercial space. The deal with Hertfordshire Constabulary will be finalized later this month, with plans designed by PRP Architects to be submitted to Watford Borough Council early next year. The development will include a new public park and retain existing trees along Clarendon Road. David Lloyd, Hertfordshire's police and crime commissioner, stated the current police station is no longer fit for purpose. McLaren Living has a development pipeline of 5,500 homes.

The chairman of TopHat, Carl Leaver, emphasized to the House of Lords that achieving the government's target of building 300,000 homes annually is impossible without adopting category one modular building. He highlighted the shrinking labor market and compared the potential of modular construction to the automation revolution in car manufacturing. Leaver criticized the lack of government financial support and suggested measures like ringfencing funds and introducing stamp duty reductions for energy-efficient homes. He also addressed recent failures in the modular sector and expressed concerns about government initiatives that could limit design variety in modular housing.

The Competition Markets Authority (CMA) has published a year-long report on the housebuilding industry in England, Scotland, and Wales, concluding that the market has consistently failed consumers. The report recommends establishing a new homes ombudsman, adopting amenities on new housing estates, and enhancing consumer protections. It also highlights alleged breaches of the Competition Act by eight UK housebuilders. Industry experts, including Ian Fletcher from the British Property Federation and Rico Wojtulewicz from the National Federation of Builders, emphasize the need for a better-resourced planning system and hold politicians accountable for the housing crisis.

The Competition Markets Authority (CMA) released a report after a year-long investigation into the housebuilding industry in England, Scotland, and Wales, concluding that the market has consistently failed consumers. The report highlights planning reform as a critical issue, noting that local authorities need to implement local plans to meet housing targets. The CMA also found alleged breaches of competition law by eight major UK housebuilders, leading to an ongoing investigation. The report indicates that housebuilder profitability has been higher than expected, influenced by favorable economic conditions and government incentive schemes.

Housing secretary Michael Gove has confirmed the reduction of housing delivery targets for local authorities while introducing plans for increased accountability through league tables for planning authorities. The announcement, made during the publication of the National Planning Policy Framework in London, also included a warning to councils without local plans.

Galliard Homes, a London-focused housebuilder, reported a pre-tax loss of nearly £13 million for the year ending March 2023, primarily due to £39.6 million in exceptional provisions for building safety remediation following the Grenfell Tower tragedy. The company signed the government's Building Safety Pledge, committing to address fire safety issues in buildings over 11 meters developed in the last 30 years. Other significant charges included £6.6 million in termination payments to former CEO Don O’Sullivan. Despite a turnover of £167 million, the firm faced reduced profits due to lower construction activity, fewer completions, inflation, and the war in Ukraine.

The UK government has denied planning permission for a 163,000 sq m data centre in Buckinghamshire, citing concerns over the impact on the Green Belt's openness. The proposal by Greystoke Land and Altrad Limited was initially rejected by Buckinghamshire Council and later by Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Lee Rowley on behalf of Michael Gove. Despite recognizing the economic benefits and demand for data centres, the decision emphasized the potential harm to the Green Belt's visual and spatial integrity.

Mace, CBRE, and Forth Ports have joined the new Inclusive Growth Commission, which aims to address the UK's economic growth challenges. The commission, which includes trade associations and experts from academia and think tanks, will develop practical solutions over the next 12 months. Key areas of focus include investment, project delivery, work, health, and skills. Stakeholders emphasize the importance of quality infrastructure and future-proofing to enhance domestic productivity and support new green industries.

The UK government has denied planning permission for a 163,000 sq m data centre in Buckinghamshire, citing concerns over the impact on the Green Belt's openness. The proposal by Greystoke Land and Altrad Limited was initially rejected by Buckinghamshire Council and later by Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Lee Rowley on behalf of Michael Gove. Despite acknowledging the economic benefits and demand for data centres, the decision emphasized the potential harm to the Green Belt's visual and spatial integrity.

Housing secretary Michael Gove has approved a 2,150-home development in Hounslow, west London, despite a planning inspector's recommendation for refusal due to building heights. The development, proposed by St Edward Homes, a joint venture between M&G Investments and Berkeley, was initially rejected for its potential harm to the area's character. Gove, however, disagreed with the inspector's assessment, stating the development would not appear excessively large and would comply with the local plan. Concerns from Heritage England were noted but deemed to cause no significant harm. Berkeley has paused new housing investments, citing an unsupportive operating environment.

Modular housebuilder Modulous will enter administration due to a failed attempt to secure additional funding, leaving the company £4m in debt. CEO Chris Bone attributes the collapse to the unpredictable venture capital market. Despite having £30m pledged, delays and a key investor pulling out led to the company's downfall. Modulous, which employed 52 staff, had developed a digital design tool called TESSA and was involved in a pilot project with Bristol County Council. The company's assets will be sold off by administrators Opus Restructuring, and employees are uncertain about redundancy payments.

Housing secretary Michael Gove has approved Taylor Wimpey's plan to build 1,100 homes in Lancashire after it was initially rejected by South Ribble Borough Council due to concerns over infrastructure and environmental impact. The development at Pickering’s Farm in Penwortham includes a primary school, local center, and open space, and is seen as a significant benefit for affordable housing.

Green Facades, a London-based cladding removal firm, has been fined £240,000 for leaving dangerous combustible material on balconies at The Circle, a Liverpool housing block. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the company failed to take appropriate fire safety precautions, exacerbating the risk to residents and workers. The firm pleaded guilty to breaching the Construction Regulations Act 2015 and was also ordered to pay £5,405 in costs. Despite previous enforcement actions and advice, Green Facades continued to neglect fire safety measures, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with improper cladding removal.

Turner & Townsend Alinea has strengthened its building envelope team by hiring Sam Burgess, a facades specialist from Permasteelisa. Burgess brings extensive commercial management experience from his previous roles at Envelope and Lindner Group. Iain Parker, head of cost management at T&T Alinea, expressed confidence in Burgess's ability to benefit clients. Concurrently, DeSimone Consulting has appointed Darren Kent, an Arup veteran, as associate director of façades. Kent, with 27 years of experience, will lead DeSimone's façade team from its London office. DeSimone, established in New York in 1969, has been expanding its global presence, recently acquiring DP Squared and Decipher.

Newcastle City Council has decided to close its arms-length management organisation, Your Homes Newcastle, and bring housing services in-house after 20 years. This decision follows the end of government funding via the Decent Homes fund and a consultation showing strong local support. The transition, expected to complete by July 2024, will see all relevant staff transferred to the council. The commercial subsidiary, Abri, will continue its services under council ownership. Councillor Irim Ali emphasized the need for more efficient service delivery amid financial and regulatory changes in the housing sector.

Modular housebuilder Modulous will enter administration due to a failed attempt to secure additional funding, leaving the company £4m in debt. CEO Chris Bone attributes the collapse to the unpredictability of venture capital markets, despite having £30m in pledged funding. The company, which employed 52 staff, has made all employees redundant. Modulous developed a digital design tool called TESSA and had a pilot project with Bristol County Council. The firm's assets will be sold off by administrators Opus Restructuring, and it remains uncertain if employees will receive redundancy payments.

Arup has relocated to a new 69,000 sq ft office in Birmingham's One Centenary Way, part of the £700m Paradise Birmingham project. The building, designed by Howells and constructed by Sir Robert McAlpine, features all-electric heating and smart sensors for energy usage, aiming for WELL Building Platinum Certification. The move consolidates 1,000 staff from Arup's Solihull Midlands Campus into the new office, which includes amenities like a cafe, bike storage, and shower facilities. The ground floor will serve as a public gallery showcasing Arup's work.

Green Facades, a London-based cladding removal firm, has been fined £240,000 for leaving dangerous combustible material on balconies at The Circle, a Liverpool housing block. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the company failed to take appropriate fire safety precautions, making the situation more dangerous. The firm pleaded guilty to breaching the Construction Regulations Act 2015 and was also ordered to pay £5,405 in costs. The managing director of Green Facades, Bledi Pashollari, has since dismissed the entire project team involved and implemented a new management structure.

Avant Homes has appointed Matt Barker, former regional director at Persimmon Homes, to lead its central England operations. Barker, with 26 years of experience in the sector, will focus on growth in South Yorkshire, Derbyshire, North Nottinghamshire, and Lincolnshire. Avant Homes, which operates across the north of England, the Midlands, and Scotland, plans to triple in size to sell 6,000 homes per year. The company, led by former Persimmon boss Jeff Fairburn, is backed by investment firm Elliott Advisers.

The High Court has granted Marks & Spencer permission to appeal Michael Gove’s decision to block the demolition and redevelopment of its Oxford Street store. M&S will pursue a judicial review after Gove refused planning permission on heritage and environmental grounds. CEO Stuart Machin criticized the decision, calling it 'senseless.' The redevelopment plans, which include demolishing three buildings and constructing a 10-storey replacement, had been approved by Westminster council and backed by London mayor Sadiq Khan but were halted by Gove. Save Britain’s Heritage supports Gove’s decision and will defend it.

Wavensmere Homes has been selected as the new preferred developer for the £150m Canalside South residential scheme in Wolverhampton, following the closure of Legal & General's modular housing business. The project, which includes 500 new homes and commercial space, aims to revitalize a former industrial site. The development will feature energy-efficient systems and public spaces, with plans to be published for consultation in early 2024.

Housing secretary Michael Gove has confirmed the reduction of housing delivery targets for local authorities, making them advisory rather than mandatory. He announced the introduction of league tables to hold planning authorities accountable and threatened action against councils without local plans. Gove remains confident in meeting the government's housebuilding pledge despite current challenges. Labour's Angela Rayner criticized the changes, vowing to reverse them if in power. The Home Builders’ Federation warned that the removal of housing targets would harm new home delivery, predicting a significant drop in housebuilding.

London housing association A2Dominion has appointed Kate Gascoigne as its permanent chief customer officer following a competitive recruitment process. Gascoigne, who has extensive experience in the housing sector, will focus on improving customer services and internal processes. The appointment comes after the Housing Ombudsman identified failings in A2Dominion's handling of damp and mould issues. The organization has also announced a new corporate strategy prioritizing safety, disrepair, and complaint handling. CEO Ian Wardle emphasized the importance of the new role in achieving these goals.

Policy Exchange, a right-leaning think tank co-founded by Michael Gove, urges the UK government to use its remaining parliamentary time to introduce a new Housing and Planning Bill. The proposed bill aims to address the housing backlog by delivering up to 442,000 homes annually and includes measures to remove nutrient neutrality blockages. Former housing minister Sir Brandon Lewis supports the proposals, emphasizing their potential to expedite housing and infrastructure delivery. The call comes as Labour outlines its ambitious housing expansion agenda, including building 1.5 million new homes.

Foster + Partners has completed a new store for fashion designer Gabriela Hearst in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles. The design, inspired by architect Paul R. Williams, features sustainable elements, high-quality materials, and bespoke furniture made from fallen Los Angeles Sycamore trees. The store aims to create a homely atmosphere with its refined design, including rose gold aluminium door handles, fluted glass doors, and silk carpets. This is the second project by Foster + Partners for Gabriela Hearst, following the flagship store in London’s Mayfair.

Vistry is set to cut around 200 jobs as part of its restructuring to focus on affordable housing partnerships, resulting in a £40m hit to its profit. The company expects to make £410m in adjusted pre-tax profit in 2023, down from the originally stated £450m. The restructuring includes closing five regional business divisions and integrating its housebuilding division into its partnerships arm, aiming for annual savings of £25m. Vistry has had productive discussions with supply chain partners regarding 10% pay cuts on contracts. Despite a slowdown in private sales due to higher interest rates and cost inflation, demand for mixed-tenure affordable housing remains strong. The company targets building 25,000 homes per year under its new strategy, doubling its current build rate.

Michael Gove confirmed that the nutrient neutrality laws, which are believed to be blocking the construction of 100,000 homes, will not be changed before the next election. He blamed Labour for thwarting the government's efforts to amend the laws. Gove expressed his intention to include the commitment to change these laws in the Conservative Party's manifesto for the next election. Labour's Angela Rayner criticized Gove's announcement and outlined Labour's housing recovery plan, which aims to deliver 1.5 million homes over the next Parliament.

The Competition Markets Authority's year-long report on the housebuilding industry in England, Scotland, and Wales concludes that the market has consistently failed consumers. Recommendations include establishing a new homes ombudsman, adopting amenities on new housing estates, and enhancing consumer protections. The report also mentions alleged breaches of the Competition Act by eight UK housebuilders. Industry experts, including Ian Fletcher from the British Property Federation and Rico Wojtulewicz from the National Federation of Builders, emphasize the need for a better-resourced planning system and criticize the government for not adequately addressing the issues.

Housing secretary Michael Gove has confirmed the reduction of housing delivery targets for local authorities, introducing league tables for planning authorities to ensure accountability. The new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) makes housing targets advisory, with local authorities required to justify deviations from assessed needs. Gove emphasized the government's commitment to building 300,000 homes annually by mid-decade. Labour's Angela Rayner criticized the changes, pledging to reinstate compulsory local targets. The Home Builders’ Federation warned that the removal of housing targets would harm new home delivery, predicting a significant drop in housebuilding.

The Competition Markets Authority (CMA) released a report after a year-long investigation into the housebuilding industry in England, Scotland, and Wales, concluding that the market has consistently failed consumers over decades. The report also revealed potential breaches of the Competition Act by eight UK housebuilders, prompting a further investigation into whether sensitive information was shared among them.

Michael Gove, the UK Secretary of State for Housing, has approved a previously rejected plan for a 1,100-home development by Taylor Wimpey and Homes England in Lancashire. The South Ribble Borough Council had initially refused the applications due to concerns over infrastructure and environmental impact. Gove's decision, communicated through Felicity Buchan MP, highlights the significant benefits of housing delivery and affordable housing. The development includes a primary school, a new local center, and public open space. A separate decision will address the partial award of costs claimed by the developers against the council.

Eight UK housebuilders, including Barratt, Bellway, and Berkeley, are under investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) for alleged anti-competitive behaviour. The CMA is probing whether these companies shared commercially sensitive information to influence the price and build-out of new homes, potentially weakening market competition. If found guilty, the housebuilders could face combined fines of up to £2.5 billion.

Eight UK housebuilders, including Barratt, Taylor Wimpey, and Persimmon, are under investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) for alleged anti-competitive behavior. If found guilty, they could face fines totaling up to £2.5bn, based on their annual turnovers. The CMA is examining whether these firms shared commercially sensitive information to influence housing prices and construction rates. While the maximum fine is rarely imposed, penalties could still reach hundreds of millions for the largest firms. The CMA also has the authority to impose other penalties, including prison sentences for individuals and disqualification of company directors. Some companies have expressed their willingness to cooperate with the investigation.

Bloor Homes, the UK's largest non-listed housebuilder, reported a 9% decline in pre-tax profit to £287m and a 7% drop in gross profit to £350m for the year ending 30 June 2023. Turnover slightly decreased to £1.34bn. The company attributes the decline to challenging market conditions, including higher mortgage costs and inflation in building materials. Despite these challenges, Bloor Homes sold 4,252 plots, an increase from the previous year, and its net asset valuation rose to £1.5bn.

McLaren Living has acquired Watford Police Station and Magistrates Court from Hertfordshire Police, with plans to develop 300 build-to-rent homes and 300,000 sq ft of commercial space. The site, located near Watford Junction Station, will be transformed in collaboration with architects PRP and Watford Borough Council. The development will include a new public park and retain existing trees. Hertfordshire Constabulary is vacating the site, with officers moving to a new station on George Street. The sale is expected to generate additional funding for the constabulary.

A significant regeneration scheme in south-east London, set to create a new 'Greenwich quarter' with 1,500 new homes, has been acquired by Galliard Homes and City Developments Limited. The 13.8-acre Morden Wharf development, valued at £770m in 2021, was purchased from LandsecU+I and Morden College. The project, which received planning permission in September 2022, includes 12 residential blocks and a new riverside park.

Sir Robert McAlpine has appointed Vip Gandhi as the new managing director of transport, along with two other infrastructure hires, Richard Parker and David Polkey, for its nuclear work at Sellafield. Gandhi, previously with Keltbray, brings over 30 years of experience in infrastructure roles. The appointments align with McAlpine's strategic focus on growing its infrastructure business, following a recent leadership change with Neil Martin taking over as chief executive.

Balfour Beatty has appointed Neil Dalton, a former army brigadier, to expand its defence work. Dalton, who has extensive experience in the army and defence sector, started his new role at the beginning of the month. Balfour Beatty, the UK's largest contractor, is working on multiple defence projects, including military housing schemes in the US valued at £615m.

Rider Levett Bucknall's latest tender price forecast has decreased to 3.75% due to high input costs, a pipeline gap, and economic uncertainty. The construction supply chain faces challenges as competition for new orders intensifies, with risk loadings remaining uncertain, especially with an upcoming general election. Despite falling steel and timber costs in 2023, prices for general building materials and labor are expected to remain high. The Building the Future Commission's interim findings highlight that inflationary pressures have squeezed project budgets and profit margins, affecting investment in digital technology and innovation.

Architecture practices anticipate a reduction in permanent staff over the next three months, as indicated by RIBA's latest survey. The Permanent Staffing Index dropped to -4, with large and medium firms expecting declines. The Temporary Staffing Index also fell, suggesting a decrease in non-permanent hires. Workload expectations are pessimistic, with the Workload Index falling to -8. Factors such as planning delays, a weak UK economy, client payment delays, financing uncertainty, and increased interest rates are contributing to this outlook.

Exclusive research by Beaumont Bailey for Housing Today reveals average salaries for leadership roles at the largest 50 UK housebuilders. Regional chairs or divisional MDs earn an average of £251,000 annually, with significant bonuses. Managing directors follow with £183,000 on average. Salaries vary by region, with London-based roles earning the highest. Despite inflation, construction industry salaries have remained steady, though bonuses may decline next year. Job satisfaction factors include salary, flexible working, and strong leadership. Industry leaders emphasize the importance of culture and internal talent development to retain staff.

Consultant WSP has appointed Paul Reilly as the new deputy chief executive officer for the UK, effective next month. Reilly, who joined WSP in 2022 and has extensive industry experience, will report to Mark Naysmith, regional CEO for the UK, Nordics & EMEA. Naysmith praised Reilly's leadership and expressed confidence in his ability to help achieve the company's goals.

Sir Robert McAlpine has appointed Vip Gandhi as the new managing director of transport, bringing his extensive experience from Keltbray and previous roles at Jacobs and NMCN. The firm also announced the hiring of Richard Parker and David Polkey as framework directors for its nuclear work at Sellafield. These appointments align with McAlpine's strategic focus on sector-based growth, particularly in infrastructure, under the leadership of new chief executive Neil Martin.

Bloor Homes, the UK's largest non-listed housebuilder, reported a 9% decline in pre-tax profit to £287m and a 7% drop in gross profit to £350m for the year ending 30 June 2023. Turnover slightly decreased to £1.34bn. The company attributes the decline to challenging market conditions, including higher mortgage costs and inflation on building materials. Despite these challenges, Bloor Homes sold 4,252 plots, an increase from the previous year, and its net asset valuation rose to £1.5bn.

The UK's largest non-listed housebuilder, Bloor Homes, reported a decline in both profit and turnover due to challenging market conditions, including higher mortgage costs and inflation on building materials. Pre-tax profit fell to £287m, a 9% decrease from the previous year, while overall profit dropped to £217m. Turnover slightly decreased to £1.34bn. Despite selling additional plots, the company faced increased costs of sales and overheads. Bloor's net asset valuation rose to £1.5bn, up from £1.29bn in 2022.

A significant regeneration project in south-east London, set to create a new 'Greenwich quarter' with 1,500 homes, has been acquired by Galliard Homes and City Developments Limited. The Morden Wharf development, which includes 12 residential blocks and a riverside park, was previously owned by LandsecU+I and Morden College. Despite objections from Labour MP Matthew Pennycook regarding potential impacts on the area's character and views, the project is moving forward with contributions from various design and engineering firms.

Exclusive research by Beaumont Bailey for Housing Today reveals average salaries for leadership roles at the largest 50 UK housebuilders. Regional chairs or divisional MDs earn an average of £251,000 annually, with significant bonuses. Managing directors follow with an average salary of £183,000. The survey highlights regional salary variations, with London-based roles generally earning the highest. Despite a challenging economic environment, salaries have seen marginal increases, though they lag behind inflation. Job satisfaction factors include salary, flexible working, and strong leadership. Industry leaders emphasize the importance of culture and internal talent development for staff retention.

Peabody's latest trading update reveals a 35% drop in half-year development numbers, with 654 new homes completed compared to 1,004 in the same period last year. The housing association invested £268m in new homes and £184m in repairs and maintenance, with net surplus down to £41m from £79m. The reduction is attributed to higher interest rates, fewer completions, and reduced surplus on joint ventures. Peabody's chief executive Ian McDermott had previously announced plans to reduce short-term development in response to inflation.

Platform Housing Group's net surplus decreased by £3m despite a 9.8% increase in total turnover to £166.4m for the six months ending September 2023. The growth was driven by social housing lettings, which saw an 11% increase. Operating surpluses rose to £47.8m, but net surplus fell by almost 10% to £28m due to one-off items like office disposals and increased financing costs. The group added 480 new homes, with a significant portion for shared ownership. Spending on home updates increased from £9.4m to £14.1m. Shared ownership sales turnover decreased by 3.2%.

Planning permissions for new homes in England have reached a record low, with a 12% drop in the third quarter of 2023 and a 28% decrease over the past year. The Home Builders Federation attributes this decline to anti-growth policies and warns of a potential drop in housing supply to below 200,000 units per year in 2024. The report, based on Glenigan data, highlights a significant reduction in approved housing projects and units gaining permission. Homes England's latest figures also show a downward trend in housing starts and completions.

The article from The Independent discusses the changing needs of travelers and the consequent demands on suitcases and cabin travel bags. It provides advice on what to look for when choosing the best suitcase for different types of travel, such as city breaks or long-haul adventures. The article recommends hard-sided cases made of polypropylene for durability and ease of maintenance, and soft-sided cases made of polyamide for similar benefits. It also suggests looking for features like reinforcement over wheels and compression zips for added functionality. The testing process involved rolling, dragging, and overfilling the suitcases across various destinations to ensure they can protect travel essentials and provide ease of use. The article concludes by teasing the best suitcases for 2023 without actually listing them.

Crest Nicholson has downgraded its profit forecast for the third time in six months, now predicting a pre-tax profit of £41m for the year ending 31 October 2023. The company cited additional costs from legacy sites and a legal claim related to fire damage as key factors. Previous forecasts were lowered in November and August due to various financial challenges, including incremental costs from the Brightwells Yard regeneration project and a significant reduction in net cash. Crest Nicholson plans to publish its preliminary results on 23 January.

The article discusses the concept of 'Outsider Art', a term used to describe art created by self-taught individuals often isolated from society, such as those with mental health issues or living in institutions. The genre, rooted in 'art of the insane' and Art Brut by Jean Debuffet, is explored for its raw and instinctual nature, contrasting with the intellectualism of contemporary art. A New York exhibition, 'Known/Unknown: Private Obsession and Hidden Desire in Outsider Art', at the Museum of Sex, showcases erotic artworks by outsider artists, many of whom are deceased and never intended their work for public display. The article highlights several artists, including Morton Bartlett, Steve Ashby, Eugene von Bruenchenhein, and Henry Darger, whose works express unbridled sexuality and personal obsessions. The growing market for Outsider Art is noted, with the Outsider Art Fair and commercial galleries like the Gallery of Everything gaining prominence.

Costain ended 2023 with £164.4m in cash, surpassing market expectations of £128.6m. CEO Alex Vaughan attributed the strong cash performance to improved operational performance, increased financial income, and positive working capital timings. The firm is set to release its full-year results on 12 March. Additionally, Costain secured a place on Northumbrian Water's £670m infrastructure upgrade programme, alongside Bam Nuttall, Farrans, and Mott MacDonald Bentley.

The article highlights six designer couples who have successfully combined their personal and professional lives. It features Russell Pinch and Oona Bannon of Pinch, Dave Christian and Jacquelyn Cook of Positive Earth Furniture, Sebastian and Brogan Cox of Sebastian Cox, Nathan Philpott and Jemma Ooi of Custhom, Alex and Ali Cooke of Nkuku, and Christopher and Nicola Cox of Cox London. Each couple shares their journey, creative processes, and notable products, emphasizing the synergy between their relationships and work.