LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
As I write this month’s comment, the country is waiting for the Chancellor to step up and deliver the Budget. By the time you read this the dust will have settled, but right now the industry is holding its breath to see what changes will be introduced.
Construction relies on a sense of stability. When people feel confident they invest in their homes, commit to extensions, and upgrading bathrooms and kitchens. Likewise, when developers feel supported they break ground on new sites, and the wider supply chain gains momentum. The country needs more homes, and a clear commitment to unlocking development and boosting consumer confidence would send a strong message that growth is a priority – far more useful than the government’s headline pledge of 1.5 million new homes. When new housing moves, so many other parts of the built environment follow. Interiors, landscaping, retail fit outs, building services, safety systems, flooring, kitchens and bathrooms all gain pace as demand rises. The benefits reach far beyond individual projects.