HBF to gain the Prime Ministers attention…

A letter signed by 200 SME housebuilders has been delivered to the Prime Minister following a recent survey revealing 78% of SMEs are scaling back on construction.

Highlights of the note include:

  • The planning process being “the number one barrier” following Michael Gove’s capitulation on the planning system to an anti-development faction of Conservative MPs which includes nearly 60 local authorities withdrawing or pausing their Local Housing Plans.
  • Natural England’s nutrient neutrality interventions stalling c180,000 homes. 
  • New taxes, regulations and policies adding an extra £20,000 to the cost of building a new home.
  • Rampant inflation, supply chain issues and the challenging economic environment increasing costs.

Stewart Baseley, HBF’s Executive Chairman, said: “SMEs are the lifeblood of all industries, but in housebuilding we are seeing them being driven out by an increasingly anti-development, antibusiness policy environment. The planning process is grinding to a halt and regulatory costs are rocketing, whilst the nutrient issue has put the brakes on sites across a quarter of the country.

“The impact of this policy approach is devastating for SMEs, and businesses unable to operate or generate an income are laying off staff, or increasingly closing their doors. We are urging government to act now so that the businesses that remain have a chance of survival.”

Stewart Baseley

“When working as CEO at Charles Church and Fairclough Homes, I found that Thomas Gray consistently delivered a professional service that demonstrated their in-depth industry knowledge and extensive well-developed contacts.”

Stewart Baseley
Executive Chairman, HBF

Andy Hill

“We have worked closely with Thomas Gray for a number of years and have developed and maintained a great partnership with Ian and the team. I appreciate the dedication they provide in maintaining high standards and having key insights into the residential market. Through the years, Ian has provided us with a number of key members of our management team and continues to support us as our business grows.”

Andy Hill
Chief Executive, Hill Group

David Carden

“Our success in securing land over the last few years has been driven by exceptional teams across the Group many of whom have been introduced by Thomas Gray, our no 1 recruitment partner who bring invaluable advice and help us by attracting and influencing exceptional people.

Thomas Gray operate in a proactive, skilled way and fully understand our values and culture coupled with a deep contact base and knowledge of the industry that sets them apart from the competition.”

David Carden
Group Land Director, Bloor Homes

John Tonkiss

“We are always delighted with the team’s professionalism, proactive approach, depth of market knowledge and understanding of our business needs. They have a solid track record of identifying outstanding candidates which has led to many successful appointments at senior level across our organisation.”

John Tonkiss
Chief Operating Officer, McCarthy & Stone

Geoff Potton

“I have known and enjoyed working with both Ian and his team for over twenty years. Having positioned me as Group MD of Miller Homes, Ian helped me rebuild the business by sourcing both Regional and Divisional Board talent across all disciplines throughout the country. At Antler Homes, a smaller niche player, Ian was once again my go to consultant to source the necessary talent required to rebuild the business. In summary I can say with certainty that Thomas Gray deserve the reputation for being the most connected and trusted name in housing sector recruitment.”

Geoff Potton
Chief Executive, Sigma Homes

Tim Banks

“Over the past year we have engaged with Thomas Gray to fill 7 roles across various disciplines including Commercial, Land, Technical and Construction. They quickly understood Octagon’s particular needs and the specific skills we were looking for. Only high quality and relevant potential employees were presented to us which enabled this important process to be completed in a timely and efficient way, thank you.”

Tim Banks
Chief Executive, Octagon Developments

Adam O’Brien

“I recommend Thomas Gray without hesitation. Throughout the growth of Metis, Ian and his colleagues have sourced for us exactly the right people for our various roles. What sets Thomas Gray apart, aside from their comprehensive connections across the industry, is a diligence of research and, crucially, an understanding of not just the skillsets required, but the personalities that will suit the business’s culture. This in depth understanding is key and has served us extremely well over the years.”

Adam O’Brien 
Managing Director, Metis Homes

Rob Rafferty

“Thomas Gray Search and Selection have concluded a number of successful senior executive searches and middle management appointments for our various business units and regional operations. They have an extensive reach across the construction and residential sector but more importantly, they quickly assessed and secured a complete understanding of our business needs and existing structure to ensure a match to our culture and specific requirements. Their client and candidate management is professional and efficient, communication throughout is excellent and they always deliver within agreed timescales. I could not recommend Thomas Gray enough, a market leader.”

Rob Rafferty
Chairman, Elan Homes