Author: pandc-admin

Housing Growth Partnership has been shortlisted as a finalist at the National Housing Awards 2017 in the ‘Best Supplier to the Sector’ category.  The well-respected awards return for an 11^th year to celebrate excellence within the industry.

The ‘Best supplier to the Sector’ category recognises organisations that stand out for their exceptional service and instrumental assistance for affordable housing developments to achieve their goals as well as having a positive impact to the intermediate housing sector as a whole.

HGP has made a significant impact in its first year of trading; helping small housebuilders across the country deliver over 1,200 family homes across 24 schemes. We also accelerated over £20m of profit for our partners, which can be redeployed in funding more affordable homes.

HGP has been shortlisted alongside some big and reputable names within the housebuilding industry; Red Loft, Civitas Social Housing, EMW Law LLP, Forty Asset Management and Integrator Housing Solutions.

We would like to congratulate all other finalists for their nominations. The event will be held on 7^th September at the Lancaster Hotel in London.  Wish us luck!

Housing Growth Partnership (HGP) has been shortlisted at RESI Awards 2017 as ‘Newcomer of the Year’. The prestigious awards, organised by Property Week, celebrate success within the residential property market industry.

In our first year of trading we have made a considerable impact, successfully funding the build of over 1,000 family homes on over 20 schemes throughout the UK. Through our investment we have helped accelerate over £20m of small housebuilder profits which can be redeployed into more schemes to increase the UK housing supply. Our senior advisor panel has delivered over 1,000 hours of free mentoring to our small housebuilder partners to help support the sustainable growth of their businesses.

Described as the key celebratory and networking event for the sector, previous winners include Knight Frank, Strutt & Parker and Ballymore Group, placing HGP alongside some of the biggest names in the industry.

The Resi Awards ceremony will be on the 10^th of May 2017 at Grosvenor House in London.  Other shortlisted companies in the Newcomer category include: PLATFORM_, Conductor, The Land Trust, Oakmont Homes and Tipi, by Quintain. HGP wishes all of the companies luck and looks forward to meeting you on the night!

 

The Department for Communities and Local Government has published its White Paper ‘Fixing our broken housing market’. In the white paper the government announces its strategy and commitment to build 225,000 to 275,000 new homes to keep up with the demand and tackle years of under supply.

We have highlighted a sample of some of the assurances that the Government has made:

The government recognises that the current pace of development is too slow; reason for this is planning permission is currently not up to speed, more than a third of new homes that were granted in 2010/11 have yet to be built. A speedier process is much needed to keep up with demand and the government has announced investment in making the planning system more open and accessible.

Currently the market is dominated by large house developers whilst we also need SME housebuilders to tackle the housing crisis. The government is backing small and medium sized builders by its recently launched Home Building Fund. The report also covers improving the availability of data about wider interests in land; a survey has found that SMEs often find it hard to acquire land for instance.

Housing Growth Partnership was also mentioned in the white paper as a new player helping to provide funds to SMEs.

HGP will continue to help SME housebuilders around the country, if you are interested in growing and looking for investment speak to us and find out how we can help.

 

Skills shortages are likely to worsen in 2017 with the uncertainty of Brexit on the immediate horizon. Along with the increased workload, employers must take responsibility by taking on apprentices, not only men but also women.

Why take on an apprentice?
Apprenticeships are proven to deliver benefits to your company. A government report states 70% of employers reported that apprenticeships improved the quality of their product or service and that the costs for training will pay itself back within 2 years through increased productivity of the former apprentice.

In comparison to other countries, England is falling behind. For example, in Australia 30% of employers employ apprentices, in comparison with 15% in England.

Requirements on getting an apprentice
The government is actively encouraging employers to take on apprentices and is even offering grants of up to £1500, as well as funding for your apprentice’s qualification.

During their placement year you are required to offer your apprentice at least the National Minimum Wage, as well the ability for them to learn job specific skills and the opportunity to study for a work-based qualification during the working week.

How do you hire an apprentice?
1. Take a look at the apprenticeship framework and choose a suitable level.
2. Find a training organisation that will organise your apprentice’s training, qualification and assessment.
3. Your training organisation will help you find the right apprentice, however advertising this on your website and social media will help you find the right candidate.
4. Found a suitable candidate? Offering an apprenticeship agreement is just like an employee’s contract and will state the length of placement, training outline, work conditions, salary and qualifications that they are working towards.

A recent report has shown that London construction firms are amongst the worst for recruiting apprentices. Currently 96% of apprentices are taken by white men;  women and ethnic minorities are falling behind. With employers struggling to find the right skills for the job, the government has introduced a scheme which will increase the quality and quantity of apprenticeships in England.

More information about apprenticeships can be found: https://www.gov.uk/take-on-an-apprentice/overview
or phone the National Apprenticeship Service on 0800 015 0600.

We are giving you six reasons that will hopefully convince your customers that buying a new-build home over an existing property is a brilliant idea.

1. Help-to-buy scheme available to first-time buyers
   The help-to-buy equity scheme, which was introduced by the government, will remain in place in England until 2020. This incentive will help first-time home buyers with a 5% deposit, with the government lending the homebuyer up to 20% (40% in London). The scheme is only available to new-build homes, making them an attractive option for first-time buyers.
2. Chain-free acquisition
   One of the key benefits of buying a new-build is that your customers don’t have to wait until the current owner has found a suitable place to live or get their mortgage sorted – this process can be time consuming and if your customers are looking to move within a set period of time a new-build could be the answer to a stress-free move.
3. More energy efficient
   New homes are often better insulated, which could save the consumer hundreds of pounds a year.
4. Ability to customise
   Not keen on that current kitchen or bathroom? With new build homes your customers are often able to customise them to their liking.
5. New properties generally come with guarantees
   The property should come with a 10-year structural warranty. Some housebuilders are, in addition, offering incentives such as BLP’s housing warranty insurance.
6. Maintenance costs should be very minimal in the first years of moving into the new-build property; this will set your customer’s mind at ease.

Speak to us and find out how we can support you in delivering more new-build homes.