Fairgrove boss takes the reins at regional federation
East Midlands, [31 March 2008] Steve Midgley, managing director of Ilkeston-based developer Fairgrove Homes, has taken over as Midlands chairman of the Home Builders Federation (HBF), the principal trade organisation for private sector house builders and the voice of the home building industry in England and Wales.
Fairgrove has played an active role in the HBF for six years, and Steve has been a member of the HBF’s Midlands executive for four years and vice chairman for one year. He is also chairman of a National Small Companies Group, set up recently by the HBF.
“The new homes industry is going through an interesting period,” says Steve. “And it is essential that the voice of those outside London and the South East is heard when any policy decisions are made. Here in the Midlands, the economy is still strong with people enjoying reasonable incomes. This means homes are still relatively affordable in comparison with other parts of the UK such as London, the South East and the South West. We feel it is important to ensure that message gets put across.”
In his new role, Steve will represent the Federation’s Midlands members at national HBF meetings, and will champion the views of new homes developers in the region at meetings with government offices in the East and West Midlands and on other key representative occasions. He will also chair the Midlands executive and work to promote the new homes industry generally throughout the region.
“We live in a region where demand for traditional three and four-bed houses outstrips supply,” says Steve. “As an industry we believe government targets for new homes have put too much emphasis on the creation of flats in areas where houses may be more suitable. I will use my position as chair to make the Midlands’ case for such targets to be reconsidered.”
Steve takes over the chair at a time when the market price of homes is coming under increased scrutiny. “Although the banking sector is changing some of its policies with regard to finance and mortgages, which could have some impact on first-time buyers, the general situation is still positive,” he says. “In contrast to the situation in the US, where an over-abundance of homes and land has pushed prices down, the UK’s housing and land shortage has ensured that the property market continues to hold its own. Instead, what we are finding is that buyers can be a little more choosy in terms of the houses they buy. As an industry we need to continue to add value to our customers’ purchases and ensure that our houses are finished to the highest specification to make new homes the most desired properties on the market.”
Notes to editors
Attached JPEG shows Steve Midgley, managing director, Fairgrove Group
About Fairgrove Homes Ltd
Fairgrove Homes Ltd is a developer of individual homes of character; Fairgrove Developments Ltd focuses on the industrial and commercial aspects of development schemes; and Plot2Build Ltd offers self-build plots in interesting locations throughout the UK.
About the Home Builders Federation (HBF)
HBF is the principal trade association representing the interests of private home builders and housing associations in England and Wales. Its members are responsible for around 80% of new homes built every year.
HBF works on behalf of members to promote common interests, to represent those interests in discussions with government and regulatory bodies and during formal consultation processes, and to facilitate networking and the exchange of information and ideas.
The work of HBF is undertaken in conjunction with committees of experts drawn from member companies, with the secretariat provided by members of the policy team. The policy team is based in London and supported by regional policy and planning teams based in its principal regional offices in Wales, Leeds and Birmingham. Members have direct access to the policy team, which broadly covers activity on planning, technical matters, economic affairs, and external and public affairs.