REGISTER | Homes England to discuss state of play for SME developers
Hear from the government’s housing and regeneration agency, as well as Bury and Tameside councils, next week as Close Brothers Property Finance and Place North host drinks, canapes, and a panel discussion delving into the challenges facing small and medium size housebuilders right now.
Planning hold ups, viability gaps, and the volatile economy are often cited as barriers to delivery and growth, but have the new government’s warm words on the housing sector changed anything in recent months?
At this intimate invitation-only event, you will hear direct from developers about the issues that need to be overcome to ensure they can unlock sites, while also gaining insight from local authorities about how they smaller developers fit into their plans to hit local housing targets.
This event is on Tuesday 4 February 2025, 5pm – 8pm at ABC Dome, Quay Street, Manchester.
Register your interest in attending this event by emailing: events@placenorthwest.co.uk
Current speakers include:
Phil Cooper, director, Hope Architects – a proponent of gentle density, Cooper will provide insight into conversations his design practice is having with developers about maximising a site’s potential while delivering sustainable, liveable schemes.
Kevin Marren, managing director, Eccleston Homes. Active across the North West from Horwich to Hyde, Eccleston Homes knows better than most the challenges facing SME developers. Marren will touch on issues such as planning, viability, and supply chain relationships to give a clear picture of the current market landscape.
Nicola Elsworth, assistant director of investment, development, and housing at Tameside Council. With a growing regeneration pipeline and a need to deliver more homes for an increasing population, Tameside Council is aware of the challenges facing project delivery. Elsworth will explain how the council is working in partnership to overcome them.
Brian Burt, head of development finance for the North West and Midlands at Homes England. The government’s housing and regeneration agency has a key role to play in helping Labour hit its £1.5m homes target. Burt will explain what that looks like and how SMEs can contribute.
Natasha McGann, project manager at Chambers Capital. With in-house construction capability, Chambers is better placed than many SME developers to ramp up delivery and address demand for new homes. McGann will discuss how the firm’s partnerships with local authorities are unlocking sites across the region.
Lynne Ridsdale, chief executive of Bury Council. Like many local authorities, Bury saw its government-imposed housing targets raised recently. Ridsdale will discuss how her authority is dealing with this challenge and more.
