RCI NEWS
FMB research reveals
solutions to housing crisis
Building more co-living
developments and micro-homes in
urban areas tops the list of people’s
preferred solutions to the housing
crisis, according to research by the
Federation of Master Builders (FMB),
while building on the greenbelt is the
least favoured solution.
The FMB asked 2,000
homeowners across the UK if there
is a housing shortage and if so, how
best to address this shortage. The
key results are as follows:
• Two-thirds (66%) believe there is a
shortage of housing in the UK
• When asked for views on the
most appropriate solutions to
the housing shortage, the most
commonly cited were:
1. Build more co-living developments
(33%)
2. Build more micro-homes in urban
areas (31%)
3. Build more granny fl ats (31%)
4. Extend permitted development
rights (27%)
5. Encourage multi-generational
living (24%)
6. Excavate or convert more
basements underneath existing
properties (18%)
7. Build on the greenbelt (17%).
Commenting on the research,
Brian Berry, chief executive of the
FMB, said: “Even the vast majority
of those who are lucky enough to
own their own home recognise
that there’s a housing shortage.
Microhome
When asked about solutions to this
problem, the most popular remedy
was to construct more co-living
developments, which are becoming
more and more popular in major
cities across the globe.
"Building more micro-homes
in urban areas was the second
most commonly cited solution to
the UK housing crisis. Both of these
approaches would increase density
in urban areas where demand is
particularly high.
"The creation of more granny
fl ats was the third most popular
solution, which would see more
elderly people moving out of their
properties and living alongside
children or grandchildren in selfcontained
home extensions. This
would free up much-needed family
homes, which are being under-used
by older people living on their own.
"Perhaps unsurprisingly,
homeowners, who are clearly
already on the property ladder, see
building on the greenbelt as the
least desirable option.”
Bauder achieves Investors in
People 'Platinum' status
Bauder has achieved the Investors
in People (IIP) Platinum standard –
the highest accolade that can be
achieved in the national scheme.
The accolade demonstrates
Bauder’s commitment to its
strong culture and inherent sta
wellbeing, personal development
and leadership practices.
Speaking about the award,
Andrew Mackenzie, managing
director at Bauder, said: “This is
a remarkable achievement for
everybody in our
company, we are truly
delighted.
"We never forget
that our continued
success is reliant on
our brilliant sta ,
and I am so proud of
the team here and
everything they do.
"It is only right
that the company
strives to provide the best possible
culture and working environment
for all employees and the Investors
in People accreditation is a great
way of seeing how we are doing,
and where we should focus to make
Bauder an even better place to
work.”
Family-owned company
Bauder had been awarded Gold
IIP standard in the two previous
assessments, and has gained the
top accolades since 2012.
157,000 recruits
The Chartered Institute of Building forecasts the
industry will need to fi nd an additional 157,000 recruits
to keep pace with projected building projects
NCTS - RCI, November, Page 16
Xtratherm opens BMF Regional Centre
The Builders Merchants Federation
(BMF) has launched its 21st Regional
Centre of Excellence with the
support of Xtratherm, the fi rst BMF
Centre in the Republic of Ireland.
The growing network of BMF
Regional Centres of Excellence
is making training courses and
regional meetings more accessible
to BMF members around the UK
and Ireland.
The latest centre, based in
Xtratherm’s premises in Navan, will
serve BMF members in Ireland.
With over 30 years’ experience,
Xtratherm is a European
manufacturer of thermal insulation
with two factories based in Ireland
and the UK.
John Newcomb, chief executive
of the BMF, said: “We are delighted
Left to right: Linda Smith (Xtratherm), John
Newcomb (BMF), Graham Bolton (BMF) and
Danny Kearney (Xtratherm)
to open our fi rst Regional Centre
of Excellence in the Republic of
Ireland. This is a natural progression
following the BMF’s group
membership agreement with the
Irish merchant buying group AMBA
10 months ago, and gives us a
fantastic resource where members
in Ireland can meet and attend
BMF training courses. "I look forward
to attending our fi rst meeting there
in January 2019.”
Danny Kearney, director of
technical sales and marketing,
added: “As part of our ongoing
commitment, we have developed
the Xtratherm Innovation Centre to
demonstrate best practice on-site,
and to ‘close the gap’ between
design and on-site performance.
"We are delighted to be
associated with the BMF and
for the opportunity to share our
knowledge and resources with BMF
members. We are looking forward
to welcoming more visitors to our
centre in the coming months.”
New branch
opening
Builders’ merchant James Burrell
is expanding its reach within the
Yorkshire region, with a new £2
million branch, set to open in
Rotherham early next year.
The new site will be the tenth for
the family-owned company, and
will lead to the creation of around
a dozen new jobs in the local area.
The announcement follows a
wave of investment by James
Burrell in 2018, with £250k pumped
into its existing Ossett branch to
provide a dedicated trade counter
and oŠ ce space, an upgrade to its
site in Blyth, as well as opening a
brand-new branch in Morpeth.
The Rotherham-based branch
will feature a 264m‘ oŠ ce and
trade counter area, displays, a
warehouse and on-site vehicles.
For the most up-to-date news, views and product information, visit www.rcimag.co.uk
10 www.rcimag.co.uk November 2018
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