In light of new figures released in the New Home Statistics review by the National House-Building Council (NHBC), showing an increase of 11% in the number of new homes registered, the construction sector has recently gained significant momentum.
After last year’s low building statistics, this considerable increase in registered homes is a strong indicator for a continued rise, which follows a series of good news stories in the construction industry.
Simon Hay, CEO of the Brick Development Association comments: “After a difficult few years for brick manufacturers in the UK it is heartening to see how quickly and how dramatically they have increased production to meet demand [and contribute to the rise in housebuilding].
“It is also fantastic to see this vibrant and forward-thinking industry prepared to invest in re-opening mothballed plants and the recent news of an entirely new plant further demonstrates the brick manufacturers’ readiness to respond to the increase in housebuilding volume.”
This recognition only adds to the current emphasis on the need for housing, as has been demonstrated in speeches this month by housing minister, Brandon Lewis. Lewis has promised to build 1m homes by 2020, to bridge the gap in recent years between houses built and houses required, which should lead to further growth in the sector. The new leader of the opposition, Jeremy Corbyn, also highlighted the importance of new house builds in his speech at the party conference, where he promised a ‘very large, very active’ scheme to make up for shortfalls in housing.
"The re-openings and development of new brick plants is an incredibly positive sign in the revitalisation of the housebuilding sector," Hay added. "When the volume of new housebuilding starts to grow closer to the 200,000 a year target the brick industry will satisfy demand."
