Land banks help in house build boom + new video promo service

Howard Chapman, Buildingtalk Editor, writes…

UK house sales are at their highest for 6 years, according to RICs, and new house building also booming, with Bovis Homes reporting a 77% growth, and Barratt house sales and profits are up.  However, some politicians say ‘hoarding’ via land banks is holding back building. But major house builders contend that strategic acquisition of land during the recession has enabled them to react quickly when the market began to lift. What do you think? Have your say via Twitter here.

Take a look at how videos can engage and help promote your company and products. The link below shows how Constructv makes it easy to create promo videos.

We also feature an article from the latest ABC D magazine showing how retailers can cut refrigeration energy bills by 40%. Or you can use this link to read the January ABC&D online or sign-up to get a free copy delivered to your door every month.

Finally, it seems the UK Government plan to cut their £1.3b fund that was helping tackle fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions from homes. Do send your comments on this and we’ll include them in the next Buildingtalk newsletter.

TOP 10 STORIES

Construction company late payments steadily declining

Gully grate solution used by Dorset Council to prevent theft

Refrigeration and freezer solutions can reduce bills at supermarkets

Builders workwear range launched in new Toolstation catalogue

Door images enable customers to view design element features

Wall-hung boiler system designed for dealing with heavy water demand

Secure wireless access control made faster with Aperio IP Hub

Concept System Windows achieves a Window Energy Rating from the BRFC

Internal Wall insulation system used for energy performance upgrades

Welding material ready rolled reduces labour time and cuts costs

VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Video production service for construction and built environment sectors

LATEST STORIES AND CASE STUDIES

PVC-U windows used for large scale installation project at a school

Sustainable Drainage Systems fall under new legislation

Stainless Steel Floor Drainage System launching at Foodex 2014

Window systems on display from Deceuninck at the FIT Show 2014

Painter and decorator named Novus Apprentice of the Year 2013

Door lock tool kit to be showcased at Ecobuild 2014

Fibre window systems installed at environmentally friendly school

Biomass heating system cuts costs and carbon emissions at cottages

Latest from FASTRAK CAD

TWEETS OF THE WEEK

Bovis Homes housing sales 77% growth resulting from strategic land market investment

UK house sales highest for six years, says RICs

Barratt house sales up 19% with support from Help to Buy scheme, sale price of homes 13.7% = big profits

Toshiba & Westinghouse take next steps to build 3 Nuclear Reactors in UK with NuGen

Campaign to stop government plans to cut £1.3b fund to tackle fuel poverty & carbon, RT to support

Concealed cisterns from Geberit launched 50 years ago

Growing use of natural crop-based building materials (hemp and straw) in building new homes – report

Crossrail construction reaches halfway point – pic of PM underground

Construction contract prices could jump in 2014 as volumes of work and costs grow, says new report by Deloitte