NHBC, the UK’s leading provider of new home warranties and insurance, has launched its inaugural Affordable Housing Innovators event in collaboration with the British Property Federation. The event, which forms part of NHBC’s wider Innovators series, brought together key stakeholders from across the affordable housing sector to discuss the theme of ‘Innovation through Partnership’.
Held in central London, the event attracted representatives from over 120 housing associations, developers, housebuilders, operators, and other major players. Attendees explored the latest industry developments, gained insights from sector leaders, and engaged in networking opportunities to drive collaboration in delivering affordable homes at scale.
The event was opened by Shahi Islam, Director of Affordable Housing at Homes England, who addressed the sector’s urgent need to accelerate housing delivery. He outlined key policy considerations, including the government’s Affordable Homes Programme top-up announced in the last Budget, as well as discussions on rent policy, planning frameworks, tenure priorities, shared ownership, and consumer standards.
Industry experts took the stage to share case studies and practical solutions aimed at unlocking housing delivery. Speakers included Marcus Dixon, Director of UK Residential Research at JLL, Angela Wood, Chair of the G15 Development Directors’ Group, Nick Cumberland, Head of Delivery Programme at Great Places, and Stephen Teagle, CEO of Partnerships and Regeneration at Vistry Group. Their presentations showcased successful partnership-driven placemaking and cost-efficient project management strategies.
Charlie Ash, Sector Lead for Affordable Housing at NHBC, highlighted the growing demand for affordable housing and the need for industry-wide cooperation. He emphasised the importance of maintaining housing quality and long-term asset protection while seeking innovative solutions to accelerate construction.
Ian Fletcher, Director of Policy at the British Property Federation, underscored the increasing importance of collaboration in meeting rising demand for affordable homes. He pointed to the positive outcomes of joint ventures between for-profit and not-for-profit sectors, stressing the potential of such partnerships to combine commercial expertise with social housing objectives to accelerate delivery.
With the UK facing a pressing affordable housing shortage, the event reinforced the need for continued innovation, strategic collaboration, and policy alignment to ensure sustainable growth in the sector.
