The WhatHouse? New Homes Debate

The WhatHouse? New Homes Debate in partnership with Show House, NHBC, Churchill Retirement Living, Kier Living and Redrow takes place on 15 March at London’s Jumeirah Carlton Tower hotel, with the event focusing on how the industry can address the skills shortage and inspire the next generation of housebuilders.

The debate, chaired by Lord Hague, the former leader of the Conservative Party and Foreign Secretary, will look at the crisis from all angles, talking not just to leading industry figures, but to those starting their careers – the apprentices who represent housebuilding’s youth vote and must make their voices heard by their peers, their employers, trainers and government.

The debate will also focus on training, talking to universities, colleges and industry bodies who can deliver the courses and the qualifications, while diversity will be another key plank of the discussions, shaping how housebuilding can be a fruitful career for all, across a whole range of professions and skill sets.

About the day

Registration will begin at 9am with tea, coffee and breakfast being served and the debate itself commencing at 9.30am.

There will be an ample time for Q&A at the end of each session, closing remarks will be made by Lord Hague at 12.45pm followed by a networking buffet lunch.

9.00am Registration

9.30am Welcome Address

9.45am The Apprenticeship Debate

We do a deep dive into the merits of combining professional training with on-site, practical experience that leads to industry recognised qualification.

10.30am The Training Debate

Whether it’s developing new skills or enhancing existing ones, what organisations are leading the way in the provision of construction-related training?

11.15am The Diversity Debate

What have employers across UK housebuilding and construction have pledged a commitment to employing a diverse workforce to help them gain a competitive advantage?

12.00pm The Leadership Debate

Hear from leading figures across UK housebuilding and outside the industry and discover what helped get them to the top.

12.45pm Closing Comments and End of Debate

1.00pm Networking lunch