Getting Britain building again is a golden opportunity to drag the house-building industry out of the doldrums, with the ripples creating a wider economic feelgood factor.
That’s the cautiously optimistic view from Reginox UK – the leading sinks, taps, worktops and accessories manufacturer and supplier.
Leading figures at the company have welcomed the pledge by the new Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, to introduce mandatory house-building targets and loosen planning laws to encourage the provision of more new homes.
Commercial Director Dave Mayer was joined by Andy Robinson, UK Contract Specification Manager, and Hope Eardley, Office Manager at the firm’s Cheshire headquarters, to share their views with Showhome on:
- Combating uncertainty and optimism over interest rates
- Expanding the contract specification team
- New products for this year and next
But first, they gave their reaction to a new government, and explained how their ‘good, better, best’ ranges suited all levels of the housing market, regardless of the types of homes being built in the push for more.
Deliver quickly to win the trust of the younger generation
As the new Labour government, the first in 14 years, sets about delivering on its pledges, the Reginox trio is unanimous that change is welcome.
Dave Mayer: “Regardless of political persuasion, I think people had become cynical and hardened that nothing could change. I think the new government is definitely trying to persuade the country that actually, things can change.
“But, they’re going to have to deliver and quickly. They’ve got a lot to lose if they don’t because trust will be eroded, so they’ve really got to make things happen.”
As the ‘baby’ of the trio, Hope Eardley adds: “Change was needed in my opinion, and that’s why a lot of young people voted in certain ways because all they’ve ever known is a Conservative government. They want a change of direction.
“I remember Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, but my cousin, who’s 20, was six when the Conservatives came to power, so this was her first chance to vote in a general election. Change is a big thing.”
Andy Robinson, father of two grown-up sons, agrees: “My boys have both said they didn’t feel like they were being heard. I welcome everything that’s been said by the new government so far, and if it comes to fruition, it’s brilliant for us as a business.
“I don’t know how they’re going to do it; how they’re going to persuade Mr and Mrs Smith, who’re having 150 houses built behind their back garden, but if we can get 300,000 to 350,000 new houses built every year then it’s going to be good for everyone.
“At the end of the day, we need new housing for growing families, young families, young people and older people. It’s got to happen.”
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Joseph Clarke
Editor, Showhome
Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920
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