By Elli Kiely, Design & Innovation Director, HJK Construction
As an SME house builder in the North of England, we at HJK firmly believe that the responsibility for building sustainable, vibrant communities requires a fully collaborative effort. In this article, we’ll look at the various bodies that can work together to help create such communities.
SME house builders are a key part of the UK’s housebuilding landscape, offering unique contributions that larger developers often overlook. With a focus on quality over quantity, these builders deliver diverse, high-standard homes tailored to local needs. Their smaller scale can offer a more collaborative and adaptable approach, which helps foster close relationships with communities and allows them to respond swiftly to local demands.
SME projects often incorporate features that reflect the character and requirements of the area, contributing to a sense of place and belonging. By engaging directly with residents and stakeholders, SME builders can design spaces that truly meet the needs of the people who live there.
The Influence of Local Authorities and Government
Local authorities and government bodies play a crucial role in shaping the environment in which housebuilders operate. Planning policies need to be adaptable, helping create smoother development processes. When regulations are too rigid, they can delay projects and stifle creativity.
Local authorities should also ensure that adequate land is allocated for development and that they can supply the necessary infrastructure like roads, schools, refuse disposal and utility installation. This infrastructure will, in turn, attract further investment.
Builders and local authorities can work together and communicate closely to identify and mitigate any potential obstacles, creating a more straightforward and productive environment for housing projects.
Financial Institutions and Accessibility
Unlike large corporations, which can secure substantial investments with relative ease, SMEs often struggle to obtain the necessary financial backing for their projects. This lack of funding can be a real hindrance to their ability to meaningfully contribute to housing supply and market diversity.
One of the main obstacles is the stringent criteria and high costs associated with traditional lending options. Financial institutions often perceive SMEs as higher-risk ventures compared to their larger counterparts, often leading to less favourable loan terms and limited access to capital. This scenario restricts SMEs’ capacity to innovate and expand, ultimately impacting the overall housing market.
To address these issues, financial institutions need to offer more accessible and varied funding solutions. For instance, government-backed loan schemes and grants specifically tailored for SME builders could alleviate some of the financial burdens they face. More flexible and competitive loan terms could make it easier for these smaller businesses to secure the funds needed for development.
Another way forward is by fostering stronger partnerships between financial institutions and SME housebuilders. By recognising the unique contributions SMEs bring to the housing sector, such as localised knowledge and innovative design approaches, lenders can develop bespoke financial products that better meet the needs of these builders.
Community Involvement in Development
Engaging communities in the development process is essential for creating housing projects that genuinely serve their needs.
For too long, people have felt excluded or powerless in the face of local planning and housing development. By involving local people at all stages of development, local authorities and builders can ensure that new homes are designed with real-life requirements in mind, whether it’s for multi-generational families, eco-friendly living, accessible spaces, or making sure that local amenities are preserved.
Involving residents early on can be achieved through public consultations, workshops, and regular dialogue, allowing them to voice their preferences and concerns. This helps developers understand the unique characteristics and priorities of the local area, resulting in housing that reflects the community’s identity and priorities.
This engagement can foster a sense of ownership and belonging, making residents more invested in the success of the development. It can also lead to innovative solutions that might not have been considered otherwise. For instance, community feedback can inspire the inclusion of shared spaces like gardens, playgrounds, or communal facilities that enhance the quality of life for everyone.
When developers and residents collaborate, the outcome is more likely to be a vibrant, cohesive community where people feel connected and supported.
Empowering SME Builders for the Future
The future of housing should not be dictated solely by large corporations and policymakers. SME housebuilders must be empowered to contribute to well-designed, locally integrated, and forward-thinking housing solutions.
To fully realise the potential of SME builders in shaping the future of housing, it is crucial to support their unique strengths and contributions. This can be achieved through a balanced approach that ensures SMEs have equal opportunities alongside larger corporations.
By fostering partnerships between builders, local authorities and communities, we can create a more integrated and responsive housebuilding sector. What’s more, recognising and harnessing the unique strengths of SME builders will mean we can ensure a diverse, sustainable, and adaptable future for housing in the UK.
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