Yorkshire housebuilder Newett Homes has appointed Zoe Wheatley as sales and marketing director, recognising the significant contribution she has made since joining the business. With 22 years of industry experience, Zoe began her career as a sales executive before progressing through a range of senior roles. She joined the Wetherby-based
A new guide to help construction clients better understand their responsibilities under Building Regulations and the Building Safety Act has been published by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). The free guide is aimed at anyone commissioning building work on behalf of a business, public body, charity or other non-domestic
As students receive their GCSE results today, many will be deciding whether to continue studying or to begin their careers via an apprenticeship. Nicola Hodkinson, owner and director at Seddon, warns that the shortage of apprenticeship places risks excluding young people who are ready to begin careers in construction. All
Yorkshire housebuilder Newett Homes has appointed Zoe Wheatley as sales and marketing director, recognising the significant contribution she has made since joining the business. With 22 years of industry experience, Zoe began her career as a sales executive before progressing through a range of senior roles. She joined the Wetherby-based developer as sales and marketing manager in May 2025 and was promoted to head of sales in August the same year. As sales and marketing director, she will now lead the company’s sales and marketing strategy, driving the sales team to achieve its targets and support the wider objectives of the business. Zoe’s responsibilities also include raising brand awareness of Newett Homes’ product and its developments, overseeing all aspects of marketing, and ensuring customers continue to receive an exceptional level of service. Commenting on her new position, Zoe, said: “Newett Homes is an ambitious organisation with a fantastic product, and I’m delighted to have been recognised for my part in driving its success. “I am excited to build on our strengths, raise standards across sales and marketing, and help the business achieve its growth plans while continuing to enhance the brand and customer experience.” Established in 2017, Newett Homes is an award-winning housebuilder dedicated to delivering quality-led homes in hand-picked locations. Employing over 70 people, the business currently has 10 active developments, supported by a growing land pipeline. In April the housebuilder marked a significant step in its growth strategy by acquiring a seven-acre greenfield site in Kirton in Lindsey, Lincolnshire, which is its first development site outside Yorkshire. In March 2026, it was awarded its first five-star rating from the Home Builders Federation (HBF) recognising the businesses continued commitment to excellence in build quality and outstanding customer experience. Newett Homes chief executive, Will Newett, said: “Zoe has made a considerable impact on the business since joining us and has demonstrated the leadership, expertise and drive needed to take our sales and marketing function forward. “Her commitment to developing the team, strengthening our brand and delivering an outstanding experience for our customers will be invaluable as we continue to expand and I look forward to working closely with her as we deliver the next stage of our growth plans.” For more information about Newett Homes visit https://newetthomes.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new guide to help construction clients better understand their responsibilities under Building Regulations and the Building Safety Act has been published by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). The free guide is aimed at anyone commissioning building work on behalf of a business, public body, charity or other non-domestic organisation. It clearly sets out a client’s legal duties under the Building Safety Act 2022, as well as helping identify which projects are and are not subject to Building Regulations. The guide also includes a checklist clients are recommended to follow in advance of each project, which covers checking the competence of experts, confirming processes for managing compliance and checking if their project is categorised as a high-risk building. Ayo Allu, Chair of CIOB’s Client Steering Group, said: “As a client your role is no longer simply to commission construction work. You should help ensure it is properly planned, managed and delivered in compliance with the Building Regulations, keeping in mind the decisions you make before and during the project influence safety, quality and compliance. “You are not expected to be a technical expert. However, you are expected to make informed decisions, appoint competent people, provide necessary information to your contractor and estate manager, maintain records and remain engaged throughout the project. “It is not uncommon for projects to be derailed when clients are unaware of the level of involvement they need to have and only realise when it’s too late. By empowering clients to make good decisions from the outset and fulfil their legal obligations, their relationships with their contractors are likely to be easier and their projects more successful.” To download the new guide visit CIOB Building Regulations August 2026.pdf Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As students receive their GCSE results today, many will be deciding whether to continue studying or to begin their careers via an apprenticeship. Nicola Hodkinson, owner and director at Seddon, warns that the shortage of apprenticeship places risks excluding young people who are ready to begin careers in construction. All comments below are authored by Nicola Hodkinson – Owner and director of Seddon “For young people receiving their GCSE results today, this should be a moment of opportunity. But those hoping to begin their careers through an apprenticeship may quickly discover that the route we encourage them to pursue is extremely difficult to access. “At Seddon, we receive thousands of applications for our apprenticeship scheme each year, around 100 for every role. These are young people who want to work, develop practical skills and build long-term careers. Yet there are simply not enough places available to give them that chance. Demand is far outstripping supply “The wider picture is just as concerning. Data reported by the BBC shows that applications for degree apprenticeships through the government’s central platform have risen from 8,100 to 21,800 in three years, while the number of available positions has fallen from 7,300 to 3,700. Although those figures relate specifically to degree apprenticeships, they expose the same gap between young people’s ambitions and the opportunities available to them. “The latest government figures show apprenticeship starts increasing by 8.7% overall, but starts among under-19s fell by 5.4%. Construction apprenticeship starts rose by 5%, which is encouraging, but progress needs to happen much faster if apprenticeships are to become a realistic option for more school leavers. Desperate need for construction skills “This is particularly frustrating because construction desperately needs them. CITB estimates that the industry will require an average of 41,200 additional workers every year between 2026 and 2030. Construction cannot keep complaining about its skills shortage while young people who want to join the industry are being turned away. “Employers have to accept their share of the responsibility. Too much of the industry still relies on a flexible or self-employed workforce and expects somebody else to train the next generation. That may meet an immediate labour need, but it leaves young people without routes into the sector and weakens the workforce we will all depend on in future. Practical steps for creating more places – industry and government responsibility “There are genuine barriers for employers. Training an apprentice is a long-term commitment that involves wages, equipment, structured learning and experienced people dedicating time to passing on their skills. Yet there is very little funding available to employers to offset these wider costs, and what support does exist can be difficult to access, with layers of red tape that many businesses simply do not have the resources to navigate. “The government is beginning to recognise this. The introduction of a £2,000 hiring payment for smaller employers taking on young apprentices is a welcome step, as is the decision to give jobs, skills and apprenticeships greater weight in major public contracts. These changes now need to translate into more opportunities on the ground, with their impact closely monitored and further support introduced if apprenticeship numbers do not keep pace with demand. “This cannot be solved through education policy alone. Giving technical education the same status as academic routes is the right ambition, but that promise will ring hollow if young people reach the end of school and find there is nowhere for them to go. “Results day should open doors. Government, clients and employers now need to make sure construction creates enough of them.” About Nicola: Nicola Hodkinson is owner and director of Seddon and a longstanding advocate for apprenticeships and direct employment in construction. Seddon maintains a significant apprenticeship programme and regularly receives thousands of applications from young people looking to enter the industry. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals