The Housing Forum has joined forces with NHBC in a move to strengthen housing industry support during one of the most critical periods in its recent history.

The new collaboration will see the Housing Forum move from the umbrella of Constructing Excellence to expand its work in the housing sector, increase its focus on sustainability in housing and extend its activities to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, areas where NHBC is already very active.

Announcing the new relationship Jeffrey Adams, Chairman of the Housing Forum said: "We are delighted to be working alongside NHBC, which played a key role in our formation almost 10 years ago and with whom we share many goals and priorities. Our new collaboration will give us the opportunity to expand our reach and build further on the achievements and reputations of both the Housing Forum and NHBC and will benefit the wider industry and its customers.


"The Housing Forum Board will continue to oversee future policy directions and Shelagh Grant, chief executive, and our existing staff will continue to advance our work and provide strong support for our members in housing construction and regeneration. For the past four years we have benefited from our joint working with Constructing Excellence and intend to continue to work together on projects which add value across the construction sector."

The new working relationship, which will begin formally on 5 January 2009, will involve The Housing Forum staff moving into NHBC offices in London and Milton Keynes. A business plan is now being developed which will map out how the two organisations will work together to most effectively pool resources and achieve their joint goals.

(CD/JM)