Berkeley Homes and Candy & Candy Comparison

Berkeley Homes and Candy & Candy Comparison

Berkeley Homes and Candy & Candy Comparison

Background

The European construction sector continues to endure a particularly difficult period, and according to one report (European Construction Industry Federation 1996), there are no signs of the current crisis coming to an end in the short term. In the UK construction industry, the workforce has been severely affected by recession, with a loss of 400 000 jobs in 2 years (Business Round Table 1994a). The fundamental cause of this phenomenon is decreased demand coupled with unbridled competition. Resultant abnormally low prices are threatening the survival of many businesses. However, as European harmonization continues to develop, there will be significant opportunities for those UK contractors who can compete successfully with their European counterparts in this emerging international market. Conversely, there is also a major threat to UK contractors from Europe, as demonstrated by the recent acquisitions and stakes taken in several British companies by major contractors from the continent. Despite encouraging signs observed during the 1980s boom (i.e. when improvements in productivity as a result of technological and organizational changes were witnessed; d'Arcy 1993), UK construction productivity remains reportedly lower than in many other European countries, including France and Germany (New Builder 1994). In contrast, a report produced by the Department of the Environment (1995) stated that UK construction was 50% more productive in 1992 than it was in 1980, and that the UK headed a table of international construction productivity including the USA, Japan, France and Germany.

Literature Review

Berkeley Homes

Founded in 1976 Berkeley Homes is the largest division of the Berkeley Group PLC, a FTSE 250 company. Berkeley Homes has a turnover of over £500 million and last year completed 1,800 units. Berkeley Homes has unrivalled expertise in creating sustainable communities within complex regeneration schemes.

Justin Tibaldi, Managing Director of Berkeley Homes (Capital), said: “Woodberry Down is one of the most significant regeneration schemes to be launched in the country in the past decade. Berkeley Homes are totally committed to it and will continue to work closely with our partners to ensure that together we deliver the investment necessary to create a real, sustainable community where people will choose to live, and that provides long-term social and economic benefits for the wider area.”

Planning permission was also granted earlier this month for construction work by Berkeley Homes to take place at the Horston and Sherwood, and Newnton Close sites, with Phase 2 being considered in March, to build together a total of 226 homes for social renting, 182 for shared ownership, and the remainder for private sale.

The Council is investing a package worth over £16m during the next four years, while developer Berkeley Homes has contributed more than £30m. Funding for affordable housing has also been received from the Homes and Communities Agency. The development programme will deliver a range of new facilities including a health centre, and retail and commercial opportunities. This follows hot on the heels of the 1,000 homes already being built, ...