We’re having a heatwave

Settled summer weather is well and truly in charge now. There is plenty of sunshine in the forecast, and no rain to speak of. While we’re basking in a heatwave spare a thought for your garden and the wildlife in it. Our lawns are the colour of straw and the ground is hard under foot.

While there is not a hosepipe ban currently in force it is important to remain ‘water wise’ when you are tackling watering the garden and the allotment.

The Royal Horticultural Society advises that you should check the moisture in your garden twice daily during hot weather. Watering early in the morning to avoid evaporation and then again in the evening are the two optimum times of day to water.

Here are the RHS’ tips for economical watering:

• Established trees and shrubs do not generally need watering, as they have such wide-ranging roots that they are drought-proof. But their growth may be improved by watering when they are under 'drought stress'.
• Trees and shrubs planted less than five years ago have increased water requirements and may suffer drought stress without watering.
• Newly sown or newly planted areas are very vulnerable to water-stress, and watering these should be high priority.
• Herbaceous perennials often need watering to boost their performance in hot, dry spells. Plant choice is crucial if you want to achieve a drought-proof border. See the RHS advice on drought-resistant plants for more on plant choice.
• Edible produce yields and quality are greatly improved by watering at times when drought stress would affect the part of the plant that is gathered. Leafy crops such as lettuce and spinach should never be short of water. Onions require little or no watering. Most other crops need watering at sowing and transplanting time, and then again as the fruits, roots or tubers are developing. It is also a good idea to give a single, thorough watering about two weeks before harvest.
• Lawns require great quantities of water for thorough irrigation, and this is a questionable use of a scarce resource for any other than high quality lawns or sports turf. Instead of watering in dry periods, mow less closely and less frequently. Brown patches usually recover when the autumn rains return.
• Mulching with a layer of organic matter or gravel at least 5cm (2in) thick, or using opaque mulching sheets, reduces moisture loss from the upper layers of the soil. This may amount to as much as the equivalent of 2cm (0.75in) of rain.
• Removing weeds is vital, as weeds use up valuable soil moisture reserves.
• Planting new plants between autumn and spring gives them the best chance of growing roots before dry weather begins.

Visit the RHS website for more advice on correctly watering your garden.

In hot, dry weather it’s also important not to forget the wildlife. Birds need water for drinking and bathing so, if you have a bird bath in your garden, keep it clean and topped up with fresh water. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has some excellent advice on birds and water

And don’t forget mammals like hedgehogs. Leave a shallow dish of water out for them.

Commendation for Karl

Our CEO Karl Hick has been highly commended in the Social Responsibility category in this year’s East Midlands Institute of Directors Awards.

The IoD East Midlands Director of the Year 2018 awards were hosted by the BBC’s Dominic Heale at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Nottingham.

The judges were impressed by the way in which Karl has set sustainability – environmental, social and economic – at the heart of the management agenda for the Larkfleet Group of Companies.

Karl said: “We aim not only to develop an economically sustainable business but also to support local communities, invest in education both inside and outside our business, and build the highest standards of environmental protection into our products and our business practices.”

In particular, we were praised for our investment in developing new and sustainable methods of construction, our approach to training and education and the establishment of the Larkfleet Homes Community Fund.

The Larkfleet Homes Community Fund supports projects that enhance or develop local communities. Grants of up to £5,000 are available to any charitable cause or community project that operates within ten miles of any Larkfleet Homes or Allison Homes development.

Since its inception the fund has given away more than £50,000. For more information on the fund visit www.tiny.cc/larkfleet-fund

In addition, The Larkfleet Group of Companies is pledged to work with suppliers, subcontractors, local colleges and others to help to plug the ‘construction industry skills gap’ by signing the Home Building Skills Pledge developed by the Home Builders Federation.

We are one of just six employer sponsors of the recently opened Greater Peterborough University Technical College (GPUTC) and have been involved in the project since its inception. Karl sits on the board of governors and several Larkfleet colleagues serve on various committees and provide practical support in a variety of teaching activities.

Karl added: “On a day-to-day basis, the outputs of all our community initiatives are reported to me and colleagues on the board of directors. We are still a small enough organisation (just over 100 staff) to permit me to take a personal interest in these issues without ‘micro managing’.

“Since starting Larkfleet in 1998 I have actively pursued environmental gains for the industry and society at large through investment in a range of exciting and forward-looking R&D projects. I wish to invest in the future of the construction industry and renewable technologies to the benefit of future generations.”

Congratulations Karl!

Anyone for tennis?

Wimbledon fortnight is nearly upon us. Arguably the most prestigious tennis tournament in the world, Wimbledon sees the world’s finest tennis players battling it out on the grass courts of South West London in front of an audience that runs the social gamut, from royalty to the ball boys and girls who help to keep the games flowing.

Wimbledon is a great social occasion. If you can’t get there yourself then television is the obvious option. But while you’re watching it anyway, why not have a few friends over and a make an evening of it?

The Radio Times has the full listings for Wimbledon matches and broadcast schedule.

The Allison Homes team has put together a few ideas for hosting a tennis-themed soiree of garden party.

There are probably two key ingredients that you cannot afford to leave out, Pimm’s and strawberries and cream.

Once you have put up the bunting it’s time to cut up fresh citrus fruit, cucumber and mint and share around refreshing glasses of Pimm’s and lemonade. Pimm’s No.1 Cup is perhaps the most famous and is based on gin, but there are also cups numbers 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 based on different spirits including whisky, brandy and rum. Visit the Pimm’s website for some other recipe ideas.

There are plenty of gentile foods to serve including cucumber and salmon sandwiches and cream teas. The great British BBQ is a staple and here are some recipes.

But a Wimbledon party would not be complete without strawberries and cream. You could also change things up a bit with some crushed meringues to make a wonderful Eton Mess.

It’s Pimm’s O’clock – enjoy.

Stay on trend this summer

If you are looking for the latest in housewares and décor one of the most interesting places to look is the website Houzz.

We use the latest design trends where possible in our show homes. Our homebuyers like to do the same.

Here are eight British design brands that Houzz has picked to watch out for this summer that we think you’re going to love.

Bentley & Bo – quirky, fun accessories and objet d’art to inspire and excite.
Betsy Benn – bespoke prints like these beautiful topographic ‘postage stamp’ prints.
Modlo – on trend pattern and colour in interior design for soft furnishings and accessories.
Tom Dixon – fantastic lighting and accessories.
DI Designs – contemporary furniture that are perfectly on-trend for modern homes.
Thomas Belmont – traditionally crafted lighting.
Ohpopsi – give your rooms a focal point with wallpaper that will transform your rooms.
Mineheart – quirky interior design with a sense of fun that fuses the classic and the modern

Come along to one of our showhomes for more interior design ideas.

Keep a cool head in a heat wave

With the increasingly sunny days come soaring temperatures – at least that’s what we hope. And it looks like the weathermen have predicted a short heat wave to round off 'flaming June'.

Whilst it’s always nice to enjoy warm sunny weather, sometimes the heat can become oppressive. So, what are some good ways to keep you and your home cool during a heat wave?

We have pulled together our top 10 tips on keeping your home a cool haven:

1. If you can, avoid air conditioning – and it’s not normally required in the UK anyway.
2. Keep curtains and blinds closed during the day – and if you don’t have them you could also invest in some blackout blinds. Most of the heat coming into the home comes from solar gain via the windows.
3. Keep doors throughout the home open to allow air to circulate.
4. Make your own air conditioning unit. Place ice in a bowl and angle a fan behind it to blow cold air into the room.
5. Make sure you have plenty of cooling drinks on hand to regulate your body temperature.
6. Open your windows at night to allow cooler air to flow into your house.
7. Cook outdoors, weather permitting. This avoids adding to the ambient temperature of your home with heat from the oven or grill.
8. Don’t use your lighting, particularly when the sun is shining. The bulbs, especially incandescent bulbs, give off a lot of heat. The same is true of other electrical devices like laptops, PCs, games consoles and TVs. Switch them off and go and do something less boring.
9. When you have chores like laundry to do, try to do it at night. Appliances give off a lot of heat. The ambient temperature will generally be cooler at night.
10. Keep air outside cool. Take a tip from hot, dry countries like Morocco and Spain – install a water feature in the garden. This will create a wonderful cooling effect.

However you keep cool, enjoy the summer.

Giving nature a home...

… is the tagline for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). But giving nature a home is not just about feeding the birds.

You can create a garden that is ideal for wildlife but still be nice to look at and a space for the family to use as well.

The idea of a nature-friendly garden is to provide food and shelter for a variety of different species in order to improve biodiversity. After all, on new housing developments things can end up looking the same and seem a bit sterile.

The RSPB’s website has some great ideas for ways in which you can give nature a home in your own back yard. Its list of garden activities provides a comprehensive guide and has plenty of tips and advice for growing food for moths, making a home for frogs and toads or opening a bird café.

You can filter by your type of garden, what kinds of wildlife you want to help, the difficulty of the activity and how long it will take you to complete.

Here are some other things that you can consider:

• Build a swift box
• Build a bat box
• Build a bumble bee B&B
• Build a bug hotel
• Create a compost heap
• Grow an insect-friendly wildflower garden

It all depends on how creative you’re feeling. The website includes full details and instructions for each project.

Visit https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/give-nature-a-home-in-your-garden/garden-activities/ for details.

Our survey now gives you more chances to win!

We have extended the closing date for the survey into house-buying that we are running with our sister company Larkfleet Homes and leading media organisations.

You now have until 30 July to let us know what you think about houses and housebuilders – and to put your name into a draw to win £500.

We have created an online questionnaire here (www.tiny.cc/larkfleet-survey) to capture the thoughts and experiences of people who have bought – or who are trying to buy – a new home.

It takes less than ten minutes to complete and, as an incentive to take part, we are offering a £500 prize to one lucky winner. People who are willing to take part in a brief follow-up telephone survey will be entered into a second draw for an additional £500 prize.

Larkfleet Homes CEO Karl Hick said: “We are keen to hear from anyone currently searching for a new house or who has purchased a new house in the past twelve months.

“Whether your search and purchase involved a brand-new home or an established property, and whether you looked at a Larkfleet home or not, your views will help to shape the way we meet the needs of home buyers in the future.”

Enjoy the Summer Season with Allison Homes

At Allison Homes, we love the summer season – but we don’t like to slosh about in wellies in farmers' fields.

We are more focussed on the finer things. Here are some of the summer events that make up the traditional British Summer season which we think you may enjoy.

Nevill Holt Opera – 14-30 June - Features performances of Mozart’s La Nozze di Figaro and Thomas Ades’ Powder her Face. Click here for details and ticket information.

Glyndebourne – 19 May-26 August - Glyndebourne is quintessentially English and well-established as part of the summer season. It’s a must for all classical music fans. There is a programme of six operas during the course of the festival. Booking is now open.

Royal Ascot – 19-23 June - This is one of the world’s most famous horse racing meetings. Highlights include the Queen’s parade and fine horse racing. Visit the course website for more.

Wimbledon fortnight – 2-15 July - Enjoy tennis and strawberries and cream in South West London. Click here for more details.

Henley Royal Regatta – 4-8 July - This rowing event, held annually on the Thames, attracts thousands and is regarded as one of the most important social events of the season. Visit the regatta website to find out how you can join in.

Barclaycard British Summertime – 6-14 July - Set in London’s Hyde Park this music festival features the UK’s leading bands and singers. Organised by AEG Live the event features headline acts including Michael Buble and Bruno Mars.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed 12-15 July and the Goodwood Revival 7-9 September both celebrate the best in motorsport and automotive heritage past and present.

Dorset Seafood Festival – 14-15 July - It’s the UK’s largest free seafood festival. Visitors to Weymouth Harbour will be able to enjoy all kinds of sea food and see demonstrations from top chefs.

Qatar Goodwood Festival – 31 July-4 August -‘Glorious Goodwood’ is one of the flagship events of the season.

Cowes Week – 4-11 August - This is for all you sailing enthusiasts out there

Of course if you can’t visit any of these events there is plenty of coverage on the television and radio for armchair fans.

And our show homes are open all summer!

Pack the perfect picnic

As the Spring slowly gives way to Summer and the warm air is abuzz the Allison Homes team starts to venture into the great outdoors for picnics. What better way to enjoy the countryside or a local park than organising a lovely picnic with friends and family?

Pick a sheltered location in a dappled woodland glade, a wild flower meadow, next to babbling brook, river or canal, by a lake or on the Downs. We are spoiled for choice in the beautiful British countryside.

When you've found the ideal location, look around for a level spot that is not in an animal field or on top of an ants' nest for example.

What about the menu? It’s easy to fall back on pre-packed supermarket foods but try to avoid this if you can.

Food: The BBC Good Food website has some great ideas for packing the perfect picnic. Why not try some chorizo Scotch quails eggs, mini pork pies with piccalilli or a pork and rabbit pie.?

Take some salads. New potato with chives and spring onions is a classic. You could change it a bit and use sweet potato instead.

Chicken and chorizo combinations are great. Here are a few other recipes to give you some inspiration.

Take crusty bread and a nice ripe brie and pair then food with a cider to drink.

For desserts try summer fruit salads or Eton mess. What about water melon cut into chunks or a simple cake?

Drinks could include sparkling wines of your choice, a chilled rose or a full-bodied red, elderflower and cucumber G&Ts or Pimm’s. Or you could take some refreshing alcohol-free cordials.

Once you have planned your location and got your food together, you need to think about what you’re going to pack your picnic in and what utensils you will need.

A good blanket is essential. Pack your picnic into a classic wicker basket or use a more modern picnic set – especially good with an eye to food safety. John Lewis, Next, M&S and Joules all do some lovely classic wicker picnic sets.

If you want to go a little more up market try the Castleton Home set or Fortnum and Mason’s four person set.

For some more modern picnic-ware that won’t break the bank try Domu.

However good the location, the food and the company, you probably won't spend all day on your picnic - so why not fit a trip to a show home into your schedule for the day? Well, we would say that, of course - but, really, why not?

Classy treats for Fathers’ Day

Fathers’ Day is just around the corner. While it’s less well observed than Mothers’ Day, even us chaps deserve a bit of a pamper once in a while.

Fathers’ Day has its origins in the United States. There are two versions of the first Fathers’ Day.

According to some accounts, the first Father’s Day was celebrated in Washington state on June 19, 1910 after a lady called Sonora Smart Dodd came up with the idea of honouring and celebrating her Civil War veteran widowed father while listening to a Mother’s Day sermon at church in 1909. He brought up six children by himself on their small farm in Washington. Sonora initially suggested June 5th, the anniversary of her father’s death to be the designated day to celebrate Father’s Day, but the celebration in Spokane, Washington was deferred to the third Sunday in June.

The other has it that the first Fathers’ Day was celebrated in Fairmont, West Virginia on July 5, 1908 when Grace Golden Clayton suggested to the Methodist minister that services be held to celebrate fathers after a deadly mine explosion killed 361 men.

In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge recommended that Father’s Day become a national holiday. But it wasn’t until 1966 that Lyndon B. Johnson designated the third Sunday in June as the official day to celebrate Father’s Day. It took another six years until Father’s Day was officially recognized as a national holiday in the US.

More recently other countries have followed suit and the third Sunday in June has been designated as Father’s Day in the UK and many other countries around the world.

Now you know a little of the origins of Father’s Day, here are a few ideas to help you give the dad in your life a bit of treat this coming Sunday.

Not on the High Street has plenty of ideas including loads of things for those on a budget.

The website Menkind has some unusual and classic gifts that your Dad might actually like.

The Independent has also published a list of fashionable gifts that are sure to go down well.

Books can also go down well. For the history buff the Top 10 has some interesting stuff including Arnhem by Anthony Beevor and Spitfire by Tom Holland. For the fiction lover there is Anthony Horowitz’ latest James Bond outing Forever and a Day, or Stephen King’s The Outsider.

And for the father who is relocating, why not have a look at one of our show homes and then take him out for a pub lunch?

Whatever you do have a great day! Happy Father’s Day from the team at Allison Homes.

The future of housebuilding?

At Allison Homes we like to think that we have got our fingers on the pulse when it comes to innovative house building.

But even we can’t beat the futuristic new houses that are set to be built in the city of Eindhoven in the Netherlands later this year.

The new houses will be built from concrete using 3D printing techniques. According to The Eindhoven University of Technology, which is behind the project, 3D-printing using concrete is a potential game changer in the building industry. It means that homes can be constructed in almost any shape or colour. New homes could be customised to each buyer’s requirements.

3D printing is also a highly sustainable method of construction because much less concrete is needed thereby reducing the CO2 emissions originating from cement production.

The first house, which will be a single-floor house, is expected to be ready for occupation mid-2019. The other four houses will be multi-storey houses. The concrete dwellings will be subject to normal building regulations and will meet the demands of current-day occupants concerning comfort, lay-out, quality and pricing.

The five houses will be built consecutively. The building elements of the first house will all be printed by the concrete printer at the university. As the project progresses the 3D concrete printing will be carried out on the construction site, further reducing CO2 emissions and transport costs associated with transporting materials to the site.

It will be some years before we’re building houses like this in the UK. But it gives you an insight into how the future of housebuilding is shaping up.

Allison Homes sponsors Priors Hall Right Royal Event

The team at Allison Homes is helping the Priors Hall Park Neighbourhood Committee put on a right royal event this weekend to celebrate the Queen’s official birthday.

The weekend of fun will kick off with a Mad Hatter’s Tea party from 3:30PM and 6:30PM. Fun for all the family will include a tea party with delicious food held in a themed marquee surrounded with Alice in Wonderland props.

There will be a fancy-dress competition with prizes for the best prince, princess and Alice in Wonderland character judged by DJ Charlie Stone.

Charlie will keep the tunes playing throughout the afternoon and there will be performances from local schools to keep everyone entertained. Other attractions will include children’s games and competitions, a bouncy castle, face painting, a street boules competition, ballroom, Latin and Salsa taster sessions.

For the thirsty there will be a licensed bar selling artisan beers and ciders and there will be stalls selling soft drinks, candy floss, chocolates and sweets, arts and crafts. There really is something for all the family.

There will also be a full programme of events in the evening including bands, solo artists and other performers staged in the Festival Amphitheatre from 6:30PM to 9:30PM. Bands include ‘North London’s number one party band Back to Square One, Jo Collins and Friends and acoustic duo Two Piece Temple.

A grand prize raffle will round off the evening.

Members of the Allison Homes team will be on hand throughout the afternoon to dish out goody bags.

Come along early to avoid missing out. We’ll see you there!

It’s time for a posh shed

One of the ways in which you can make the most of your exterior space is to incorporate a summer room, tiki hut, garden office or shepherd’s hut. The list is endless.

The web is full of ideas for posh sheds, from Gothic style outhouses to ultra-modern architectural.
It really depends on what you want to use your outdoor room for – whether it’s for entertaining, a cottage workshop, an additional garage, an extension to your daily living space, storage for your garden tools or your bikes, or simply as space to relax in with your favourite read and a glass of wine on a summer evening.

Are you literary-minded and seeking a refuge and place of inspiration to pour your golden words onto the page? If you buy a kit or have a custom-made shed built you will be in good company. Charles Dickens had his Swiss Chalet at his home in Rochester, Kent. Sheds don’t come much posher than that. Roald Dahl wrote many of his famous children’s books in his Writing Hut. He got the idea from Dylan Thomas, who used to write in a shed overlooking the Taf Estuary in Wales. Even David Cameron has got in on the act. He reportedly spent £25,000 on a shepherd’s hut in which to write.

An increasing number of people are working from home. Rather than shuffling into a spare room in their pyjamas, homeworkers are creating offices in their gardens. It’s more professional and because they have actually left the house there is a sense of ‘being at work’. The ‘Shoffice’ (a portmanteau work made up of ‘shed’ and ‘office’) is now a thing.

Sheds have often been thought of as a refuge for blokes, where they can go and do ‘blokey’ things. Now, ‘she-sheds’ are becoming fashionable as women seek outdoor spaces to practise arts, crafts or yoga for instance.

Whatever your needs there will be a design for you. Have a look at Pinterest  or Houzz. There are also a myriad specialist companies out there that will build your dream shed for you. These include firms like The Posh Shed Company and Shackadelic or more local businesses such as Crane Garden Buildings.
 
Remember, the garden in a new Allison Homes property makes an ideal outdoor space in which to place your posh shed. Have a look at our website for more details on buying a new Allison Homes house.

Get outside and enjoy your garden space this summer

We enjoyed two wonderful Bank Holiday weekends last month. The weather was perfect. And many of us were able to get outside and enjoy some sunshine, which, let’s face it, can be something of a rarity in this country.

Since then another weekend has gone but there’s still plenty of summer left to get out and enjoy outdoor living in your garden.

Make the most of your garden, whether you’re entertaining, dining al fresco or simply kicking back with a good read and a drink!

Create a cooking and dining space with a pergola that’s wired for lighting and heating. There are all sorts of outdoor ovens, chimeneas and firepits on the market. Here are some examples

Outdoor entertaining is perfect if you lack space inside. Create the perfect dedicated area with mood lighting and comfortable furniture. Add a sunken fire pit, BBQ or pizza oven and you’re away.

Create a space that’s not just for eating and entertainment but also a place for relaxation and lounging around with furniture which combines both with a sense of style, flexibility and outstanding design.

Relax and eat supper in the same place. Roomy sofas and chairs are perfect for relaxing with your guests after dinner, to while away the evening and watch the setting sun.

Resin weave furniture is trending now, but don’t forget solid all-weather aluminium sofas and chairs. And of course there is plenty of choice of hardwood furniture as well.

Add some finishing touches with lanterns and other accessories and you’re there! John Lewis has some great options for outdoor dining.

Have a look at this website for more outdoor living ideas.

Making hay while the sun shines

We like to talk of ‘greener’ lifestyles – recycling, electric vehicles and solar panels to name a few ideas. But, the sad reality is that very few people fully embrace this environmentally friendly way of life.

There’s no doubt, making the shift to a greener way of living requires a change in mindset. And often, it requires a financial investment too. Cleaner vehicles and less reliance on standard utilities for heat, light and water are the easiest ways to make a change in the right direction. But they come with an associated, premium price tag.

Despite this, retrospective fitting of solar panels has become more and more popular in recent years. Households are benefitting from lower energy bills – while their peers battle price hikes – thanks to the energy generated from their own rooftops.

However, while car manufacturers are being (forcefully) encouraged to build greener and more economic vehicles, the majority of house builders aren’t doing their bit by fitting eco-friendly features, such as PV solar panels, as standard. 

As one of the simplest ways to make a small, but important environmental contribution, the addition of PV solar panels to new build properties could help the much-needed wave-of-change.

Granted, not all properties are well suited to solar panels; thatched rooves for example are not the ideal base. And, not all properties will generate as much energy from their panels as others – direction of the roof in relation to the sun, overhanging trees and available daylight hours all contribute to the natural variations. But – as they say – every little helps. 

Of course, the energy-saving opportunities don’t need to stop there either. Simple changes to standard fittings, like energy saving lighting and energy saving appliances all add up. Make sure you have ample insulation too, and you’re starting to make an impact on all sides. You can save energy on one hand, while generating it (and preserving it) on the other. The combined effect is good news for the environment … and our wallets!

So, while some house builders see solar panels as an expensive addition, at Larkfleet Homes we have decided to take a definitive step and offer PV solar panels as standard, completely free of charge on all suitable new properties.

Understanding that a fundamental change in mindset requires an investment of either time, money, education – or all of the above – helping new build house buyers to become eco-friendlier is a no-brainer for Allison Homes. And it’s a commitment we continue to stand by as we look for new ways to continually improve the green rating of our properties.

Bridging the skills gap one step at a time

Last year we pledged to work with our subcontractors to recruit and train more people to the highest standards. The idea is to tackle ‘head on’ the pressing building industry skills gap in the East Midlands and East of England.

The Home Building Skills Pledge is a set of five key actions developed by the Home Builders Federation (HBF) through its Home Building Skills Partnership to solve a nationwide skills shortage. It also recognises the importance of ‘future-proofing’ workforce skills by developing new ways for people to enter the building industry as well as developing existing talent with the industry.

The Skills Pledge covers five key areas: Collaborate and share; Train to a standard; Engage and support; Champion diversity and inclusion; and Promote careers. By signing up to the Pledge, companies will also be supporting the HBF’s Home Building Skills Partnership and working to its shared goals.

We are delighted to be supporting the Home Building Skills Pledge and being part of the growing momentum for really tackling this crucial agenda. It is vital to nurture the future of the construction industry if we are to build the homes that the country needs.

By signing up to the pledge we are committing Allison Homes to recruit the best possible talent and to train people to the highest standards. By being proactive in terms of engaging staff, and by being inclusive and diverse in our recruitment, we will be able to future-proof our workforce to continue to deliver high quality new homes.

We are already a major investor in training and skills development. Through sister companmy Larkfleet Homes we are one of the sponsors of the newly-opened Greater Peterborough University Technical College which aims to give young people ‘hands on’ as well as theoretical training for careers in the engineering and construction sectors.

The Home Building Skills Partnership is funded by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and was set up to tackle the industry’s skills shortage. It is already attracting and training the people the industry needs to deliver more, high quality homes in the future.

The key is promoting awareness of careers available in housebuilding. Visit the HBF website to check out your career options in housebuilding.

Last weekend we got to indulge in three things close to our hearts – holiday, beer and music. To help the end of May Bank Holiday weekend go with a swing the Allison Homes team sponsored a barrel of ale at the Spalding Beer and Music Festival.

To celebrate, we held a competition on our Facebook page. Three lucky winners were treated to a pair of free tickets to the event and cash to spend behind the bar.

The event was organised by the Spalding and District Roundtable. They were supporting loads of very worthy causes. Around £15,000 was raised and will be donated to local good youth causes over the next few months.

It’s not just about the money though. More than 150 beer festival volunteers – or volunbeers as they are known - served well over 12,000 pints to more than 4,500 happy patrons who went along to the Castle Sports Complex in Spalding to join in the fun.

There were 70 different real ales from 29 different breweries on offer to suit most tastes. A range of real ciders also proved popular.

To keep everyone entertained there was plenty of live music throughout the weekend. The line-up included local singer-songwriter Meg McPartlin, comedy skiffle outfit The Ouse Valley Singles Club, Another Girl Another Planet, The Chris King Robinson Band and The Hound Dogs.

Festival organisers received some amazing feedback. They have created a very special event for the community of Spalding which will hopefully become a permanent fixture in people’s diaries from now on.

Cheers!