NHBC response to Woodrow and Wimpey merger

NHBC, the leading authority and expert on new home construction in the UK said that the potential merger between Taylor Woodrow and George Wimpey, set to create the UK's largest house-builder, was a clear indicator of the growing economic and political importance of the industry.

The new company will likely be the third housebuilder to enter the FTSE 100 share index, a major step in highlighting the contribution of the house-building sector to the UK economy as it responds to greater Government focus on increasing housing supply.

Imtiaz Farookhi, Chief Executive, NHBC, said: "The news of this merger comes at a time when the challenges facing the house-building industry, through Government targets on increased housing supply, improved customer satisfaction and tackling the zero carbon home agenda, has never been greater.

"On the sustainability front the Government has outlined ambitious targets for the house-building sector in achieving the broader aims of reducing carbon emissions for the country. NHBC has backed this increasing focus on sustainability and our independent research institution - the NHBC Foundation - has already begun delivering on a programme of reports and findings on the sustainability agenda.

"The Foundation's sister organisation, the National Centre for Excellence in Housing, will be working on broader policy themes surrounding the zero carbon homes agenda and focus on bringing together key stakeholders to debate and shape housing policy."