Housing boom Builders tool up to hit the government's targets

Plasterboard should be in plentiful supply when Labour's building boom gets under way later this year, says John Sinfield.

- Phillip Inman Julia Kollewe

Plasterboard should be in plentiful supply when Labour's building boom gets under way later this year, says John Sinfield. His new factory near Bristol will dramatically cut the need for imports of the essential building product, he argues.

Sinfield, the UK boss of the building materials maker Etex, is not alone in the construction sector in taking a bet it could soon prove a bright spot despite gloom over the impact of Donald Trump's tariffs. "You've got to invest ahead of the curve," Sinfield says.

Domestic brick factories are gearing up for a building bonanza that is expected to boost residential housing starts next year by more than 5%, according to the construction industry consultancy and data provider Glenigan.

Shareholders in major housebuilders also appear to be picking up on the good vibes.

On Tuesday, Bellway Homes, one of the UK's largest home builders, reported "robust" spring trading and a strong outlook for the year ahead. It was enough to drive up builders' shares, putting those including Persimmon, Barratt Redrow and Taylor Wimpey at the top of the FTSE 100 risers' list.

There were further gains yesterday after Rachel Reeves announced plans to nearly double government funding for affordable housing as part of her spending review. Shares in the FTSE 250 builder Vistry Group, which focuses on affordable homes, were up 7%.