The UK is facing a housing crisis that goes far beyond bricks and mortar. In this episode of 'The Hard Hat Talks', Kenneth Martin sits down with Mike Pratt, Managing Director of InverTay Homes, to explore the realities, roadblocks, and radical solutions shaping the future of housebuilding.

Mike’s journey from a career in process engineering to becoming a small housebuilder is no ordinary story. It’s a “baptism of fire” into one of the most challenging industries in the UK today – where funding hurdles, labour shortages, and political rhetoric collide with the need to deliver safe, affordable, and spacious homes.

Together, Kenneth and Mike dig into the pressing questions: Why is it harder than ever for small developers to get projects off the ground? Why are banks so risk-averse, demanding extreme equity and personal guarantees? And what can be done to close the gap between political promises and what’s actually possible on site?

One of the most exciting insights Mike shares is InverTay’s use of offsite manufacturing. Through his sister company, Timber Engineering UK, oversized wall panels are pre-built with windows already fitted – meaning a house’s superstructure can be erected and made watertight in a single day. This innovation cuts tens of thousands in finance costs and allows more homes to be built faster, without compromising on safety or quality.

But the conversation goes deeper than innovation. Mike speaks candidly about:

The disconnect between policy and practice, and why many well-meaning political initiatives end up making building more expensive or unviable.

The labour crisis, including the alarming fact that up to 60% of apprentices leave construction within a year of qualifying.

The cultural shift in productivity, where fewer working hours are creating knock-on effects for cost, delivery, and project viability.

Why housing must be treated as a fundamental human right – and how the lack of secure homes is directly linked to societal issues, from education to child development.

This isn’t just a conversation for builders and architects – it’s for anyone interested in how the UK can fix a broken system and meet the urgent need for quality homes.

👉 What you’ll take away from this episode:

• Practical insights on navigating the finance challenges faced by SME developers.
• Why embracing offsite construction could transform the speed and cost of UK housing delivery.
• A frank look at why our labour crisis isn’t just about young people not joining the industry – it’s about retention, culture, and long-term opportunity.
• The reality behind political promises on housing, and what truly needs to change.
• Why housing should be viewed as more than a commodity – but as the cornerstone of healthy, thriving communities.

From finance to policy, innovation to culture, this is an honest and thought-provoking discussion about the biggest challenges – and opportunities – in UK housebuilding today.

🎧 Tune in now to hear Mike Pratt’s vision for building better homes, smarter systems, and a fairer housing market for all.

Visit Mike page at: https://blockarchitects.co.uk/about-us/hard-hat-talks/episode-10-building-smarter-mike-pratt/