As a result of the media excitement  following last weeks announcement on the third runway at Heathrow and potentially one less Conservative MP, publicity of an independent review into the construction labour market by Mark Farmer, CEO of a construction consultancy did not make it onto the front page of any newspapers. Whilst few people would place the Farmer Review, which was subtitled modernise or die, in the same league as the Davies Commission on Airports, the contents could be just as significant in a nation which is crying out for new housing development. Farmer points out that the UK’s construction industry faces “inexorable decline” unless radical steps are taken. His report which was commissioned by the Government highlights 10 recommendations for an industry which he argues is blighted by low levels of productivity, a failure to innovate, a workforce whose average age is growing and the absence of a research and development culture. It is clear that here in Sussex we do have some innovators and perhaps now is the time to promote these individuals and their businesses more effectively. One of the recommendations from the review is to build some 50,000 pre manufactured homes a year alongside 160,000 conventional homes. The work of Brighton Housing Trust under its CEO Andy Winter is to be applauded as a promoter of such ideas. He calls for incentives for the private rented sector to improve and again we do have some progressive private landlords in Brighton and in other parts of Sussex. Because the levels of Council owned properties is so low in Brighton, over the years various administrations have worked to promote good practice. However they often miss their target and much more could be done. However we also know that we need to develop our skills here in Sussex, and this is one of the areas highlighted in this important report. It is vital that the work of various further education establishments is encouraged and vital that the Government communicates across the sector. Ignoring these issues and others will compound our developing national crisis within the building industry which reflects on an acute lack of housing and poor building quality in some of our older housing stock.