3i recently hosted a dinner at Palace Street to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the UK housebuilding sector.

Paul Donovan, MD of Global Economics at UBS, shared his views on the economic outlook, examining many of the international issues facing the UK and this sector.

In an authoritative, wide-ranging talk, Paul touched upon the failures of US monetary union in the 1930s, why the current Euro troubles are good for Germany and therefore good for Europe, current trends in housing demand constrained by relatively low mortgage availability, and - despite all the challenges - why we can still expect 5% nominal house price growth per annum in the UK.

There was a very strong guest list bringing together experience from major housebuilders as well as many Business Leaders Network contacts who have experience in this, and adjacent, spaces.