Airey Miller Welcomes MP Charlotte Cane to Cambridge Office
Airey Miller was pleased to welcome Charlotte Cane, MP for East Cambridgeshire, and Councillor John Trapp to our Cambridge office this week for an important discussion around the region’s housing challenges.
The visit provided a valuable opportunity to bring together local government and industry insight, with Kieran Vincent, Managing Director, and Iain Stevens, Director, representing Airey Miller. We were delighted to host the meeting in our newly opened Cambridge office, strengthening our engagement across the region.
Understanding the Roadblocks to Delivery
A key focus of the discussion was the current barriers to delivering social and affordable housing in Cambridgeshire.
In today’s market, a combination of factors is slowing delivery, including:
Registered providers not engaging in the new build housing market due to other pressures (fire, retrofit, damp and mould)
Increased build costs and viability pressures
Planning and regulatory complexity
Market uncertainty impacting development confidence
These challenges are not only affecting pipeline projects but are also influencing the appetite of organisations traditionally active in the sector.
Re-engaging Registered Providers in New Build Housing
A particularly important area of discussion was how to re-engage local Registered Providers (RPs) and encourage them back into the new build housing market.
With many RPs becoming more risk-averse in the current climate, there is a clear need to explore ways to restore confidence and unlock delivery. This includes:
Creating more viable development models
Reducing delivery risk through early-stage collaboration
Providing clearer regulatory pathways
Strengthening partnerships between local authorities, developers and consultants
The conversation highlighted the importance of finding practical, deliverable solutions that make new build housing a more attractive and achievable proposition for Registered Providers.
The Role of Collaboration
The meeting reinforced that collaboration between the public and private sectors will be critical in overcoming these challenges.
By aligning policy, funding mechanisms and technical expertise, there is an opportunity to create more effective delivery frameworks. Early engagement and a multidisciplinary approach can help identify risks sooner, streamline processes and ultimately accelerate housing delivery.
Airey Miller’s experience across the housing sector allows us to support this approach, providing clear, coordinated advice across all stages of development.
Strengthening Local Engagement
Hosting the meeting in our Cambridge office reinforced our commitment to regional collaboration and local presence.
Our Cambridge team continues to grow, supporting projects across the East of England and working closely with local stakeholders. The office enables us to respond directly to regional challenges, including the urgent need for more social and affordable housing.
We were pleased to showcase the space and discuss how our expanding presence can support housing delivery across Cambridgeshire.
Why Airey Miller
At Airey Miller, we support clients in navigating complex housing delivery challenges through a multidisciplinary approach.
Our services include:
Employers Agent and project management
Cost consultancy and commercial management
Principal Designer (CDM and Building Regulations)
Clerk of works
Architecture and design oversight
Fire engineering and remediation
Building surveying and digital solutions, including scanning and BIM
We work closely with local authorities, Registered Providers and developers to improve viability, manage risk and support the successful delivery of high-quality homes.
Looking Ahead
The meeting with Charlotte Cane MP and Councillor John Trapp reflects the importance of open, solution-focused dialogue in addressing the housing crisis.
As pressures on the sector continue, collaboration and innovation will be key to unlocking delivery and bringing Registered Providers back into the market.
Airey Miller remains committed to playing an active role in these conversations, supporting practical solutions that help deliver the social and affordable homes communities urgently need.
