The Annual Conference and Exhibition of the Chartered Institute of Housing was held from the 17th to 19th of June 2008 at Harrogate International Conference Centre of the United Kingdom. The 3 days conference and exhibition is the largest and most influential Housing event in UK. It attracted over 5,000 delegates and 350 exhibitors to participate and attend. The conference was opened by Ms Caroline Flint, Minister of Housing and Planning on 17 June 08. This year, the conference focused in examining issues such the increase of interest rates and lack of available land for building affordable homes, the rise of mortgage costs, the threat of repossession, build “greener” homes etc.

Three members of the Executive Committee of CIHAPB and nine delegates from HKHS have attended the conference at Harrogate. By attending various activities of the conference including the Annual General Meeting of CIH, seminars, dinners and visit, members of CIHAPB established a close connection with various professionals and delegates in UK and overseas. Furthermore, delegates have also attended a study tour to Sheffield studying the recent housing development overthere.

All of the delegates concluded the trip to Harrogate was a fruitful experience where they could get in touch with the housing experts across the border and establish a close link with them. Furthermore, they could get in touch with the latest housing innovations including building materials, IT and software support, finance and one-stop shop housing solution.