Breedon Group CEO Rob Wood warns Labour’s 1.5m homes target will fail due to lack of government support for construction industry, cement supply threats and falling housing stock additions
Felix Armstrong www.cityam.com
15:02, 11 Mar 2026Updated 15:02, 11 Mar 2026
Breedon Group is based in Derbyshire(Image: Breedon Group)
Labour’s ambitious housebuilding pledge was destined to fail from the moment it was unveiled, according to the head of a prominent construction materials company.
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Rob Wood, chief executive of materials specialist Breedon Group, told City AM that the government’s commitment to deliver 1.5m homes before the next general election is doomed because Labour has failed to adequately support its construction sector.
Mr Wood is urging ministers to safeguard the UK’s domestic cement supply, which he argues faces significant threats from inconsistent carbon regulations, elevated energy costs, climbing labour expenses and a growing influx of imported cement.
He argued that Labour’s failure to properly value the broader construction industry represents a key factor in why it will fall short of its housing ambitions.
Mr Wood said: “The day they announced it, it was already impossible. I can’t believe they still talk about it.
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“They haven’t got that long left, and if you look at the current run rates they’re not going to get anywhere near it.”
According to the Office for Budget Responsibility’s most recent projections, net additions to Britain’s housing stock are set to decline from an average of 260,000 annually to a low of 220,000 in 2026-27.
Labour’s relaxation of planning regulations has yet to “meaningfully materialise” in accelerated housebuilding rates, the watchdog noted.
Whilst the next election – Labour’s deadline for meeting its housing target – is anticipated in 2029, the OBR indicated that construction activity will not see a substantial upturn until 2030.
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Mr Wood is urging the government to tackle the cost of electricity in the UK and champion domestically produced cement in public procurement, to counter the “serious risks” confronting the cement industry.
“If there isn’t a robust and healthy domestic cement industry, everything will have to be imported, […] and ultimately it will all depend on the availability of products from overseas,” the boss of Derbyshire-based Breedon said.
Demand for essential construction materials such as concrete (-9.9 per cent), aggregates (-1.6 per cent) and asphalt (-1.1 per cent) declined for a fourth successive year in 2025, according to a Mineral Products Association (MPA) report.
Mr Wood argued the inflationary risks stemming from the Iran conflict – and the strain it places on mortgage rates and consumer confidence – demonstrate that the government should be able to depend on its domestic construction sector.
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The costs confronting British construction firms threaten their capacity to deliver Labour’s industrial strategy and could jeopardise jobs, he warned.
Breedon Group says the UK needs more infrastructure investment(Image: Breedon Group)
Earlier this month, the head of a leading construction industry body revealed inheritance tax pressures on material and machinery suppliers, which are frequently family-run, are placing companies at risk.
Productivity levels are a crucial indicator of the UK’s economic health and the government celebrated improvements to these forecasts at last year’s Budget, but Breedon Group cautioned crumbling infrastructure is hindering productivity growth. Mr Wood said: “We don’t have enough schools, we don’t have enough hospitals, our road network is in a terrible state of repair, and the government keeps talking about productivity. “.
“If we don’t have the distribution networks, if we don’t have rail or road networks that are operating efficiently, no wonder productivity can’t improve.”
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The FTSE 250 company unveiled its annual results for the year ending December 2025 on Wednesday, revealing a nine per cent revenue increase to £1.7bn.
However, pre-tax profit dipped by 16 per cent to £105m, whilst Breedon posted a record post-pandemic free cash flow generation of £133m, a rise of 17 per cent from 2024.
The firm’s results statement highlighted a “subdued” construction sector, with a “dynamic” economic environment overshadowing indications that growth might be on the upswing.
The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government was approached for comment by City AM.
So much appreciate for everyone’s patience. We should get started.
Thank you for joining us today for OSL Group 2025 Annual Results Presentation. My name is Kenrick, Director of Corporate Development, and I will be your moderator for today’s session. Today’s call will begin with remarks from our senior management team. I’m pleased to have with us Kevin Cui, Executive Director and CEO; Ivan Wong, CFO; and Gary Tiu, our Executive Director and Head of Regulatory Affairs. [Operator Instructions] In the first half of the call, our management team will provide an overview and update on our annual results. This will then follow with a Q&A session. [Operator Instructions]
As a disclaimer, this presentation is for informational purposes only and do not constitute any financial advice or offer to buy or sell a security. During the presentation, we will cover 3 key areas, including the OSL Opportunity, the business highlight, financial and operational update. So without further ado, I’m pleased to introduce Kevin, our CEO, to start presenting the OSL Opportunity. Kevin, please go ahead. Kevin, I think you might just unmute yourself first? I think you might be muted. Sorry about that.
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Song Cui CEO & Executive Director
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Financial influencer Taylor Price joins ‘Varney & Co.’ to break down how shifting your mindset can help Americans grow wealth and achieve the American Dream.
A growing number of financial influencers are shifting the conversation away from spreadsheets and toward psychology, arguing that mindset, not math, may be the biggest barrier to building wealth.
Financial influencer Taylor Price joined FOX Business’ Ashley Webster on “Varney & Co.” to discuss how reframing financial habits can change long-term outcomes.
Price said many Americans are held back not by a lack of knowledge, but by how they think about money in the first place.
“Money is more mental than it is mathematical,” Price said.
‘Mornings with Maria’ jobs panel reacts to the blowout March report as hiring crushes expectations, unemployment dips to 4.3%, and experts weigh what it means for inflation, Fed policy and the path of the U.S. economy.
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Her framework uses a “money tree” concept to simplify how wealth is built over time. She explained that each part of the tree represents a different financial layer, from income to savings to investing, helping people better understand how their decisions compound.
“We start by planting the seed, the scarcity mindset versus the growth mindset,” Price said. “It’s the difference between I can’t get ahead to I know my choices are gonna compound over time.”
“When it comes to bad weather in the economy, especially today, guess what? That tree holds us together within the roots, our savings accounts, our emergency funds,” Price said.
Summit Global Investments CIO Dave Harden discusses the market amid the conflict in the Middle East and his top picks on ‘The Claman Countdown.’
Price also pointed to mindset as a key driver of behavior, arguing that belief systems can directly shape financial outcomes.
“Thinking that they can’t when, yes, if you believe you can’t, you won’t. But if you believed you can, you will,” she said.
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Drawing on behavioral science, Price said people tend to notice more opportunities once they shift their thinking.
TikTok finance influencer Taylor Price says “Money is more mental than it is mathematical” on Stuart Varney’s “Varney & Co.” (FOX Business/Getty Images / FOXBusiness)
“You’re gonna find opportunities because your brain is now trained to see how can I make more money,” Price said.
Iranian air defenses shot down a U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet over central Iran on Friday, U.S. officials confirmed, as Tehran released images of wreckage that appeared to match the twin-engine strike fighter and escalated claims of capturing the crew.
Iran Claims US F-15E Strike Eagle Shot Down Over Iran With Wreckage Images Released
A senior U.S. official told Reuters that the aircraft was downed and a search-and-rescue operation was underway for its two crew members — the pilot and weapons systems officer. The Pentagon has not released further details on the jet’s unit or mission, but multiple reports identified it as an F-15E from the 494th Fighter Squadron, part of the 48th Fighter Wing based at RAF Lakenheath in Britain and deployed in support of U.S. Central Command operations.
Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, published photos Friday showing scattered debris, including what aviation experts identified as a vertical stabilizer and other F-15E components with distinctive markings. Iranian officials initially claimed the downed aircraft was an advanced F-35 stealth fighter, but images clearly depicted wreckage consistent with the non-stealth F-15E Strike Eagle.
The incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iranian targets, dubbed Operation Epic Fury by some accounts. It comes amid weeks of airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, missile sites and proxy forces, with Iran vowing retaliation for what it calls aggression against its sovereignty.
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U.S. Central Command has faced previous unverified Iranian claims of downing American aircraft, including earlier assertions involving F-15Es and F-35s that were denied or attributed to other causes such as friendly fire incidents over Kuwait. In one prior case, three F-15Es were reportedly lost to allied defenses in Kuwait early in the conflict, though pilots returned to operations.
Friday’s event appears to be the first confirmed loss of a U.S. combat jet over Iranian territory. Iranian state media reported the jet was engaged by IRGC air defense systems while conducting strike operations. Tehran also circulated unverified claims that the crew ejected and one or both airmen may have been captured on the ground, though U.S. officials have not corroborated any capture and emphasized the active rescue effort.
“The aircraft was operating in support of ongoing missions when it was lost,” a U.S. defense official said on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive operations. “We are actively searching for the crew and monitoring the situation closely.”
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The F-15E Strike Eagle is a highly capable all-weather fighter-bomber used for precision strikes, close air support and air superiority missions. It carries a crew of two and is equipped with advanced radar, electronic warfare systems and a wide array of munitions. The 494th “Panthers” squadron has a storied history, having participated in operations across the Middle East for decades.
Aviation analysts noted that while the F-15E is not stealthy like the F-35, its robust design and defensive aids make it difficult to down. Iranian claims of using advanced surface-to-air missiles to achieve the hit would represent a notable success for Tehran’s layered air defense network, which includes Russian-supplied systems and indigenous developments.
Photos released by Tasnim showed twisted metal, a large crater and identifiable F-15E parts strewn across what appeared to be arid Iranian countryside. One image highlighted tail markings consistent with U.S. Air Force European Command assets. Experts cautioned that while the debris aligns with an F-15E, independent verification of the location and circumstances remains limited due to restricted access in Iran.
The downing risks further inflaming tensions in a conflict that has already drawn in regional actors and raised concerns about broader escalation involving Russia, China or other powers. Israel has conducted parallel operations, and the U.S. has deployed additional naval and air assets to the Persian Gulf region, including carrier strike groups.
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Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder declined to confirm specifics on the aircraft model or crew status during a Friday briefing but acknowledged “hostile action” as a possible cause. “Our forces remain committed to the mission while prioritizing the safety of our personnel,” Ryder said.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei praised the air defenses in a statement, calling the incident proof of Iran’s resolve. “The aggressors will pay a heavy price for every violation of our airspace,” he said via state media.
This is not the first time Iran has showcased wreckage to bolster its claims. In past incidents involving drones and missiles, Tehran has released imagery for propaganda purposes. However, ground photos of a manned fighter jet represent a rarer and more provocative development.
U.S. search-and-rescue assets, including specialized helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, were reported active near Iranian borders, though operating from international or allied airspace to avoid further losses. Iranian media shared video purportedly showing U.S. rescue attempts, which Tehran claimed were repelled.
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The two-person crew of an F-15E typically includes an experienced pilot and a weapons systems officer responsible for targeting and electronic warfare. Both wear ejection seats, giving them a chance of survival even in high-threat environments. Their fate — whether rescued, in custody or otherwise — could dictate the next phase of the conflict.
Military analysts warn that a confirmed pilot capture would create immense pressure on the U.S. administration to respond, potentially through special operations or intensified airstrikes. Past incidents, such as the 2019 downing of a U.S. drone by Iran, led to heightened alerts but stopped short of direct manned aircraft losses.
The broader context involves U.S. and Israeli efforts to degrade Iran’s nuclear program and ballistic missile capabilities following years of sanctions and diplomatic standoffs. Strikes have targeted sites near Natanz, Fordow and other locations, with Iran responding via missile barrages toward Israel and proxy attacks in the region.
Friday’s event occurred as the conflict entered what some describe as a more intense phase, with increased sorties over Iranian territory. The loss of even one F-15E, while not crippling to U.S. airpower, highlights vulnerabilities in operations against a defended adversary and could influence future tactics, such as greater reliance on standoff weapons or stealth platforms.
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Congressional leaders from both parties called for briefings on the incident. “The safety of our troops is paramount, and any attack on U.S. forces demands a decisive response,” said Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss.
The U.S. has not ruled out retaliation but emphasized de-escalation pathways through backchannel communications. Diplomatic efforts involving Qatar, Oman and European allies continue in hopes of preventing a wider war.
As night fell in the region, the search for the crew remained the immediate priority. U.S. officials expressed confidence in recovery capabilities but acknowledged the challenges of operating near or over hostile territory.
The F-15E has a strong safety record overall, but combat losses in contested airspace are a grim reminder of the risks inherent in power projection. Previous U.S. jet losses in the Middle East have been rare since the 1991 Gulf War and 2003 Iraq invasion.
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Iran’s ability to publicize the wreckage so quickly suggests its intelligence and media apparatus was prepared. State television aired footage of jubilant crowds and military officials inspecting debris.
For the families of the crew, the hours since the incident have been marked by uncertainty. The Air Force has protocols for notifying next of kin, though details were withheld pending confirmation.
This developing story underscores the volatile nature of the U.S.-Iran confrontation. While previous Iranian claims often proved exaggerated or false, the combination of U.S. confirmation of a loss, released imagery and an active rescue mission points to a serious combat event.
As investigations proceed, questions linger over the exact missile system used, the jet’s altitude and mission profile, and whether electronic warfare or other factors played a role. Independent analysts will scrutinize the debris photos for clues on impact type and aircraft configuration.
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The incident could also affect domestic U.S. politics, with critics questioning the scope of operations against Iran and supporters urging stronger action to protect forces.
In the skies over the Middle East, operations continue. Additional F-15Es, F-16s, F-35s and bombers remain on station, ready to prosecute targets while crews maintain heightened vigilance against air defenses.
The downing of the F-15E serves as a stark illustration that even advanced Western fighters face risks when penetrating sophisticated integrated air defense systems. It may prompt reviews of rules of engagement and force protection measures.
Tehran, meanwhile, seeks to leverage the event for domestic unity and international messaging, portraying Iran as capable of defending itself against superpower aggression.
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U.S. allies, including Britain — whose base hosts the implicated squadron — expressed concern and offered support for the rescue effort. NATO members have been monitoring the situation closely.
As of late Friday, no further losses were reported, but the fog of war persists. The coming days will likely bring more clarity on the crew’s status and potential U.S. responses.
The episode adds another chapter to the long history of U.S.-Iran military friction, from the 1980s tanker war to today’s high-tech aerial contest. With wreckage on the ground and a rescue underway, the human and strategic costs are once again in sharp focus.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler enters the 2026 Masters Tournament as the clear betting favorite to claim his third green jacket in five years, with early odds listing him between +400 and +550 across major sportsbooks just days before the first round at Augusta National.
Scottie Scheffler
Scheffler, who has won two of the last three Masters (2022 and 2024), has posted consistent contention at the event despite a fourth-place finish in 2025. His iron play, short game and ability to navigate Augusta’s demanding layout make him the most reliable contender in a star-studded field.
Defending champion Rory McIlroy, who completed the career Grand Slam with a dramatic playoff victory over Justin Rose in 2025, sits as a co-second or third favorite at around +1000 to +1100. A back-to-back win would make him the first repeat Masters champion since Tiger Woods in 2001-02, but recent form concerns and a reported back issue have caused his odds to drift slightly from earlier futures.
Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm round out the top tier, both hovering near +1000 across books like FanDuel and DraftKings. DeChambeau has shown strong recent Augusta form with back-to-back high finishes, while Rahm, the 2023 winner, continues to post solid major results even while competing primarily on LIV Golf.
Xander Schauffele and Ludvig Åberg follow closely at +1400 to +2000, with Schauffele boasting multiple top-10s at the Masters in recent years and Åberg emerging as one of the game’s brightest young talents.
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Top 5 Early Picks for 2026 Masters Winner (Based on Consensus Odds and Form as of Early April 2026)
Here are the top five contenders according to aggregated betting odds from sportsbooks including BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel and others:
Scottie Scheffler (+400 to +550) — The overwhelming favorite. Scheffler has added multiple majors since his last Masters win and remains the best all-around player in the world. His ball-striking gives him an edge on Augusta’s fast, firm greens and tricky second shots. Many models project him near the top of the leaderboard.
Bryson DeChambeau (+1000) — The two-time U.S. Open champion has transformed his approach to Augusta, emphasizing precision over raw power. Recent strong showings make him a live threat for his first green jacket.
Jon Rahm (+850 to +1200) — The 2023 Masters winner brings proven Augusta success and elite short game. Despite LIV Golf commitments, he has stayed competitive in majors and offers strong each-way value.
Rory McIlroy (+1000 to +1100) — As defending champion and fresh off completing the Grand Slam, McIlroy carries immense momentum and Augusta experience (multiple top-10s). A repeat would be historic, but nagging fitness questions add uncertainty.
Xander Schauffele (+1400 to +1800) or Ludvig Åberg (+1400 to +2000) — Schauffele delivers consistent contention at majors with five recent top-10s at the Masters. Åberg, a rising star, has the length and composure to contend in only his second or third appearance.
Current 2026 Masters Odds Snapshot (Approximate Consensus as of April 3, 2026)
Scottie Scheffler: +405 to +550
Jon Rahm: +850 to +1200
Rory McIlroy: +1000 to +1100
Bryson DeChambeau: +1000 to +1075
Xander Schauffele: +1400 to +1800
Ludvig Åberg: +1400 to +2000
Cameron Young / Matt Fitzpatrick / Tommy Fleetwood: +2000 to +2500 range
Collin Morikawa, Justin Rose, Patrick Reed: +2500 to +3800
Odds vary by sportsbook and continue to fluctuate with late withdrawals, practice round performances and weather forecasts. Augusta National’s par-72 layout rewards precision iron play, scrambling and experience on its lightning-fast greens — factors that favor veterans like Scheffler, McIlroy and Rahm while leaving room for surprises from players such as Fitzpatrick or Reed, who have strong course history.
The 2026 field features approximately 90-93 players, including all past champions with lifetime exemptions, recent major winners and top-ranked professionals. Tiger Woods remains a sentimental longshot at +15000 despite limited recent competitive play.
Analysts note that while Scheffler is the deserved favorite, the Masters has a history of delivering drama. Past champions like McIlroy (now seeking repeat) and Rahm know the unique demands of the course, while emerging talents like Åberg could capitalize on any early mistakes by the frontrunners.
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Practice rounds this week will offer key insights into form, particularly how players handle the par-5s (where recent winners have feasted) and the treacherous back nine. Weather in early April often plays a role, with wind and firm conditions amplifying the difficulty.
For bettors, value may lie beyond the top names. Some experts highlight Matt Fitzpatrick at +2500 for his recent form surge, while others point to consistent Augusta performers like Patrick Reed (+3000-plus) who have multiple top-10s here.
The tournament tees off April 9, with the traditional par-3 contest on Wednesday. All eyes will be on whether Scheffler can solidify his status as the game’s dominant force or if McIlroy can etch his name deeper into Masters lore with a historic defense.
Regardless of the outcome, the 2026 Masters promises another week of unforgettable moments at golf’s most iconic venue.
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