Wed 2 Jan 2008
January
New graduate Michael Welling has joined northwest-based firm McDermott Homes as a trainee land buyer.While completing a BSc. (Hons) in property development at Sheffield Hallam University, Welling undertook a wide range of work experience across a large variety of sectors before deciding he wanted to work for a housebuilder.
"The bulk of my experience has been mainly on the agency side of things, but I've found the legal and planning aspects of my new role much more satisfying," Welling told the press. "I'm interested in the challenges of developing communities where people can live, work and play. Joining McDermott Homes has given me the chance to get lots of hands-on experience, and it's been really interesting."
Despite the potential onset of adverse market conditions, McDermott Homes recently opened a new office in Yorkshire, and has several new schemes in the pipeline.
Duncan Cumberland has joined Cornish housebuilder Rosemullion Homes as land director.
Cumberland, who moves over from his role at Crest Nicholson as development director, will be working with the firm's land team to increase the company's output and to identify new sites for development. A Leeds University graduate, with a Master's degree in land management from Reading University, Cumberland started his career at Berkeley Homes in Kent, employment which he followed up with stints at Nicholson Estates and Cadenza Residential in London.
"I'm very excited to be joining the firm at such an important time for the business," said Cumberland. "Rosemullion has secured a number of excellent sites that are in the planning pipeline - the challenge will be to acquire and service new opportunities during this period of growth. I'm thoroughly looking forward to living and working in Truro, Cornwall."
Hull developer Beal Homes has appointed Paul Mundin as commercial director.
Covering purchasing, surveying, technical and architectural design, Mundin will work with chairman and company founder John Beal, managing director Richard Beal and fellow board directors in his new board role. Mundin moves over from Linpave Building, the Rand Group's building arm, following a career spanning more than 30 years in the industry. "Increasingly our developments are mixed-use schemes combining new homes with shopping, leisure, educational and health facilities," Richard Beal explained. "Paul's experience across this spectrum of building projects will further enhance Beal Homes' ability to make the most of these opportunities."
A member of the Chartered Institute of Building, Mundin lives near Lincoln near Beal Homes' regional office at The Landings, Burton Waters. The firm is currently building new homes at Scotter, Healing, Branston and at Burton Waters Marina near Lincoln, and is set to build on new sites at Waddington, Stallingborough and Crowle.
"I'm looking forward to the fresh challenges that this new role will bring, in helping Beal Homes to take advantage of exciting new opportunities in Hull, the East Riding of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire," concluded Mundin.
Finance specialist Wolsey Securities has appointed four new regional managing directors and a new chairman for its north of England and Midlands branch.
Peter Howard has been promoted to managing director and will head up the firm's team in Scotland following the opening of Wolsey's new Scottish office. The firm's north of England region has now been split in two, with Anthony Hancock taking on the role of managing director of the north-west and Terry Davies that of managing director of the north-east.
Over at the firm's north of England and Midlands branch, Gerry Tilston has been promoted to chairman following eight years as managing director of the Midlands branch. Former Midlands development director Chris Lane is now managing director of the Midlands.
"Wolsey Securities continues to expand its regional offering, reflecting our strategy of providing local expertise on the ground in all our key markets," said Mike Ratcliffe, the firm's chief executive officer. "Our new managing director posts have all been taken up by internal promotions - a reflection of the outstanding calibre of our people and the opportunities for growth within the firm."
Viv Aldridge and Paul Hurrell have joined Antler Homes Midlands as sales and marketing director and land buyer respectively.
Aldridge, who previously worked at Morris Homes' Midlands branch, brings eight years' property experience to the role, while Hurrell has spent four years developing his letting and consultancy skills in the industry.
"I was attracted to Antler Homes because of the high quality and bespoke style of their homes," said Aldridge. "I've worked in the Midlands for many years, so I know the market really well."
Hurrel added: "I'm looking forward to forging new land relationships and continuing Antler Homes' planned expansion into Oxford and the East Midlands."
Home Builders Federation (HBF) chairman, NHBC director and Show House contributor Stewart Baseley has joined the board of Banner Homes as a non-executive director.
Baseley began his career in home building with Crest Homes in 1982, and moved to Charles Church as executive director in 1987, becoming the firm's chief executive officer in 1990. He has been on the board of the HBF since 2002, serving as its chairman since April 2004, and became executive chairman in late 2005.
"I'm delighted that Stewart has agreed to join Banner Homes," said Richard Werth, the firm's chief executive. "His experience will be a valuable asset to the board as we continue to expand the business across our three core regions, while his appointment reinforces Banner's status as a key developer in the industry."
"Banner's commitment and clear vision for the company is something that excites me," added Baseley. "I'm delighted to offer my experience in helping it cement its position as one of the country's leading independent providers of high quality homes."
Strata Yorkshire has promoted John England to the board position of strategic land director.
England, previously strategic land manager, will now be responsible for developing the firm's long-term strategies and acquiring future sites for Strata's Yorkshire and Midlands land banks.
"Brownfield land will be our natural development choice as not only does it preserve our green countryside, it also aids in the regeneration of the south and west Yorkshire towns and villages where we build," England told Show House.
"John has made a big impact on the business since he joined us and fully deserves his promotion," said Jim Wren, Strata's chief executive. "His appointment to the board underlines our commitment to securing future land supply, and thus the ongoing profitability of the business."
"Strata embrace design and are receptive to change," England added. "They aren't afraid to evolve when other housebuilders are sticking to a generic style, which gives us a unique image to help us stand out against our competitors."
Knight Frank has appointed Anne Haggas as head of new homes sales to lead its northern region.
Haggas, who became a partner at Knight Frank in 2005, will be based at the firm's Leeds offices. Overseeing the five new homes sales offices in Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield and Newcastle that make up Knight Frank's northern region, Haggas is now responsible for ensuring all sales departments achieve their full potential.
During her time at Knight Frank, Haggas has been responsible for achieving investment sales in excess of £150 million. Haggas' client list includes Crosby Lendlease, City Loft Developments, Dandara and Magellan.
"It's a big brief, but I have the support of an excellent team," said Haggas.
"Anne has built up a very close working relationship with a number of key clients," added Julian D'Arcy, head of Knight Frank's northern residential operations. "She has established herself as a major player in the residential development property market in the north. We wish her well in her new role."
Haggas (44) lives at Addingham, near Ilkley.
North-west housebuilder Gladedale (formerly Bett Homes) has made three key appointments to its team.
Julie Davies has moved over from Bellway to become sales manager, Pauline McManus has been promoted to sales manager, while Sandra Rogers has been headhunted for the role of part exchange manager.
The announcements follow the firm's recent acquisition of Yorkshire-based developer Ben Bailey. "I'm excited at what the future holds for me at Gladedale," said Davies. "I've worked with Joanne Spate, Gladedale's sales director, before, and am delighted to be working with her again."
Meanwhile, McManus added: "I look forward to bringing the experience I have as an estate agent and interior design to the firm. At Gladedale, we are surrounded by experienced, highly-skilled people who go the extra mile for their customers."
First published in Show House Magazine January 2008.
The greatest care has been taken to ensure accuracy but some information contained within this article may have changed since it was first published.
Posted by Show House
in Anne Haggas, Anthony Hancock, Antler Homes, Beal Homes, Duncan Cumberland, Gerry Tilston, Gladedale, Home Builders Federation (HBF), John England, Julie Davies, Knight Frank, McDermott Homes, Michael Welling, Movers and Shakers, Paul Hurrell, Paul Mundin, Pauline McManus, Peter Howard, Rosemullion Homes, Sandra Rogers, Stewart Baseley, Strata Homes, Terry Davies, Viv Aldridge, Wolsey Securities on Wed 2 Jan 2008
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