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Housing industry careers news: This week’s Movers & Shakers

We take our weekly look at appointments and promotions across the housebuilding industry and its supply chain.

Multiple appointments, Bewley Homes

Bewley Homes team

Bewley Homes has announced a number of promotions across the business.

Chloe Willman has been promoted to director of business operations, taking on an expanded remit that continues to include leadership of the customer experience function; Olivia Goodenough becomes executive personal assistant to the chief operating officer, construction director and managing director; Martin Peters is now financial controller; and Jo Cullum is promoted to finance manager.

Kenny De Guzman has been promoted to technical manager, and Kate Bayley becomes technical planning manager, with Craig Ireland announced as the new technical development director.

Further promotions are Mark Elliot to senior site manager, Rebecca Bulmer to customer services manager, and Emma Kander to assistant sales manager.

MD Andrew Brooks commented: “These promotions highlight not only the exceptional individuals we are proud to have in our business, but also Bewley Homes’ commitment to nurturing talent and creating progression opportunities throughout the company.”

Anthony Cakebread, Wavensmere Homes

Anthony Cakebread, Wavensmere Homes

Birmingham-headquartered Wavensmere Homes has appointed Anthony Cakebread as finance director.

He joins from Equites International, a South African publicly listed REIT, and has over a decade of audit experience, most recently as a senior audit manager for the Birmingham office of Evelyn Partners (formerly Smith & Williamson), growing his team from two to 37 during his tenure. Cakebread commenced his professional career in 2012 as an associate for Deloitte and obtained his ACCA qualification in 2018 whilst at Bishop Fleming.

Cakebread commented: “My qualifications and career to date has focused on property transactions and asset management, so as Wavensmere seeks to expand its development portfolio and residential holdings, this is an amazing opportunity to progress my career.

James Dickens, managing director of Wavensmere Homes, said: “We are really pleased to have Anthony on board to lead our growing in-house finance team.”

Multiple appointments, Allison Homes

Allison Homes East Midlands team

Allison Homes is continuing its rapid growth in the East Midlands with the announcement of a host of new appointments and two promotions in the region.

Karl Edwards was recently promoted to managing director, and there have been two other internal promotions: Ryan Evans to technical director, and Victoria Pointon to senior quantity surveyor.

The new cohort covers all areas of the business. Arthur Lee, with 25 years’ experience including positions at Bellway, Kier Living and Vistry, arrives as head of land and partnerships for the region; Richard Reed as finance director; Alex Danby as technical coordinator; Lucy Coxon as buyer; Meg Lowe as marketing manager; Lewis Long as site manager, and Joe Lewis as trainee assistant site manager; and Charlie Dalby as the company’s newest sales executive.

Edwards commented: “People can trust the quality and care that goes into creating an Allison home. That comes from the standout talent in every area of our business, and I have no doubt that those joining the team – and those recognised with well-deserved promotions – will continue to live this ethos.”

Tariq Ahmad, Civils & Lintels

Civils & Lintels (C&L), part of the Huws Gray group of companies, has announced the appointment of Tariq Ahmad as national sales director.

Ahmad joins the business with almost three decades of industry-relevant sales experience having previously held senior roles at Polypipe, Twyford Bathrooms and most recently, as UK sales director at Wilsonart Engineered Surfaces. He will be responsible for the nationwide sales teams encompassing the business’s Core, Residential and Major Accounts sector sales teams.

Ahmad will report directly to MD Allan Wright, who commented: “Tariq’s appointment reflects both our ambition for growth, as well as our firm commitment to our strategic customer and supply chain partners.”

Commenting on his new role, Ahmad said: “With 30 years industry knowledge it was important that my next role was within a sector I know well, but also one that would challenge me. Somewhere where I could effectively employ my energy and determination. I’m excited for what lies ahead.”

John Green, Hartog Hutton

John Green, Hartog Hutton

East Anglian housebuilding specialist Hartog Hutton has appointed John Green as head of construction. 

Green joins the company from Dandara, and brings with him some 19 years of industry experience.

George Wells, Hartog Hutton director, said: “We’re excited to have John on the team. His appointment is part of our strategy to grow the business by expanding across the region, increasing the number of houses we complete year-on-year and building smarter and more efficiently.”

Green commented: “My goal at Hartog Hutton is to enhance how projects are delivered, ensuring they’re completed safely, on time, and to the highest standards, whilst also strengthening collaboration between site teams, designers, and supply chains.”

Two appointments, Newsteer

George Meredith, Simon Martin, Newsteer

Specialist real estate advisory firm Newsteer has announced two promotions to director roles.

George Meredith (pictured left), director, development consultancy, has been with the company since 2019. A RICS Registered Valuer, he advises on complex public and private sector schemes including major regeneration projects and infrastructure-led development.

Simon Martin (pictured right), director, asset and transaction advisory, joined Newsteer in 2022. Also a RICS Registered Valuer, he brings extensive investment and strategic asset/development management advice across the property lifecycle.

These appointments follow a string of new appointments to Newsteer’s planning team made last year.

Alastair Crowdy, managing director, commented: “George and Simon have made a significant impact in a short space of time. Their expertise, drive and commitment to our clients embody what Newsteer stands for, and I’m delighted to see them take this next step. A well-deserved milestone for both – and a strong start to the year.”

Roger Markham, Connect It Utility Services

Roger Markham, Connect It Utility Services

Connect It Utility Services has strengthened its regional presence with the appointment of Roger Markham in the newly created role of business development manager for the South West.

He joins the company with over 20 years’ experience in the built environment, having worked extensively with local authorities, main contractors and numerous major housebuilders. Markham’s background includes senior commercial positions with Marshalls, Heras, and Broxap.

As part of his remit, Markham will focus primarily on housebuilders, with additional responsibility for select commercial opportunities, aligning with the business’s wider aim of broadening its customer base ahead of an anticipated sector-wide uplift in housing delivery.

Markham said of his appointment: “Joining Connect It is an exciting new chapter for me. I’ve spent over two decades working in the built environment, and the South West has always been my heartland.”

Laban Giles, managing director of Connect It Utility Services, said of Markham: “We are delighted to welcome him to the team.”

Nick Lay, Caple

Nick Lay, Caple

Caple has announced the appointment of Nick Lay as company sales manager, with the retirement of Vito Cataldo, who worked for the company for over 40 years.

Lay has worked at Caple for six years, progressing from his former role as field sales support manager.

He said of his new role: “I’m excited to continue the excellent work Vito has achieved and proud to represent the Caple brand as we move forward.”

Cataldo commented: “Having joined Maurice Lay in 1986, I could never have imagined announcing my retirement 40 years later with the same company. My passion has always been forging strong business relationships and maintaining successful accounts, and I sincerely hope that remains my legacy.”

Danny Lay, Caple’s MD, said: “Vito has been instrumental in shaping Caple’s sales strategy. His dedication and warmth have left an indelible mark on the business. The market remains competitive; but with a strong brand, innovative products, and a dedicated team, we are confident in our ability to grow and adapt.”

Five appointments, Homes England

Danielle Gillespie, Tom Bridges, Jo Nugent, Vicky Savage, Kate McBride, Homes England

Homes England has appointment five regional directors as part of its new operating model, which comes into effect in April 2026. It is anticipated the executive regional directors will take up their new roles from March 2026.

Danielle Gillespie, currently director of regeneration, partnerships and major projects at Homes England, has been named executive regional director for the Northwest. Tom Bridges becomes executive regional director for the Northeast, Yorkshire and Humber. He joins the agency from Arup, where he is a director and UK government business leader.

Jo Nugent, currently acting executive director of markets, partners and places at Homes England, takes up the role of executive regional director for the Midlands. Vicky Savage, formerly executive director of development and sales at L&Q, is executive regional director for London and East. Kate McBride, currently Homes England’s regional development director for the South becomes executive regional director for the South.

Pat Ritchie, chair of Homes England, said: “I am encouraged by the strength of regional leadership we have secured.”

Nick Maclean, RICS

Nick Maclean, RICS

Nick Maclean OBE RD FRICS became the 144th president of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) on Thursday 1 January 2026. He has held the role of acting president since March 2025.

He brings to the role some 30 years’ experience at CBRE, including being chair of CBRE Middle East and North Africa Region and seven years as a Scottish Trade Envoy. He has also been an active member of RICS for over 20 years serving on Governing Council and is a former chair.

Maclean said: “It is one of the proudest achievements of my career to serve as president of the RICS, an organisation with such an incredible history and is synonymous with our industry.”

RICS CEO Justin Young said: “I’ve really enjoyed working alongside Nick over the course of 2025 and I’m delighted to see him take up the reigns of the RICS Presidency for 2026. He has held a number of roles with the RICS over 20 years and knows the organisation inside out.”