We look at who’s changing jobs in the new homes industry.
Multiple appointments, David Wilson Homes
David Wilson Homes South Midlands is investing in its commercial team with promotions and new appointments as the demand for quality new homes across the south Midlands continues to rise. Two employees within the department have been promoted within the Northampton-based company’s head office and the division has also recently welcomed four new staff members to the team.
Daniel McDonald is now a quantity surveyor, after working as an assistant surveyor for just over a year. His responsibilities include the cost management of four large developments within the division. Daniel Bradfield has been promoted to assistant surveyor, after joining the division as a junior surveyor in 2015. His role will now include doing the cost management for three David Wilson Homes developments, which includes completing valuations and reviewing the site budgets every three months for each site.
James Gibson was also recently welcomed to the team as a junior quantity surveyor, where he looks after tender reconciliations and certifies invoices. Along with Gibson, Moneeb Razaq, Aimee Turiccki, Mark Charters, Oliver Thompson and Lorna Ryder have also been welcomed to the team.
Karen Seidel, NHBC
NHBC, the leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes in the UK, has appointed Karen Seidel as its new head of actuarial. Seidel has 20 years of actuarial experience in general insurance; which includes six years as head of capital at The Society of Lloyd’s and extensive experience working for major actuarial consultancies. She has also held senior positions at Allianz and Legal and General.
“I am very pleased to be joining the NHBC team and bringing my skills and experience on board, as we continue fulfilling our role of raising standards and protecting homeowners,” she comments. NHBC’s chief financial officer Paul Hosking adds: “Karen brings a wealth of actuarial and commercial experience to NHBC, which includes overseeing major change projects at a number of multinational businesses. I am confident that she will add significant value to both the actuarial department and the organisation as a whole.”
Richard Robinson, Bloor Homes
A new commercial director has been appointed at Bloor Homes South West. Richard Robinson has joined the privately owned housebuilder from Persimmon, where he was head of commercial. Based at the company’s regional office in Swindon, the 43-year-old will be responsible for growing the business across the south-west region.
“Having worked for a mass volume plc for the past 15 years, I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to progress my career with Bloor Homes, a family-owned business which has an excellent reputation within the industry,” he comments. “As a housebuilder, we are aiming to increase the number of new homes we deliver each year and establish the Bloor Homes brand in new geographical areas within the region, and I am looking forward to playing my part in that growth. The company has always had an excellent reputation for the quality of their product and their staff always speak very highly of them. They have a great track record for retaining and developing their own staff. Several people within my own department have come up through the ranks and I think that speaks volumes for their approach to staff development.”
Simon Francis, Barratt Homes
A new managing director has been appointed at leading housebuilder Barratt Homes North Thames, which is based in Watford. Simon Francis has taken the reins at the company, which is currently building homes across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Essex.
The 39-year-old has previously worked across a number of divisions for the developer including most recently as operations director at Barratt Homes Eastern Counties, based in Chelmsford. Francis has spent his entire working life in the housebuilding industry and brings a wealth of experience from prior roles at Bloor Homes and Kier Living.
“In my new role I hope to grow the business and build on our recent success,” comments Francis, who will be responsible for all aspects of operation within the company. “The focus will remain on delivering high quality homes to our customer base and ensuring that our workforce has a safe environment in which to operate. Over the last year, Barratt Homes North Thames has supported 1,500 jobs directly and through its contractors and suppliers, and supported 660 supplier and subcontractor companies.”
Two appointments, British Gypsum
British Gypsum has announced the appointment of Stacey Temprell as marketing director and Paul Lake as sales director. Together they will develop the company’s commercial strategy and extensive range of products and services.
Prior to this appointment Temprell was responsible for supporting the development of Saint-Gobain’s Habitat strategy in the UK and Ireland, leading its marketing function while Lake led the Ecophon organisation in the UK and Ireland. Temprell first joined the Saint-Gobain Group with British Gypsum where she had responsibility for the Gyproc range of plasterboards and plasterboard accessories, managing the product range transition to meet new building regulations, before moving into the role of residential market manager, so she brings extensive knowledge of the company’s products, systems and markets to the role.
Lake, meanwhile, brings to the role significant experience in both sales and general management at Ecophon and latterly as business units director responsible for Saint-Gobain Ceilings for the UK, Ireland, South Africa and Benelux countries. In his new role as sales director for British Gypsum Lake will lead the company’s national sales team.
Maya Visram, Chartway Group
Maya Visram, 19, has landed a full-time role as projects assistant with Kent construction firm and developer Chartway Group, following the completion of her business administration apprenticeship. Visram joined the Chartway Group in September after finishing her A-levels and taking the decision not to go on to university. She took up her apprenticeship in the projects department at the company while studying for a Level 2 qualification one day a week.
Now appointed to the full-time role of projects assistant, Visram will continue to work alongside Chartway projects director Tim McLoughlin helping with the preparation of tender packs and project hand-over packs, including Home Users Guides, health and safety files and resident packs.
Chartway Group projects director, Tim McLoughlin, comments: “Maya proved herself to be an able student during her apprenticeship and we’re delighted to welcome her to the team. The Chartway Group is committed to helping to bridge the skills gap in the construction sector as well as to encouraging females to consider careers in the construction industry and our apprenticeship programme as an important step in achieving those ambitions.”
Anthony Vagges, Lovell
Cardiff partnership homes developer Lovell is advancing its expansion plans with the appointment of new regional commercial director Anthony Vagges. In his new position, Vagges – who has been promoted from his previous position as chief surveyor for Lovell in the region – heads the business’s commercial team of quantity surveyors, buyers and estimators.
He will lead on all financial and legal aspects of Lovell’s operations across south Wales and the south-west where the company, based at the Greenmeadow Springs business park in Tongwynlais, is delivering a number of major new homes programmes.
“I’m delighted that Anthony is stepping into this new role,” says Lovell regional managing director Kate Rees. “His considerable commercial expertise will be crucial in steering the regional business through a time of continuing growth, ensuring we fully capitalise on the opportunities available across south Wales and the south-west. Having worked with Lovell for over 20 years, Anthony possesses both in-depth knowledge of our business as well as extensive experience in open market and affordable residential development. He is an extremely strong addition to our senior management team.”
Nick Platt, Hoover Candy
Domestic appliance manufacturer Hoover Candy Group has appointed Nick Platt as business director for built-in appliances. Bringing almost 20 years’ experience and a wealth of knowledge to the company, Platt’s new role will see him work with both the sales and marketing teams within Hoover’s built-in division. He will ensure the product portfolio offers real points of difference alongside a remit for maximising trading opportunities with retail partners.
After holding various positions within distribution and retailers across kitchen, bathroom, electricals and appliance industries, he joins Hoover Candy at an important time for the group. “Hoover Candy is a business that is on an amazing journey. Instantly recognisable, there’s a plethora of innovative, stylish launches that show how technology can be utilised to provide genuine solutions for consumers, making them more than just a basic appliance,” he comments. “In terms of this innovation, the company’s ambitions are being realised and show no sign of slowing – the energetic pace is exciting. We’re a business that’s fantastically well-positioned to be recognised as leaders in all our strategic markets.”
Multiple appointments, Fairview New Homes
The next generation of construction apprentices are starting their careers with Fairview New Homes. Abha Shrestha, Tyrone Boyefio, Jahvarn Smith and Reece Parekh are learning their respective trades under the guidance of Fairview’s experienced team of staff on site at the Lexicon development in Harrow-on-the-Hill, led by building director Stephen Brown.
“Apprenticeship schemes play a vital role in recruiting and training young people for skilled jobs in the construction industry and have proved to be the route to the top for several members of our workforce,” says Brown. “We believe that, with a strong level of commitment and willingness to learn on the job, our apprentices will have every chance of enjoying successful and fulfilling careers. Our current crop of apprentices are wise beyond their years and have really hit the ground running, so we have high expectations for each of them as they progress with us.”
The four trainees, who all live in the Harrow Borough, have been recruited by Fairview in conjunction with K10 Apprenticeships, as part of a programme to help local trade apprentices get into work. Each of the apprentices spends four days a week on site at Fairview’s Lexicon development and one day at college.
Chris Connolly, Persimmon Homes
Chris Connolly has joined Persimmon Homes West Midlands as technical director. Connolly spent 14 years with Taylor Wimpey after joining as a management trainee and gaining an HNC in civil engineering. He has risen through the ranks and headed up the engineering and planning team, within the technical department, for the past 18 months.
“I was not particularly looking for a change, but I was asked to come in and meet the team and I was impressed,” he says. “It is a good company and I made the decision that it was the right time for me to move. I have had 14 years in the industry and I will use that experience to drive the team, produce good design and deliver on time. We are a service department, almost the engine of the company, providing information to customer care and the construction department. I care about what we deliver and will make sure we provide a great service to help the company continue to sell houses.”
Stephen Cleveley, director-in-charge at Persimmon Homes West Midlands, adds: “There is a huge demand for housing within this region and we are extremely busy meeting that need, so to attract someone as talented as Chris is a real boon for the business. He brings a wealth of experience with him and I believe the technical department can only go from strength to strength.”
Katie Stroud, Bette
German bathroom specialist Bette has expanded its UK team supporting architects and designers, with the appointment of Katie Stroud as a specification manager. Stroud joins from Vitra, and will be focusing on supporting architects, designers and specifiers who are based outside of the London area.
“I’m really looking forward to working closely with architects and designers on behalf of Bette,” she explains. “I’ve just come back from visiting Bette’s head office and manufacturing site in Germany, and am excited to be able to talk about the huge range of options available and the benefits of Bette’s glazed titanium-steel material.”
Mathew Tyler, Weston Homes
Mathew Tyler has been appointment the new commercial director at Weston Homes. With a portfolio consisting of bespoke developments from refurbishment to large-scale residential projects across London and the South East, including an upcoming city regeneration scheme. Mathew has joined the Northern region to lead and strengthen the commercial team as the housebuilder continues its ambitious growth plans.
Tyler moves after five years at the London regions of Hill Partnerships. His career has included roles at both main contractors and developers such as Bellway Homes and he consequently brings a wealth of experience and industry knowledge.
Tyler says: “I have great pleasure in joining the business in what promises to be both a challenging and rewarding position during a period of programmed growth over the next few years.I look forward to making a positive contribution, both to the Northern region, and the company as a whole, as we strive to achieve our objectives moving forward.”
Multiple appointments, Newland Homes
Gloucester-based housebuilder Newland Homes continues its expansion with the appointment of ten new staff across its technical, planning and sales departments.
Ebrahim Daji has joined as layout designer; Alicia Gago has been appointed as assistant technician; Carl Stanko takes up a role as graduate surveyor; Michelle Atkinson is technician project coordinator; Bryony Gallagher as joined as corporate services assistant; David Cowan’s role is engineering technician; Jessica Tuck is now after sales administrator; and Erica Povey, Lesley Bidwell and Laura Kemp have all been recruited as sales advisors.
David Foreman, managing director of Newland Homes, says: “Already in 2018 we have opened three new sites, with four more opening in the next eight weeks alone. These new appointments will support the business’ growth and the continued demand for new homes across the region. Homebuyers in the region will be sure to meet Laura at New Town Park Toddington, Lesley at Tywning Green and Erica at Newland Gardens, Pilgrove Way, Cheltenham, and then after purchase they will be looked after by Jessica. As an independent housebuilder, our buyers can also be assured that they even know who designed their homes and the layout of their development, which is all part of the teams that Ebrahim, Alicia and Carl have joined too.”
Simon Gait, Acorn Property Group
Acorn Property Group has appointed Simon Gait as development director at its Bristol office. He replaces Ed Lewis, who will be heading up Acorn’s new office in Exeter. Gait moves from his role as land director at McCarthy & Stone’s South West office, he has previously worked as land and planning director at Linden Homes’ Bristol office. His career path has led to extensive regional experience and knowledge.
Gait comments: “I am really excited about joining Acorn having competed against the firm for sites while working at McCarthy & Stone and Linden. I admire Acorn’s fresh approach to tackling development on difficult sites and the quality of its product, and I hope to assist in enhancing the brand further by adding to its unique portfolio.’’
John Skok, Acorn’s founder and group operations director, says: “We are very pleased to welcome Simon to the Acorn team. His experience of high-quality rural and urban development is exactly what we need to help us remain the bespoke medium-sized developer of choice in the South West.”
Matthew Gould, Anwyl Homes Lancashire
The company’s expansion continues as Anwyl Homes Lancashire brings in Matthew Gould as sales manager. His new role will see him help with the the procurement of more sales staff as well as overseeing the delivery of sales for each of this division’s current and future new developments. He will also help integrate a new sales and lead management system across the Group and look after some of the company’s other developments in the wider North West region.
25-year-old Gould graduated with a First Class Honours Degree in Business Management and Marketing and has previous experience as an area sales manager. He says: “I was attracted to Anwyl Homes as it is a fast growing company. I was aware of and had admired the quality of the Anwyl product prior to joining, but the more I learnt about the direction of the business, the more I wanted to be a part of it. My main focus is to contribute towards and deliver on the targets set by the company. However, with such a long and well-established heritage, combined with ambitious future growth, I ultimately want to progress my career and grow with the business.”
Managing director of Anwyl Homes Lancashire, John Grime, adds: “I’m thrilled that Matthew has joined Anwyl Homes at this very exciting time. With our first few developments in the Lancashire region underway, Matthew can draw on his experience and knowledge to deliver the sales required, and in the coming months, can start to recruit new members of the sales team to support him. This new role presents a great opportunity for Matthew and I am sure he will excel, quickly becoming an invaluable asset for the company.”
Paul Finn, Miller Homes
Miller Homes has announced the appointment of Paul Finn to the new role of land director for the Southern region.
With an office move to Basingstoke and team expansion, the new position was created and Finn, who began his career in land acquisition in 2001, brings with him extensive experience from across a number of sectors, including care, residential and retirement. His job entails secure more sites to help the business expand further, and to raise the company’s profile across the industry.
Finn says: “Throughout my career, I have been lucky enough to gain a wealth of experience in the industry, in a broad range of sectors. I’m thrilled to be taking on this role and to be joining an already knowledgeable and talented team, as we strive to help more families achieve their dream home.”
Two appointments, Legal & General Homes
There are two new additions to the team at housebuilder Legal & General Homes as it continues to expand within the sector and fulfil its ambition of delivering 80,000 properties over the next five to ten years.
Chris Sly has been appointed as the new finance director, joining from his role of head of finance for the Western division of Berkeley Homes. He is a qualified chartered accountant who has also held roles as senior finance manager at BT Openreach, commercial finance manager at E.ON and finance director of two SMEs. He has also spent six years as mon-executive director of public sector housing association Bromsgrove Housing Initiatives. Matthew Stubblefield has also joined the company in as health and safety officer. He arrives with 16 years’ experience in construction health and safety management, previously employed by Croudace Homes Group as group head of health and safety.
James Lidgate, CEO of Legal & General Homes, says: “As well as addressing the chronic shortfall of housing in the UK, Legal & General Homes is looking to regenerate the UK’s landscape for the better and build vibrant communities where people want to live. Using Legal & General’s long term capital, we are seeking to create a legacy that we are proud of. To do this, we are putting together a capable and experienced team. Both Chris and Matthew are excellent additions to the company and join at an exciting time for Legal & General Homes as we build thousands of new homes and our schemes come to life across Berkshire and Oxfordshire.”
Kevin Parker, Redrow
Kevin Parker, previously a director at Barton Willmore, has been appointed as its group masterplanning director by Redrow, where he will work closely with the housebuilder’s regional planning teams, as well as the group’s land and property acquisition company Harrow Estates. He will report to Redrow’s development director and chairman of Harrow Estates, Will Heath. Previous roles include more than ten years with Barton Willmore’s urban design team, seven years at Turley and as a planning officer at North Somerset Council.
Parker says: “I’m delighted to be joining Redrow at such an exciting time in the company’s history. The high quality of homes that Redrow builds and the company’s commitment to placemaking on all of its developments has always impressed me. I look forward to working with the rest of the Redrow team to make a positive difference to communities across the country.”
John Tutte, chief executive of Redrow, says: “We are delighted to welcome Kevin Parker in this role to support Redrow’s future strategic vision. His expertise in urban regeneration and master planning will play a major role in allowing Redrow to continue creating great places to live based on our eight placemaking design principles and helping to combat the country’s housing shortage.”
Matthew Woods, Wates Group
The appointment of Matthew Woods as development manager has been announced by Wates Developments, the Wates Group’s residential land and development specialist. Reporting to development director David Law among his duties are supporting joint venture investments across the south of England and responsibility for identifying new housebuilder joint venture sites for development. He joins after five years at Martin Grant Homes and a previous job at Linden Homes.
Woods says: “By focusing on continually maintaining and improving relationships and promoting a collaborative culture, stemming from its position as a fourth generation family-owned business, this really sets Wates apart. I look forward to working with such a strong and ambitious team and continuing to strengthen the Wates portfolio with new opportunities and planning permissions.”
David Law comments: “It is great to have Matthew on board. His experience and knowledge of the house building sector will be a real asset to Wates Developments as we continue to explore and pursue further joint venture opportunities.”
Peter Harrison, Plumlife
Plumlife Homes, part of Great Places Housing Group, has appointed Peter Harrison as its new head of sales and marketing, bringing with him over 30 years of residential market experience from jobs in estate agency and new build sales, including his previous role at Equity Housing Group. Covering development in Yorkshire and the North West, Harrison will lead a 15-strong sales team to deliver and sell Shared Ownership homes, as well as working with Cube Great Places, the Group’s private sector arm.
Of his new role, Harrison comments: “Great Places Housing Group is an exceptional organisation and the Plumlife sales team is second-to-none. I’m really looking forward to building on the excellent reputation the Plumlife brand has within the market and helping buyers to achieve their dream of owning a home. We have some superb developments, and even more in the pipeline which I’m excited to be able to share news about in coming months.”
Peter Bojar, Great Places’ executive director of growth and assets, says: “We are delighted to welcome Peter into the business and believe that his past experience in the private sector will help to further develop and continue the success that Plumlife already has achieved.
Niall Campbell, Stewart Milne Homes
Bringing more than 20 years’ experience to the role, Niall Campbell has been appointed as the new commercial director for Stewart Milne Homes’ Central Scotland division. He has held positions with a number of other developers and has worked for this division of Stewart Milne Homes since 2008, first as quantity surveyor, then senior surveyor. Campbell will oversee the division’s quantity surveying, estimating and procurement teams and will be responsible for driving several new tenders through to completion.
“Stewart Milne Homes has an enviable reputation in the industry for providing high-quality homes in desirable locations, and I am thrilled to be joining the team in this new position,” he says. “This is a very exciting time for the company and I am looking forward to driving the business’ strategic objectives, while further building upon its strong presence in Central Scotland.”
Gerry More, managing director of Stewart Milne Homes Central Scotland, comments: “Niall’s promotion to this position is an important step for the business, particularly as Niall has grown with the division over the last 10 years. As we look to expand and invest in the region – and grow our market share – Niall will play an integral part in driving our business forward expanding our professional supply chain to deliver high-quality and desirable places to live.”
Your email has been successfully added to newsletter list.