Willmott Dixon has launched a new company brand after merging two of its residential activities together…
Construction and regeneration specialist firm Willmott Dixon has brought its residential activities under one brand, it has emerged. Willmott Residential, formed via the merger of the firm’s residential division, will be led by former Berkeley Group main board director Nic Simpkin. He will come on board as chief executive.
Simpkin will be joined by Andrew Telfer, who will take the position of deputy chief executive with wider operational responsibilities.
The merger represents part of Willmott Dixon’s plans to develop the residential side of the business and increase its house building capabilities.
The regeneration side of the firm will include private rented specialist Be:here and Prime Place, which develops homes for sale. The two brands will be combined with the newly branded contract housing arm Willmott Partnership Homes.
Willmott Dixon group chief executive Rick Willmott said: “The launch of Willmott Residential provides clear differentiation in the way we now present and manage the Group and underlines how serious we are in growing our residential presence.
“The company will provide an integrated business for our wide ranging residential skill-sets with better internal collaboration and utilisation of synergies.”
He added: “Nic brings a long track-record of success in housing development during his time at Berkeley and will lead a fine senior leadership team supported by Andrew Telfer who has been pivotal in growing our development capability over the last seven years.
“I’m delighted that Nic has chosen to join us; it’s a testament to the huge potential he sees in our residential capability. I’m confident he’ll provide the strategic fire power we need to grow our residential business and I’m very much looking forward to working with him.”
Homes are already being developed for Willmott Residential via Prime Place and Be:here, with 5,000 units on site or in planning. Willmott Partnership Homes also currently builds around 2,000 homes a year.
Willmott said: “Positive change is a hallmark of our company, and this is the latest example of how we are adapting and evolving to ensure we are in the best position to deliver growth and success.
“Given the country’s huge long-term demand for new homes, we have a golden opportunity to be one of the UK’s pre-eminent developers and builders of homes, and these plans will ensure we are best placed to realise that.
“By aligning our residential business within one company and creating a distinct identity, Willmott Residential will ensure we are equipped to realise our ambitions and seize the opportunity for expansion created by the hard work of our teams at Prime Place, Be:here and Willmott Partnership Homes.”
