Time with company: 10 years
I attended Nottingham Trent University, graduating in 1999 with a degree in residential development. Following graduation, I took up a role as Land and Planning Assistant with Beazer Homes at their Bedford Office where I got my taste for land.
I thought that Barratt were a dynamic and progressive company, with an impressive track record of delivering all kinds of developments, from large city centre apartment schemes, to traditional housing sites. I felt they were the major player in the industry so in 2001, following the acquisition of Beazer by Persimmon Homes, I left to join Barratt Northampton as a Land Buyer, and I have been there ever since.
I was keen to gain more experience in buying land, and to develop skills in negotiation with landowners, planning authorities, solicitors and consultants alike. I felt Barratt would provide me with lots of opportunities to gain this experience and develop my skills. I feel they are such a key player in the land market, and need to source plenty of land to maintain the high volumes of production we achieve. It is a big sense of achievement when you complete the purchase of a site, and then see it start to be developed. And as every site and land deal is different, with its own challenges it keeps the job fresh and exciting.
In 2009 I attended ‘Elevations’, the middle management development programme. I have definitely broadened my knowledge base and my confidence as a result and I think the commitment to personal development is exemplar in this industry.