The new owner of one of Leicestershire’s biggest housebuilders is creating more jobs in the city as it plans to put up hundreds of new homes.
Essex-based Countryside Properties bought Westleigh in the spring of 2018 in a deal reported to be worth up to £135.4 million.
Whetstone-headquartered affordable homes builder Westleigh was founded by Chris Beighton in 1985, who stepped down as chairman following the deal.
Countryside built almost 4,300 homes last year – up more than a quarter – and turnover was up 20 per cent to £1,229.5 million.
Adjusted operating profits were up 28 per cent to £211.4 million.
The business wants to grow its East Midlands team significantly in the coming months, with a recruitment drive across its sales, build, commercial, land and development departments.
It has relocated its Leicester operation to Grove Park, next to junction 21 of the M1, and is currently looking for 20 new staff, on top of more than 80 people already based there.
Having opened a Wolverhampton office in 2016, Countryside has also opened a new office in Solihull.
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The move forms part of the company’s wider plans to grow its mixed-tenure housing developments throughout the Midlands.
The business has several new Midlands housing developments in the pipeline, with the first new project, which has a development value in excess of £30 million, getting underway in Newark.
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More are set to follow in the next few months while a framework agreement has also been signed to develop 1,000 homes a year with Midland Heart Housing Association.
As a result of the expansion, Countryside is looking for new recruits at all levels – from apprentice to senior management – to fuel the growth.
Glyn Mabey, managing director at Countryside Partnerships East Midlands, said: “There is a significant need for new housing in the East Midlands and I am excited about the opportunities that are emerging within the region.
“Our expansion is not only a testament to the success of our existing partnership business model, but also our nationally recognised reputation as a great employer that allows us to inject significant investment into our people. “I look forward to seeing what the future will bring, as we work towards showcasing our reputation as a leading employer, and homebuilder in the area.”
Countryside works on schemes of between 50 and 3,000 homes for first time buyers and families.
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Mr Mabey said: “We are set to launch our first development of 160 homes, The Boulevard, in Newark imminently, with more developments to come hot on its heels.
“We have a healthy development pipeline, but have ambitious growth plans, so we are always looking for new land opportunities that fit with our business development strategy.”