On the move: the latest East Midlands hires

Avant Homes has strengthened its senior management team with the addition of an experienced group IT director.

Jason Law has joined the Chesterfield-based housebuilder from Keepmoat Homes.

Law worked for Keepmoat for 16 years and brings a total of 30 years’ industry experience to the role.

At Avant, he will lead a team tasked with further enhancing the firm’s operational capabilities through the implementation of new technology, systems and processes.

Law said: “Avant Homes is growing at pace. My approach to IT will see us continually improve the way we integrate people, processes and technologies within the business to deliver optimal outcomes.

“As a team, we intend to enhance our internal user experience of IT systems and to implement new and more efficient ways of working that incorporate best practice. This, in turn, will enable us to continue to scale the company quickly.”

Alan Hopwood, managing director of Avant Homes Group, added: “Jason is a proven IT leader who brings a tremendous amount of capability, knowledge and enthusiasm to our business.

“The work that Jason and his team are doing will play an important role in providing the platform for the continued delivery of our nationwide growth strategy.”

Ashby-based workplace consultancy and fit-out firm Blueprint Interiors has appointed a new office manager.

Kim Bates

Kim Bates has worked in business administration and accounting for 15 years. At Blueprint, she will be involved in a range of activities from monitoring health and safety and compliance to assisting with HR and procurement.

Bates said: “I have a real passion for interior design and refurbishing buildings so I was excited about the opportunity to learn more about the industry whilst also being of practical help as office manager.”

Blueprint’s operations director Rachel Biddles added: “We have a healthy pipeline of new projects already secured for 2023 and we felt the need to strengthen the administration and support team was essential.”

Creative agency Fluid Ideas has promoted three members of staff to newly created leadership roles.

(L-R): Sarah Bowler, Jamie Hovell and Michelle Hazelgrove

Sarah Bowler has been appointed head of support and delivery at the Derby firm, while Michelle Hazelgrove and Jamie Hovell have been made head of people and culture and head of image and motion.

Phil Harvey, joint managing director at Fluid Ideas, said: “These are all new positions created through the expansion of the business and reflect the brilliant work that Sarah, Michelle and Jamie have been doing in supporting and enhancing the standards of creativity and service delivered to our clients.

“All three are deeply protective of our culture and values, and they are the ideal people to take up these new positions as we continue to develop.”

He added: “Our strategy is to always promote internally whenever possible to help our team progress their careers. We’re very proud of the fact that we have a 90 per cent employee retention rate, more than double the industry average, and our approach of nurturing and promoting our own people is ingrained in the fabric of Fluid.”