Housebuilder makes key hire to drive site acquisitions

Coleshill-based Avant Homes West Midlands has appointed a land director to its senior management team as the housebuilder prepares for further growth within the region.

Ashley James joins from the northern division of residential developer St Modwen Homes, where he was also land director, and has 30 years’ housebuilding industry experience.

In his new role, James has overall responsibility for sourcing and securing new residential development opportunities throughout the West Midlands.

He said: “Avant Homes acts quickly and decisively when it comes to acquiring new development sites. This is a refreshing approach and I am excited to have been given the mandate to expand our operational footprint throughout the West Midlands.

“There are a number of deals which we are currently negotiating on that will allow us to deliver more of our highly successful aspirational new homes in popular locations.”

The Avant Homes Group operates across the Midlands, north of England and Scotland from eight regional operating businesses. Its developments in the West Midlands include the £85m, 184-home Monkswood development near Telford.

At present, the group employs more than 600 people with ambition to grow further across its existing regions and beyond, creating communities and providing employment opportunities for many.

Avant Homes regional chairman Mark Cook said: “Ashley is an excellent addition to our West Midlands senior management team.

“He is a proven land buying professional with great contacts throughout the region who has the necessary energy and enthusiasm to drive our business forward.

“We look forward to Ashley playing a leading role in the ongoing expansion of our operations in the West Midlands.”