New MD at Shropshire housebuilder

The founder of Shropshire Homes has is to step aside after 40 years in the role of managing director.

Richard Shackleton has taken over from Howard Thorne, who moves to chairman.

Shackleton, who was previously the company’s finance and commercial director, joined Shropshire Homes in January 2018.

He said: “Shropshire Homes is a fantastic business made up of talented people, so I’m very proud to take over the reins from Howard.

“With the company heading towards the end of another record year my initial focus will be simply on developing our people and pushing them to realise their potential, our future is in their hands and I am sure that together we can continue to grow this business.”

Thorne, who founded Shropshire Homes in 1981, added: “Congratulations to Richard for his appointment. He’s a very capable businessman and professional, who has all the skills and experience to drive the company forward into our fifth decade.

“As for my future, I recently celebrated a birthday milestone, but I don’t see this move to chairman as a semi-retirement.

“I will continue to oversee the strategic development of the business, be involved with the identification, assessment and purchase of new development sites and our sales and marketing activities.”

In a further change to the business structure at Shropshire Homes, Richard Bowler will relinquish his role of technical director in the near future, but continue as a non-executive director.