Keepmoat targets housebuilding in Scotland

YORKSHIRE-BASED housing and regeneration group Keepmoat is expanding its housebuilding operation into Scotland.

The Doncaster-based group, which has a £1bn turnover and employs 2,900 people in the UK, has been working on refurbishment contracts north of the border for more than five years but is now looking to build its first homes there.

Keepmoat has appointed experienced housing and town planning professional Barry Douglas to head up the planned expansion of Keepmoat Homes in to Scotland following its success in the North of England and Midlands.

The company hopes to purchase its first housing sites early in 2014.

Barry Douglas, who joins Keepmoat from Hallam Land Management, said: “Keepmoat Homes’ move into Scotland couldn’t have come at a better time as interest increases in value for money new build housing.

“We are already in conversation over a number of sites and expect to announce our first purchase in the New Year.”

Dave Sheridan, chief executive of Keepmoat, said: “The fact that Barry has already made great strides towards securing Keepmoat’s first new build homes in Scotland is a testament to his experience and expertise and the reputation Keepmoat is establishing for building high-quality affordable housing across the UK.

“We are delighted that Barry has hit the ground running and look forward to recruiting more staff in Scotland shortly as we expand our new build homes business north of the border.”

Keepmoat was formed in March 2012 following the merger of Apollo and the Keepmoat Group of companies (Bramall Construction, Keepmoat Homes, Keepmoat Limited, Frank Haslam Milan and Milnerbuild)