During the uncertainty caused by the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, Skipton Properties has taken decisive action to strengthen and consolidate its leadership team and amplify its voice and influence amongst industry peers and policy makers.
The family-owned company is pleased to announce the promotion of John Edwards from Construction Manager to Construction Director. Edwards leads a team of 65 long-serving, skilled craftsmen employed directly by the company, as well as more than 100 external contractors. He oversees the construction of more than 100 new homes every year, with a focus on quality, longevity and sustainability. He joins Chairman Brian Verity, family Directors Sarah Barraclough, MD, and Caroline van Niekerk, Sales, Marketing and Design Director, and Finance Director Luke Davis on the company’s Board. All four Board Directors are in their 30s.
John Edwards has more than eighteen years’ experience in the construction industry and, prior to joining Skipton Properties, he held managerial roles at Persimmon Homes for a decade. Of his recent promotion, he said: “I’ve learnt a lot working with Brian, and the combination of his principles and years of experience plus the modern methods and techniques I bring to the table seems to be a great mix, and one that encapsulates the Skipton Properties difference. My promotion to Construction Director is an exciting prospect, and I’m glad of the opportunity to work closely with my fellow Directors and take the business forward.” Managing Director Sarah Barraclough commented: “Since joining Skipton Properties six years ago as a Site Manager, John has become a pivotal member of the team. The wealth of construction experience and expertise and the informed decision-making perspective he brings to the Board will be invaluable as we build for the future.”
Red tape and an inefficient planning system are a permanent obstacle for many UK property developers (a fact acknowledged by politicians and think tanks); and that’s without factoring in the seismic impact COVID-19 is having across the construction industry. Skipton Properties MD Sarah Barraclough is advocating for change to the planning system; lobbying politicians and policy-makers at both the local and national level. As part of her efforts, Skipton Properties recently became a member of influential trade body, the National Federation of Builders (NFB). Barraclough said of her decision to join the NFB: “We’re keen to do all we can to help drive meaningful change in the construction industry; endeavouring to simplify the process for all parties whilst delivering the new homes this country needs. Being part of the NFB will amplify our voice within the industry, give us the opportunity to shape policy and provide access to influential groups such as the House Builders’ Association. It’s also reassuring to have their support and guidance during the pandemic. I look forward to collaborating with the NFB to benefit not just my business, but the industry as a whole.”
Mark Barber, the NFB’s Business Development Manager, commented: “The National Federation of Builders exists for one reason and that is to support its members. Over the last few years the federation has made improvements to make a step change and make sure it is fit for continuing to add value to members in the future. This is being recognised: more and more and new members are joining as they can see the tangible benefits of being part of the NFB.”