A NEW role of land buyer has been created at Kingswood Homes as the ambitious business looks to double the number of homes it builds.
Jordan Marsh has taken on the position with the homebuilder, based at its Little Hoole headquarters in Lancashire.
Kingswood aims to increase its output from 100 to 200 homes a year and acquiring new sites is pivotal to ensuring the business continues to grow.
Jordan said: “The business plan at Kingswood is to grow quite significantly over the next five years. To do that, we need to bring in suitable sites, to be able to deliver the new homes at the level they need to support that growth. My title is land buyer, but it’s more of a business development role, looking for opportunities that will work for Kingswood.”
Jordan recognises that it will be a test of his skills to ensure Kingswood is a key contender for new sites amid strong competition in the land market.
“The main challenge is finding our niche, the sites where we can be successful, particularly in the increasingly competitive North West land market. Any opportunity that comes forward there may be 10 – 20 other housebuilders also interested in it. My role is to make sure that the Kingswood name is out there and considered for these land opportunities.,” he explained.
“A large part of the role is meeting land agents and consultants and being able to talk knowledgably about what’s going on in the wider industry and the economy. Relationships are a big part of what makes someone successful in this role – you need to make sure that people want to work with you and come to you when land opportunities come forward.”
Jordan, 28, is originally from Oldham and now lives in Manchester. An Everton season ticket holder – he attributes family connections to his support of the Toffees.
Jordan studied Business Economics at the University of Liverpool and then undertook a Master’s in Real Estate Development at Manchester University, before joining Taylor Wimpey as a trainee land buyer in 2015.
He later went to work for Keepmoat Homes as land and partnerships manager, before joining Kingswood in May this year.
“Kingswood is a growing business and it seemed like a good time to join the company and be part of a close-knit team, which is different to some of the places I have worked before,” Jordan added.
“I liked the product that they develop at Kingswood and the quality of their homes. The Shape Your Home concept, which allows customers to choose from a number of floor plans to configure their home around their lifestyle really helps the brand stand out.”
Paul Jones, managing director of Kingswood Homes, said: “The creation of the land buyer role is an integral part of our growth plan as it’s only through acquiring new sites that we’ll be able to meet our ambitious targets.
“Jordan is a welcome addition to the team, bringing a fresh perspective and lots of enthusiasm. We’re confident that he will be able to help us add additional sites to our portfolio, enabling the business to deliver much-needed high quality homes.”
