New leadership at New Homes Quality Board
The New Homes Quality Board has announced changes to its leadership team. Chief operating officer, Emma Toms, will take on the role as interim CEO, following the departure of Leon Livermore who has decided to leave at the end of the year to pursue other opportunities.
In late 2022, NHQB launched the New Homes Quality Code in England, Scotland and Wales. The Code was launched in Northern Ireland at an event at Stormont last month which was very well supported by Members of the Legislative Assembly across all the leading parties, by representatives from leading developers, and other key stakeholders.
The NHQB has welcomed registrations from a range of developers, including nearly all large and medium housebuilders. Once they have activated their registration, this will amount to approximately 80% of the new homes built annually in England, Scotland, and Wales.
During the same period, the New Homes Ombudsman Service (NHOS) has been fully mobilised. It has decided on its first cases, helping customers resolve issues with their new homes, using the Code as their benchmark. Since its introduction, consumers have welcomed the Code, and the joint work of the NHQB and the NHOS, with many housebuilders already implementing the robust and rigorous measures to meet compliance.
Rob Brighouse, NHQB chair, said; “I would like to thank Leon for his great contribution to NHQB in setting up the Executive Team, working with the board to get us to this point and building up our relationships with consumer groups, industry and government.
“I have every confidence that under Emma’s leadership this momentum can, and will, be maintained.”
Leon Livermore, added: “It has been my great pleasure to serve as the first chief executive of the New Homes Quality Board.
“I am grateful for the support provided by both the team and Board. Having worked hard together we are now in the position of covering the whole of the UK, the Ombudsman in place and a significant percentage of the market already signed up.
“This represents a significant improvement in the levels of consumer protection for purchasers of new homes and I have no doubt that the NHQB will continue to go from strength to strength.”
Apex Housing Solutions strengthens senior team
Vatche Cherchian has left his position as a director at Portico after eight years and joined Apex Housing Solutions as CEO. His new colleague, Daria Preis, has also been appointed as COO.
Cherchian, who has 15 years of industry experience across London and the UK including lettings, sales, property management and financial services, is looking to expand Apex Housing Solutions’ letting, property management and rent guarantee service.
He said: “This is a successful business that has great potential for further growth, despite the challenges in the market over the last 18 months or so. I’m eager to bring my previous property and senior leadership experience to the business and work closely with the board of directors and the fantastic team to continue the delivery of a high-level service.”
I am committed to help Apex realise it’s growth potential and aim to provide inspired leadership to all our staff to create a vision for success,” he added.
Alongside Vatche’s appointment as CEO, Preis has been appointed as a COO of Apex Housing Solutions.
Preis has worked at Apex for almost five years, overseeing the operations, business strategy, business development and councils’ relations. With more than 10 years of experience in the estate agency industry, retail, management, tax and legal consulting, she is also keen to drive Apex growth.
“I am excited to step into the COO role and continue the exciting project of growth with our fantastic team,” she added.
Savills appoints operations director
Jessica Arrowsmith has joined Savills as a director based in the Edinburgh office from Edinburgh Airport where she led the change management programme for the operations team managing the coordination, input and development of its five-year plan and masterplan. She also has experience working in the infrastructure sector including utilities and construction.
Arrowsmith is a Masters educated chartered project manager who has spent five years working within aviation industry in roles ranging from construction project and portfolio management to overseeing capital investment programmes associated with operational delivery.
She said: “I gain immense satisfaction and feel a real sense of achievement from leading and supporting teams to deliver successful outcomes for clients. Infrastructure is the bedrock to the success of the UK’s future economic growth and I’m really looking forward to working with Savills infrastructure and projects team to further develop its capability in the sector.”
“Delivery of rural infrastructure and projects are critical for the UK,” Guy Russell, director, Savills Infrastructure and Projects, commented. “Jessica’s impressive track record in operational and change management will be a huge asset in supporting our team.”
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