Taylor Wimpey strengthens north Scotland operation

Taylor Wimpey, the UK’s largest homebuilder, has appointed Mike Naysmith as director and general manager for their George Wimpey North Scotland region. Mr Naysmith, who is based at the company’s Aberdeen office, will lead the company as it continues to grow within its newly-defined geographical territory of Dundee to Inverness.

Mr Naysmith will report to Andy Wyles, the divisional managing director for Taylor Wimpey in Scotland. Taylor Wimpey plc was formed in July 2007 following the merger of Taylor Woodrow plc and George Wimpey plc.

As well as George Wimpey, the holding company will retain the customer facing Bryant Homes brand. It will also continue to develop the G2 brand, which provides high quality apartments exclusively for first time buyers from £60,000.

Mike Naysmith joined George Wimpey in January 2005 as land and planning director before his appointment to current role of director and general manager. His previous roles as planning officer with Gordon Council, principal planner of Aberdeenshire Council, and land director of CALA give him an extensive insight into the house building industry in the north of Scotland, plus the skills to be able to navigate the Scottish planning system. His experience also gives him a unique vision and drive to be able to deliver the company’s projected growth from 170 homes in 2007 to approximately 300 homes annually by 2009.

The strengthened operation at George Wimpey North Scotland will see the creation of new jobs, and more developments as Mike Naysmith comments: “As we gradually continue our expansion through successful negotiations on both short-term and long-term land, we’ll see our business become increasingly independent of our sister operation in Dunfermline.

“Over the course of the next few months, and by mid-2008, our staff numbers will increase to 18-20. Our commercial, land and technical departments will be strengthened and based in the Aberdeen office, and we’ll have our own customer care team.

“In order to deliver the volume target of 300 homes annually by 2009, we’ll be looking to increase our number of development outlets from four by the end of 2007, up to seven by 2008 and maintain this number through a vigourous and active land-buying process.

“We’re actively looking for anchor sites in or within commutable distance of the three main northern cities – Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness. We’re also keen to identify locations within Forfar, Angus and the Moray Coast as we see development opportunities in these areas moving forward.”