Mcgeehan predicts brighter times ahead

Joining a national house builder in such challenging market conditions may unnerve even the most confident of people, however, 43 year-old Lawrence McGeehan is taking it in his stride.

The Essex-born property expert has joined Persimmon Homes South Yorkshire as sales director, replacing Keith Maskill who has retired, and is optimistic yet realistic about the future of new homes for the region.

“During the last ten years, house builders have had a relatively easy trading period”, comments Mr McGeehan. “Certainly throughout Yorkshire, the appetite for new homes has on occasion outstripped demand but during the latter part of 2007, the market became much more challenging.”

Such straight talking is something that Mr McGeehan has developed during his years in property and it has served him well. It’s his somewhat unusual climb up the property ladder that has earned him a reputation for being a no nonsense businessman which has stood him in good stead.

After leaving college, Lawrence moved into the retail sector where he worked on the shop floor of a well known West End shop. The key turning point came when he was unknowingly serving an owner of an estate agent who was so impressed with his customer service skills that he offered him a job in his North London agency. “I jumped at the chance and learned my trade over a demanding two year period in central London.” From here, Lawrence worked his way up the property career ladder for two well know house builders.

But what were his thoughts about Persimmon prior to joining? “I’d always considered the company to be a passionate and forward-thinking builder with vision and strong growth tactics and I wanted to become a part of this.

“My new role will see me re-establishing the sales momentum and although I feel the first quarter of 2008 will be a challenging time for many business sectors, in house building, I think it will change for the better.

“We have a great product offering in varied and attractive locations and this is of course our strength - we know our market and understand what buyers want from a new home.”

Persimmon Homes South Yorkshire is currently creating new communities in Barnsley, Doncaster including Auckley, Armthorpe and Stainforth, Dronfield, Harworth, Laughton, Lincoln, Louth, North Hykeham, Ranskill, Rotherham and Scunthorpe.

For further information on your nearest development, visit Persimmonhomes.com.