Some good news for those working in the housing industry, with reports that developer Redrow is now employing 100 more people across the UK than it did eight months ago.
The company, which has reopened some previously closed offices and started building at some sites which had been ‘moth-balled’, has been on an active recruitment drive since original founder Steve Morgan returned to the helm last year.
The total number of employees now stands at around 760 – a hundred more than the lowest point in April last year.
Heather Bowness, Redrow’s acting head of human resources, said: “We’re delighted to be recruiting again; this is at every level, from 10 new apprentices who will learn their trade at Redrow to directors and senior managers with a wealth of experience in the industry.
“We’ve been opening up new sites, re-building some of our regional operations and perhaps most gratifying is that we have been able to take back on a significant number of people who we were forced to make redundant in the downturn.”
Among those to return – and the 100th ‘new’ recruit since April – is 59-year-old site manager Ken Evans.
Ken (pictured) had worked for Redrow for around 25 years, originally as a finishing foreman and eventually a site manager, when he was laid off in July 2008.
Said Ken: “Redrow was my life and I really didn’t want to work for anyone else. When I got the call asking if I wanted to come back I didn’t have to think about it at all.
“Redrow is like a ‘family’ and it’s testament to their loyalty and that of its employees that so many people are rejoining the business now that the housing market is starting to pick up.
“I’m back looking after a site in Wrexham, Ty Newydd, where we’ve just finished off a block of apartments and have started to build a new phase of houses and two show homes. It’s all go – and just how I like it.”
Redrow is actively recruiting in several areas, including site managers and sales consultants to look after new ventures that will launch in 2010, plus land and technical staff to help prepare for future developments.
The company is also preparing to launch a brand new housing collection, which has been designed to restore Redrow to its position as a premium developer of largely detached family homes.
See Also: Property News (6699), Redrow Homes (115), Wrexham (10), Ty Newydd (6)
Date Published: 02 January 2010
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