Affordable housing provider SO Resi, the shared ownership arm of housing association Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing, has appointed its Group Head of Sales, Kevin Sims, into the newly created role of Director of Sales & Marketing. The new position forms part of SO Resi’s ongoing mission to inform and educate the market on shared ownership, where Kevin will be responsible for leading SO Resi’s sales and marketing function across the UK. Kevin, who joined SO Resi in the summer of 2019, has a 35-year-long background in the property and mortgage industry, having worked across a number of sectors including new homes development, estate agency and shared ownership. Before joining SO Resi, Kevin held Regional Sales & Marketing Director roles for national housebuilders including McCarthy & Stone, Wilcon Homes and Prowting Homes, and was also Regional Director for Countrywide. Kevin comments: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to be a part of this exciting new chapter for SO Resi, and this brand new role feels like the natural next step in our mission to continue the necessary conversations about shared ownership. Marketing is an incredibly valuable tool for informing, educating and supporting people about the benefits of affordable schemes. I’m determined to change the way that shared ownership is perceived within the industry, and by first time buyers, many of whom don’t understand the benefits that the product can offer.” SO Resi has already seen exceptional sales performance in recent years, and has recently launched three new developments: SO Resi Farnham, SO Resi Bracknell and SO Resi Welwyn Garden City. As many more first time buyers turn to affordable schemes in wake of Help to Buy, demand for shared ownership is expected to increase throughout the upcoming year. The brand-new Director of Sales & Marketing role will see Kevin continue to build on SO Resi’s recent successes, alongside taking on new challenges as the housing association moves into the Rent to Buy and London Living Rent tenures, with SO Resi’s first London Living Rent development expected to launch in Spring 2023. “Where SO Resi differs from other housing providers is the continued focus on encouraging homeownership in a way that is safe and sustainable for the customer,” Kevin adds. He continues: “Balancing customer needs with business requirements is a challenge that everyone in this industry faces, but where SO Resi stands out from the crowd is its agile approach to selling new homes. We put product innovation, the customer experience and a continued pursuit for improvement at the forefront of everything we do. As we venture into other tenures, we bring the lessons learnt and successes achieved from working in shared ownership to the table.” Kevin plans to build on this growth trajectory as SO Resi celebrates the second anniversary of its partnerships arm. He adds: “I’d like to focus on the opportunities that come with forging new partnerships. In some ways, the industry is very disconnected and affordable housing is looked down upon as lesser, despite playing a crucial role in bringing homeownership back into reach for first time buyers. By building these important connections with developers, we can help to raise standards across the entire industry. We have a depth of infrastructure and experience in selling new build schemes which a number of our partners have already recognised, and we have stepped up to run their sales and staircasing function too.” To find out more about SO Resi call 0208 607 0550 or visit www.soresi.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

SIMON BRIGGS has been appointed as the very first ‘energy lead’ for complete construction partner Stepnell. In the new role, Simon will be responsible for designing and implementing renewable energy and carbon reduction technologies for clients, which will underpin Stepnell’s long-term “Step to Zero” carbon strategy.  Simon joins Stepnell as energy lead following close to 20 years in the construction industry delivering projects spanning the education, hotel, leisure and industrial sectors. Having started his career working on maintenance and refurbishment projects for the Ministry of Defence, Simon then progressed into engineering and building services.  As energy lead, Simon will be managing and collaborating with the sustainability team to provide added value support on projects across all regions. He will also be overseeing sustainable installations through Step Energy – Stepnell’s new, embedded energy and renewables business.  Simon commented: “This is an exciting new role that reflects Stepnell’s unfaltering commitment to sustainable solutions, which is so important to embrace in the current climate. With net zero ambitions across the entire construction industry, Stepnell continues to be a pioneer through forward-thinking strategies including our ‘Step to Zero’ carbon strategy.  “As energy lead, my goal is to see a reduction in the ‘copy & paste’ design culture in the construction industry and replace outdated technologies. I look forward to using my expertise to deliver renewable energy solutions that help the business embrace change and make significant contributions to a carbon neutral construction industry by 2030.”  Tom Wakeford, managing director at Stepnell said: “The new energy lead role underpins Stepnell’s strategy to invest in and deliver sustainable project solutions.   “Through Simon’s expertise and enthusiasm, we know he shares our commitment as an industry-leading, complete construction partner, to achieve energy efficiency and carbon reduction in the built environment.  “Simon will be engaging with clients in the early design stages to enable them to make realistic and informed decisions regarding energy use and renewable integration. We pride ourselves on this engagement approach to maximise the added value we can deliver.”  To find out more about Stepnell visit www.stepnell.co.uk, or join in the conversation at @Stepnellltd.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals