A Cumbrian housing developer has appointed a new land director.

John Blue, who has been with Penrith-based Genesis Homes for two years as head of land and Planning, is taking on the new role.

John’s experience covers a wide area from identifying and acquiring land, to successfully securing schemes through the planning process and being involved with pre-start work.

He has worked for companies including PF&K, North Associates and Gleeson Homes.

John said: “It’s an exciting time for Genesis Homes.

“When I joined the company two years ago, we had one site; fast forward two years and we have five live developments, with two almost sold out, and three additional sites progressing through planning.

“As I take on the role of a director, I will be focusing more on helping the business to achieve its strategic land objectives and achieving our longer-term goals.”

Managing director Nicky Gordon said: “I look forward to working with John and the rest of the team in what promises to be a big year for us.

“We’ve come a long way, and achieved a great deal, since we launched the company in summer 2017.

“In the last six months alone we’ve all but sold out of two of our developments and we’ve won two regional business awards.

“Added to that in May, we announced our investment of £43.5 million into the local economy to build nearly 300 new homes in some of the county’s most sought-after towns and villages.

"With the sustainable growth of the business, we need to ensure that we have the right people in place to continue to grow Genesis Homes; we’ve got big plans. John will be a key player in achieving them.”

Genesis Homes is expected to announce the appointment of a commercial director soon and is looking to recruit a technical director to further strengthen the firm, it added.

Mr Gordon won the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the 2019 in-Cumbria Business Awards, while Genesis Homes picked up the Best New Business accolade.

The 2020 in-Cumbria Business Awards will be launched soon.