Fine & Country North Cumbria adds to sales team

Fine & Country North Cumbria has added to its sales team with the appointments of Gillian Proudfoot, Gemma Irving and Rosie Cemmick.

Proudfoot who has over 20 years of property experience, and Irving, who has 17 years’ experience working as an estate agent, have joined the firm as sales negotiators, while Cemmick has returned to the team after a work experience placement with Fine & Country.

The trio join Pier Morton, who was appointed as operations director and senior valuer at Fine & Country North Cumbria, which has offices in Penrith and Carlisle, earlier this year.

Morton said: “Gemma, Gillian and Rosie are fantastic additions to our growing team.

“We have seen one of the busiest years on record in estate agency and this looks set to continue and the addition of all three negotiators is central to our growth plan.

“Both Gemma and Gillian are very accomplished and experienced sales negotiators who understand the importance of building strong relationships with our clients, something which is at the heart of our ethos.

“Rosie’s recent start shows the commitment Fine & Country have in training their staff to a high standard.”

Redfern to step down at Taylor Wimpey after 14 years as CEO

Pete Redfern is to step down as chief executive of Taylor Wimpey, after more than 14 years in the role.

The housebuilding firm says he will leave the business once a suitable candidate has been identified and a full handover has taken place.

The board at Taylor Wimpey insists it has a robust succession plan in place and the recruitment process is advanced, with a selection process considering both internal and external candidates. Redfern will continue as CEO and remain on the board in the intervening period to ensure a smooth and orderly transition.

Irene Dorner, Chairman, said: “Pete has made an invaluable contribution to the business during his almost 15 years as CEO, including having successfully led the company through a global financial crisis and the recent pandemic.

“Pete has led a management team which has overseen the transformation of Taylor Wimpey into one of the largest housebuilders in the UK, with an industry leading landbank, a strong financial position and a clear and deliverable strategy for profitable growth. In addition, Pete will leave the business with a strong and differentiated culture he can be proud of creating.”

Redfern commented: “It has been a privilege to work at Taylor Wimpey for the last two decades and to lead a business of which I am so proud, working with so many exceptional people both within the business and through our partnerships. The business is in excellent health and is well positioned for strong future growth. Accordingly, I am confident that now is the right time for fresh leadership as Taylor Wimpey starts the next chapter.

“Last year, having significantly increased our landbuying to take advantage of land market opportunities, we have grown our landbank and set a clear path to deliver strong growth and returns over the coming years. I am extremely proud that Taylor Wimpey is a five-star homebuilder for customer service, with the highest construction quality scores in the volume housebuilding industry and outstanding employee engagement.

“I would like to thank everyone at Taylor Wimpey for their past, current and future support.”

Pink Pig Loans appoints head of Residential Mortgages & Protection 

Pink Pig Loans, the specialist finance packager and distributor, has today announced the appointment of Kate Pedley as its new head of residential mortgages & protection.

Pedley has more than 12 years’ experience in financial services and joins Pink Pig Loans from Mortgage Advice Bureau where she was a mortgage & protection specialist for five years. She started her career within a branch of the Nationwide Building Society.

Based in the company’s Penarth office, Pedley’s role will include developing the firm’s residential mortgage division.

Pedley commented: “I’m really looking to building the first-charge business within the company and broadening its activity into later life lending, specifically equity release. We want to be the go-to firm in the local area and beyond for this business. James has great relationships with a number of lenders in the marketplace and is extremely eager for success. I’m very much looking forward to playing my part in the company’ ambitious growth plans.”