Willmott Dixon has strengthened its residential business by appointing Richard Blakeway as a new strategic advisor for the division.

Mr Blakeway is a former Greater London Authority (GLA) deputy mayor for housing and has vast experience in the industry. After leaving the GLA in 2016, he spent a number of months advising the Government on housing policy.

In his new role, Mr Blakeway will provide Willmott Residential with strategic advice to increase development volume across London in partnership with local authorities and other land owners; especially in growing its build for rent business Be:here.

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Nic Simpkin, Chief Executive at Willmott Residential, said: "Richard brings a tremendous breadth of knowledge of housing with a proven track-record for unlocking opportunities to deliver significant numbers of homes while at the GLA. I'm delighted Ric's experience is going to play a key role in the next phase of our growth as we target new land opportunities, including creating a real step change in build for rent homes, with our next development in Hayes for 118 homes being delivered next month and developments at Barking and Kew ready to start having obtained planning consents."

Mr Blakeway said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to play an important part in Willmott Residential's growth. I've been impressed with how its build-for-rent company Be:here has raised the bar for this emerging asset class and given the huge availability of institutional investment in money for build-for-rent, coupled with the significant need, we can really increase the availability of quality homes for people to rent."

(LM)