Build to Rent sector gets new talent boost in North West and Scotland

The UK Apartment Association (UKAA) has appointed its first two Chairs to champion and expand Build to Rent activities in the North West and in Scotland.

Dougie Orton Wade, Asset Manager at Allsop Letting and Management, has been appointed as Chair of UKAA North West, supported by Deputy Chair, Peter Grimshaw (Sales Director, Regal Blinds).

In Scotland, Gillian McLees, also Director of BTR, Rettie and Co, has taken the seat.

The appointments are part of the organisation’s objective to help local Build to Rent markets develop and grow, championed by Chair of the UKAA Membership, Events and Marketing Committee, Michael Howard of Urbanbubble.

Steering groups are supporting the new Chairs and work is underway to leverage understanding of local markets and build programmes of activities. The role of the groups will be to showcase what BTR has to offer to the community and economy, map and understand local challenges and opportunities, widen the network of support for buyers and suppliers in regions, and gather market data and insights.

Dougie Orton Wade, NW Chair commented: ‘’I am absolutely thrilled to be appointed Chair of the North West Hub for the UKAA. The region has been a driving force over recent years, contributing to the expansion of the UK Build to Rent sector and I’m excited to work with likeminded industry experts to continue with developing the UKAA and shaping the future of the industry.

“The North West has the ability to truly ‘set the standard’ and benchmark for other regional hubs as they emerge. Myself and the rest of the North West steering group are committed to making this a huge success in 2022 and beyond.‘’

Gillian McLees, Scotland Chair added: ” 2022 is set to be a pivotal year in the BTR sector in Scotland with the launch of landmark schemes to the public and long awaited buildings becoming operational. I am committed to the success of this sector and providing the rented homes that Scotland desperately needs. Working with the UKAA will help us work towards achieving excellence, innovation and success for our members, residents, clients and suppliers alike.”

The steering groups are as follows:

Scotland:

• Adam Russell, Legal and General
• Ewan Anderson, 7n Architects
• Gillian McLees, Rettie
• Hamish Cameron, JLL
• Martin Devine, Pinsent Masons
• Robin Blacklock, Dowbrae
• Stuart Montgomery, Lismore Capital
• Will Scarlett, Scarlett Developments

North West:

• Ben Etherington, Loft
• David Green, Simpson Haugh
• Dougie Orton-Wade, Allsop
• Giovanni Pilla, CBRE
• Kate Howell, Allsop
• Leanne Hargreaves, Grainger
• Michael Howard, Urbanbubble
• Peter Grimshaw, Regal Blinds
• Sam Smith, Dandara
• Tom Moreton, HPS Services
• Vicky Hurcomb, Sigma Capital

Michael Howard, Chair of the UKAA Membership, Events and Marketing Committee concluded: “The BTR sector continues its upward trajectory, with every key city across the UK having communities planned, built or delivered; it was important the UKAA’s reach was truly national. It’s our ambition that the organisation (UKAA) will have strong regional forums in every area by the end of 2022, starting with the North West and Scotland. These areas are represented by a fantastic cross section of BTR stakeholders and we’re excited with how this robust regional presence will strengthen the UKAA and learning amongst members.’’

Further expansion is planned in the Midlands with a launch planned for early 2022.