A LEADING housebuilder has promoted two key employers, signalling its continued commitment to training and development, despite the pandemic.

Persimmon Homes has named Geoff Brown as construction director designate and Alex Ryan has been promoted to sales manager - both live in the Penrith area.

Geoff, 53, has been with the company for almost 18 years, initially as contracts manager and,from 2016, as construction manager in charge of the company’s Persimmon and Charles Church sites in Cumbria. Last year he also took over the management of all sites in Lancashire too and has now been promoted to construction director.

Persimmon Homes Lancashire managing director, John Roocroft, said: “These valued employees have demonstrated genuine loyalty and commitment to Persimmon and its customers so we are delighted to reward their hard work with these promotions.”

Geoff said: "My focus is the drive to build good quality homes and have satisfied customers. That is always our core business; developing places that people want to live."

“This is probably the busiest Persimmon regional business in the country, with 17 live developments currently being built across Lancashire and Cumbria. My role is to plan and manage all of these so they run smoothly, efficiently and safely, ensuring a consistent high build quality.”

Away from work, the father of two enjoys playing cricket and motorcycling.

Alex, 40, joined Persimmon in 2015 as a sales advisor. Now, as a sales manager, he is responsible for co-ordinating the sales teams at sites across Cumbria and North Lancashire, including Preston, Hesketh Bank and the M65 corridor.

Alex said: “I love the challenge of my job as there is always something new or different to contend with and I enjoy how busy it keeps me.

“Nothing compares to the thrill of seeing a new homeowner collecting the keys to their property and knowing you and your team have played a part in helping them achieve their dream home.”

John Roocroft added: “As a company we recognise the importance of supporting and developing staff to provide the best possible service to our customers, and we take great pride in the internal training programme which enables employees to progress in their careers.

“Our training department has continued to deliver online and remote coaching throughout the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure no employees miss out on essential opportunities to improve.”

Persimmon Homes operates new homes developments across Lancashire and Cumbria. For more information visit www.persimmonhomes.com