Wakefield-based Avant Homes West Yorkshire has strengthened its senior team with the appointment of a construction director to support the housebuilder’s ongoing delivery of its multi-tenure strategy.

Andy Smith, who joins from residential developer Gleeson Homes, has more than 35 years’ experience in the construction and housebuilding industry.

In his new role, Andy is responsible for Avant Homes West Yorkshire’s delivery of its new homes build programme. This comprises homes for the private market, affordable housing partners and private rented sector (PRS) providers.

Andy is leading the office-based and onsite construction teams and contributes to the strategic direction of the regional business at board level.

Commenting on his appointment, Andy said: ““Our multi-tenure strategy is complementary to the government’s policy on housebuilding and is allowing us to deliver our vision of providing quality new homes, for everyone.

“I have joined a region that is clear about its purpose and look forward to leading a construction team full of talent and ambition.

“By providing homes for private sale and to our affordable housing providers, we are ensuring more of our practically designed, energy efficient new homes are available to those that need them.”

Avant Homes West Yorkshire currently has nine live developments ranging from Odette’s Point in Keighley to Sorby Park in Waverley. The housebuilder’s new homes typically have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of B or above, which is considered excellent for energy efficiency.

In June, Avant Homes West Yorkshire announced it had agreed a £4.3m deal with Manningham Housing Association. The deal saw Avant Homes construct 20 new homes at its Odette Point development in Keighley for the Bradford-headquartered housing association.

Welcoming Andy to the business, Avant Homes West Yorkshire’s managing director, Richard Hosie, said: “Andy has a wealth of knowledge within the construction and housebuilding industry, making him an excellent addition to our senior management team.

“He has a strong track record in successfully delivering new home build programmes and his experience will play a pivotal role in driving forward our multi-tenure strategy within the region.”

Avant Homes West Yorkshire is part of the Avant Homes Group, which operates across the Midlands, north of England and Scotland from eight regional operating businesses.

At present, Avant Homes Group employs more than 600 people. The housebuilder’s ambition is to develop its multi-tenure business further across its existing regions and beyond, creating communities as well as providing employment opportunities.

For further information visit www.avanthomes.co.uk