Public sector and planning consultancy experience will stand Tim Plagerson in good stead in his new role as planning manager for Redrow Homes.
Tim has joined the award-winning housebuilder’s Tamworth-based Midlands business, currently building in the West Midlands, Leicestershire, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire.
Appraising the development potential of land, forming strategies to help bring schemes to fruition and supporting the technical team with planning submissions will be key for Tim as he helps Redrow grow.
He’s also committed to developing relationships with other property professionals through networking.
“Having worked in both the public sector and consultancy I was eager for a fresh challenge, particularly one where I get to see development from inception through to completion. I have always favoured the residential side of planning and Redrow offers a product I am proud to stand beside and be a part of delivering,” he says of his new role.
“Being aware of what is going on within the wider region is essential, to know in advance where opportunities are likely to arise is an essential skill. I spend time reading relevant news websites and following influencers/organisations to stay up-to-date.”
Tim, 32, says his original plan wasn’t a career in planning but that it was something he ‘discovered’ when, instead of studying single honours geography, he opted to undertake a BSc in geography/planning and then an MA in spatial planning at Birmingham City University.
“I became engaged in studying the built environment, policy and social factors that shape where people live and work. Planning seemed to offer the best balance of each of these elements,” Tim recalls.
Tim started his career as a planning assistant at RPS, a planning consultancy in Birmingham, before moving into the public sector determining planning applications at Cannock Chase District Council. He later returned to RPS as a senior planner, which included a secondment to work in-house at Jaguar Land Rover, before joining Redrow.
While Tim is new to Redrow and has joined in a management role, the housebuilder is committed to developing people at all levels of the business, with trainees accounting for 17% of its workforce.
Offering advice to anyone hoping to pursue a career in the industry, Tim adds: “Being personable frequently gets you further than technical knowledge. Also, a direct approach often creates opportunities, don’t be afraid to knock on doors rather than waiting for them to open.”
To find out more about career opportunities with Redrow see www.redrowcareers.co.uk.
