BARRATT Redrow has announced the appointment of Alison Condie as its new regional MD for Scotland.
Alison previously held the roles of regional director for Scotland and MD for the east of Scotland before stepping up to regional MD for Scotland last month.
With a wealth of experience in the housebuilding sector, Alison first started at Kelvin Homes in Coatbridge in 1992, before relocating to Edinburgh in 1995 to take up a position as quantity surveyor for Beazer Homes in Livingston (later taken over by Persimmon Homes), where she rose to commercial manager and then director over a span of ten years.
Joining Barratt in 2005 as technical director, Alison was promoted in 2013 to MD for the east of Scotland division, before taking over from previous Scotland boss Douglas McLeod, who retired in December after more than 50 years of service with the company.
Alison said, “Douglas McLeod is revered within the Scottish housebuilding industry, after spending 50 years making such a significant contribution. This role is a prime opportunity for me to build on the success of the Scottish divisions and the Oregon Timber Frame business in the years ahead, as we aim to tackle the country’s housing crisis.”
Douglas McLeod, former regional MD for Scotland at Barratt Redrow, added, “After more than five decades with the Barratt family, I’ve decided to retire. This really has been a ‘career for life’, and I leave with many fond memories and experiences of working with a range of talented people at the company and within the wider industry.
“I know that the Scottish division will be in safe hands under Alison, and I wish her and her team all the best as she steps into her new role.”
Alison continued, “I enjoy working with a variety of fabulous people right across the business. It really is a privilege. As a company, Barratt is always trying to do the right thing for its people and has a good track record of promoting internally due to the importance of development. We were also one of the first housebuilders to lead on sustainability and diversity and inclusion. I think this really sets us apart from others in the industry.
“However, breaking into the industry can still feel quite daunting. My advice is to do your research – it’s not all working on-site and having a trade. There are a lot of career opportunities from working in finance, engineering or sales, to our early careers apprenticeship or graduate programmes. It’s a very satisfying career with lots of variety.
“In five years’ time, Barratt Redrow will still be leading on sustainability, design and the customer journey, and will still be the largest housebuilder in the UK with the introduction of the Redrow brand.
“There will always be some sort of challenge in housebuilding to face, but my mantra is if you come to work every day trying to do your best then you will succeed. Hard work ultimately pays off in the end.
“Having said that, it is important to find balance when working towards your goals. Outside of my job, I love keeping fit and do bootcamp classes a couple of times a week, regular 5K runs with a local running group and have recently taken up tennis – I haven’t played since school! I also love walking my dogs Monty and Sparkle around Edinburgh.
“Life can get very busy, but I’ve found carving out time to move and get some fresh air is good for my mental health and keeps me focused on the challenges ahead.”
