Firm says public and private sector housing work to remain separate

Wates has confirmed that the managing director of its residential business is leaving the firm following yesterday鈥檚 announcement of a rejig at the business.

Paul Nicholls joined the firm from United House four years ago after spending 13 years there.

Paul_Nicholls

But he has now left having been replaced by Helen Bunch, who is moving from the firm鈥檚 Smartspace fit-out and refurbishment arm to become residential鈥檚 new executive managing director.

A spokesperson said: 鈥淧aul has left the business and Helen Bunch has taken up her new role with immediate effect.鈥�

Nicholls was in charge of the firm鈥檚 public sector work and one source said: 鈥淧aul is highly regarded, so this was a bit of shock. He鈥檚 very well connected in the regeneration circles.鈥�

Asked about where he could go, the source added: 鈥淚 don鈥檛 know where he would go, a Countryside, Morgan Sindall someone like that. Maybe restart a business for someone else.鈥�

Wates has said that its public sector residential and private sector residential will remain split with the private sector remaining under the remit of Paul Chandler who is charge of the firm鈥檚 construction business.

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