Spitfire appoints new Land Director to drive Midlands growth

Midlands-based Spitfire Homes, the housebuilding division of IM Properties, has welcomed Richard Miller as its new Land Director – part of a bold growth strategy to deliver more than 1,000 homes in the region.

Miller brings more than 25 years’ experience working across the housebuilding sector for Barratt Homes, Chase Midland, Miller Homes, Laing Homes and Bryant Homes (now Taylor Wimpey). In his former role, he led a team to secure 5,200 plots and gain planning permission on 3,500 homes in four years.

At Spitfire, Miller will spearhead an ambitious land strategy, tasked with building on a current land spend commitment in excess of £60million and development pipeline valued at more than £350million.

His appointment follows Spitfire’s unveiling of a refreshed brand and range of homes in spring 2021. With a more varied product range targeting a broader market, the housebuilder will deliver more new homes fit for house hunters of all kinds, from downsizers to families and young professionals to city relocators – with each new home exhibiting Spitfire’s design-led approach to homebuilding.

Ben Leather, Managing Director at Spitfire Homes, said:

“At the heart of our new strategy is a rising demand among people to live in a Spitfire property. To meet that need and deliver our vision for growth, Richard’s knowledge, track record and passion for the sector make him the perfect fit.

“His leadership, working closely with the wider Spitfire team, will be vital in securing and driving forward new land opportunities, and we look forward to what we will all achieve together.”

Spitfire is actively seeking land opportunities within a 60-minute drive time from its Solihull headquarters. Recent acquisitions span areas including Gloucestershire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Birmingham.

Richard Miller added:

“I’m hugely excited to join the Spitfire team at such a pivotal time for the business.

“Its reputation and clear design-led approach, paired with a fresh new direction and appetite to deliver, puts it in an enviable position as housing demand rises in the Midlands.”