Housing specialist eyes more work outside southern heartland

Helen Francis - United Living

Housing specialist United Living has appointed a former Kier staffer to become its new business development director for the north.

Helen Francis (pictured) was national business development director on housing maintenance at the country’s second biggest builder before leaving earlier this year.

She has since carried out consultancy work but will now be tasked with growing her new employer’s business in the north and Midlands.

In June, United Living, which is based in Swanley, Kent, appointed ex-Wates residential managing director Joanne Jamieson to become north and Midlands MD. It also launched United City Living, a new business division focussing on the PRS and based in the north.

The firm is currently working on jobs including a £48m residential development for Home Group in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, as well as a £4m modular scheme 15 miles away in Leeds for the city council.