Community regeneration and housebuilding firm Keepmoat has appointed Ian Baird as part of its commitment and expansion of new build housing in Scotland.

As partnering solutions consultant, Ian’s role will focus on identifying new business opportunities, working with local authorities, councils and housing associations to help maximise regeneration and efficiency within local communities.

Keepmoat’s partnership approach allows the company to work with organisations and landowners to deliver a range of mixed tenure housing including affordable rent, mid-market rent, market rent and low cost home ownership.

Commenting on his new role, Ian said: “I am delighted to be joining Keepmoat at a time when there is a growing demand for all forms of housing in Scotland. The amount of housing that’s been built has reduced dramatically since 2007. The need for new homes in the rented and ownership markets is steadily increasing and Keepmoat is determined to identify and develop a wide range of projects that can deliver high quality affordable housing.”

Originally working as a chartered quantity surveyor in Edinburgh, Ian joined the Miller Group within its Urban Regeneration Division, working on projects across Scotland. This is where his interest in community regeneration, and his career, took shape. He also worked for Mansell Partnership Homes and Bett Partnerships before setting up his own affordable housing consultancy in Perth.

Ian added: “I knew quite early on in my career that I wanted to be involved in regeneration and sustainability. I’ve been fortunate to work for some big players and run my own business but I’m really looking forward to joining the Keepmoat team and helping develop their new business strategy and identify housing regeneration projects that will really benefit local communities in Scotland.”

Regional managing director for Keepmoat’s Regeneration division in Scotland, Eamonn McGarvey, said: “Ian’s track record speaks for itself. He has excellent experience in the sector and we are delighted to have him come on board at Keepmoat. We’ve had a really busy start to the year and we are looking to keep this momentum going with Ian involved.”