Construction fit-out firm Morris & Spottiswood is targeting major growth in the UK housing market with the appointment of a new business development manager.

Steven Stewart has been drafted in to build the company’s presence in the housing sector, including new build and refurbishment projects.

The £88 million turnover firm with offices in Warrington, Leeds, Glasgow and Edinburgh has extensive experience developing private sector portfolios and working with Housing Associations and Registered Social Landlords. The move is a key part of Morris & Spottiswood’s ambitious growth strategy.

Mr Stewart will be harnessing his expertise in construction, refurbishment and maintenance to win work across the housing sector.

Gordon Clyne, operations director at Morris & Spottiswood, said the company was particularly looking to grow its presence in the residential housing development sector.

The business is primarily known as a fit-out contractor but it is highly experienced in construction and has a history of successful house building.

“We have proven experience in the market and the appointment of Steven Stewart will give us the focus to go out and grow our presence in the housing sector,” said Mr Clyne. “He will help us to build our name in a market where we see great opportunities.

“There is an increasing appetite to build new homes across the country and we know there is a need to create more housing. The aim of our housing division is to build better homes and create neighbourhoods people are proud to live in. Steven has great experience and good all round knowledge of the construction sector and we are delighted to welcome him in his new role.”

Mr Stewart, who began his career with construction and civil engineering group Costain, has worked in various sectors of the industry and has strong experience in the supply side.

“Morris & Spottiswood has vast experience and knowledge; my role will be to use that and its record of delivery to open the door to new opportunities,” said Mr Stewart. “I feel the company is a real ‘sleeping giant’ in the market.

“The opportunities certainly exist. The need to build more homes is there and the Scottish Government has committed £3 billion to social housing over the next five financial years. Private build specialists are also increasingly looking for partnerships.

“The message from Morris & Spottiswood is clear. We have a fantastic reputation in fit-out, housing and maintenance. We are highly experienced in partnering with clients and contractors and we deliver.

“There’s a great business culture at Morris & Spottiswood and a real desire amongst everyone in the organisation to see it continue to grow and develop. I’m really looking forward to playing my part in that.”

Working across a variety of contract types Morris & Spottiswood brings high quality build construction, refurbishment, major works and planned maintenance projects to successful completion, delivering projects ranging in value from £10,000 to £30m.

Mr Clyne said the firm is highly experienced in partnering with clients and contractors in the successful completion of new build developments incorporating various construction techniques, multi trade modernisation programmes, extensive external fabric upgrades and complex M&E services installations.

“We have developed excellent working relationships with design teams, consultants, local authorities, utility companies and suppliers,” he said. “This enable us to deliver quality construction projects which display innovative design, cost and sustainability solutions. And as an experienced Principal Contractor we can ensure the effective management and delivery of all aspects of housing maintenance and construction.”