Summerfield’s Chief Executive, Chris Winter, is reporting a positive upturn in both the housing and commercial property sectors across the South West.
Over recent months, Somerset-based property developer, Summerfield, is reporting increased activity in the property market, predominantly as a result of consumer confidence linked to job security and signs of a strengthening economy.
Chris, who joined Summerfield in 1999 after a career in the construction industry, stepped up to the position of Chief Executive at Summerfield from his former role as Managing Director at the end of 2013. Speaking of the positive outlook for the sector, Chris commented: “Summerfield have evolved into a multi-disciplinary property and development company operating throughout the South West. We have had to be flexible and adapt to the challenging market conditions, this has enabled us to now be in a position to take advantage of a more positive economic climate.
“With more positive occupier enquiries for a range of commercial uses, coupled with the increasing confidence from purchasers in the residential sector, the outlook for 2014 is far more positive than we have seen for some time. Already this year, the rate of sale of industrial units, such as those at Westpark 26 in Wellington, Somerset, far exceed those in previous years.”
As a result of the economic recovery process after the recent severe recession, Summerfield is also forecasting an 18% increase in the number of residential house sales for the coming year, when compared to 2013.
Speaking of his new appointment, Chris added: “Summerfield has evolved from a family run construction company founded in 1823 and I feel privileged to lead the business forward at such an interesting time; the economy is starting to show more signs of sustainable growth. It’s my responsibility to not only develop a profitable business that provides quality commercial property, homes and service in the South West, but also to continue Summerfield’s investment in a supporting a range of community initiatives and local charities.”
