Sophie graduated from University in Leeds, after studying Human Geography and Town Planning, which is where her passion for homemaking was ignited.

With an avid interest in the tension between ‘housing need’ vs ‘housing supply’ Sophie understands the importance of housebuilding when it comes to changing and improving people’s lives.

Her career experience comes from two of the largest PLCs in the sector; Persimmon Homes and Bellway Homes, where she held land management roles – focusing on growth and acquiring landmark developments in the Cambridgeshire area.

Sophie talks passionately about how rewarding she finds the developer journey, from the start of the planning chain, to watching developments take shape and seeing the first residents move into their newly created communities.

Her love for the job is clear: “Being able to provide homes for all parts of the market, that benefit future generations, in a range of locations is something I care deeply about.”

Sophie joined Allison Homes in January 2023 as Head of Land and Partnerships for our central region.

“It’s great to be at the start of the Allison Partnerships journey and I am excited for what’s to come.”

Aimée has always been interested in town planning, so after gaining her first degree in Geography & French from Lancaster University, she pursued a Master’s in ‘Urban & Regional Planning’ from Birmingham University, whilst working as a Graduate Land Buyer at Orbit Group.

She has since worked for Housing Association London & Quadrant (L&Q) before joining the Land & Partnerships team at Countryside Partnerships, where she was involved in Partnerships schemes across the East Midlands region.

This background in Affordable Housing and Partnerships has driven Aimée’s passionate belief that developments should offer high-quality homes, with a wide range of tenure options that cater for mixed and vibrant communities.

“I enjoy being involved in land opportunities (from inception and beyond) – working with different people to create well-designed, attractive developments”.

Aimée sees the power of Partnerships in creating a more equitable, compassionate society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and have a place to call home. This long-term perspective to be a driving force for good is why she loves working in the sector.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of the Allison Partnerships team, as the company mission and values align with my own. It’s exciting to be part of an organisation that is focused on growing in a meaningful way.”

Having worked in the partnerships space for many years, CEO John Anderson understands the importance that a home has on the stability of families. His own life journey has influenced his desire “to create great homes and communities for all, that realise people’s dreams”.

It has always been John’s long-term vision to ensure a balanced approach to the Group business model, ironing out the cyclical nature of the private sale market.

“We are building a long-term, scalable & sustainable business with a cluster of close partners, each with mutual trust and ambition. By doing this and respecting each other’s capabilities, we can not only provide the quality housing that a growing population needs, but also, for the business, counter-balance the cyclical risk that exists for market houses.”

John has wide-ranging experience covering all aspects of house building and the residential development sector, land acquisition, mixed-use property development, and corporate turnaround. John spent the last ten years at Kier Group, where he was executive director responsible for the group’s housing division, Kier Living. Prior to that, he held various senior positions including CEO of Princegate Estates Plc, managing director of Taywood Lifestyle Homes (part of the Taylor Woodrow Group) and group sales and marketing director, Taylor Woodrow Group.

Ian is a chartered accountant with an industrious career working on a number of IPOs and M&A transactions around the globe, working with some of the world’s biggest real estate and private equity investors such as Oaktree, Bridgepoint, Emaar, Oakfield and Blackstone.

With a wealth of financial and business acumen across many sectors including leisure, wealth management and tech venture capital, Ian has a strong background in the real estate sector working for companies like Hamptons International, Audley Group and Pegasus. His previous role before joining Allison Homes was CFO for Dominus, one of the UK’s most ambitious family-owned business groups.

Interim Chief Executive of Homes England until September 2021, Gordon also has over 30 years’ experience in banking and finance. Before his appointment as interim CEO, Gordon was CIO at Homes England, playing a key role in the development of the strategic housing plan adopted by the UK government.

His time at Homes England marked a turning point for institutionally-backed rented housing. At a time when many financial institutions wouldn’t provide funding, Homes England (under Gordon’s leadership) stepped into that role, giving confidence to the market that the institutional private rented sector was here to stay.

“My ambition for Allison Partnerships is to find consistent, long-term partners, enabling us to diversify our housing delivery output between a mixture of for-sale, affordable and rented properties.”

Gordon is keen to emphasise what ‘partnership’ in this context means to him: “Partners should share values, understand the individual needs of each locality and share a sense of pride about the legacy that they leave to their communities.”

With 40 years’ industry experience, former CEO of Keepmoat and Executive Chairman of Ilke Homes, Dave brings extensive knowledge and understanding of partnerships and private equity.

From a personal perspective, Dave understands the link between a great community, good health and well-being and educational attainments. Born and bred on a council estate in Middlesbrough, it’s clear that his commitment comes from his lived experience.

“Great housing means the world to people in affordable rent and social housing because it results in a better quality of life and better opportunities.”

“Launching Partnerships is a ‘win-win’: it works commercially, but it also delivers something meaningful in terms of housing need. Partnerships gives us the ability to deliver what the landlord needs and what the resident needs, whilst giving us a certainty of delivery.”

James Pennington brings a wealth of experience from his career in the housing sector, with previous roles at Crest Nicholson, Abri Group, and Thames Valley Housing Association.

James believes with experience of both private house builders and RPs, he can add value to how Allison approaches all partnerships and, with our private equity backing, there is the financial capability to realise this ambition.