Strategy & Profile

At Countryside Properties we have been taking appropriate action to mitigate, as far as is possible, the adverse effects of the significant downturn in the housing and property markets.  We are now leaner and fitter.  We are also refining our business model and making appropriate changes, as well as exploring a number of new business opportunities, to ensure we are well-placed to add value in the future..

Indeed, we believe the Group has a significant medium and long-term upside due to:

• its highly skilled and experienced management team
• its core skills which enables it to deliver every aspect of development
• its ability to change, adapt and add value
• its substantial quality land stocks that underpin long-term growth
• it being well placed to meet Government planning policy and regulatory requirements
• underlying demand for new homes being set to outstrip supply for many years to come.

We recognise that high quality design and place making adds value and desirability to new homes and commercial property whatever the economic situation. Therefore our business strategy seeks to maintain the Group’s reputation for producing high quality products. We encourage teamwork throughout the Group and an enjoyable approach to work, whilst retaining our culture for being straightforward and trustworthy. We continue to be committed to Investors in People.

We remain committed to sustainable development specifically in relation to continued understanding of new and emerging policies, legislation and reporting standards, and the systematic application of sustainability issues in the Group’s practices and risk management procedures. We believe this approach increases operational cost-efficiency.

However, notwithstanding the recession, developers will continue to be confronted with increasing costs arising from the escalating demands of the planning system, a growing number of codes and building regulations. The costs of all that new development is expected to cover are substantial and it would be most unfortunate if escalating demands on land values ultimately led to fewer projects being economically viable, and thereby reducing housing outputs further. There has to be a balance in deciding upon the various demands as it may not be possible to satisfy everyone’s hopes and expectations.

Profile

The Group can deliver every aspect of development, including private and affordable housing, commercial property, and recreational and community facilities. Mixed-tenure and mixed-use schemes are therefore a major part of our activities and we can bring together all the ingredients required for successful urban regeneration and the creation of sustainable communities.

Countryside Properties has a £5.8billion development programme and has a strong track record of delivery in the Government’s key growth areas. Our principal areas of operation are in London and the Thames Gateway, the South East, East and North West of England.

All the elevated aims of development today create challenges for both the public and private sectors. Therefore there will be a need for both to work ever more closely together to bring about the desired change. We have a strong track record of partnership working with other organisations including local authorities, housing associations and local communities. Indeed, we have found that collaboration is often the most successful way of developing complex sites which benefit from the combined skills, experience and shared resources of the partners.

Summary

Whilst the downturn period is highly challenging we are looking forward with confidence to the future. The planning and the sustainability agendas are highly demanding, but we have the core skills and experienced management team to ensure we make the most of the significant opportunities that lie ahead.

Graham Cherry
Chief Executive
12th February 2009

Back to Top | Next

Graham Cherry, Chief Executive

Mike Hussey, former Managing Director, London Portfolio, Land Securities

iCO1, Didsbury Point, Manchester

Waterstone Park, Greenhithe, Kent