Homes England appoints Exec Director

Homes England has confirmed the appointment of John Reid as Executive Director for Technical Capacity and Coordination, a move that signals a significant shift in the agency’s operational framework as it prepares to roll out its new regional model in April 2026.

Mr Reid, who joins the agency in March 2026, will oversee a newly established national technical hub designed to provide specialist expertise throughout the development lifecycle. This leadership addition is a critical component of the agency’s Strategic Plan 2025 to 2030 and follows the recent appointment of five executive regional directors. For the UK construction supply chain and main contractors, this restructuring represents a more localised approach to project delivery, intended to streamline collaboration between the government’s housing accelerator and regional stakeholders, including mayors and local authorities.

The introduction of a nationally managed technical capacity and coordination hub is expected to create substantial opportunities for specialist subcontractors and consultants. By deploying technical expertise flexibly across the five defined regions of England, the agency aims to unblock complex sites and accelerate high-value regeneration programmes. Mr Reid brings extensive experience from both the public and private sectors, having served as Managing Director at Herts Living and previously as Director of the Estate Development Programme at The Grosvenor Estate. His background in delivering large-scale housing initiatives suggests a focus on technical viability and commercial rigour, which will be essential as the agency mobilises major national initiatives such as the National Housing Bank, the National Housing Delivery Fund, and the Social and Affordable Housing Programme.

Industry partners should note that this leadership transition coincides with a broader investment rollout. Following the publication of the Strategic Plan and an Investment Roadmap, Homes England is scheduled to release a detailed Investment Prospectus in early 2026. This document will be a vital resource for contractors and developers seeking to align their pipelines with government priorities and funding streams. The agency’s evolution into a regionally focused entity is intended to make it easier for private sector partners to engage with national programmes, potentially reducing bureaucratic barriers and providing more direct routes to procurement for firms operating within specific geographical markets. As Homes England embarks on this pivotal year of delivery, the emphasis remains on fostering thriving places through robust partnerships and the strategic deployment of technical resources, providing a clearer trajectory for growth and investment within the UK construction sector.