Christian Bailey takes up the role of business development manager responsible for building relationships with commercial clients and growing Wates’ private sector project portfolio in the North.

He joins at a time when Wates Group chief executive Andrew Davies is setting ambitious long term targets to double the business to a £2bn turnover firm.

Wates is also considering a move into civil engineering following the appointment of Terry O’Connor, former Alfred McAlpine regional managing director, as managing director of infrastructure.

Bailey brings over 12 years’ industry experience working for Shepherd in the north west and the likes of McLaren and Willmott Dixon in senior business development positions.

Tony Shenton, Business Unit Director for Wates Construction in the North West, said: “Christian’s appointment forms part of our ambitious strategy for growth in the North and will serve to underpin our efforts to expand our private sector project portfolio.

“He brings with him a wealth of experience unlocking business development opportunities.”