Persimmon Homes regional managing director Richard Briggs is set to retire from his role at the Malmesbury based Wessex office, after more than 27 years with the housebuilder.

Richard moved into the housebuilding industry at the age of 16 following the successful completion of a Youth Opportunities Scheme when he left school in 1982.

His career as a sales manager in the early nineties with Beazer Homes, which was later acquired by Persimmon Homes in 2001. During his time with Persimmon, Richard has progressed through various roles, including sales director, managing director of special projects, group strategic land director and finally regional managing director.

Now looking forward to spending more time enjoying his cycling hobby, Richard said: “It’s been a pleasure to work for the business for such a long period and I have really enjoyed working on a wide variety of projects across the region and beyond.

“Personal career highlights have varied from planning and placement of significant projects such as our Wellington Gate development, in Grove, comprising 2,500 homes and the Portmarine development in Portishead, creating 4,000 new homes, to being part of a successful team at the Wessex office.”

“In retirement I am hoping to develop my interest in wine – and not just drinking it! I also plan to do a few long-term cycle trips, with a bike ride from the UK to Marakesh being the ultimate goal.”

Persimmon Homes Wessex, based in Tetbury Hill, Malmesbury, are currently building across Oxfordshire, Wiltshire and Swindon, with developments in Grove, Sutton Courtenay, Witney, Purton, Chippenham and Calne.

Richard added: “I left school at 16, people might be surprised at the wide variety of roles open to school leavers and those looking to change career. At Persimmon, many of the staff started their careers as apprentices and have progressed to senior positions with the company. There are lots of opportunities available, we will always need specialist bricklayers and carpenters to deliver high-quality homes for local people, but there are also career openings in sales, technical, commercial and within our land and planning teams.”

“I would urge anyone interested in the housing industry to have a look at the apprenticeships available to them, Persimmon offer everything from trade to land and planning.”