AG recruits former Trafford Housing Trust head of land

The Preston-based consultancy has appointed Paul Westhead to head up its new development division.

Westhead has more than 30 years of experience in the industry and has worked with local authorities, institutional investors, private developers and the third sector. He joins AG Project + Building Consultancy from Enza Property Group, which he owned. Prior to that, he was the interim director of development with build-to-rent housebuilder Placefirst.

Before joining Placefirst, he was the head of development, land and partnerships with Trafford Housing Trust. Westhead spent seven years with the trust, initially joining in July 2012 as senior development manager.

As development director at AG, Westhead has been charged with building up its development division while also helping strengthen the firm’s development appraisal and pre-construction offer.

“AG is a fantastic firm with a great ethos in making sure clients maximise their property assets while making a positive impact on communities,” Westhead said. “Having benefitted from their pragmatic but expert advice, across a range of complex schemes whilst at Trafford Housing, I was delighted to be offered the opportunity to help build this growing area of the business.

“Working with the wider team here at AG, I am sure we will forge a reputation for our knowledge and insights that help add value and opportunity for clients existing and future portfolios,” he continued. “Not forgetting our work in helping regenerate areas of our towns and make them places of aspiration and not just need is a core objective of our work.”

AG managing director Jonathan Shaw called Westhead an “excellent addition to the team”.

“He is well-known and respected in the property profession, and his industry expertise will be greatly valued,” Shaw said.

“There’s strong demand in the marketplace for specialist development advice, and Paul is the perfect person to help lead and grow our new division.”