City & Country takes on projects that most developers will not consider, because they are seen to be too challenging. Our Success is, in no small part, built upon our fantastic team that is passionate about projects, creative in their thinking and willing and able to adapt their approach for each new set of circumstances.
Helen Moore
"The quality of the work City & Country undertakes in the conservation and restoration of heritage buildings is unique and really sets us apart from other developers. This is due in no small part to the passion; commitment and attention to detail that are the hallmarks of our exceptionally talented team."
Helen joined as Managing Director in March 2010 assuming responsibility for the day-to-day running of the business and leadership of the team with a focus on the Company's ambitious growth plans. She has worked for Countryside Properties and Crest Nicholson dedicating her career to the property development industry for over 20 years, with 15 of these years at Board level specialising in sales and marketing, corporate communications and building highly successful teams.
David Sargeant
“My passion for historic buildings has developed over the years, but certainly they are the most rewarding construction projects out there. Each building is unique and requires a different approach to achieve the right result. Many people are scared of the projects we take on, but we enjoy the challenge, and have the right skills and knowledge to solve issues to achieve fantastic results. From the small business we were, it is amazing to see where the company is now."
All the construction teams at City & Country are directly employed. We spend time getting the right people in to manage the job as it is so important; we are bestowed the responsibility to look after these historic sites, and we take that responsibility seriously. Many of our longstanding team members have worked across numerous projects with ranging histories and challenges. The knowledge they develop is simply invaluable.
Mark Fowler
"With a number of unique and prestigious developments already under its belt, City & Country has built up an enviable reputation for desirable quality homes, all the while maximising margins and shareholder wealth."
The Finance team plays a pivotal role within City & Country with the day to day responsibility for the financial management whilst also contributing to the planning of the company’s strategy for the future. The team’s roles are varied, from identifying appropriate financial information in order that management may make informed decisions on business strategy, managing costs and cash flow to the day-to-day running of Human Resources, IT and Maintenance. With multiple live sites and so many facets to the business it’s imperative the Finance team keep their finger on the pulse ensuring financial targets are met across the board.
Suzanne Aplin
"It is not very often you get the opportunity to work with a product you truly have a passion for. It’s a true pleasure handing on these homes to their new owners to be cherished for many years to come. Our customer journey is of top priority at City & Country and we pride ourselves on excellent customer service. From the first telephone call or visit to the move in day, our dedicated team is on hand to assist."
The Sales & Marketing team ensure that customers have the support and assistance to make their purchase as smooth as possible, as it is not every day that you buy a new home and the process can be daunting at times. The team are passionate about the product and love telling customers about the unique histories of the buildings and the restoration work that has gone into their property. As we can be working on projects for many years, the team feels a great sense of pride in passing on properties to their eventual owners.
Simon Vernon-Harcourt
“City & Country’s guiding principle is to work with the historic grain of our sites. We are recognised within the industry as being at the forefront of creative and sensitive design with the ability to weave contemporary homes into a building’s history and character, creating unique and outstanding properties that will stand the test of time."
Simon originally worked as a Consultant Architect to City & Country before joining the company in 2007 after working on several projects including Old Saint Michaels in Braintree and The Manor in Herringswell. Simon now leads the Design & Restoration team who have the incredibly important role of ensuring that we design and create truly aspirational and appealing places for people to live or work or simply enjoy.
Simon Marner
"As our reputation has grown over the years, so have the opportunities that come our way. Our track record of delivering these complex sites has put us at the forefront of any high profile bid process, and therefore means we have acquired some excellent projects over the last few years. The Land & Property team are always on the look-out for new challenges throughout the UK, both in urban and countryside locations, where we can use our well-developed expertise to provide solutions for challenging sites that many others shy away from."
Based at Head Office, the Land & Property team is responsible for the identification and acquisition of new opportunities, the sale of development land, the management and trading of the Group commercial and ancillary property assets all in line with the Group strategy. With over 50 years in business, City & Country are able to see and create opportunities where others cannot, and due to the private ownership of the Group, are able to act quickly and decisively to evaluate those opportunities and make swift decisions. The Group prides itself on a reputation for being able to act quickly and perform on agreed deals giving a level of comfort to sellers and buyers that agreement will result in a successful conclusion.
Richard Winsborough
“It is an absolute privilege to work on such important buildings, with a dedicated in-house team of professionals complemented by highly skilled external consultants, all working together towards the common goal of preserving our heritage for future generations."
The Planning team plays a pivotal role within the company by assessing new development opportunities; negotiating planning and listed building consents; undertaking community consultation; negotiating legal agreements that accompany the permissions and ensuring that any Planning Conditions are promptly discharged. Because City & Country work with listed buildings of such importance the need to demonstrate the viability and deliverability of the scheme adds an additional layer of complexity and expertise.
Wayne Douglas
“No day is the same working within our Finance arm of the business. We work with a select group of funders and equity partners across all our projects, all of whom we keep in regular contact with as each development progresses. We are always at hand to act quickly as new opportunities arise, making sound, financial based decisions swiftly to ensure we secure the best outcome for the Group. Equally we work very closely with the Project teams on site as well as those based at Head Office, which keeps things interesting as we are able to understand and be involved in the whole business process from acquisition right through to customer care."
Wayne joined City & Country in 2008 as a newly qualified accountant. Since joining, the business has transformed quite significantly which has allowed Wayne’s professional career to progress within the company, to the role of Associate Director.
Jonathan Love
“What attracted me to the business was the company’s desire to do things right and to produce a quality product at its best. One of the most enjoyable aspects of my job is the construction challenge that restorations of this scale create and the ultimate satisfaction they give. To be able to say you’ve been involved with saving another historic building from decay is unbelievably rewarding."
Jonathan Love, joined City & Country in 2013 as Project Manager at King Edward VII Estate, now Group Construction Manager, Jonathan oversees construction on our developments across the UK. The Construction team benefits from the unique opportunity of working with some of Britain’s most important heritage assets, whilst building high quality and stylish homes to be enjoyed today and cherished by future generations.
Nick Moore
"Due to the uniqueness of each project the Commercial team has a vital role in investigating the status of the existing buildings, design detailing and strategic intentions to assist the business in obtaining a cost effective, quality product."
The Commercial team enable projects to be delivered to agreed budgets whilst ensuring that quality is upheld. Selection of the supply chain is paramount, we look to build long term relationships with companies that share our passion for historic buildings and take pride in the work they do. At the pre-procurement stage 'Supply Chain Events' are held and the supply chain is carefully selected so that the right calibre of workmanship is fostered from a very early stage.
Andy Sargeant
“It is quite amazing to take step back and look at how far our business has come over the last 10 to 15 years. City & Country is now regarded as the leading heritage developer in the UK due to its track record of successfully delivering complex and challenging restoration projects.”
“The family business started in 1962 by restoring clap-board Essex barns, as our reputation grew so did the size of the project. We are now working on projects such as Bramshill House in Hampshire which totals 256 acres and we’ve purchased a portfolio of listed prisons from the Ministry of Justice. It is an exciting prospect looking forward to the future and what projects may come our way, there isn’t anything we wouldn’t consider.”
Tim Sargeant
“The business which was started by my father and uncle has been transformed from its humble beginnings as a ground-working contractor into a leading specialist in the restoration and conversion of historic and listed buildings. City & Country takes great pride in delivering a product that benefits both current and future generations by restoring old architectural gems for future posterity, whilst delivering exceptional growth and excellent financial results."
The City & Country team is very fortunate to work on projects every day that most people would consider to be a once in a life time opportunity. This drives incredible passion, creativity, resourcefulness and hard work from our own team and our partners. Whilst cherishing good family values, we have invested in creating a structure that is set for growth and a professional, experienced management team with complementary skills who have demonstrated exceptional performance. We also recognise the importance that excellent communication and social skills play in creating a great team.
Our aim is to embrace the best of larger corporate organisations, while still retaining the fast- paced entrepreneurial flair, creativity and caring attributes of a successful family business. We want winners to join our team or to partner with; people who are serious about being the best, both individually and very importantly as part of our team too. All in a respectful environment where we can have fun and celebrate our successes together.”