There is all change at the helm of Totnes-based Rural Homes Limited (RHL) as former managing director, Alan Fox, is handing over the reins to James Gurpinar.
RHL delivers cost-effective development projects for SDR and gift aids its profits to the parent company, which has charitable status.
Alan has worked at RHL since August 2015 and has worked in the profession overall for more than 48 years, specialising in the housing development particularly the delivery of affordable housing schemes for sale and rent.
For the past 16 years his focus has been working with communities and community-led development, helping a number of rural communities to deliver a wide range of affordable homes for local people.
Alan has also held the position of an accredited technical advisor for the National Community Land Trust Network.
Alan’s successor is James Gurpinar who moves from his previous post as a building surveyor and employer’s agent at the Newton Abbot-based construction consultancy, Randall Simmonds.
Raised in Worcestershire, James moved to Devon in 1998, where he ran his own construction business, gaining experience in construction and refurbishment and an understanding of the strategic and operational challenges of delivering and maintaining housing stock.
Deciding on a change of career direction, he studied for an RICS accredited BSc (Hons) in building surveying and the environment at the University of Plymouth.
He went on to work as a building surveyor for Teign Housing and later for Haldons Construction Consultants in Torquay, before joining Randall Simmonds in 2019.
Due to take over the helm of RHL at the end of January, James said: “I’m due to achieve RICS Chartered Surveyor status in 2022.
“I’m looking forward to making the most of this new opportunity within an expanding organisation where I can apply my experience and add genuine value to an existing team whilst making the role my own”.
Christine Candlish, chief executive of South Devon Rural Housing Association, said: “I’d like to thank Alan for the tremendous effort he has put in to take our development arm to the strong position it’s now in.
“I also wish Alan the long and happy retirement that he richly deserves.
“We extend a warm welcome to James Gurpinar, who we are confident will do a great job as Alan’s successor, helping us to deliver a range of affordable housing projects in the years to come”.