The Corserv Group has appointed Pete Andrew as its new, permanent chairperson, managing director Cath Robinson announced yesterday.

Pete Andrew, who lives in Falmouth, is deputy chairman of the Home Builders Federation, has a wealth of industry experience and an in-depth understanding of the issues affecting house and infrastructure developers.

Cath said: “The depth, breadth and relevance of Pete’s experience to the Corserv Group’s work makes him an ideal candidate for the role of chairperson.

An established board-level operator, Pete has been involved in corporate governance, risk assessment and investment committee work and has helped a number of firms grow and develop.

"He takes over from Elaine Holt who retires from the role of interim chairperson, with my and the board’s thanks. Elaine will remain on the Corserv board as a non-executive director. “

Pete started life as a trainee quantity surveyor and during a career spanning 40 years, worked his way up to become the UK land and planning director and a board member at Taylor Wimpey UK.

He was also one of the four industry experts who helped the government draft the National Planning Policy Framework.

He was awarded an MBE in the 2018 New Year Honours list for ‘services to construction’ in recognition for this work.

Pete is also a council member of the National House-Building Council, chairman of West Country developer, Burrington Estates and chairman of IT company, Rummage 4 Property.

Mike Eathorne-Gibbons, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for customers, said: "I am delighted to welcome Pete Andrew as the new chairman of the Corserv Group. He brings huge experience and knowledge to the role, and I am confident he will utilise those skills for the benefit of Cornwall."

Pete said: “I am really looking forward to joining the Corserv Group board, meeting the teams across Cornwall and understanding the opportunities across the businesses.

"It gives me a great chance to learn and at the same time use my experience to help all of the Corserv Group to achieve its mission of improving the lives of people in Cornwall.”

Corserv is a diverse group of companies, owned by Cornwall Council, that provides roads, housing, transport, inward investment, engineering, social care and other essential services.

It includes:

• Corserv Limited

• Cormac Solutions Limited

• Cornwall Housing Limited

• Cornwall Airport Limited, Newquay; and

• Cornwall Development Company Limited.

Corserv employs 2,600 people, primarily in Cornwall, making it one of the largest business employers in the county.