The potential shown by a construction industry ‘newcomer’ has been rewarded with a promotion to the key role of Project Manager.

Josie Scrimgour has been appointed to the position at Genesis Homes after showing great promise since she joined the company less than two years ago.

The 21-year-old started as a trainee Land and Technical Administrator in May 2022, and she has shown great aptitude and enthusiasm which has prompted Genesis’ management team to give her greater responsibility for daily operations.

As Project Manager, Josie will be more involved in land acquisition, progressing planning applications and managing all aspects of upcoming developments to the point of handover to construction and commercial teams.

She said: “When I joined Genesis Homes I had no background in housebuilding – in fact I was working in a pub while looking for local opportunities – so I count myself as a bit of a newcomer.

“But I have had so much support from my line manager John Blue and Managing Director Nicky Gordon, who have given me access to all aspects of the company which has been pivotal in helping me develop my knowledge of the wider industry.

“I’m really excited about continuing to learn new skills in the role, and I’ve already been trusted to lead on two planning applications, both of which were approved, and I am preparing five more. It’s fair to say that my workload has increased.

“Genesis Homes promotes an environment of career progression and I can’t wait to see how far I can go in the industry with the full support of Nicky, John and my colleagues.”

Josie, who recently attended the two-day Home Builders Federation’s Future Talent Conference, is heavily involved in the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme, particularly raising funds for the company’s charities of the year.

Genesis Homes’ Land and Sales Director, John Blue, said: “Since joining the company, Josie has impressed the team with her hard work and dedication to creating opportunities across the business, and she is a popular member of staff among her peers.

“She has become an important member of our team as she strives to learn new things and develop her understanding of the industry, and we are excited to see how she continues to flourish with the extra responsibilities that come with the Project Manager role.

“We have already seen the benefits of her work with the successful achievement of planning permissions for two housing developments comprising a combined total of 190 new homes.”

Planning permission was approved recently for Genesis Homes to construct 90 homes at its Sandsfield Way development on the outskirts of Carlisle, and to build 99 homes at its Derwent Rise development in the Cumbrian village of Seaton.

Read Josie’s blog about her experiences at the HBF Future Talent Conference here.