TV’s George joins Splash
DEVELOPER Urban Splash has signed up TV architect George Clarke as an investor.
The star of programmes such as Channel 4’s Restoration Man, and Amazing Spaces, will bring his design skills to the Manchester firm.
Clarke said: “I have known the talented Urban Splash team for many years and I’ve been working with them very closely on my new Fab House design at Smith’s Dock in North Shields.
“We share a love and passion for great design and beautiful homes.
“The values and ambition of Urban Splash are second to none, so I had no hesitation investing in the company. I am very much looking forward to the exciting journey ahead as we embrace 21st century manufacturing technology to change the way we design, build and deliver better quality housing.”
Noel McKee, founder of WeBuyAnyCar.com, has also been named as a new investor. He said: “Urban Splash’s timing and approach to tackling the housing shortage is a true game changer.”
Urban Splash chairman Tom Bloxham said: “I have known and admired George and Noel for a number of years; they are both great entrepreneurs and it’s fantastic they have come on board as investors in and advisors to our modular housing business.
“Noel disrupted the used car market with his invention of WeBuyAnyCar. com; in housing, we’re challenging another traditional market – new homes – so Noel’s wealth of knowledge is crucial for us as we look to move innovation forward in this sector.
“George will give us a brilliant design counsel; he shares our passion for the way architecture can transform our everyday lives and believes that houses are the single most important pieces of architecture – and everyone has the right to a decent, well-designed home.”
Meanwhile, Urban Splash has agreed to buy the trade and assets of SIG Building Systems, the modular offsite construction business of SIG plc for a nominal fee of £1.
The deal includes SIG’s modular factory in the East Midlands, all the IP and patents of its modular housing system and about 70 staff.
Bloxham said: “Urban Splash is committed to expanding its offsite construction capacity and this purchase is a way to vertically integrate our business and give us control of the production of our houses. It is a testament to our commitment to modular housing.”