Chris West has joined Wavensmere Homes from Avison Young. Credit: Wavensmere

Wavensmere goes West for senior finance role

1 July 2026 08:48 Mike Sheridan Comments (0)

Birmingham-based house builder Wavensmere Homes has recruited Chris West to the newly created senior position of finance business partner.

West joins from the Birmingham office of Avison Young, where he worked as a senior corporate accountant since 2019. Prior to that, he was a finance executive and IT manager for Leaping Man Group. He is a CIMA qualified accountant with over a decade of finance experience.

Wavensmere, which is currently on site at several high profile schemes across the region including Wolverhampton’s Canalside South and Friar Gate in Derby, has created the new permanent role to enable West to act as a strategic and operational finance partner across all departments.

James Dickens, managing director of Wavensmere Homes, said: “Chris joins us only six months after Anthony Cakebread started as finance director, which reflects the investment we’re making this year to bolster out senior in-house team.

“There has never been a tougher business climate for SME housebuilders, so this appointment will maintain and enhance our strong appeal with local authorities, landowners, partners and investors.”

In West’s previous role at Avison Young, he prepared the quarterly management accounts for multiple property clients, which included analysis of income, expenditure and variance, together with accruals. He also produced budgets and forecasts, accompanied by financial commentary.

Chris West, incoming finance business partner at Wavensmere Homes, said “I am thrilled to join Wavensmere’s in-house finance team and have the opportunity to contribute to the continued growth of one the UK’s most high-profile SME housebuilders.

“Having been at Avison Young for seven years, I’ve had the privilege to work with a large number of successful property firms. By jumping ship to take up this in-house role, I’ll be able to progress my career, while developing a detailed understanding of Wavensmere’s financial trajectory. I certainly hope to play a part in the ongoing success of this fantastic development firm.”