A significant step in the firm’s expansion of its residential offering and marking the latest in a string of appointments as the firm seeks to double in size by 2030.
Based in Oxford, Powis will be responsible for driving Bidwells’ new homes presence in Oxfordshire and Milton Keynes, which includes consultancy services, sales and lettings. With an established footprint in the market, the firm’s strategic focus on expanding its Western residential offering reflects the region’s growth potential, with the Oxford-Cambridge Arc representing one of England’s fastest-growing economies. Milton Keynes alone is expected to create 50,000 jobs by 2050, leading to the need for more housing and related infrastructure.
In the last five years, Bidwells has facilitated over £2 billion in residential property sales with a focus on Cambridge, Scotland and Norwich, instructed on individual dwellings to thousand-home developments. In his role, Powis will also work closely with the firm’s Land & Development team, which is involved in approximately £775 million of opportunities in strategic locations.
Powis brings nearly 20 years’ experience in the region’s residential sector, having worked with leading housebuilders and developers at every stage from pitch to completion. He joins from Oxford-based independent property consultants Breckon and Breckon, where he served as Head of New Homes, leading on all aspects of residential development sales. Prior to this, Powis spent over a decade at Savills, most recently as Head of Residential Development Sales in Cheltenham.
David Bentley, Partner and Head of Residential at Bidwells, said:
“With a wealth of experience in the Western region’s new homes sector, Iain joins Bidwells with proven leadership abilities and a deep understanding of the Oxford and Milton Keynes residential markets. The recent confirmation that the East West Rail link will be delivered in full highlights investment across the region, and growth across the Oxford-Cambridge Arc's knowledge economies. Bidwells’ deep insight and knowledge of these locations means it is well placed to tap into subsequent demand for new housing and infrastructure.”
Iain Powis, Head of New Homes for the Western region at Bidwells said:
“As early entrants to the Oxford-Cambridge Arc, Bidwells recognises the residential opportunity presented by the unstoppable growth of the region’s life sciences, tech and engineering industries. Building on its proven track record in the market, I look forward to expanding Bidwells’ strong pipeline of new homes instructions in this promising region at an exciting time in the firm’s growth journey.”
The firm has demonstrated its commitment to growth with additional strategic hires, including Billy Donaldson, who recently joined the Cambridge team as Sales Negotiator from Savills. His appointment came as research from Censuswide named Bidwells as the most well-known and positively regarded real estate adviser amongst property owners and renters in Cambridge.
Other recent appointments at Bidwells include ex-Knight Frank partner Oliver Heywood as a Partner in the Capital Markets team and former Pembroke director Jo Hawkings as a Partner in its Investment and Property Management team. In November, the firm relocated its 70-strong Oxford team to Eaton House on Botley Road to accommodate further growth, reflecting its strategic focus on the region.
