Reading: New managing director for Hicks Group of Companies

Steven Hicks is to become group managing director of Woodley-based property development group the Hicks Group of Companies.

He will be supported in his new role by Julian Nathan, group finance director, and Stephen Brunning, managing director of Hicks Joinery. John Hicks will continue in the role of chairman.

The Hicks Group of Companies is one of the Thames Valley’s most established and successful family businesses, employing around 60 people. It features regularly in the list of top 100 SME Thames Valley businesses, compiled by The Business Magazine for private, independent businesses with turnovers below £10 million.

Founded over 50 years ago by John Hicks, the company has built hundreds of homes in the home counties, from prestigious single-plot dwellings to larger housing estates. As well as the property business, The Hicks Group includes Hicks Joinery and Hicks MOT and Service Centre.

Steven Hicks joined his father in the business in 1991 after taking a degree in business studies followed by spells with national house-builders. The focus for its property business this year has been on high-end properties where the market has proved more resilient.

He said: “We definitely saw an improvement from March last year and our more expensive properties have been selling relatively easily. We intend to maintain our market focus at the top end of the market and continue to work with our excellent network of agents so we can continue to develop prime location sites.