Clowes Developments bids a fond farewell to Robert Hepwood following 39 years in the property sector

Clowes Developments extends its sincere thanks and best wishes to Robert Hepwood as he retires after an incredible 39 years in the property industry.

With nearly four decades in the sector, it’s fair to say Rob has seen it all. His experience, insight, and expertise have been invaluable. His contribution will be greatly missed by colleagues at Clowes, where he concludes his career as a member of the Board of Directors, a position he has held for over 10 years.

Thomas Clowes, Managing Director at Clowes commented on Rob’s retirement:

“Rob has made an outstanding contribution to Clowes over the past 11 years and has played a key role in shaping our projects and our people, not to mention he also had a massive hand in my development and giving me the tools to do the job I do now.  His depth of knowledge, sound judgement, and leadership have been invaluable to the group. On behalf of everyone at Clowes, I would like to thank him for his hard work and commitment and wish him every success and happiness in his retirement.”

Rob began his career working with two of the country’s leading surveying practices (Chesterton and GVA Grimley), where he provided specialist planning and development advice to blue-chip companies. He went on to spend 20 years in the volume housebuilding sector, working with housebuilders including Bryant Homes, Birch PLC, and Miller Homes. During this time, he held a number of senior leadership roles, including Planning Director, Technical Director, Operations Director, and Managing Director, delivering a lasting legacy of well-designed and thoughtfully developed schemes across the UK.

Alongside his work in planning and housebuilding, Robert has built an impressive track record in identifying, promoting, and delivering strategic mixed-use opportunities for the group, including unlocking hundreds of homes and infrastructure in Castle Donington, the acquisition of Pleasley Hill in Mansfield for future development, and Fairham, the £800 million brand new neighbourhood in Nottinghamshire to name a few.

On his final day at Clowes, Rob remarked:

“I would like to thank each and every one of you for your help and friendship over the 11 years I have been at Clowes. Those that have been here as long as me will have seen many positive changes, and you will know the adage that ‘there’s never a dull day at Clowes’.

The company is in good hands with David and Tom [Clowes] and it has an incredible board who I know will continue to steer the company to great things.

I will watch the company from wherever I find myself and will look back on my time with you all with fondness.”