The move will see Wates target new sectors in the region including commercial, manufacturing and public sector markets.

Its affordable housing division Wates Living Space already has a strong presence in the North East in new-build development and property maintenance for social landlords across Durham and Newcastle.

But Wates has identified increased opportunities in Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Teesside and Tyneside and is looking to increase its presence on regional procurement frameworks.

The move follows the appointment of Paul Dodsworth as Wates Construction’s Business Unit Director, Yorkshire and North East, earlier this year.

Dodsworth joined from Bowmer & Kirkland Ltd where he spent eight years as Construction Director overseeing projects in the North East and Scotland.

He said:: “The past three months have left me in no doubt that I lead an extremely strong Wates Construction team in Yorkshire and we’re in an excellent position to geographically expand our presence in the North East market.

“Key to this is our support of our regional supply chain partners. We’re a contractor with a profound focus on local procurement and keeping our subcontractors at the forefront of our business will allow us to ensure that our growth, their growth, and that of our industry, is sustainable.

“Of equal importance is ensuring that we nurture our people. We have some exceptional talent at Wates and our ongoing recruitment is the fundamental cornerstone to maintaining the excellent reputation we continue to build.”