The Autograph Homes team
Autograph Homes is led by an experienced management team with a strong commercial record and recognised professional reputation.
Paul Abson
Chairman
Paul is a highly motivated and proactive business leader with over 30 years’ experience in the construction and housing industry. He’s responsible for the strategic direction of Autograph Homes and plays a hands-on role across all organisational and operational aspects of the business.
The former Managing Director of Construction and Property at the Leadbitter Group prior to its sale to Bouygues Bâtiment International in 2010, Paul subsequently worked for Bouygues UK for six years, holding several senior positions, including leading their housing business and sitting on the board of the property development division, culminating in the position of Deputy CEO for the UK.
Simon Taylor
Managing Director
Simon is passionate about building new homes with individual character and quality. He’s the creative driving force behind the business and responsible for the operational performance of the team. He’s closely involved in land and planning, constantly pursuing opportunities to break new ground.
Over 30 years in the construction industry, predominantly in the South West, Simon held a commercial role at what is now ISG, before taking up the position of Commercial and Construction Director for a regional house builder, a position he held for 10 years before joining Autograph Homes.
Ian Drew
Land Planning & Technical Director
Ian is an experienced, driven member of the team with over 20 years’ experience within the house building sector. He has an extensive background with major UK house builders, including Taylor Wimpey and Bovis Homes, where he delivered several major developments across the South West.
As the Land, Planning & Technical Director, Ian is responsible for identifying and securing land opportunities, while driving the delivery of projects from concept through to adoption, ensuring the highest design and technical standards are attained.
Gary Hares
Senior Engineer
Gary brings over 20 years of civil engineering expertise of both consulting firms and residential developers, including Wilson Connolly, Taylor Woodrow, and most recently, Taylor Wimpey. His comprehensive experience spans land appraisal, planning and design, technical approval of road, sewer, and utility infrastructure, guiding projects from inception through to adoption.
As Senior Engineer, Gary is responsible for delivering high-quality, engineering-based drawings that are cost effective and incorporate the latest technical standards.
Stephanie Probets
Head of Sales & Marketing
With over 15 years’ experience in residential sales, Steph is highly customer focused with a wealth of experience in the Bristol and Somerset property markets. With a passion for detail and quality, Steph is also responsible for ensuring the Autograph Homes brand and its properties are well promoted.
Steph leads sales and marketing, as well as offering support to new home owners at every step of their journey from initial contact through to after sales care.
David Avent
Group Financial Controller
David has over 30 years’ senior finance experience across multiple sectors and has built a reputation for his attention to detail and high standards.
David is responsible for Finance Operations including, Financial reporting, Business planning and Cashflow modelling.
Benn Chainey
Quantity Surveyor
Benn is a commercially minded Quantity Surveyor with over 25 years’ experience who strives to maintain strong relationships, motivation and initiatives within all aspects and fields of the construction industry.
Gaining a wealth of knowledge during his involvement in a range of demanding projects in the commercial, education, health, housing, leisure and retail sectors, with values ranging from £200,000 to £15 million, Benn continues to bring new ideas to an ever-evolving market.