A FLINTSHIRE-based housebuilder is upping its land acquisition as it seeks to increase the number of homes it builds by 50%.

Anwyl Group has been in business for almost a century and is run by the fourth generation of the Anwyl family, building family homes across North Wales, Cheshire, Merseyside and Lancashire. To support it ambitious plans to build 1,200 homes a year, Anwyl is looking to acquire land in areas where it has existing developments, as well as branching out across the North West region and south into Shropshire and Staffordshire.

The housebuilder's growth plans will be supported by an £82.5m revolving credit facility split between Lloyds Bank, which has worked with Anwyl for more than 80 years, and HSBC.

Read more: Developers give funding boost to Flintshire country park project

Anywl's already making headway on these growth ambitions, having recently been given the go-ahead to build 235 new homes in Mold. The 28-acre site will feature 94 affordable homes, as well as 141 private sale properties. The business will also be investing in a new walk and cycle-route on site and boosting habitats for local wildlife with native planting and the installation of bird and bat boxes.

Building more sustainable homes is at the forefront of the business' growth strategy, with nine in 10 homes it built last year rated EPC B or above. It's now looking to take this one step further, aiming for up to 70% of houses it delivers over the next 12 months to secure EPC A rating. Part of this will include installing air source heat pumps and solar panels to help future-proof properties ahead of changing regulations that will come in with the Future Homes Standard in 2025.

Read more: More than 300 new homes could be built in Ewloe as plans entered

As well as purchasing land for development and enhancing its housing targets, the business also plans to use this opportunity to help upskill its 250-strong workforce. Last calendar year, 50 of its colleagues successfully completed development, coaching and leadership programmes, and the company intends to replicate those numbers over the next two years. The business is planning for its future and investing in its people to support this growth.

Mathew Anwyl, main board director at Anwyl Construction said: "Our family has been at the helm of Anwyl since it was founded in 1930 as a joinery and woodworking contractor. Since then, we've expanded into new homes, development partnerships and land acquisition, supporting communities with properties across the North West of England and North Wales.

Read more: Plans to demolish Wrexham social club to build houses receive green light

"We predominantly build homes for private sale, alongside an element of affordable homes for local people with different tenures, ensuring our developments meet a wide range of needs.

"We're proud of our legacy and committed to continuing to grow and lead in the family home building space. We've maintained substantial organic growth over the last decade, despite various challenges, but the funding from Lloyds Bank and HSBC is helping us kick those ambitions up a notch as we look towards the next five years.

"This will create additional and much needed open-market and affordable homes, while creating employment opportunities both directly and indirectly through the supply chain. It will also deliver significant economic boosts through local spend in the towns and communities we build in.

Read more: Residents move into new affordable homes scheme in Flintshire

"Lloyds Bank have been a part of our journey for over 80 years, and we're grateful for all the support they've given us in that time. We're also pleased to be welcoming HSBC into the relationship and know that we're in good hands with the two by our side."

John Csizmadia, relationship director at Lloyds Bank said: "Anwyl has a strong heritage and reputation for building good-quality, family homes across the North West. We've been by its side for over 80 years and are proud to support a business with ambitious growth plans, especially at a time when the country is facing a housing crisis.

"By increasing the number of homes it builds each year, Anwyl is helping to support communities in the region, while cementing its long-standing reputation as a trusted and reliable business. This is compounded by its futureproofing efforts, ensuring that homes are built with sustainability and future regulations in mind."

Read more: Plans to convert historic Flintshire mill and pub into house approved

Kevin Dawson, relationship director at HSBC UK, said: "We are delighted to support Anwyl Homes' growth ambitions through this facility, as part of our backing for the UK housing sector.

"Not only is Anywl increasing the number of homes available to people in the North West of England and North Wales, but they are also committed to making sure they are energy efficient.

"We are looking to continue to expand our support to businesses in this sector and contributing to this facility - our first loan with Anwyl - marks a significant moment in that journey."