March 18, 2025
New AI-powered platform has the potential to cut 1.5 gigatonnes of CO₂ emissions annually - equivalent to the entire annual emissions of Japan.

New AI-powered platform has the potential to cut 1.5 gigatonnes of CO₂ emissions annually – equivalent to the entire annual emissions of Japan.

OptimiseAI’s ‘Predict’ Platform Cuts Building Energy Usage by 15%, using only a Meter Reading  OptimiseAI, an innovator in AI-driven energy management, today launches their Predict function: designed to be an accessible tool for any level of building owner, landlord or asset manager to optimise energy use, save money, and future-proof

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Pivot delivers complex multi-loan transaction for Yorkshire development

Pivot delivers complex multi-loan transaction for Yorkshire development

Specialist real estate lender Pivot has successfully completed a funding package comprised of three loans for a residential development in Denby Dale, West Yorkshire. The £6.5m facility is uniquely structured to encompass three distinct loan types within a single transaction—a development exit bridge, part-complete development loan, and ground-up development facility.

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M&S to Launch New Food Hall on Clapham High Street

M&S to Launch New Food Hall on Clapham High Street

Marks & Spencer is set to open a new food hall on Clapham High Street, taking over the former Eco Restaurant and Superdrug premises at 156-164 Clapham High Street. The retailer has secured a 20-year lease for the unit, which includes approximately 8,300 sq ft of ground floor retail space

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Caddick expansion builds momentum with Durham presence

Caddick expansion builds momentum with Durham presence

Caddick Construction Group is continuing its geographical expansion into the North as the multi-disciplinary contracting business launches new premises in Durham.   The new office is the latest move to grow Caddick’s regional presence following the success of its most recent financial results, which saw profit up £7.4m and turnover up

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NSBRC investment sees ISO Chemie boost support for self-builders

NSBRC investment sees ISO Chemie boost support for self-builders

Window and door sealant tape specialist ISO Chemie has invested further in supporting self-builders and retrofit designers with a new initiative at the National Selfbuild and Renovation Centre (NSBRC) in Swindon. The move will see a permanent static showroom established, enabling the company to showcase its thermal insulating and load

Read More »
United Living awarded £36m SNG responsive repairs and voids contract

United Living awarded £36m SNG responsive repairs and voids contract

United Living Group, the provider of infrastructure, affordable housing, property services, and telecoms, is pleased to announce that its subsidiary, United Living Property Services (ULPS), has been awarded a £36 million contract with SNG (Sovereign Network Group), a housing association that builds and maintains affordable homes across London and the South

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Costain appoints new rail sector lead

Costain appoints new rail sector lead

Senior position in rail follows recent contract awards and supports future growth. Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has announced the appointment of Alistair Geddes as rail sector director. Alistair joins from Balfour Beatty where he held the role of operations director leading its rail system business. In this role he

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FirstPort Group Appoints Carina Paine as Head of RMC Services

FirstPort Group Appoints Carina Paine as Head of RMC Services

The FirstPort Group, the UK’s leading provider of residential property management services, has appointed Carina Paine as its Head of Resident Management Company (RMC) Services. This newly created role is designed to strengthen FirstPort’s commitment to the growing consumer-led market. Carina will be responsible for overseeing the operational delivery and

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Latest Issue
Issue 326 : Mar 2025

March 18, 2025

New AI-powered platform has the potential to cut 1.5 gigatonnes of CO₂ emissions annually - equivalent to the entire annual emissions of Japan.

New AI-powered platform has the potential to cut 1.5 gigatonnes of CO₂ emissions annually – equivalent to the entire annual emissions of Japan.

OptimiseAI’s ‘Predict’ Platform Cuts Building Energy Usage by 15%, using only a Meter Reading  OptimiseAI, an innovator in AI-driven energy management, today launches their Predict function: designed to be an accessible tool for any level of building owner, landlord or asset manager to optimise energy use, save money, and future-proof new or historic buildings.  The Predict tool is the first of its kind to draw on decades of research, data and human expertise, fused with artificial intelligence.  All Predict needs to create a comprehensive view of any building’s energy usage, is a meter reading, a postcode and basic building information, like the number of floors.  Predict can then create a digital twin of your building, which gives you visual insights into how your building most likely saves energy, and when. This allows users to have a rapid, real-time view of their portfolios and identify where the biggest savings can be made quickly and efficiently.  After being provided with this minimal information, Predict can provide a building or asset manager with energy reduction insights in under half an hour.  Buildings account for 28% of global energy-related CO₂ emissions (37% when including construction), which is more than the entire transportation sector, responsible for just over 21% of global CO₂ emissions.  If all buildings had smart meters and then utilised the analysis via Predict, buildings could see an average of 15% emissions reduction – with minimal capital cost incurred.  For the UK alone (where 66% of buildings have smart meters), using the Predict tool could save 6.7MtCOe per year.  The drive for smart meters adoption is crucial to achieving long term energy efficiency goals.  If all buildings across the globe were to install smart meters and utilise the Predict function to manager their energy usage, it could deliver 1.5 Gt CO₂e savings per year, equivalent to the entire annual emissions of Japan. Speaking on its potential, Nick Tune, Co-Founder of Optimise AI, said: “The data is clear—energy inefficiency is a massive yet solvable contributor to climate change. Current Building Management Systems are not fit for purpose: only 10% of buildings have them, and even then they don’t give effective results to help buildings reduce energy and carbon emissions.  “ The world cannot afford to wait for deep retrofits or expensive building replacements. With Predict, we’re giving asset owners and building managers an immediate, cost-effective tool to cut carbon, reduce energy costs, and stay ahead of tightening regulations.  “The potential of the technology is here, ready to be harnessed. With it, we’re offering a path to energy savings and reduced global carbon footprint that is accessible and easy to use: ready now, and for everyone. “ Energy prices are at record heights across the world. According to Government data, the UK has among the most expensive electricity in Europe. Smart energy planning will be essential to keeping buildings efficient and keeping costs down.  90% of UK buildings lack a Building Management System to help them understand, monitor and adapt their energy use. Even those who do, research suggests that asset managers find these systems overly complex or difficult to use.  Predict’s user-friendly interface is hardware agnostic and can be used with minimal input data – it works across fragmented systems and integrates seamlessly with existing smart meters.  By analysing historical and projected consumption, and drawing on years of human research and expertise, Predict can suggest the best energy tariffs, identify inefficiencies, project how much energy could be saved with certain interventions, saving both emissions and money.  Net Zero regulations for buildings are expected to become increasingly relevant in the coming years. Addressing energy efficiency in existing buildings was a key component of the Climate Change Committee’s Seventh Carbon Budget, as part of the UK’s strategy to reduce emissions by 87% compared to 1990 levels by 2040. This means UK businesses and landlords will need to ensure their properties meet new standards, and integrate smart energy usage into their future plans.  Through its digital twin technology, Predict can provide any level of building owner and asset manager a contextual understanding of their building’s energy usage. This allows them to save money, reduce emissions and begin to future-proof their buildings against upcoming Net Zero regulations.  This is especially useful for the UK’s historic building stock. The first of its kind to utilise and fuse AI and decades of human-led research, Predict can provide insights into how to reduce building emissions in listed buildings in the least invasive way possible.  Professor Yacine Rezgui, Co-Founder of Optimise AI, added: “Energy audits are outdated and expensive, yet 90% of UK buildings still lack a Building Management System. Predict changes that—offering a sophisticated AI-driven solution that provides immediate insights and long-term savings. This is how we make net zero achievable at scale.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Pivot delivers complex multi-loan transaction for Yorkshire development

Pivot delivers complex multi-loan transaction for Yorkshire development

Specialist real estate lender Pivot has successfully completed a funding package comprised of three loans for a residential development in Denby Dale, West Yorkshire. The £6.5m facility is uniquely structured to encompass three distinct loan types within a single transaction—a development exit bridge, part-complete development loan, and ground-up development facility. This innovative funding solution enables the borrower to refinance an existing lender, support the completion of partially built units, and provide capital for the new construction of a 34-home residential development. The case was introduced by a broker who chose Pivot because of its ability to structure the deal as three transactions across the different loan types to maximise leverage and consider the varying stages the site was in.  The funding package was structured as follows: This holistic approach ensures that the borrower can efficiently manage sales, complete construction phases, and maintain momentum in delivering high-quality homes. The lender has cultivated a reputation for deal structuring that considers the true SME developer experience—several of the Pivot team have built and sold properties and have a genuine understanding of the inherent opportunities and pitfalls that come with the job. Andreas Yianni, Commercial Director at Pivot Finance, said: “This transaction highlights our ability to shape funding solutions that address multiple stages of a development in one seamless package. “By incorporating a blend of development exit, part-complete, and ground-up funding, we have provided the borrower with a flexible and strategic solution to support their project through to completion. “It’s a great example of how we tailor our lending to meet the real-world needs of developers.” Pivot has enjoyed an incredible start to the year with as raft of new hires, increased funding capacity, and a vocal commitment to supporting ambitious SME developers who need reliable bridging and development finance to bring forward their sites.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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M&S to Launch New Food Hall on Clapham High Street

M&S to Launch New Food Hall on Clapham High Street

Marks & Spencer is set to open a new food hall on Clapham High Street, taking over the former Eco Restaurant and Superdrug premises at 156-164 Clapham High Street. The retailer has secured a 20-year lease for the unit, which includes approximately 8,300 sq ft of ground floor retail space and an additional 3,400 sq ft of basement storage. Conveniently located next to Clapham Common Tube Station, the store is scheduled to open in September and will follow M&S’s popular ‘food hall’ format, similar to its branches in Brixton and St John’s Road, Clapham Junction. Eco Restaurant has relocated to a new venue at 73 Venn Street. The deal was facilitated by GCW on behalf of the landlord, Eco Group, while FMX represented M&S. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Caddick expansion builds momentum with Durham presence

Caddick expansion builds momentum with Durham presence

Caddick Construction Group is continuing its geographical expansion into the North as the multi-disciplinary contracting business launches new premises in Durham.   The new office is the latest move to grow Caddick’s regional presence following the success of its most recent financial results, which saw profit up £7.4m and turnover up 38% to £318m.  The group’s expansion in the North East follows the appointments of Steve Ford as Regional MD for Caddick Construction North East & Yorkshire and Simon Martin as MD for Caddick Civil Engineering, both of which are tasked with growing the business’ regional pipeline.  The new 2,045 sq ft office, Caddick Construction Group’s first office in the North East, is located at Adelaide House at Belmont Business Park in Durham. The office will be home to a growing team that will lead business development and project delivery in the region. The new premises have undergone a fit-out programme ahead of occupancy, with new features installed to mirror the business’ newly launched headquarters at Calder House in Wakefield.  Investment in the new office represents Caddick Construction’s commitment to the North East market, and its ambition to grow its portfolio of projects across its core sectors of industrial, residential, healthcare, offices, retail and manufacturing. The business will also be targeting growth in the public sector as part of its presence on a number of the region’s procurement frameworks, including the North East Procurement Organisation’s (NEPO) £800m Construction Works Framework. Paul Dodsworth, Group Managing Director at Caddick, commented: “We are really excited to launch our new office in Durham and to move ourselves closer to our growing client-base in the North East. There is a healthy pipeline of construction work in the region, and we’re very proud to bring our capabilities, knowledge and experience to this thriving market.  “I am determined that our growth will be sustainable; we will retain our financial stability for our people, our clients and our supply chain. Our focus is on delivering exceptional projects, supporting our clients, our trusted supply chain partners and investing in our people, all of which underpin our growth journey.” Steve Ford, Regional Managing Director of Caddick Construction North East & Yorkshire, added: “Caddick has a proud reputation for delivering high quality projects, and for being a forward thinking, collaborative and innovative construction partner. The conversations we are having, and the response we have so far seen in the North East market, have proven the appetite and demand for our services in the region, and we’re very proud to cement our presence in the North East with our new Durham office.” Simon Martin, Managing Director of Caddick Civil Engineering, said: “The Government has some very bold housing targets, and keeping pace with these ambitions is reliant on unlocking brownfield regeneration. Broadening our geographical reach into the North East will allow us to serve this growing pipeline with our knowledge and experience of complex land remediation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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NSBRC investment sees ISO Chemie boost support for self-builders

NSBRC investment sees ISO Chemie boost support for self-builders

Window and door sealant tape specialist ISO Chemie has invested further in supporting self-builders and retrofit designers with a new initiative at the National Selfbuild and Renovation Centre (NSBRC) in Swindon. The move will see a permanent static showroom established, enabling the company to showcase its thermal insulating and load bearing bracket support system WINFRAMER Type 1 and Hybratec multi-functional joint sealing tapes and the easy-to-use and energy efficiency saving benefits these systems provide. The NSBRC is the UK’s only permanent visitor centre designed specifically to meet the needs of individual self-builders, renovators and home improvers. Since opening our doors in January 2007, the hub has seen more than 250,000 self-builders, developers, renovators and home improvers visit the 67,000sq ft. educational resource, generating over 1.1 million leads for exhibitors such as ISO Chemie. A key feature of ISO Chemie’s investment will be to provide advice on effective fenestration installation techniques – displaying WINFRAMER will show how it allows windows to be installed in the insulation area, overcoming thermal bridges. A large amount of heat is lost from a building through the gap between the windows and the surrounding wall, as thermal imagery clearly shows. This gap is necessary to allow for the natural expansion of the window frame throughout the year, what isn’t necessary, however, is the loss of heat. Both doors and windows account for almost a quarter (21%) of the total air loss of the average house, and adding the joints between walls, floors and ceilings brings the figure up to 50%. Many argue that airflow is desirable, however Andy Swift explained that you can eliminate 50% of heat loss while still retaining some natural air flow. The statistics illustrate that in most residential properties, heat losses are overwhelmingly replaced by artificial heating rather than through solar energy or internal warmth. This means that reducing heat losses in the home is paramount in the battle to lower energy consumption. Visitors to ISO Chemie at NSBRC will be able to advance their understanding of airtightness and related issues, said Andy Swift, ISO Chemie’s UK sales and operations manager, enabling sector specifiers to improve the design and construction of buildings and boost their technical and product expertise. He added: “Unfortunately, thermal sealing around windows is not specified by law in the UK. That is why ISO-Chemie, whose gap-sealing tapes and solutions provide effective resistance against heat loss, is getting the word out there through support for initiatives like this showroom opening. “The message is clear, not only are the right products needed for the job, but also the right installation. Hence the need to go beyond simple marketing and into the realm of in branch education. “We decided to exhibit at the NSBRC because it is one of the best places for self-builders and renovators to get impartial advice and product information under one roof. It’s part of our strategy to educate self-builders and renovators about energy efficient improvement solutions in the UK – up to 70% cost savings can be achieved when using these tapes for high performance window sealing, rather than the current three component systems.” More at https://www.iso-chemie.eu/en-GB/home/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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United Living awarded £36m SNG responsive repairs and voids contract

United Living awarded £36m SNG responsive repairs and voids contract

United Living Group, the provider of infrastructure, affordable housing, property services, and telecoms, is pleased to announce that its subsidiary, United Living Property Services (ULPS), has been awarded a £36 million contract with SNG (Sovereign Network Group), a housing association that builds and maintains affordable homes across London and the South of England. The five-year contract valued at £7.2 million per annum will see ULPS provide responsive repairs and voids service for SNG in the East of England and North and East London part of their operation. ULPS will be carrying out day-to-day responsive repairs, void repairs, and planned maintenance commencing in April 2025. Tom Bullock, Director of Responsive Services, United Living Property Services, said: “We are delighted to work in collaboration with SNG to maintain these properties. Our dedicated in-house teams provide a one-stop service of essential repairs and ongoing maintenance to provide a clean, safe environment for all residents.”   Patrick Flynn, SNG Property Service Director (London and East), commented: “We are really pleased to be working with United Living Property Services to deliver a quality responsive repairs and voids service for customers in North and East London and the East of England. This new regional focus in our repairs delivery will ensure that we can deal with the number of repairs requests we receive from customers more efficiently.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Costain appoints new rail sector lead

Costain appoints new rail sector lead

Senior position in rail follows recent contract awards and supports future growth. Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has announced the appointment of Alistair Geddes as rail sector director. Alistair joins from Balfour Beatty where he held the role of operations director leading its rail system business. In this role he looked after a number of manufacturing facilities, frameworks and projects for clients including Network Rail, Transport for Wales, Transport for London and others in the private sector. He has also held leading roles for several significant infrastructure programmes including Crossrail, Hinkley Point C Marine Works and the Olympic Stadium transformation. Alistair will support Costain’s strategic focus on growth in strong markets, as well as ensure the business continues to provide predictable, best-in-class delivery to its customers.   Alistair’s appointment comes following a successful period of growth for Costain’s transportation division. Costain recently announced two significant contract awards for HS2, including a £400m contract to deliver tunnel and lineside mechanical and electrical (M&E) systems as well as a separate award to deliver high voltage power supply systems across the entire line, worth in the region of £300m to the Siemens Mobility and Costain Joint Venture.   The news is Costain’s second senior appointment of the year, following on from the recent appointment of Eva Soto Pérez as engineering services general manager, as Costain ensures a full-service offering for its customers and supports the growth of its consultancy service.   Jonathan Willcock, managing director, transportation, at Costain, commented: “UK rail infrastructure is critical for creating a sustainable future and driving UK prosperity through improved productivity, greater connectivity, and job creation. But it faces challenges around resilience, particularly with rising demand and more extreme weather. Alistair brings a wealth of experience that will support our rail sector growth as we continue to deliver the strategic needs of our customers.” Alistair Geddes, rail sector director at Costain, added: “Costain has an excellent reputation and heritage in delivering complex rail infrastructure that improves people’s lives. I’m looking forward to drawing on Costain’s breadth of service offerings and expertise from across the organisation to continue providing best-in-class infrastructure services to the rail industry.”  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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FirstPort Group Appoints Carina Paine as Head of RMC Services

FirstPort Group Appoints Carina Paine as Head of RMC Services

The FirstPort Group, the UK’s leading provider of residential property management services, has appointed Carina Paine as its Head of Resident Management Company (RMC) Services. This newly created role is designed to strengthen FirstPort’s commitment to the growing consumer-led market. Carina will be responsible for overseeing the operational delivery and strategic direction of FirstPort’s RMC services, ensuring a consistent, high-quality experience for both residents and RMCs. She joins FirstPort from Barratt Redrow, where she served as Estates Manager for the Southern Counties division. During her tenure, she played a key role in estate management and led RMC transitions, bringing valuable expertise to her new position. Speaking about her appointment, Carina said:“I am excited to join FirstPort at a time of significant change in the property industry. We are continuously improving how we listen to our RMC clients to better meet and exceed their expectations. My focus will be on shaping our service offerings to align with their needs. “It is essential that we take a collaborative and tailored approach, as no two RMCs are the same. By fostering strong, transparent relationships with residents and delivering a professional, simplified, and effective service, we can ensure the long-term success of these developments. “This partnership empowers homeowners, ensuring they have clear insights into how their developments are managed, while also streamlining the process for developers.” Martin King, Managing Director of The FirstPort Group, added:“We are delighted to welcome Carina to FirstPort. Her extensive experience in the RMC and developer landscape will be invaluable as we continue to adapt and innovate to meet the evolving needs of our clients. Her leadership will help us build a more collaborative approach for our Resident Directors, ensuring long-term success and satisfaction for both residents and clients.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Beard bolsters Southampton team with appointment of new office lead

Beard bolsters Southampton team with appointment of new office lead

Construction firm Beard is celebrating the first anniversary of its Southampton office with the appointment of a new office lead. The family-owned company has promoted Ollie Chun to lead the 18-strong team on the south coast as the company looks to continue its growth and double its turnover in 2025 after achieving its targets last year. Ollie joined Beard in 2016 as pre-construction manager, based in Beard’s Guildford office. He was instrumental in establishing the Southampton office, initially splitting his time between the two regions. “After supporting our set-up in Southampton, taking this role was the natural next step for me,” said Ollie. “I’m excited to lead the Southampton team into its second year, with the support of Beard’s leadership team firmly beside me, as we continue to deliver quality work for our customers and develop our strong pipeline of work.” Mike Hedges, company operations director at Beard, said: “Over the past year, as our Southampton team has grown, Ollie has consistently shown his dedication to delivering projects promptly and faultlessly. His commitment reflects the core values of Beard, and his skills in project management and operational efficiency have been invaluable. “The Southampton team has had an incredibly successful first year, completing our first two projects and expanding our presence in the region. We look forward to supporting our customers, Ollie, and the team in achieving continued success.” Ollie successfully completed Beard’s internal leadership development programme in 2024, designed to equip colleagues with the skills to be successful leaders and enabling the firm to promote from within. Around half of the Southampton team were existing employees, redeployed to the area to share their expertise and establish the Beard culture within the new office. A further eight new colleagues were recruited last year across office and site-based roles. “We’re got a great balance of highly experienced colleagues who are ambassadors for how we do things at Beard, and new recruits with wide-ranging construction and operational experience, as well as sound local knowledge,” Ollie added. The Southampton office had previously been led by director Pat Hughes, who left the firm at the end of 2024 after five years with the business. He first led Beard’s Guildford office, before taking the helm in Southampton. One of the office’s flagship projects has been the restoration of the historic Hilsea Lido for Portsmouth City Council. Due to open later this year in time for its 90th anniversary, Beard is modernising and restoring facilities at the Lido, including installing new pipework, stabilising the pool structure, and building new modular changing facilities. The office is also hosting a placement student as part of the company’s commitment to supporting the next generation into the industry. Mitch Burton, who is studying Quantity Surveying student at Oxford Brookes University, has been offered a full-time role within the team upon completion of his studies. The Southampton team is keen to expand its regional supply chain and is inviting businesses to express their interest in working with Beard via its website. Beard is proud to be in the first cohort recognised with the Fair Payment Code Bronze level, honouring fair payment practices with suppliers. To find out more about Beard, visit www.beardconstruction.co.uk.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Bob Pell joins MGAC as Executive Managing Director to accelerate the firm's growth across the UK and North America

Bob Pell joins MGAC as Executive Managing Director to accelerate the firm’s growth across the UK and North America

Pell will work closely with MGAC leadership to implement the firm’s strategic initiatives MGAC, a global project and cost management consultancy, is pleased to announce that Bob Pell has joined the firm as Executive Managing Director. In his new role, Pell will support the implementation and success of the company’s global strategic initiatives. He will focus on strengthening the team’s capabilities to drive growth and ensure seamless execution for an expanding client base across the UK and North America. Pell has a proven track record of success with MGAC, having worked closely with the firm as a consultant and strategist. During this time, he advised on projects including MGAC’s acquisitions of Stonemark Construction Management in the United States and Flint + Partners in the United Kingdom, while also playing a key role in strategic planning efforts across the UK and North America. “Bob has been instrumental in the success of our expansion, both in facilitating acquisitions and ensuring their smooth integration for our clients and organisation,” said Mark Anderson, President and Chief Executive Officer of MGAC. “We are confident that his expertise will drive the continued growth of our firm. His experience in growing and leading some of the world’s top built environment firms will be invaluable in achieving our goals.” Pell has held senior roles such as Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer at international design firm EDAW, Chief Operating Officer of Buildings & Places at AECOM, and, most recently, Managing Director at Hatch, a leading international advisory practice. His background is rooted in urban planning and in building and leading multidisciplinary teams across continents. His diverse experience spans the UK public sector and private consulting across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. In 2023, Bob served as a Fellow at the Harvard Advanced Leadership Initiative, where he focused on creating coalitions to help cities and communities in developing countries address challenges related to urbanisation and economic growth. “After working with MGAC on strategic initiatives over the past year, the firm presents an exciting opportunity to transform the way business is conducted in the built environment,” said Pell. “I look forward to collaborating with a talented and creative team to position clients for success in a rapidly evolving industry landscape.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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