Baxi, part of the BDR Thermea Group, has announced the appointment of Alstom MD Jason Baldock as the new MD for Baxi UK & Ireland. This follows the news that out-going MD and Dutch national Jan Rijnen has re-located to head up sister BDR company Remeha, covering the Belgium, Netherlands
Midlands-based housing provider GSA is looking to sell its offsite housing manufacturing business, LoCaL Homes. The 25,000-home provider has announced plans to exit the Walsall-based business in line with its strategy to simplify and strengthen and focus on its core social landlord services. Mona Shah, Chief Finance and Investment Officer,
M&G Investments has appointed Ruth Jackson as head of UK investment management within its real estate division. Jackson joins from Hines, where she was managing director of investment management with responsibility for three major European funds, overseeing assets valued at more than €5 billion (£4.37 billion). Her career also includes
Leep Utilities has appointed Ieman Barmaki as Director of Heat, to establish and drive forward the company’s heat networks division. Ieman brings over 20 years’ experience in delivering sustainable heat solutions, energy efficiency and decarbonisation projects across both public and private sectors. Ieman’s expertise is crucial at a time of
For many Brits making the leap from the damp streets of Manchester or the crowded tubes of London to the sun-soaked avenues of the Emirates, the game changes the moment they discover Dubai car rental. It’s not just about having a motor to nip from meeting to meeting—it’s about swapping
Baxi, part of the BDR Thermea Group, has announced the appointment of Alstom MD Jason Baldock as the new MD for Baxi UK & Ireland. This follows the news that out-going MD and Dutch national Jan Rijnen has re-located to head up sister BDR company Remeha, covering the Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg (Benelux) region. Jan will continue to be responsible for Baxi UK&I until Jason joins on October 1st . Jason has 29 years’ experience in commercial and project delivery roles, most recently as MD of Alstom UK&Ireland Digital and Integrated Systems division since 2020. During his time at Alstom, Jason oversaw numerous significant contract wins in the rail sector, which included securing the largest market share of Network Rail’s Major Signalling Framework Agreement (MSFA). Both Jan and Jason will report into BDR Group CEO Tjarko Bouman. Of his UK&I replacement, Jan said: “Jason has immense experience in helping complex organisations to upgrade and replace their legacy control systems for the 21st century. His experience is a great fit for Baxi in our role to help organisations replace existing heating systems with sustainable solutions that reduce carbon, reduce costs and improve controls. We’re extremely pleased Jason is joining our BDR team.” Commenting on his appointment, Jason said; “I am truly excited to be joining Baxi UK & Ireland and look forward to building on the company’s strong heritage and exploring new opportunities as we embrace the decarbonisation agenda.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Midlands-based housing provider GSA is looking to sell its offsite housing manufacturing business, LoCaL Homes. The 25,000-home provider has announced plans to exit the Walsall-based business in line with its strategy to simplify and strengthen and focus on its core social landlord services. Mona Shah, Chief Finance and Investment Officer, said: “LoCaL Homes has made an important and innovative contribution to housebuilding in the UK, and our product has been used by housing providers on developments up and down the country – that is something to be proud of. However, the landscape has changed significantly and while it has been a difficult decision to exit, it is a necessary one. We have a strategic objective to simplify and strengthen our organisation to enable us to focus on our core offer and to realise our vision of being a great social landlord. “We are in active discussions with interested parties and remain hopeful of finding a buyer. However, having made the decision to exit LoCaL Homes, this cannot continue indefinitely and if we are unable to do so, we will close the factory in spring 2026. “We have informed all LoCaL Homes colleagues and customers and our focus in the coming weeks and months will be on supporting them as we continue our search for a buyer.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
M&G Investments has appointed Ruth Jackson as head of UK investment management within its real estate division. Jackson joins from Hines, where she was managing director of investment management with responsibility for three major European funds, overseeing assets valued at more than €5 billion (£4.37 billion). Her career also includes senior roles at Invesco, in a pan-European capacity, and at JLL with a focus on investment and development in the City of London. In her new position at M&G, Jackson will lead bespoke mandates and develop fresh investment solutions, reporting to Peter Riley, head of UK commercial and capital solutions. Commenting on the appointment, Riley said: “We are delighted to welcome Ruth to M&G. Her appointment reflects our commitment to building the capabilities required to capitalise on global opportunities and deliver for clients as the UK market enters a new phase of growth. Ruth’s proven leadership and impressive track record will be invaluable for leading our UK commercial team through compelling opportunities for our clients.” Jackson added: “I’m excited to join M&G at such a pivotal time as the UK commercial real estate market is reinvigorated. Stabilising capital values, easing interest rates and structural demand across key sectors are creating a compelling environment for performance-led strategies. This is an opportunity for M&G Real Estate to lead in the UK market recovery and I look forward to building on its strong track record of innovation and performance.” M&G Real Estate, part of M&G’s £77 billion private assets division, manages a portfolio that includes retail landmarks such as Manchester Arndale and Cribbs Causeway in Bristol. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leep Utilities has appointed Ieman Barmaki as Director of Heat, to establish and drive forward the company’s heat networks division. Ieman brings over 20 years’ experience in delivering sustainable heat solutions, energy efficiency and decarbonisation projects across both public and private sectors. Ieman’s expertise is crucial at a time of rapid change for the UK’s heating sector. Heat networks have undergone a step change in functionality and efficiency and, with the UK on a firm path to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, they offer an unrivalled opportunity to reduce the carbon associated with heating homes and businesses, as well as providing cost-effective energy solutions. It’s estimated that the number of heat networks in operation will need to increase from 3% to around 18%. Ieman’s appointment strengthens Leep’s heat network adoption programme, ensuring heat networks are a sound investment and supporting Leep to be a true multi-utility provider: offering water, electricity, waste, and heat services to developers and asset owners. Louise Manfredi, CEO of Leep Utilities said, “We are delighted to welcome Ieman to the team at such a pivotal time for the UK’s heating sector. “His proven track record in developing heat networks and navigating complex regulatory environments makes him the ideal person to establish and grow our heat division. With changes on the horizon like the Future Homes Standard and gas boilers being phased out of new developments, Ieman’s expertise will be instrumental in helping our clients transition to sustainable heating solutions while maintaining our commitment to exceptional customer service.” Ieman previously lead on the development of multiple heat network both in the private and public sector, He has held numerous senior roles in renewable and heat network organisation and formerly Head of Asset Management and Sustainability at London Brough of Enfield managing complex asset portfolio, decarbonisation and development of renewable heat networks. Ieman Barmaki said about his role, “I’m joining Leep at a time when the UK’s heating landscape is undergoing such fundamental change. It’s exciting to have the opportunity to acquire and adopt innovative and sustainable heat solutions that align with the UK’s decarbonisation targets but that also work for our customers – helping developers and asset owners to maximise their business outcomes while also supporting environmental objectives.” To learn more about Leep Utilities and its services, please visit www.leeputilities.co.uk/heat-networks/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
For many Brits making the leap from the damp streets of Manchester or the crowded tubes of London to the sun-soaked avenues of the Emirates, the game changes the moment they discover Dubai car rental. It’s not just about having a motor to nip from meeting to meeting—it’s about swapping delays and drizzle for horsepower and high-rise ambition. In a city where business never sleeps, having the keys to your own set of wheels can be the difference between closing the deal and watching it slip away. Swapping the Pub for the Boardroom Let’s face it: the average Brit abroad often jokes about missing the pub, the football, or a proper cuppa. But when UK expats land in Dubai, many quickly realise the bar chat turns into boardroom chatter. Deals, investments, and start-ups are on everyone’s lips. And while you can still find a pint if you’re desperate, what really fuels success here is mobility. Renting a car in Dubai isn’t a luxury—it’s the ticket to being in the right place at the right time, every time. Why Wheels Mean Wins Business in Dubai moves at lightning pace. One hour you’re meeting a property developer, the next you’re pitching tech solutions in DIFC, and before you know it, you’re hurtling towards Abu Dhabi for a late-night networking dinner. Taxis can’t keep up with that schedule. Public transport? Forget it. With a rental, you’ve got the freedom to dictate your own timetable. You’re not waiting around—you’re cruising ahead of the pack, literally. Image Is Everything Back in the UK, you might get away with showing up in a battered Ford Fiesta, but in Dubai? First impressions are currency. Rolling up to a meeting in a shiny Porsche or a smart BMW isn’t just showing off—it’s levelling up. Clients, investors, and partners all notice what you drive, and in a city obsessed with style, it speaks volumes. UK expats cotton on to this quickly: a rental car isn’t just transport, it’s a statement that says, “I mean business.” Cost-Effective Confidence Here’s the kicker—many expats assume renting a car will bleed their wallets dry. But in Dubai, the market is so competitive that deals can be surprisingly affordable, especially when you book monthly or long-term. Compare that to what you’d fork out on constant taxis, and suddenly the balance shifts. It’s not about splashing the cash, it’s about spending smart. And let’s be honest—saving quid while still turning up in style? That’s the sweet spot every Brit loves. A Lifestyle Upgrade For many UK professionals, Dubai is about more than just work. It’s lifestyle, it’s adventure, it’s stepping into a world where skyscrapers kiss the clouds and the desert stretches forever. Having a rental car opens up the playground beyond the office. Weekend road trips to Ras Al Khaimah, sunset drives along Jumeirah Beach Road, or spontaneous detours to luxury resorts—it’s all on the cards when you’re not chained to the back seat of a cab. From Expats to Entrepreneurs Plenty of Brits move to Dubai for a job and end up building entire businesses. That leap often starts with something as simple as mobility. When you’re not stressing about how to get around, your mind’s free to focus on strategy, growth, and expansion. That’s why so many UK expats swear by their rentals. It’s not just convenience—it’s empowerment. Freedom on Four Wheels From pints to Porsches, the British expat journey in Dubai is one of transformation. It’s about leaving behind the small inconveniences of home and embracing a city where speed, ambition, and independence rule the road. With Dubai car rental at their disposal, UK professionals don’t just survive the business race—they thrive, steering their own course to success.