United Trust Bank (UTB) is continuing to enhance its support of housebuilders and developers operating in the South of England with the appointment of Andy Porter as Senior Director in its business development team. The appointment follows a busy start to 2025 for the specialist lender and a successful 2024
East West Rail (EWR) is bolstering its leadership team with two significant appointments, reinforcing its commitment to delivering one of Britain’s most transformative rail projects. New Railway Operations Director Joins the Team Ben Rule has been named Railway Operations Director, bringing over 25 years of experience across high-profile rail projects.
The National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC) regrets to announce that Duncan Rudall is stepping down from the position of CEO. Duncan has spent much time away from home and travelling on behalf of the NFDC. After his wife’s cancer treatment, he has made the decision that he must spend
SafeSite Facilities and sister company SafeSite Security Solutions are building on their growth and sector leadership with a key promotion and strategic new hire. Paul Goossens has been promoted from operations manager to operations director at SafeSite Facilities. With a strong track record of driving operational improvements and mentoring staff,
International construction and property consultancy Thomas & Adamson, part of Egis group, has appointed Gemma Prior as director and head of cost management for its London office, supporting the firm’s ambitious growth plans. Gemma brings over two decades of experience in the construction sector to the firm, having held senior
Embrace Steel Group (Embrace), a leading provider of steel frame building solutions throughout the UK, has announced the appointments of three senior hires to its group, bolstering the teams of both Hambleton Steel and Shufflebottom. The new appointments highlight Embrace’s continued effort to invest in its people and cement its
Great Portland Estates (GPE) has appointed William Eccleshare as a non-executive director and chair designate, effective from 1st May. He will take over from Richard Mully, who steps down after more than eight years of service. Extensive Leadership Experience Eccleshare brings a wealth of leadership experience in both executive and
Leading property management firm Rendall & Rittner has promoted Marc Gomes to Senior Operations Manager, recognising his instrumental role in developing a thriving community engagement programme that has transformed residential schemes across London. Marc, who has been with the company for a decade, took on the role of Community Engagement
Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) is delighted to announce the appointment of Damian Hill to the newly created role of Technical Projects Manager, following the retirement of its Technical Director Joe Cilia. A seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in the interiors sector, Damian brings a wealth of
Leading North West property services company, The Momentum Group, has announced a series of key hires across the business, including two new directors, as the company focuses on the next stage of its growth following a successful 2024. Jacqui Saunders has been appointed as Director of Momentum Manage, with a
United Trust Bank (UTB) is continuing to enhance its support of housebuilders and developers operating in the South of England with the appointment of Andy Porter as Senior Director in its business development team. The appointment follows a busy start to 2025 for the specialist lender and a successful 2024 when it sanctioned over £1bn of funding for a variety of residential and mixed-use schemes across England and Wales. Andy Porter is an experienced career banker having worked in real estate finance for around 25 years with lenders including RBS and Barclays. Most recently Andy was Business Development Director at Close Brothers. In his role at UTB, Andy will predominantly be assisting housebuilders and developers operating across the South of England in securing flexible and competitive funding for a wide variety of residential and resi-led mixed use developments for both build to sell and build to rent sectors. Andy Porter’s appointment follows Andy Thomson recently joining UTB in the newly created role of Senior Director – Operational Real Estate. He is initially focusing on delivering loans to developers and investors operating in the Build to Rent sector, before exploring opportunities in adjacent markets including Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) and Co-living. Adam Bovingdon, Head of Property Development, United Trust Bank, commented: “Andy has joined us at an excellent time as we’re seeing high levels of enquiries from housebuilders and developers looking to take advantage of increasing activity in the market as well as the Government’s commitment to get Britain building. “2024 was a successful year for the Bank’s Property Development team. At the close we were helping our developer customers create around 4500 new homes across England and Wales and we are aiming to help housebuilders deliver even more in 2025.” Upon joining UTB, Andy Porter said: “UTB has established an excellent reputation as an experienced and reliable relationship lender. I am excited to have joined the Bank at this busy time as it continues to support SME housebuilders and targets further lending growth this year and in the future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
East West Rail (EWR) is bolstering its leadership team with two significant appointments, reinforcing its commitment to delivering one of Britain’s most transformative rail projects. New Railway Operations Director Joins the Team Ben Rule has been named Railway Operations Director, bringing over 25 years of experience across high-profile rail projects. His expertise will be instrumental in shaping the operational framework for EWR as the project continues to develop. “We are very excited to welcome Ben to East West Rail. Ben will play a key role within the company, and his proven track record in the rail industry will be invaluable as we continue to refine our plans.” – David Hughes, CEO, East West Railway Company. Ben will join later this year to oversee operational planning, ensuring the railway delivers a seamless and efficient service. Engineering, Technical and Safety Director Appointment EWR has also appointed Andrew Went as its new Engineering, Technical and Safety Director. Currently Head of Rail Engineering at Arup and a Board Member of the Railway Industry Association, Andrew brings extensive expertise in rail infrastructure. “With consistent backing from consecutive governments, we are progressing with detailed designs for the railway. Andrew’s unparalleled experience will be vital as we continue to develop and refine our plans to reconnect Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford, and Cambridge.” – David Hughes, CEO, East West Railway Company. Andrew will take up his role in the spring, leading EWR’s design and engineering work ahead of the upcoming Statutory Consultation and Development Consent Order submission. A Transformational Project for the Region East West Rail is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enhance connectivity across Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford, and Cambridge. By providing a fast, sustainable, and affordable transport solution, the project is set to drive economic growth, with forecasts suggesting it could boost the local economy by £6.7 billion per year by 2050. These appointments mark a crucial step forward in ensuring EWR delivers long-term benefits for communities, businesses, and the wider region. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC) regrets to announce that Duncan Rudall is stepping down from the position of CEO. Duncan has spent much time away from home and travelling on behalf of the NFDC. After his wife’s cancer treatment, he has made the decision that he must spend more time at home with his family, where he’s needed most. Duncan has worked tirelessly to modernise the Federation, support current members, and remove barriers to make it more accessible to new members, which has been successful. He has built greater ties and bonds with other industry representations, including the Institute of Demolition Engineers (IDE), the National Demolition Association (NDA), and the European Demolition Association (EDA), as well as regulators, in the push for transparency and better levels of competence. Duncan will be in post until the 21st of May 2025 and will remain an active participant in the NFDC but in a lesser role. The NFDC would like to express its deep gratitude to Duncan for his dedication, leadership, and the transformative impact he has had during his tenure. His contributions have strengthened the Federation’s position as a leading voice in the demolition industry and paved the way for continued growth and progress. The NFDC will provide further updates in due course. John Lynch NFDC President Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SafeSite Facilities and sister company SafeSite Security Solutions are building on their growth and sector leadership with a key promotion and strategic new hire. Paul Goossens has been promoted from operations manager to operations director at SafeSite Facilities. With a strong track record of driving operational improvements and mentoring staff, Paul has been instrumental in shaping the company’s strategic direction. Paul said: “My focus will be on streamlining processes, enhancing operational efficiency and creating a culture of continuous improvement,” said Paul. “I’m also looking forward to mentoring future leaders within the company, so we have a strong foundation for future success.” As operations director, Paul will lead efforts to refine operational structures, identify skills gaps and implement targeted training programmes. He will also take an overview of the company’s financial performance, overseeing cost-saving initiatives while enhancing productivity. In addition to Paul’s promotion, SafeSite Security Solutions is welcoming Shane Hall as its new business development manager. Shane brings a decade of sales experience, with a strong background in commercial cleaning, pest control and security services. He specialises in guarding, CCTV, temporary alarm systems and physical security solutions. His appointment will strengthen SafeSite Security Solutions’ relationships within the social housing sector in particular, and his expertise in client relations and problem-solving will support the company’s expanding reach. “My goal is to drive business growth by building strong client relationships,” said Shane. “Coming from a large organisation, I’m looking forward to working in a close-knit team where collaboration and innovation thrive. I’m eager to bring my industry knowledge and experience to SafeSite Security Solutions to help support it’s ambitious growth plans.” For further information please visit: https://www.safesitefacilities.co.uk/ and https://www.safesitesecuritysolutions.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
International construction and property consultancy Thomas & Adamson, part of Egis group, has appointed Gemma Prior as director and head of cost management for its London office, supporting the firm’s ambitious growth plans. Gemma brings over two decades of experience in the construction sector to the firm, having held senior positions at AECOM and Currie & Brown. Most recently, she spent almost five years at Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB), where she progressed to partner and was responsible for leading the public sector cost management division in London. At RLB, she also held the role of national deputy head of education and contributed to winning several of the UK’s largest university and public sector frameworks. In her new role, Gemma will focus on expanding Thomas & Adamson’s presence in the UK capital’s construction and property market, with an emphasis on several sectors, including residential build-to-rent and commercial office workplace and conversion. She will also seek to diversify into other areas, such as the public sector and life sciences. Key projects already on Gemma’s agenda include a prestigious high-end residential development, cutting-edge laboratories, and large-scale façade remediation framework for a UK-wide housebuilder. An advocate for diversity and inclusion in the sector, Gemma is an active member of The Circle Partnership, a mentoring network that supports women in construction by partnering senior professionals with the next generation of female leaders to support career development. Gemma’s appointment follows the recent hiring of associate Stephen Hart to lead the London office’s newly established building surveying team, working alongside Gary Wait, who heads up project management for London, enabling the firm to offer a full suite of services to clients in the capital. Founded in 1935, Thomas & Adamson has a team of over 100 staff across the UK delivering cost management, project management, building surveying, and construction safety services. The firm was acquired by global architectural, advisory, construction engineering and mobility services firm Egis last year, bringing a wider range of services to clients, including decarbonisation and sustainability consultancy. John McGuire, director and head of cost management at Thomas & Adamson, said: “Gemma’s appointment marks an exciting step forward for our London office and underscores our commitment to strengthening our capabilities in the capital. Gemma’s energy and expertise in cost management will help us to capitalise on emerging opportunities across key sectors. Offering the full suite of construction services means we can continue to meet the evolving needs of our clients and deliver market-leading projects.” Gemma added: “Joining Thomas & Adamson at this pivotal time is a fantastic opportunity. The firm’s integration with Egis has created a strong platform for growth, and I’m excited to be part of the next chapter. In particular, I’m looking forward to helping develop the firm’s multi-disciplinary approach, while also working alongside Egis’s equality, diversity, and inclusion lead to foster positive change in the industry.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Embrace Steel Group (Embrace), a leading provider of steel frame building solutions throughout the UK, has announced the appointments of three senior hires to its group, bolstering the teams of both Hambleton Steel and Shufflebottom. The new appointments highlight Embrace’s continued effort to invest in its people and cement its position as one of the major players in the British steel and wider construction industry. Shufflebottom, a steel fabrication company based in South Wales, has welcomed Richard Wigley to the business as its new Commercial and Technical Director while Ben Thomas joins as Operations Director. Richard brings a wealth of experience from the steel and broader building products manufacturing sector spanning over 3 decades. He is a Prince 2 practitioner and MBA-qualified commercial leader with extensive experience in stakeholder development for a multitude of steel and construction materials. On starting his new role at Shufflebottom, Richard Wigley commented: “I’m thrilled to be joining a well-established business with a reputation for manufacturing and delivering high quality structural steel frames. While Shufflebottom is a family business with clear core values and a strong presence in the local community, it’s now part of a larger ambitious group which provides the resources to continue its evolution, growth and expansion. I look forward to playing my part in taking Shufflebottom to the next level in the coming years.” Ben Thomas is an experienced manufacturing leader with a proven track record of enhancing operations across multiple sectors. Throughout his career to date, Ben has made sustained improvements in health and safety, quality and productivity. Ben Thomas, Shufflebottom’s new Operations Director, added: “The opportunity to join such a well-established, family-branded company with a long-standing reputation for excellence in structural steel manufacturing and passion for fabrication, was one I certainly couldn’t miss. I’m excited to using my skills to help improve the operations of Shufflebottom and now thrilled be part of a forward-thinking group that embraces new technologies and continuous improvement which aligns with my own drive for progress and efficiency.” Meanwhile Chris Burns has re-joined Hambleton Steel, a steel designer and fabricator headquartered in North Yorkshire, as Design and Build Engineer. Chris has over two decades of working within the structural steel industry throughout the UK, New Zealand and Australia. On rejoining the business, Chris Burns commented: “Hambleton Steel have gone from strength to strength over the past six years and has become an extremely attractive proposition for an engineer wishing to become an integral part of an ambitious business. I look forward to providing my expertise in front-end design and build as part of the talented commercial team at Hambleton.” 2025 has already been a busy year for Embrace with the appointment of a new CFO, Ross McAdam, as the ambitious steel and construction group strive towards achieving a group revenue target of over £100m in the near term through both operational improvement and M&A activity. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Great Portland Estates (GPE) has appointed William Eccleshare as a non-executive director and chair designate, effective from 1st May. He will take over from Richard Mully, who steps down after more than eight years of service. Extensive Leadership Experience Eccleshare brings a wealth of leadership experience in both executive and non-executive roles. He currently serves as a non-executive director and senior independent director at Centaur Media, as well as Chairman of Team ITG, a digital media company. Additionally, he chairs the Design Council, a Royal Charter charity and the UK government’s strategic advisor on design. His previous non-executive roles include serving as senior independent director at Britvic, deputy chair of Clear Media Limited, and a board member at Hays. In the executive sphere, he spent 13 years at Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, where he was chief executive from 2012 to 2021, leading the company’s listing on the New York Stock Exchange in 2019. His career also includes senior leadership roles at BBDO Europe, Young & Rubicam EMEA, McKinsey & Co, WPP, and Interpublic Group. Looking Ahead Outgoing chair Richard Mully expressed confidence in his successor, stating: “I am delighted that William has been selected to succeed me as chair. His extensive experience in marketing, business transformation, and growth will be invaluable to GPE’s board. I know he will provide strong leadership and support to Toby Courtauld and our management team. It has been an honour to serve on the board for over eight years, and I look forward to working closely with William to ensure a smooth transition.” Eccleshare added: “I am excited to be joining the GPE Board as its future chair. With GPE’s strong market position and high-quality portfolio, I look forward to leading the board and working with the management team to drive the company’s strategy and capitalise on new opportunities. I am also grateful for Richard’s guidance during the transition period.” With Eccleshare’s appointment, GPE is set to continue its trajectory of growth and innovation, leveraging his expertise to strengthen its strategic direction in the years ahead. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading property management firm Rendall & Rittner has promoted Marc Gomes to Senior Operations Manager, recognising his instrumental role in developing a thriving community engagement programme that has transformed residential schemes across London. Marc, who has been with the company for a decade, took on the role of Community Engagement Manager in 2018 and has since spearheaded initiatives that have turned residential developments into vibrant, connected communities. His early success as Estate Manager at Stanmore Place, where he pioneered a calendar of community events, laid the foundation for a blueprint now used across more than 50 developments. A Self-Sustaining Model for Resident-Led Initiatives Today, thanks to Marc’s resident-focused framework, many of these initiatives are led independently by residents and on-site teams. From seasonal celebrations like Halloween activities and Christmas parties to Recycling Week, bike repair pop-ups, and charity fundraising, the programme has become a vital part of community life. In 2024 alone, over £210,000 was raised for charities such as Great Ormond Street Hospital and White Rose through clothing banks. Marc’s promotion to Senior Operations Manager reflects the success of this sustainable model. In his new role, he will focus on operational leadership, overseeing on-site teams, training, and best practices to support Rendall & Rittner’s continued growth. Marc Gomes comments:“Managed developments are far more community-focused than they were five years ago, and engagement is now an integral part of what we offer. This has led to greater resident satisfaction, with many taking ownership of their own activities. Seeing our blueprint evolve into a self-sustaining success is incredibly rewarding, and my new role allows me to take a more strategic approach.” A Lasting Impact on Residents and Local Economies Resident-led initiatives, including gardening clubs, family meet-ups, and cinema nights, have fostered a stronger sense of belonging while also contributing to enhanced security, crime reduction, social value, and environmental awareness. Rendall & Rittner’s flagship developments, such as Royal Arsenal Riverside and Kidbrooke Village, now host community events attracting hundreds of attendees. Meanwhile, partnerships with local businesses and venues, including Battersea Park, Battersea Power Station, and Riverlight, continue to boost local economies and strengthen neighbourhood ties. Marc adds:“We’re not just managing bricks and mortar—we’re setting up communities to thrive. By creating engaged, connected neighbourhoods, we add value not just for residents, but also for leaseholders, landlords, developers, and the wider community.” With community engagement now firmly embedded in Rendall & Rittner’s approach, the company is setting a new standard for resident-focused property management—one where people don’t just live, but truly belong. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) is delighted to announce the appointment of Damian Hill to the newly created role of Technical Projects Manager, following the retirement of its Technical Director Joe Cilia. A seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in the interiors sector, Damian brings a wealth of technical knowledge and leadership to FIS during an exciting time of transformation. As part of this transition, Jim Parlour has been promoted to Head of Technical, progressing from his previous position as Technical and Vetting Manager. These changes form part of FIS’s commitment to evolve and expand its technical support services for the £10 billion finishes and interiors sector. In his new role, Damian will play a pivotal role in supporting FIS as the leading technical authority for the finishes and interiors sector. His primary responsibilities will include managing technical projects, collaborating with the FIS team, members, and external stakeholders to enhance and update technical resources, and ensuring that FIS continues to deliver high-quality technical guidance, training, and support for the sector. “I am absolutely delighted to be joining FIS and look forward to working with the exceptionally talented team and all members of this amazing sector,” said Damian Hill. “Having spent 30 years within the interiors industry, I am excited to bring my knowledge, experience, and passion to continue the great work FIS does for its members in promoting quality, collaboration, innovation, safety, and best practice.” Hill’s extensive background in the interiors industry includes 24 years at SIG, where he held various roles across sales, business development, and training in core interior products. Most recently, as Ocula Partitions Technical and Training Manager since 2018, he has overseen product development, performance testing and certification, compliance, and systems training. Hill has also been an active member of the FIS Partitions and Pods Working Group, staying up-to-date on the latest developments and providing valuable insights to help shape the future of the sector. Commenting on the new role, Jim Parlour, Head of Technical at FIS, said: “Damian brings a wealth of experience as a technical communicator, having provided functional training to hundreds of staff in all interior construction product disciplines. We are looking forward to accelerating our development of the FIS e-learning platform, advancing competence standards for estimating, procurement, and design functions, as well as receiving project management support for all our technical activities and membership vetting efforts.” The addition of Damian Hill to the FIS leadership team, alongside Jim Parlour’s promotion, marks a key step in FIS’s efforts to enhance its technical support and resources for the finishes and interiors sector. For further information or for any questions please contact FIS at info@thefis.org or call 0121 707 0077. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading North West property services company, The Momentum Group, has announced a series of key hires across the business, including two new directors, as the company focuses on the next stage of its growth following a successful 2024. Jacqui Saunders has been appointed as Director of Momentum Manage, with a remit to grow the Group’s property management division across the North West and South East. With over 20 years’ experience, Jacqui was previously Associate Director at Network Space, and held positions at The Arch Company and Savills. The second senior hire is Jyssica Murphy, who has joined as Health, Safety, and Quality Director, overseeing The Momentum Group’s strategy across the business. Jyssica brings a wealth of experience, including her previous role as Building Safety Regulatory Lead at the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). She has also worked at Redrow Homes, Torus and as a consultant for a wide array of Construction and Refurbishment Projects. In addition to the two new directors, Momentum Advise has strengthened its team with the appointment of Stella Costa as Senior Project Manager, James Blackmore as Project Manager, Lucas Smith as Trainee Project Manager and Claudia Watson as Graduate Project Manager, to support the division’s growing portfolio of retail delivery projects following the team’s recent geographical expansion. Momentum Build has also welcomed Nick Barrett as Construction Project Manager to help facilitate further growth as the team diversifies its client base across retail, leisure, residential, and parking facilities. Whilst Momentum Manage has appointed Jo Miller as Property Manager. Chris Bliss and Chris Renshaw, Co-founders and Directors of The Momentum Group, commented: “The success of The Momentum Group is driven by its people and, as we grow, we remain committed to attracting and retaining the very best staff. Jacqui Saunders and Jyssica Murphy bring not only renowned sector expertise, but the senior leadership skills that will help to drive our growth. Together with our other heads of the individual businesses and our board advisors, Yvonne Emmett Cannell and Ian O’Doherty, we are in a great position to expand, diversify and, ultimately, thrive.” Jacqui Saunders, Property Management Director, said: “Momentum Manage already plays a part in making great places; places that people, be they shoppers, workers or residents, actively want to spend time in. There is an opportunity, however, to expand our client base, not only in the North West, but across the UK. The company has the ambition and ability to do that, and I am very excited to be leading the team to make it happen.” Jyssica Murphy, Health, Safety and Quality Director at The Momentum Group, added: “The Momentum Group’s values and culture reflect what I believe matter in a business, so to join now, as the company pushes to achieve its next stage of growth, is very exciting. Working with Chris, Chris and the rest of the senior leadership team, I will ensure the Group delivers exemplary health, safety and quality standards, while also supporting its commitment to operating sustainability.” With the seven new hires, The Momentum Group now employs over 60 people, with the growth in the team reflecting a very strong 12 months for the company. 2024 saw the company become a B-Corp Certified business; the delivery of Momentum Build’s second project for leading leisure operator, Gravity MAX, in Westfield Stratford; and the facilitation of the second Building Sustainable Cities Beyond 2023 Conference, held by the Liverpool City Region Sustainable Property Group, which The Momentum Group founded. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
