Continuing to drive up levels of customer satisfaction is the main focus for Bellway North East’s new Head of Construction. Ben Singlewood has been appointed to the role with the housebuilder’s North East division on a permanent basis, having held the position in an interim capacity since last May. Based in the North East division’s head office in Gateshead, Ben will be responsible for sites across Newcastle, Tyne and Wear, Northumberland and County Durham. He believes that delivering key infrastructure at an earlier stage in the construction process has played an important part in the division improving its customer satisfaction scores – and he is determined to ensure that the buyer experience remains front and centre in his planning and decision making. Ben, 51, from Bishop Auckland, said: “We have a ‘Customer First’ policy that is part of the company ethos. This is massive for the success of the business and for customer feedback. “Ensuring that all roads and other infrastructure are finished to an adoptable standard as a development progresses ensures that customers move into a street that feels complete. Historically this work might have been done towards the end of the project, but we try to do it while we are still on site. That means we control it better and it makes it easier for people who have moved in to get around. We are judged on our scores and surveys, and we find our scores are getting better because we are doing this work as we go.” Decisions around which homes are completed and handed over to customers and when this happens also have a big impact on the customer experience. “Occupation strategies are important because we want to move people into the correct environment, especially as on a large development work may be completed over several phases, over several years, and we are still the neighbours to our customers.” Ben has been with Bellway for 21 years, having joined the company as an assistant site manager in Darlington in 2004. “Bellway is a great company to work for with good employee engagement. It’s a very inclusive and forward-thinking business,” he said. Ben became a site manager in 2011, working in Darlington, Durham and Washington. Between 2014 and 2016 he was Senior Site Manager at Stannington Park – a regeneration project on the former St Mary’s Hospital site in Stannington in Northumberland for which Ben won a prestigious Pride in the Job Quality Award from the National House Building Council (NHBC).  In 2016 he became Construction Manager and in 2018 Senior Construction Manager. Major projects on the horizon include Bellway’s DH1 development to the north west of Durham, where the company is building 368 homes all fitted with sustainable air source heat pumps. The role of Head of Construction entails long-term strategic involvement not just in construction on-site but in every part of the process from land acquisition and planning to technical and sales. Ben enjoys the fast pace and problem-solving demands of the role in an industry that is constantly on the move. He said: “The one thing that is constant is change, and that’s a big appeal of the role for me. It’s a very dynamic role and I like the variety.” In some ways his motivation is the same as it was when he was a site manager. He said: “We are creating communities and I get a lot of satisfaction in turning over a good house and a good product.” To find out more about Bellway North East, visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/north-east. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Hewer Facilities Management, a leader in sustainable heating solutions, has appointed Adam Daly as Business Development Manager to support the rollout of its pioneering Heat Saviour™ technology nationwide. Having previously held senior roles at Navigator, Purmo, Westco and Fernox, Adam joins Hewer with over 20 years’ experience in the plumbing, heating and building services sectors. His expertise lies in developing routes to market for new products, driving penetration and growth through targeted training and education initiatives, and increasing sales across installer networks, merchants and national accounts, including specifiers and housing providers. At Hewer, Adam will focus on supporting the rollout of Heat Saviour™, a first-of-its-kind retrofit product that simplifies heat pump installations, reduces installation time and cost, and minimises disruption to homeowners and tenants. Officially launched in 2025, Heat Saviour™ is already installed in over 2,000 properties across the UK. Among these are 1,500 social housing homes in the South West, including those managed by providers such as Two Rivers Housing, Bromford, Green Square Accord, Rooftop Housing Group, Community Housing and Cottsway Housing Association. Compatible with all major heat pump brands, Heat Saviour™ has recently been endorsed by Midea, one of the world’s leading heat pump manufacturers which operates in 200 countries worldwide, highlighting Hewer’s position at the forefront of practical, scalable low-carbon heating solutions. Adam Daly, Business Development Manager, says: “I’m thrilled to be joining Hewer at such an exciting time for both the business and the wider sector, as it continues its transition to greener technologies. “The UK is leading the way in innovation in this space. Heat Saviour is a first-to-market solution that solves real-world challenges around heat pump adoption – tackling key barriers such as cost, disruption and installation complexity – for installers, tenants and homeowners. “My role will focus on helping installers, housing providers and local authorities understand the product and deploy it effectively at scale. Having the endorsement of Midea reinforces the value and impact of what we’re delivering.” Stuart Hesk, Director at Hewer, adds: “We’re delighted to welcome Adam to the Hewer team. His experience in product launch, market education and commercial growth is exactly what we need to support Heat Saviour’s rollout. “Adam’s appointment strengthens our business development capabilities as we help social housing providers, local authorities and homeowners adopt low-carbon heating solutions. With recognition from a global leader like Midea, it’s clear that our technology is not only innovative but also trusted by industry experts.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Catella APAM has strengthened its property and facilities Management capability with the appointment of Richard Stackhouse as Facilities Management Lead, further reinforcing the firm’s commitment to delivering high-quality operational performance across its growing portfolio. Richard brings more than 25 years’ experience in property and facilities management, having previously led facilities management teams within major managing agents including GVA and Lambert Smith Hampton. Most recently, he spent over seven years at commercial property developer and investment manager CEG, where he oversaw facilities management delivery and service charge management across its UK portfolio. Throughout his career, Richard has worked across a wide range of asset types, including new-build office developments, mixed-use and regeneration schemes, trophy assets and major refurbishment projects. His experience spans the full lifecycle of assets, from pre-construction and mobilisation through to operational delivery and ongoing asset optimisation. Richard’s key areas of expertise include leading national facilities management teams, improving operational systems and processes, strengthening supplier performance, budget and service charge management, and ensuring robust health and safety compliance. In his new role, Richard will lead Catella APAM’s national facilities management team, focusing on enhancing compliance and service delivery, driving improvements across the supply chain, reviewing operational systems and processes, and supporting the training and development of on-site teams. Kate Hackett, Head of Property Management (North) at Catella APAM, commented:“Richard’s appointment is an important step in the continued growth of our property and facilities management offer. His experience in leading national teams and delivering operational improvements across complex assets will add real value to both our clients and our site teams. We’re delighted to welcome him to the business.” Richard Stackhouse said:“What attracted me to Catella APAM is the collaborative approach between asset management, property management and facilities management teams, as well as the strength and diversity of the portfolio. I’m looking forward to bringing my experience to support the team and continuing to raise service standards for our clients and occupiers.” The appointment further strengthens Catella APAM’s integrated asset, property and facilities management platform, where strong operational delivery directly supports asset performance and income growth across client portfolios. Victoria Morgan, Head of Asset Management at Catella APAM, said:“Property and facilities management are critical to delivering our asset management strategies and driving value for clients. A genuinely integrated approach delivers stronger NOI outcomes than segregated services, as our teams work together to scrutinise performance data, control costs and strengthen tenant engagement. Richard’s experience will further enhance how we unlock opportunities and deliver measurable performance improvements across our portfolio.” Richard’s appointment reflects Catella APAM’s continued investment in strengthening its integrated management platform to deliver enhanced performance and long-term value across client portfolios. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

MORRO Partnerships, the Midlands-based developer committed to delivering affordable and socially impactful homes, has announced the appointment of new land director Vinay Vadgama, as the business strengthens its strategic growth plans across the region. Vinay brings over a decade of experience in the construction and development sector, specialising in land acquisition, mixed-tenure housing and partnership-led developments. His career has combined technical expertise with a passion for creating lasting social value in the communities his projects serve. He has previously led the acquisition of strategic brownfield and greenfield sites across the Midlands, forming key relationships with local authorities and housing associations to deliver ambitious developments. In his new role, Vinay will lead Morro’s land acquisition programme, working closely with housing associations, local authorities and landowners to identify and progress opportunities that meet the needs of both the business and the communities it serves. His role will ensure that every site brought forward is suitable for development and delivers tangible social benefit. Speaking on his new role, Vinay said: “Every site we acquire is an opportunity to give people the chance to be housed who otherwise wouldn’t be, and to make a meaningful difference in the community. Morro’s ambition and focus on putting communities first made it a compelling opportunity for me, and I’m thrilled to be joining the business at such a pivotal time in its growth.” Matt Moore, CEO at Morro, said: “Vinay’s expertise in land acquisition and partnership working makes him a perfect fit for Morro’s growth ambitions. He understands that our partners are always front of mind and shares our commitment to creating social value through development. We are confident that his leadership will help us deliver more homes that meet the needs of the Midlands’ communities.” Vinay joins Morro alongside new land manager Alex Loumidis, as it continues to strengthen its presence in the Midlands, reinforcing its reputation as a developer of choice for partners and communities alike. For more information, visit: https://morropartnerships.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Building services specialist TClarke has outlined plans to surpass £1bn in annual revenue as it reshapes its leadership team to support the next stage of expansion. Group chief executive Mark Lawrence confirmed the ambition while announcing that three senior managing directors will join the board of TClarke Contracting from March. Clive Carr, managing director for built environment, Lee Crozier, managing director for data centres and infrastructure, and Chris Harris, managing director for UK North, will step up to board level. They will join Mark Lawrence, finance director Jon Farrell, commercial managing director Garry Julyan and systems director Andy Griffiths. The appointments coincide with the retirement of long-serving director Mike Crowder, who joined the business in 1987. Lawrence said the £1bn revenue target reflects growing confidence in TClarke’s scale, market position and sector expertise. He noted that previous ambitions to grow the business by 50 per cent had already been achieved and exceeded, positioning the company strongly for further expansion. TClarke was acquired two years ago by Regent, the business gas supplier and connections specialist, in a £90m deal that attracted coverage from leading national business media. The company’s most recent results, covering a 15-month period, delivered pro-rata revenue of £677m over 12 months and generated pre-tax profit of approximately £13m. Lawrence said the latest board changes form part of long-term succession planning and will help guide the company towards its £1bn turnover objective. He added that Carr, Crozier and Harris bring significant leadership experience and deep operational knowledge, further strengthening the board as TClarke continues to expand. The move is also expected to create new development opportunities across the business as it enters its next phase of strategic growth. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Max Cardona brings over 30 years’ experience in engineering, process automation and business management He joins the Manchester-based manufacturer as it continues a multi-million-pound investment in its UK operations HAHN Plastics UK (HPUK) has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Max Cardona as General Manager, amid continued investment in its UK operations. Based at HPUK’s Manchester site, Max brings more than 30 years of experience across engineering, process automation and business management. He joins at a pivotal time, as the HAHN Group, HPUK’s parent company, progresses with a multi-million-pound investment programme to future-proof its UK manufacturing operations and support long-term growth. In his new role, Max will help deliver HPUK’s five-year expansion plans, scaling up production as the business continues to invest in its UK operations. As HPUK expands its manufacturing capacity, the investment will also support the UK’s ability to process more recycled plastic domestically, helping to prepare the country for the upcoming Flex Collect requirements and reduce reliance on virgin raw materials. Max joins HPUK from a top-tier engineering manufacturing firm, where he served as Sales Director. Prior to that, he held a number of senior sales and management roles, including more than a decade as Managing Director in his native South Africa, leading complex engineering and production-led businesses. As part of the HAHN Group’s long-term growth strategy, the business continues to develop and scale hanit®, its high-performance recycled plastic material used as a durable alternative to traditional materials such as wood, concrete and steel. Commenting on his appointment, Max Cardona said: “I’m excited to be joining HAHN at such a pivotal time for its UK growth. The scale of investment underway shows a business committed to doing the right thing for its people, its customers and the environment. “I’m looking forward to using my experience in manufacturing and process automation to help develop a site that is fit for the future. There is a strong team already in place, and I’m excited to work alongside them as we take the next steps together.” Dave Watson, Managing Director of HAHN Plastics UK, added: “Max brings a wealth of experience in operational leadership, automation and business growth, making him a strong addition to the team at a critical time for HPUK. “As we continue to invest significantly in our UK operations, Max’s expertise will help us optimise our processes, support our people and deliver the next phase of our long-term growth strategy.” Founded in 1993, HAHN Plastics UK leads the market in manufacturing high-quality alternatives to virgin plastic, wood, concrete and steel, made entirely from recycled plastics. The business transforms post-consumer waste into durable, long-lasting products such as hanit®, supporting sustainable manufacturing and the circular economy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

LONGSTANDING, independent MEP, sustainability and ESG consultancy Wallace Whittle continues its strategic expansion across England with the appointment of Andrew Smith as location director for its Leeds office, covering Yorkshire and the North East. This senior appointment strengthens Wallace Whittle’s existing regional footprint and reflects increasing demand for its engineering and sustainability expertise across the North of England. From Leeds, the team will support residential, commercial, mixed-use, healthcare, life sciences, data centres, education and industrial sector projects, while collaborating closely with clients and the wider supply chain on a regional and national basis. Andrew brings more than 30 years’ experience in the built environment, combining a strong technical background with an entrepreneurial approach to business growth. Having led and grown his own consultancies alongside senior leadership roles, he has built a reputation for developing high-performing teams and delivering a diverse and complex range of projects. Andrew’s long-term focus will be on growing the Leeds office organically, investing in people and creating a strong regional platform that reflects Wallace Whittle’s values. Talent development and mentoring the next generation of engineers will be central to his leadership approach, alongside a commitment to delivering projects that have a legacy across the UK. Andrew said: “Leeds feels like the right place at the right time, both for Wallace Whittle and for me. Leeds is a central hub, well connected by rail and road, which allows us to support clients across Yorkshire and the wider North in a very practical and efficient way. “What really stood out to me about Wallace Whittle is its culture. In an industry facing a real shortage of talented and aspiring engineers at every level, building and retaining strong teams matters now more than ever. My priority is to grow the Leeds office in the right way, investing in people’s professional development and choosing projects where we can make a meaningful, long-term impact. Being part of a business with a clear growth plan and strong values is incredibly exciting.” Andrew’s appointment forms part of Wallace Whittle’s wider strategy to align its expertise across a growing UK network, providing clients with local insight backed by national capability. It also builds on the success of projects such as the prestigious Hungate development – 670 central York apartments – and the major Dyecoats development in Leeds, which achieved Gateway 2 approval through Wallace Whittle’s support, enhancing its reputation for strong communication at every stage. Allan McGill, managing director at Wallace Whittle, said: “As Andrew steps into lead our Leeds office, strengthening our presence is a key move in delivering our continued growth across England. Andrew brings a rare combination of technical expertise and entrepreneurial experience that will help drive our regional expansion. His vision for building a strong team, focused on quality, culture and long-term relationships, aligns perfectly with our approach at Wallace Whittle. We’re looking forward to the benefits this will bring for not only our team but also our clients across the North, as we strengthen our presence.” For more information, visit: https://www.wallacewhittle.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Delancey, a leading UK-focussed property company and investment manager, has appointed Lesley Davison as Managing Director of Capital Markets, with particular focus on the firm’s growing credit and debt strategies. Lesley will rejoin the business in March 2026, having previously spent 14 years as Director of Banking and Treasury, managing all third-party financing, banking and treasury functions and relationships. With a 25+ year career in real estate investment, Lesley brings extensive experience across multiple geographies and sectors, including residential, office, retail, hotels, education, debt, distressed assets, and lifetime mortgage products.   Since leaving Delancey, Lesley served as Chief Investment Officer at workspace investor-developer Seaforth Land before becoming Chief Operating Officer at Telford Homes, where she led operations and strategy during a period of intensive restructuring.  A strong advocate for innovation, other roles held by Lesley have included Head of Commercial Strategy at GoSpace AI, a scale-up pioneering ‘space-allocation-as-a-service’. In her new role, Lesley will lead Delancey’s capital markets strategy in credit and debt, overseeing both lending and borrowing activities, working alongside the existing highly experienced team. As well as managing existing relationships, she will support the development and execution of new investment mandates and platforms. Lesley’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Delancey, following the DARE strategic partnership with Aware Super, its lending partnership with Cynergy Bank and, most recently, the launch of a new bridging finance platform, AlbionArc Capital. Lesley Davison, Managing Director of Capital Markets at Delancey, said: “I am thrilled to return to Delancey as Managing Director of Capital Markets and look forward to leveraging my learnings from the past six years to help build on new and exciting future mandates. “In a market where there is an increased focus on segregated mandates, I believe Delancey’s deep UK market knowledge and extensive experience across all major sectors gives the agility to react to macroeconomic or geopolitical changes while providing investors with highly bespoke access to deals and relationships, and therefore the highest investment return potential.” Stafford Lancaster, Delancey CEO, said: “Lesley rejoins Delancey at a pivotal time, with an expanding credit platform, major strategic partnerships and further new strategies planned. Her decision to rejoin us after her previous 14-year tenure I believe reflects the strong culture we have built at Delancey over our three decades and has been a critical ingredient to our growth and success. The Delancey team are excited to work with Lesley on the opportunities ahead.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Leading property management company Rendall & Rittner has established a dedicated Customer Experience (CX) Team, designed to enhance the way residents access support and receive resolutions to their enquiries. Based across the company’s London and Manchester offices, the team provides a dedicated first point of contact, improving response times and streamlining communication across the business.  Since launching, the team has been shaping and refining its approach, already delivering real benefits for customers. Building on this success, it is now extending its operating hours to further enhance support for residents. The CX Team is central to Rendall & Rittner’s focus on delivering exceptional service and resolving customer issues as rapidly as possible. The team handles incoming enquiries directly and then works quickly to provide a resolution or liaise with property management or specialist teams to ensure more complex enquiries are resolved. In the most recent quarter, the CX Team achieved first-point resolution for 50% of customer enquiries, with an average resolution time of three days. Feedback from residents has been overwhelmingly positive, with a growing number of five-star reviews recorded on Trustpilot and Google. Customers can connect with the CX Team quickly and easily via Rendall & Rittner’s MyPlace customer portal, website, dedicated property email address and telephone, when it is convenient for them. With the introduction of extended operating hours, support is now available Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm, and Saturdays from 8am to 4:30pm, making it easier to say connected. The introduction of the CX Team forms part of a wider investment in service improvement and technology. It complements the company’s MyPlace portal, which offers residents 24/7 access to property updates, document storage and online enquiries, as well as  supporting the broader shift towards a more transparent, customer-centric model of property management. “The launch of our Customer Experience Team marks a significant step forward in our commitment to delivering exceptional service,” said Catherine Riva, Co-CEO of Rendall & Rittner. “By streamlining communication and providing faster, more effective resolutions, we’re not only improving the experience for our residents but also setting a new standard in customer-focused property management. The positive feedback we’ve already received shows that this investment is making a real difference.” Jo Dowsett, Head of Quality at Rendall & Rittner, comments: “In a relatively short space of time, the team has exceeded expectations, delivering meaningful outcomes and setting a high bar for quality and service. I’m incredibly proud of how quickly the team has come together. Their enthusiasm, professionalism, and commitment to delivering results have already made a noticeable impact and that is being reflected in consistently positive feedback from our customers.” Led by Customer Experience Manager Angela Spencer, the CX Team works closely with Property Management teams and specialist areas to ensure complex or specialised enquiries are escalated quickly and handled effectively. The team has recently expanded with the addition of two new supervisors, strengthening leadership capacity and enhancing service delivery. By managing routine customer enquiries, the team enables Property Managers to focus their time on complex matters and key service outcomes. Looking ahead, the team will continue to evolve and enhance the customer experience by embedding a proactive, customer-first service culture and expanding customer-controlled systems designed for convenience and independent resolution. This approach will deliver measurable improvements in customer satisfaction, strengthen trust, and support long-term engagement across the customer journey. For further information please visit: www.rendallandrittner.co.uk  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals