Alliance Homes has appointed Jon McMahon as its new Chief Finance Officer (CFO), as the organisation continues to focus on building much-needed new affordable housing across the West of England, while investing in existing homes and communities. Jon brings more than two decades of financial leadership experience and a wealth
This Blue Monday (20 January), escape the ordinary and apply for the job of a lifetime in Antarctica. British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is looking for people to work at its research stations in Antarctica in a range of roles. Carpenters, chefs, electricians, plumbers, boating officers, plant operators and more are
Matt Shufflebottom joins leading team to support continued growth CBRE has appointed leading North West office sector expert, Matt Shufflebottom, as Director within its Manchester Office Agency team. Matt joins after nine years with Knight Frank, where he was a Partner. He brings more than a decade of expertise within
Manchester-headquartered AEW Architects has made a positive start to 2025 with the recruitment of two highly experienced industry specialists bringing a combined experience in excess of 60 years. Associate director, Mark Massey, has returned to the practice following a 22-year tenure at Calderpeel Architects and is joined by Wayne Jones,
Group to benefit from Tim’s strong project management skills and extensive industry knowledge The RO Group is delighted to announce that it has appointed Tim Cakebread as planning manager. In his new role, Tim will be based at the company’s Potters Bar office and will work across the Group’s extensive
Drylining, insulation and M&E solutions distributor etag has appointed Michael Kelly as its Sales Director for the Irish market, harnessing over 20 years of experience in the industry to elevate the company’s position in the construction sector. Michael originally joined the industry with Heat Merchants, beginning with a summer job and then progressing with
Leeds and London based architecture practice, Edward Architects adds to its growing team with the appointment of Graham Davey as Architect. The new hire will further strengthen the firm’s court protection and accessible design work, one of its core specialisms and expanding service lines. Graham joins from Stage One Creative
Peel Retail & Leisure has welcomed Siobhan Ellis as the new property manager for its retail park division, a significant step in fortifying its operations and tenant relationships across its portfolio. Ellis joins Peel from Glenbrook Property, bringing over a decade of experience in property and asset management. Overseeing a
Panattoni hires new capital markets director to support its strategic growth objectives Panattoni, the largest logistics real estate developer in the UK and Europe, is expanding its capital markets team with the appointment of Jack Franklin from PGIM Real Estate. The appointment comes as investor appetite to deploy capital in
Forster Group, Scotland’s largest integrated solar and roofing service provider, has announced three new promotions to its senior team as the company continues to see an increase in demand for renewable energy solutions. Reflecting the firm’s commitment to innovation, customer service and sustainable growth, these promotions will help put Forster
Alliance Homes has appointed Jon McMahon as its new Chief Finance Officer (CFO), as the organisation continues to focus on building much-needed new affordable housing across the West of England, while investing in existing homes and communities. Jon brings more than two decades of financial leadership experience and a wealth of expertise in the property development sector. As Finance Director at PG Group, he played a key role in delivering landmark regeneration and new build projects, including the Carriage Works development in Bristol, working closely with Homes England to secure funding. Louise Swain, Chief Executive of Alliance Homes, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Jon to our Strategic Leadership team. His extensive experience in finance and property development will be instrumental in helping us deliver our strategic priorities – investing in our existing homes and neighbourhoods and delivering new affordable homes. “Jon’s leadership will ensure we continue to be a financially responsible organisation that provides good quality affordable housing and great services for our customers.” Jon McMahon, Chief Finance Officer at Alliance Homes, said: “I’m excited to join an organisation that exists to provide safe, affordable homes for people who need them most. Alliance Homes already has strong financial foundations and trusted partnerships in place, and I’m looking forward to building on that success.“This is a particularly challenging time for social landlords, with many competing pressures on our finances. That’s why I’m focused on making sure we continue to make sound financial decisions that support our ambitious plans to invest in our homes, build new affordable housing, and provide great services for our customers.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
This Blue Monday (20 January), escape the ordinary and apply for the job of a lifetime in Antarctica. British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is looking for people to work at its research stations in Antarctica in a range of roles. Carpenters, chefs, electricians, plumbers, boating officers, plant operators and more are encouraged to apply for a job that offers the opportunity of a lifetime. It’s a job unlike any other and an experience that will provide lifelong memories. Successful applicants will work in some of the most remote and beautiful places on Earth, building lifelong friendships and contributing to science that’s critical for understanding our changing world. Eloise Saville is a carpenter at Halley VI Research Station, which sits on an ice shelf and is the furthest south of the BAS research stations. This is her first season in Antarctica. “This job is unlike anything I’ve ever done before. I scrape ice off wood, drive skidoos and build things in one of the most extreme places on Earth, yet it’s funny how quickly it all feels normal. The people here are some of the most interesting and adventurous that I’ve met, and yet they’re normal too! If I’d known this was an option earlier, I’d have been working my way down here all along. It’s not just cold, it’s cool!” It’s an experience that leaves a lot of people wanting more. Ben Norrish, Head of Vehicles, joined BAS in 2001 as a Mobile Plant Technician. He has since returned to Antarctica many times, having spent 16 Antarctic seasons living and working on the ice. “There’s something special about Antarctica and the people that adventure there that gets under your skin. No matter how many times you go, when you step off the ship or aeroplane into Antarctica, you look up and take in where you are. That feeling of being in an amazing place is that same now as it was the first time. I would say to anyone who’s even a bit curious about what it’s like to live on the ice, take the leap and apply for the job of a lifetime – you won’t regret it and you don’t know where it might take you!” Looking out the window of your workplace and watching icebergs, whales and penguins is an experience that never gets old. Olivier Hubert, who is now a Catering Manager at BAS, was a chef in a Michelin-starred restaurant before deciding he was ready for a change of scene. He has over-wintered at Rothera Research Station and spent a summer at Halley VI Research Station. “Being a chef in Antarctica is a very different experience to anything I’ve ever done before. Meals are such an important part of life down South – they’re the anchors to the day so the pressure is on to create interesting and nutritious meals with limited supplies. But it’s such a privilege to cook for the team that become your family while you’re there – plus the views from the kitchen are pretty epic!” BAS is a world leader in polar research and operations. Its research highlights the fragility of the Earth’s frozen environments, and what that means for us and our planet. BAS scientists discovered the hole in the ozone layer and identified key evidence for climate change in ancient ice. It provides the UK’s national polar capability by operating research stations, aircraft and Royal Research Ship Sir David Attenborough, supporting science at the poles and securing the UK’s presence in Antarctic affairs. The first batch of the jobs – including diving officer, meteorological observer and ocean scientist are now on the BAS website at bas.ac.uk/vacancies. Applicants should check the specific job advert for the relevant closing date, with contracts starting anytime between May and September. We will continue to post more vacancies, including chefs, vehicle mechanics and zoological field assistants over the next three months. Contracts run from six to 18 months and are flexible. Salaries start at £29,273 per annum, with a benefits package. It’s worth noting there are no external costs whilst living on station as all living expenses are covered – accommodation, food, travel, specialist clothing, tools and training. Want to know more about what it’s like to live and work in Antarctica? Check out our podcast Iceworld to hear stories from people working in these roles on the ice. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Matt Shufflebottom joins leading team to support continued growth CBRE has appointed leading North West office sector expert, Matt Shufflebottom, as Director within its Manchester Office Agency team. Matt joins after nine years with Knight Frank, where he was a Partner. He brings more than a decade of expertise within the North West office market, and will be focusing on office leasing and occupier mandates in his new role at CBRE. CBRE boasts a large, diverse office agency team within the North West covering all sectors, including growth areas such as flex and life sciences which continue to drive demand. Joe Rigby, MD North, CBRE said “This is a key appointment for us, as we plan to double down on the market following a record breaking year across the region. Matt’s appointment will further cement and support our growth plans within the office agency team and we welcome him at a time when the market is reaching a turning point and expected to gather pace and strength throughout the year.” Matt added: “I’m excited to join CBRE and I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead. The Manchester team are market leaders in the office agency field and are renowned for providing best in class advice to our clients. I’m looking forward to adding my expertise to the team and building on their success.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Manchester-headquartered AEW Architects has made a positive start to 2025 with the recruitment of two highly experienced industry specialists bringing a combined experience in excess of 60 years. Associate director, Mark Massey, has returned to the practice following a 22-year tenure at Calderpeel Architects and is joined by Wayne Jones, appointed to the newly-created position of technical lead. The multi award-winning practice, which recently launched a London office, employs upwards of 100 people and has a project portfolio currently in excess of 1,300 live opportunities. In light of the Government’s target to build 1.5 million new homes in the next five years, Mark has been brought in to compliment and strengthen AEW’s residential portfolio. Mark has extensive experience designing and delivering a wealth of residential projects for a wide range of property developers, national housebuilders and Registered Providers, together with a broad portfolio of blue light projects. Wayne joins AEW with more than 40 years’ industry experience amassed at several high-profile North West practices, most recently with a 10-year stint as associate director at Leach Rhodes Walker. With vast technical and legislative knowledge, along with a wealth of practical cross-sector experience, Wayne will lead the technical delivery of projects across the practice. This will further enable AEW to continue to meet the highest standards of design and compliance following the implementation of the Building Safety Act (BSA) and associated changes to Building Regulations. Andy Rainford, managing director at AEW, said “It’s a real pleasure to welcome Mark back to the fold who will, along with Wayne, add significant skill and experience to our already extensive capabilities. “We have a great, growing team and many established clients in a diverse range of sectors and together, we look forward to continuing to deliver places that provide lasting value for our clients, communities and the environment.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Group to benefit from Tim’s strong project management skills and extensive industry knowledge The RO Group is delighted to announce that it has appointed Tim Cakebread as planning manager. In his new role, Tim will be based at the company’s Potters Bar office and will work across the Group’s extensive land and property portfolio. Edward Rowlandson, Group Managing Director, the RO commented: “Tim is an ambitious chartered town planner, and brings a decade of diverse experience, spanning both the public and private sectors. He is highly proficient in project management and in navigating intricate planning systems to successfully deliver a range of projects throughout the South of England, our key geographical focus area. “Our strategy required the appointment of a collaborative planner to join our multidisciplinary team across project inceptions to completions, and Tim delivers on that requirement. Our focus is to make positive and sustainable changes to the built environment, which Tim’s expertise will further support.” In his previous role as a principal planner within the strategic major planning team of Uttlesford District Council, Tim focused on large scale applications. His responsibilities included managing a diverse caseload focusing on greenfield residential projects, but including all types of applications, which will benefit the RO Group as the owner of over 325,000 sq. ft. of property as well as almost 200 acres of land. Prior to his time at Uttlesford District Council, Tim was an associate director at Savills, where he was the day to day lead on a variety of complex projects, which involved working closely with clients and Council officers. In experience that is highly relevant to the RO Group, he delivered a number of very successful mixed-use schemes, such as obtaining the hybrid planning consent at the Edmonton Green Shopping Centre and the implementation of Hurlingham Retail Park. He also delivered planning strategies for development opportunities and planning applications for office refurbishment and extension schemes in London. Tim graduated from the University of Sheffield with MPLAN (Merit) and BA (Hons) degrees and is a Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Drylining, insulation and M&E solutions distributor etag has appointed Michael Kelly as its Sales Director for the Irish market, harnessing over 20 years of experience in the industry to elevate the company’s position in the construction sector. Michael originally joined the industry with Heat Merchants, beginning with a summer job and then progressing with the company over 14 years to become a Branch Manager and Regional Sales Manager. In 2012, he joined the Grafton Group as Regional Heating Manager to develop the company’s heating and plumbing offering within the subsidiaries of Chadwicks and Heaton Buckley. Over the years, he progressed to the role of Regional Director, and most recently worked as Sales Director for Chadwicks, where he was responsible for maintaining and developing relationships with Tier 1 contractors and oversaw the development and implementation of a new CRM strategy to enhance customer engagement. Now, in his new position at etag he will focus on developing team members and building a strong sales team to support customer growth. Michael said: “There is a generally positive feeling from both clients and suppliers when it comes to the Irish economy, and the upcoming market opportunities will align well with etag’s growth strategy and target sectors. To join an organisation where I can use my experience to make a meaningful contribution and tangible difference is a brilliant opportunity and one I jumped at. “I’m committed to building on etag’s 20-year legacy, maintaining our personal touch and deep understanding of our customers’ needs. Whether businesses have worked with etag for the last two decades or are new, I’m looking forward to building on these partnerships to help fuel growth for our customers.” Tony Taylor, CEO of etag, said: “Michael’s experience in our sector is irrefutable, and he is unarguably going to be an enormous asset to our team. I’m looking forward to seeing how Michael uses his knowledge of the sector to foster fantastic working principles in our employees, ensuring they are armed with the skills and tools to have a direct impact on the growth of our customers’ businesses – something that is incredibly important to us. Welcome to the team, Michael.” Established in 2004, etag is a complete system solutions provider of drylining, insulation, membranes, M&E support systems and fixings, which prides itself on creating efficiencies in project timelines and processes through its products and services. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leeds and London based architecture practice, Edward Architects adds to its growing team with the appointment of Graham Davey as Architect. The new hire will further strengthen the firm’s court protection and accessible design work, one of its core specialisms and expanding service lines. Graham joins from Stage One Creative Services where he was Project Manager with a breadth and wealth of experience leading on large scale events and unusual builds. Prior to that he was an Architect with Pearce Bottomley Architects. During his project management role, Graham led a range of high profile live events involving complex design from the Eurovision 2023 set build at the M&S Arena in Liverpool to The Art of All Pavilion by Roc Nation and Jay-Z at Olympia in Kensington which involved a 4-week turnaround from contract to completion. He also worked on Moncler X’s Mercedes Reveal at Olympia which formed the centrepiece of Moncler’s London Fashion Week launch. Graham has also project managed a number of unusual builds including Bulgari’s Serpanti Lit Sculpture in Duke of York Square, Chelsea. His expertise also spans work across visitor centres, new builds, primary care centres, golf centres and the Leeds Chinese Christian Church. Graham Edward, MD, Edward Architects said: “Graham will be a fantastic asset to our team and brings a broad range of experience and expertise which has involved some unique and unusual builds. This will be invaluable in our accessible design and court protection projects.” Graham Davey commented: “I am excited to join the team at Edward Architects as the business continues to build. The practice has such a breadth of skills and experience and I’m keen to further my own skills by learning from those around me. I have particularly enjoyed that the values of the practice align with my own, placing the client at the centre of everything we do.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Peel Retail & Leisure has welcomed Siobhan Ellis as the new property manager for its retail park division, a significant step in fortifying its operations and tenant relationships across its portfolio. Ellis joins Peel from Glenbrook Property, bringing over a decade of experience in property and asset management. Overseeing a Diverse Portfolio In her new role, Ellis will manage more than one million square feet of retail space spanning seven retail parks across the UK, including locations in Stockport, Gloucester, Edinburgh, Yeovil, Hyndburn, Washington, and Barnsley. With an annual eight-figure rent roll under her purview, she is set to make a substantial impact. Working from Peel’s Trafford City headquarters, Ellis aims to introduce streamlined operational procedures and strengthen the portfolio by attracting new tenants to bolster the parks’ retail offerings. Leadership’s Perspective Mark Whittaker, managing director at Peel Retail & Leisure, shared his confidence in Ellis’s capabilities:“We are thrilled to bring such high-calibre talent into the Peel family. Siobhan’s extensive expertise in managing diverse properties and her proven ability to foster strong tenant relationships will be invaluable as we continue to evolve our retail portfolio.” A Vision for Growth Expressing her enthusiasm, Ellis highlighted Peel’s legacy and her vision for the role:“It’s incredibly energising to join a company with a 50-year reputation for innovation and growth. I look forward to working closely with our existing tenants to enhance operations while introducing exciting new names and consumer offerings to our parks.” Driving Retail Innovation This appointment aligns with Peel’s strategy to maintain its market-leading position in retail park management by integrating innovative solutions and nurturing tenant partnerships. Ellis’s expertise is expected to enhance the operational excellence and commercial appeal of Peel’s retail parks, ensuring they remain key destinations for both tenants and customers. With this pivotal hire, Peel Retail & Leisure is set to continue evolving its portfolio, strengthening its position as a leader in UK retail park management. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Panattoni hires new capital markets director to support its strategic growth objectives Panattoni, the largest logistics real estate developer in the UK and Europe, is expanding its capital markets team with the appointment of Jack Franklin from PGIM Real Estate. The appointment comes as investor appetite to deploy capital in the UK logistics market rebounds in anticipation of a more favourable interest rate environment. Panattoni is committed to enhancing its capacity to manage this trend and by strengthening the team aims to ensure that it remains a key player in driving investment and development within the UK logistics sector. Jack will join as a director in Panattoni’s UK Capital Markets team, where he will focus on the capitalisation and transaction management of projects throughout the UK. Based in the London office, he will work with Nick Cripps, Executive Director of European Capital Markets, and form part of Panattoni’s global capital markets network. Nick Cripps, Executive Director of European Capital Markets, said, “Jack will be a valuable asset to the business and we’re very pleased to have him on board. We are expanding the capital markets team in response to a maturing logistics market and the compelling opportunities that we are seeing following the cyclical reset. We are looking to deepen and diversify our investor base and, with the establishment of new investment offerings, are seeking to take advantage of these opportunities as we strongly believe it to be an attractive point in the cycle to develop and invest within the sector. “Jack will help manage existing and new investor relationships with a focused push on UK capital and he will play a key role in the structuring of capital solutions across the capital stack”. Jack has 12 years’ experience in the real estate sector, latterly as a Vice President at PGIM Real Estate, where he focused on the origination, structuring and execution of value-add debt transactions. Jack Franklin, Director, UK Capital Markets, said “After six highly enjoyable years at PGIM, I am delighted to be joining Panattoni at this exciting point in the company’s growth cycle. I am looking forward to applying my transactional and structuring experience to the UK logistics sector against the backdrop of a thriving occupational and repriced investment market. There are significant opportunities for attractive development returns from smart capital deployment into the sector and I am excited to work with existing and new capital partners in unlocking these”. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Forster Group, Scotland’s largest integrated solar and roofing service provider, has announced three new promotions to its senior team as the company continues to see an increase in demand for renewable energy solutions. Reflecting the firm’s commitment to innovation, customer service and sustainable growth, these promotions will help put Forster Group in a strong position as it prepares for a positive year ahead for the construction and wider build environment sector. Craig MacCormick has been promoted to Head of Technical. With seven years of experience as a Senior Engineer at Forster Group, Craig has been instrumental in leading the solar design team. In his new role, Craig will spearhead the technical evolution of new energy products, services, and markets across the Group. His leadership will be pivotal in expanding the company’s range of energy solutions, reinforcing its position as an industry leader. Daryl Cassidy has been appointed as Head of Operations. Daryl brings over 12 years of experience at Forster Group, most recently serving as Construction Manager for the roofing division. In his new role, Daryl will oversee the delivery of operations across the Group, ensuring excellence in sectors such as new build homes, commercial and agricultural buildings, and the retrofitting of domestic properties. His extensive experience will drive operational efficiency and quality. Jamie Robbie has been promoted to Head of Business. Jamie’s journey with Forster Group began 18 years ago as a Trainee Surveyor. His recent role as Commercial Manager has equipped him with comprehensive knowledge of the sectors, products, and services that Forster Group offers. As Head of Business, Jamie will focus on driving the Group’s business objectives, development, and delivery, ensuring sustainable outcomes that support the long-term success of the company. Welcoming these new promotions, Chair of Forster Group, John Forster, said: “We are proud to announce the promotions of Craig, Daryl and Jamie Robbie to our senior leadership team. Each has shown exceptional dedication, expertise, and leadership throughout their career at Forster Group and their promotions come at a crucial time as we navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the transition to net zero in the built environment. “Craig’s innovative approach to technical development, Daryl’s operational excellence, and Jamie’s comprehensive business acumen will be instrumental in developing and achieving our strategic goals. As we continue to see growing demand for the integration of renewable energy solutions, their leadership will help us further integrate renewables and construction, support local communities and SMEs, and address the critical skills shortage in our industry. “I’m very confident that Craig, Daryl, and Jamie will excel in their new roles, helping Forster Group to innovate, collaborate, and transform the industry. Their contributions will be vital in ensuring that we meet our ambitious climate targets and achieve a just transition to net zero that is equitable, affordable and achievable for all.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
