Senior position in rail follows recent contract awards and supports future growth. Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has announced the appointment of Alistair Geddes as rail sector director. Alistair joins from Balfour Beatty where he held the role of operations director leading its rail system business. In this role he
AWARD-WINNING retrofit decarbonisation contractor Sustainable Building Services (UK) Ltd (SBS) has appointed Matthew Kershaw as its new head of health and safety. With more than 17 years of experience in various health and safety roles across multiple sectors, Matthew brings a wealth of expertise to SBS. Describing himself as a
Pell will work closely with MGAC leadership to implement the firm’s strategic initiatives MGAC, a global project and cost management consultancy, is pleased to announce that Bob Pell has joined the firm as Executive Managing Director. In his new role, Pell will support the implementation and success of the company’s
The FirstPort Group, the UK’s leading provider of residential property management services, has appointed Carina Paine as its Head of Resident Management Company (RMC) Services. This newly created role is designed to strengthen FirstPort’s commitment to the growing consumer-led market. Carina will be responsible for overseeing the operational delivery and
Construction firm Beard is celebrating the first anniversary of its Southampton office with the appointment of a new office lead. The family-owned company has promoted Ollie Chun to lead the 18-strong team on the south coast as the company looks to continue its growth and double its turnover in 2025
Newmark Group, has appointed Vinnie Kilner, Parin Patel, Alfie Molloy, Ine Roren, Nathan Archer and Alfie Tierney to form its Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Project and Cost Management practice. The sustainability conscious, commercially-minded construction experts will support clients in the UK and Europe, providing specialist project, programme and cost management
Cadogan announces the appointment of Stuart Wetherly as Finance Director. Working closely with the Chief Executive and wider Cadogan team, he will play a pivotal role in driving the financial strategy to support Cadogan’s commercial success and long-term stewardship of the Estate. Stuart brings extensive experience in corporate finance and business
The British Property Federation (BPF) has announced the appointment of Morgan Garfield, head of capital partnerships at NewRiver, as the new chair of its Retail Board. Garfield succeeds Allan Lockhart, CEO of NewRiver, who is stepping down from the role. A co-founder of investment management firm Ellandi, Garfield played a
Luna Students, a leading provider of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) management services and part of Torsion Group, is pleased to announce its new leadership team. The appointments mark a significant step in Luna’s ambitious growth strategy, positioning the company to enhance student living experiences while driving value for property owners.
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
Senior position in rail follows recent contract awards and supports future growth. Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has announced the appointment of Alistair Geddes as rail sector director. Alistair joins from Balfour Beatty where he held the role of operations director leading its rail system business. In this role he looked after a number of manufacturing facilities, frameworks and projects for clients including Network Rail, Transport for Wales, Transport for London and others in the private sector. He has also held leading roles for several significant infrastructure programmes including Crossrail, Hinkley Point C Marine Works and the Olympic Stadium transformation. Alistair will support Costain’s strategic focus on growth in strong markets, as well as ensure the business continues to provide predictable, best-in-class delivery to its customers. Alistair’s appointment comes following a successful period of growth for Costain’s transportation division. Costain recently announced two significant contract awards for HS2, including a £400m contract to deliver tunnel and lineside mechanical and electrical (M&E) systems as well as a separate award to deliver high voltage power supply systems across the entire line, worth in the region of £300m to the Siemens Mobility and Costain Joint Venture. The news is Costain’s second senior appointment of the year, following on from the recent appointment of Eva Soto Pérez as engineering services general manager, as Costain ensures a full-service offering for its customers and supports the growth of its consultancy service. Jonathan Willcock, managing director, transportation, at Costain, commented: “UK rail infrastructure is critical for creating a sustainable future and driving UK prosperity through improved productivity, greater connectivity, and job creation. But it faces challenges around resilience, particularly with rising demand and more extreme weather. Alistair brings a wealth of experience that will support our rail sector growth as we continue to deliver the strategic needs of our customers.” Alistair Geddes, rail sector director at Costain, added: “Costain has an excellent reputation and heritage in delivering complex rail infrastructure that improves people’s lives. I’m looking forward to drawing on Costain’s breadth of service offerings and expertise from across the organisation to continue providing best-in-class infrastructure services to the rail industry.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
AWARD-WINNING retrofit decarbonisation contractor Sustainable Building Services (UK) Ltd (SBS) has appointed Matthew Kershaw as its new head of health and safety. With more than 17 years of experience in various health and safety roles across multiple sectors, Matthew brings a wealth of expertise to SBS. Describing himself as a ‘jack of all trades’ in safety, he has worked across diverse industries but is most passionate about improving communities through transformational retrofit projects. Matthew said: “I grew up in social housing, so I know what it’s like to live in a cold house and not be allowed to turn the heating on through winter.” His career has allowed him to witness first-hand how retrofit solutions can positively impact communities. Matthew continued: “I worked on a rundown housing estate in Wales where we installed external wall insulation (EWI). We collaborated with contractors and site teams to create a positive working environment for residents. As the houses started to look more modern, people took pride in their surroundings – gardens were tidied, fences were painted, and within 18 months to two years, the whole village had transformed.” For Matthew, people are at the heart of safety. His perspective is that processes and procedures don’t keep people safe, but people keep people safe. Working closely with the senior leadership team and project managers, he aims to integrate safety into every aspect of operations to ensure safety is “blended in, not bolted on.” Matthew said: “You can either see health and safety as a compliance and risk strategy, or you can see it as a people strategy. A strong safety culture creates not only a safer work environment, but a more supportive and productive one. This, in turn, should enhance overall well-being, job satisfaction, and ultimately support the growth of SBS.” Over the next 18 months, Matthew plans to expand the health and safety team and embed a new way of thinking across the SBS ecosystem. His goal is to create a company-wide culture where safety is a shared responsibility, deeply integrated into every process rather than treated as a separate compliance function. Matthew said: “I want people to make good decisions at the right time, but we must also hold them accountable for those decisions. That comes from a culture of trust, kindness, patience, and responsibility. By fostering open communication, ensuring competency at all levels, and leveraging technology, we can embed safety seamlessly into SBS’s daily operations.” Gary Lawson, managing director at SBS, said: “Bringing Matthew into the SBS team is an important appointment for us. His expertise and passion for a company-wide cultural approach to safety, along with striving for continuous improvement, will be invaluable in driving SBS toward a more innovative approach to health and safety. We look forward to hearing the ideas he will bring to the table and supporting him with implementing them.” For more information about SBS, visit www.sustainablebuildinguk.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Pell will work closely with MGAC leadership to implement the firm’s strategic initiatives MGAC, a global project and cost management consultancy, is pleased to announce that Bob Pell has joined the firm as Executive Managing Director. In his new role, Pell will support the implementation and success of the company’s global strategic initiatives. He will focus on strengthening the team’s capabilities to drive growth and ensure seamless execution for an expanding client base across the UK and North America. Pell has a proven track record of success with MGAC, having worked closely with the firm as a consultant and strategist. During this time, he advised on projects including MGAC’s acquisitions of Stonemark Construction Management in the United States and Flint + Partners in the United Kingdom, while also playing a key role in strategic planning efforts across the UK and North America. “Bob has been instrumental in the success of our expansion, both in facilitating acquisitions and ensuring their smooth integration for our clients and organisation,” said Mark Anderson, President and Chief Executive Officer of MGAC. “We are confident that his expertise will drive the continued growth of our firm. His experience in growing and leading some of the world’s top built environment firms will be invaluable in achieving our goals.” Pell has held senior roles such as Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer at international design firm EDAW, Chief Operating Officer of Buildings & Places at AECOM, and, most recently, Managing Director at Hatch, a leading international advisory practice. His background is rooted in urban planning and in building and leading multidisciplinary teams across continents. His diverse experience spans the UK public sector and private consulting across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. In 2023, Bob served as a Fellow at the Harvard Advanced Leadership Initiative, where he focused on creating coalitions to help cities and communities in developing countries address challenges related to urbanisation and economic growth. “After working with MGAC on strategic initiatives over the past year, the firm presents an exciting opportunity to transform the way business is conducted in the built environment,” said Pell. “I look forward to collaborating with a talented and creative team to position clients for success in a rapidly evolving industry landscape.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The FirstPort Group, the UK’s leading provider of residential property management services, has appointed Carina Paine as its Head of Resident Management Company (RMC) Services. This newly created role is designed to strengthen FirstPort’s commitment to the growing consumer-led market. Carina will be responsible for overseeing the operational delivery and strategic direction of FirstPort’s RMC services, ensuring a consistent, high-quality experience for both residents and RMCs. She joins FirstPort from Barratt Redrow, where she served as Estates Manager for the Southern Counties division. During her tenure, she played a key role in estate management and led RMC transitions, bringing valuable expertise to her new position. Speaking about her appointment, Carina said:“I am excited to join FirstPort at a time of significant change in the property industry. We are continuously improving how we listen to our RMC clients to better meet and exceed their expectations. My focus will be on shaping our service offerings to align with their needs. “It is essential that we take a collaborative and tailored approach, as no two RMCs are the same. By fostering strong, transparent relationships with residents and delivering a professional, simplified, and effective service, we can ensure the long-term success of these developments. “This partnership empowers homeowners, ensuring they have clear insights into how their developments are managed, while also streamlining the process for developers.” Martin King, Managing Director of The FirstPort Group, added:“We are delighted to welcome Carina to FirstPort. Her extensive experience in the RMC and developer landscape will be invaluable as we continue to adapt and innovate to meet the evolving needs of our clients. Her leadership will help us build a more collaborative approach for our Resident Directors, ensuring long-term success and satisfaction for both residents and clients.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction firm Beard is celebrating the first anniversary of its Southampton office with the appointment of a new office lead. The family-owned company has promoted Ollie Chun to lead the 18-strong team on the south coast as the company looks to continue its growth and double its turnover in 2025 after achieving its targets last year. Ollie joined Beard in 2016 as pre-construction manager, based in Beard’s Guildford office. He was instrumental in establishing the Southampton office, initially splitting his time between the two regions. “After supporting our set-up in Southampton, taking this role was the natural next step for me,” said Ollie. “I’m excited to lead the Southampton team into its second year, with the support of Beard’s leadership team firmly beside me, as we continue to deliver quality work for our customers and develop our strong pipeline of work.” Mike Hedges, company operations director at Beard, said: “Over the past year, as our Southampton team has grown, Ollie has consistently shown his dedication to delivering projects promptly and faultlessly. His commitment reflects the core values of Beard, and his skills in project management and operational efficiency have been invaluable. “The Southampton team has had an incredibly successful first year, completing our first two projects and expanding our presence in the region. We look forward to supporting our customers, Ollie, and the team in achieving continued success.” Ollie successfully completed Beard’s internal leadership development programme in 2024, designed to equip colleagues with the skills to be successful leaders and enabling the firm to promote from within. Around half of the Southampton team were existing employees, redeployed to the area to share their expertise and establish the Beard culture within the new office. A further eight new colleagues were recruited last year across office and site-based roles. “We’re got a great balance of highly experienced colleagues who are ambassadors for how we do things at Beard, and new recruits with wide-ranging construction and operational experience, as well as sound local knowledge,” Ollie added. The Southampton office had previously been led by director Pat Hughes, who left the firm at the end of 2024 after five years with the business. He first led Beard’s Guildford office, before taking the helm in Southampton. One of the office’s flagship projects has been the restoration of the historic Hilsea Lido for Portsmouth City Council. Due to open later this year in time for its 90th anniversary, Beard is modernising and restoring facilities at the Lido, including installing new pipework, stabilising the pool structure, and building new modular changing facilities. The office is also hosting a placement student as part of the company’s commitment to supporting the next generation into the industry. Mitch Burton, who is studying Quantity Surveying student at Oxford Brookes University, has been offered a full-time role within the team upon completion of his studies. The Southampton team is keen to expand its regional supply chain and is inviting businesses to express their interest in working with Beard via its website. Beard is proud to be in the first cohort recognised with the Fair Payment Code Bronze level, honouring fair payment practices with suppliers. To find out more about Beard, visit www.beardconstruction.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Newmark Group, has appointed Vinnie Kilner, Parin Patel, Alfie Molloy, Ine Roren, Nathan Archer and Alfie Tierney to form its Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Project and Cost Management practice. The sustainability conscious, commercially-minded construction experts will support clients in the UK and Europe, providing specialist project, programme and cost management expertise across their retail, hospitality and leisure portfolios. Led by Vinnie, these hires bring more than 80 years combined experience managing projects and portfolios from site selection and feasibility, through design and construction. They will work closely with corresponding departments across Building Consultancy, Occupier Agency, Business Rates and Capital Markets, allowing the world’s most successful brands to thrive at every stage of their real estate, backed by Newmark’s extensive and comprehensive knowledge and advisory of the international market. Simon Prichard commented: “The addition of these hires reinforce Newmark commitment to bringing the best talent and services to its clients. With their proven track record of delivering transformative projects for global brands, this practice further strengthens Newmark’s comprehensive service offering and enhances its ability to support clients in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors across the UK and Europe.” The responsibilities, oversight and areas of expertise of each hire are summarized below: Vinnie Kilner brings 17 years’ specialist experience in major projects, advising international brands and occupiers on project delivery strategies, ranging from multiple store rollouts to iconic flagship projects in some of the most exclusive locations. Parin Patel joins as Senior Associate. Parin provides programme management and project delivery expertise, having worked with retailers on large scale international expansions and being responsible for the construction of 100s of stores. Alfie Molloy, Senior Associate, has an experienced background in project and cost management. He joins with a strategic focus on supporting Newmark’s leisure clients. Ine Roren, Associate, will lead multi-territory programmes for high profile brands, having worked on both client and consultancy side of international store and showroom expansions. Nathan Archer joins as Senior Cost Manager. His experience spans luxury retail, food and beverage, leisure and retail offices acquired from both main contractor and consultancy where he has worked with prominent clients in UK and Europe. Alfie Tierney, Senior Project Manager, joins with an impressive track record in the construction of retail, high-end residential and hotel projects where his technical expertise and hands-on delivery approach have been fundamental to the completion of five projects in live environments. Vinnie commented: “These project delivery specialists are aligned with Newmark’s ambitions to be the very best real estate advisor, which is evident from their track record delivering projects for many of the world’s best-known brands. It’s an exciting time to be part of Newmark, and they are perfectly placed amongst Newmark’s industry leading experts.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cadogan announces the appointment of Stuart Wetherly as Finance Director. Working closely with the Chief Executive and wider Cadogan team, he will play a pivotal role in driving the financial strategy to support Cadogan’s commercial success and long-term stewardship of the Estate. Stuart brings extensive experience in corporate finance and business transformation. He joins Cadogan from Capital & Regional Plc, where he was Group Finance Director and a member of the Board of Directors. Prior to this, Stuart held senior positions at Deloitte, where he led global audits for FTSE 100 and 250 companies and played a crucial role in major corporate transactions, including M&A, capital raises and IPOs. Stuart also served as Treasurer and Trustee for the London Wildlife Trust, where he helped restructure the Trust’s funding model to ensure long-term sustainability. Hugh Seaborn, CEO of Cadogan, commented:“We are delighted to welcome Stuart to Cadogan. His extensive experience and proven leadership in financial strategy will be invaluable to the business. I am looking forward to working with him as we continue to shape the future of Chelsea, making a positive contribution towards a sustainable environment and putting the community at the heart of our commercial decisions.” Stuart Wetherly, Finance Director, added: “Cadogan is renowned for its placemaking and long-term stewardship of one of London’s most fascinating and thriving neighbourhoods. I very much look forward to supporting the continued success of this extraordinary property portfolio and helping to curate a destination where retailers, businesses and local residents flourish.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The British Property Federation (BPF) has announced the appointment of Morgan Garfield, head of capital partnerships at NewRiver, as the new chair of its Retail Board. Garfield succeeds Allan Lockhart, CEO of NewRiver, who is stepping down from the role. A co-founder of investment management firm Ellandi, Garfield played a key role in expanding the business over 16 years, overseeing the management of more than 30 shopping centres before its acquisition by NewRiver in July 2024. Throughout his career, he has been actively involved in acquiring and managing shopping centres across the UK, from local community hubs to major retail destinations. His experience spans working with a diverse range of stakeholders, including investors, debt providers, local authorities, occupiers, and community groups. In his new role as chair, Garfield aims to champion the UK retail sector as an attractive investment opportunity and engage with key stakeholders to drive positive change. He will also continue to support the BPF’s initiatives, including advocating for business rates reform and modernising the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 to streamline commercial leasing. Additionally, he will push for policies that encourage the decarbonisation of buildings and facilitate the repurposing of vacant and underutilised spaces in town centres. Speaking about his appointment, Garfield said: “I am honoured to take on the role of chair of the BPF Retail Board. Our high streets, town centres, and shopping centres are vital to both the economy and local communities. Retail has undergone significant structural changes, accelerated by the impact of Covid, and we are now at a pivotal moment. Retailers and consumers increasingly recognise the value of physical stores within an omni-channel environment, while communities and government acknowledge the importance of placemaking in our towns and cities. This presents a unique opportunity to invest, curate, and shape vibrant retail destinations that drive long-term economic and social prosperity. “This is an exciting time for retail property, and I look forward to promoting this vision to investors and stakeholders. It is crucial that the BPF and its members continue to influence policy and create a regulatory environment that fosters investment and delivers thriving towns, employment opportunities, and dynamic spaces where people want to live, shop, and socialise.” Other members of the BPF Retail Board include representatives from M&G Real Estate, Landsec, Aberdeen, Pepper Media, Hammerson, Cadogan Estates, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, British Land, CBRE, and Shaftesbury Capital. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Luna Students, a leading provider of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) management services and part of Torsion Group, is pleased to announce its new leadership team. The appointments mark a significant step in Luna’s ambitious growth strategy, positioning the company to enhance student living experiences while driving value for property owners. We’re especially proud that our leadership team is majority female —an important distinction in a sector where this remains rare. Meet the Leadership Team With over 15 years of experience in the PBSA sector, Louise is a strategic leader with a proven track record in driving occupancy, enhancing student experiences, and maximising asset value. Having held senior roles at Unite, Liberty Living, GSA/Yugo, and StudentCrowd, she brings a wealth of expertise in sales, marketing, and strategy. Louise’s vision for Luna Students is centred around operational excellence and industry-leading student experiences. Stuart has been at the forefront of PBSA operations for over a decade. Beginning his journey as General Manager at The Student Housing Company in 2014, he quickly ascended to European Head of Operations at Yugo, overseeing 20,000 beds. His leadership has garnered multiple industry awards, including International Operator of the Year at the 2020 Student Accommodation Awards. Stuart’s expertise in operational efficiency, team leadership, and ESG strategies will be instrumental in Luna’s continued growth. Rosie began her decade-long career in PBSA as a Resident Assistant at The Student Housing Company, quickly advancing to Digital Marketing Specialist. She later played a key role in the rapid expansion of PBSA portfolios, successfully launching new markets across nine countries as Head of Marketing at Nido Living and contributing to 12 industry award wins during her tenure. With expertise in brand development, demand generation, and strategic market entry, and named one of EG’s Rising Stars of Real Estate in 2023, her appointment will support LUNA’s ambitious growth, expanding its presence in new locations and strengthening student engagement. Shelley brings over 17 years of experience in PBSA, having held key roles at Yugo, Liberty Living, The Student Housing Company and Project Student. She specialises in building high-performing teams and optimising commercial and operational functions. She has a keen ability to enhance student experience while delivering strong financial performance. Shelley’s leadership will ensure Luna’s growth remains people-focused, aligning with its commitment to providing exceptional student living environments. Luna’s Growth and Expansion Plans LUNA Students currently has over 700 beds live for 2025 and a pipeline of over 2500 beds as part of their rapid growth plan to own and operate over 4,000 beds in the next 4 years. As a third-party operator, Luna is expanding its reach through strategic partnerships, leveraging its expertise to provide best-in-class student accommodation management services. In partnership with Torsion Group, Luna is committed to sustainability, operational efficiency, and student well-being. Recent developments include a joint venture with Zenzic Capital, acquiring five major PBSA schemes in Leeds, Warwick and Nottingham. Currently LUNA operates two schemes, with three additional properties set to launch in September 2025, following a mix of owner –operator and third-party management models. Luna Students work closely with Torsion Developments to achieve the highest 3-Star Fitwel Certification in the UK, and excellent BREEAM ratings reinforcing its commitment to creating healthy and sustainable student living environments. Leadership Vision Louise Bena, Managing Director at Luna Students, stated: I am incredibly proud to have built such an outstanding leadership team. At Luna Students, people are at the heart of everything we do—our team, our customers, and our investors. We are committed to delivering excellence at every level. This year marks an exciting period of growth for Luna, and I am thrilled to be on this journey with such a talented and dedicated team. Dan Spencer, CEO of Torsion Group, added: Luna Students is a key part of Torsion Group’s fully integrated business model, enabling us to invest, develop, construct and operate best-in-class student accommodation. The team at Luna is among the best in the sector, and they are already making a huge impact—enhancing student experiences, optimising developments, and delivering strong returns for our investors. With Louise’s leadership and our combined expertise, we are well-positioned to accelerate our growth and set new benchmarks for excellence in the PBSA sector. For more information on Luna Students, visit: www.lunastudents.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
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
