Tier one contractor Sir Robert McAlpine has today announced the appointment of Paul Sims as its new Operations Director as it eyes continued growth. A well-respected industry veteran, Paul will work closely with Commercial Director Glen Harding to further build Sir Robert McAlpine’s growing pipeline of work. Paul was most
Mike joins Sir Robert McAlpine from HS2 Limited… Sir Robert McAlpine has today announced the appointment of Mike Hickson OBE as Managing Director of Defence. Joining Sir Robert McAlpine from HS2 Limited, Mike will be responsible for setting and delivering the company’s Defence strategy. This forms an essential part of
Balfour Beatty today announces the appointment of Steve O’Sullivan as Project Director with responsibility for Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA’s HS2 Old Oak Common station project. Steve replaces Nigel Russell, who was promoted to Chief Executive Officer of Balfour Beatty’s HS2 Major Projects business in January 2024. With over 40 years’
James Hardie, the world leader in the manufacture of high-performance fibre cement and fibre gypsum building solutions, has appointed Edward Dunn as Channel Manager to further support trade partners in the North. Ed has nearly 10 years account management experience working for large national accounts and independent wholesalers. In his
London anchored and leading Design & Build contractors McAleer & Rushe, proudly announces the internal appointment of five new Contracts Directors to further strengthen their senior management team. As a family-owned business renowned for its commitment to excellence and partnering with their clients and valued consultants, these appointments underscore the
South Staffordshire Plc’s compliance division is delighted to welcome Nicki Hay as its new sales director. Nicki will join the senior management team overseeing all aspects of sales for the two compliance businesses, Integrated Water Services (IWS) Water Hygiene and Omega Red Group. Nicki’s background of over 20 years in
Q-Bot, the UK construction tech company that uses robotics and AI to insulate people’s homes, has strengthened its Board with the appointment of a new Executive Chair and a second Investment Director. Victor Vadaneaux has been appointed Executive Chair of Q-Bot. Victor has worked within B2B services, the engineering industry
The Supply Chain Sustainability School, a leading online platform dedicated to promoting sustainable practices within supply chains, is pleased to announce the appointment of three new distinguished members to its Board of Directors. The new appointees bring a wealth of experience and expertise that will strengthen the School’s mission of
Acoustic, fire and thermal insulation product manufacturer AIM has appointed Chris Dale as Business Development Manager – North. Liaising with insulation distributers, builders’ merchants and their installer customers, Chris will be responsible for customer and installer relationships in the Midlands, northern England and Scotland. He will work hand in hand
Leading property management agent Rendall & Rittner has recently promoted Ross Facta to the position of Head of Consultancy. Ross’ role will see him lead on the consultancy of a range of residential and mixed-use projects from concept design through to ongoing management. Ross began his career in property, managing
Tier one contractor Sir Robert McAlpine has today announced the appointment of Paul Sims as its new Operations Director as it eyes continued growth. A well-respected industry veteran, Paul will work closely with Commercial Director Glen Harding to further build Sir Robert McAlpine’s growing pipeline of work. Paul was most recently the Operations Director at Lendlease Europe, where he worked on a number of high-profile, award-winning projects, including TV studios for both the BBC and Sky along with multiple offices, 5-star hotels and rail schemes across the course of a career spanning almost four decades. Alongside the appointments of Mike Hickson OBE as Managing Director of Defence, and Vip Gandhi as Managing Director of Transport, Paul is the latest in a series of hires to help Sir Robert McAlpine maintain its market-leading position in its core sectors, which include Infrastructure, Healthcare, Industrial, Commercial and Special Projects. Grant Findlay, Executive Managing Director, Buildings, at Sir Robert McAlpine, commented: “We are very pleased to welcome Paul Sims to Sir Robert McAlpine. Paul has a reputation for being a truly outstanding operator and will help cement company’s continued growth within our target sectors. He’s a natural fit for Sir Robert McAlpine.” Paul Sims, Operations Director at Sir Robert McAlpine, said: “Sir Robert McAlpine is immensely well-respected within the construction sector, and works with some really fantastic clients, so this felt like the perfect move. I look forward to getting stuck in, building on client relationships and helping the firm go from strength to strength”. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mike joins Sir Robert McAlpine from HS2 Limited… Sir Robert McAlpine has today announced the appointment of Mike Hickson OBE as Managing Director of Defence. Joining Sir Robert McAlpine from HS2 Limited, Mike will be responsible for setting and delivering the company’s Defence strategy. This forms an essential part of growing the infrastructure business unit, one of the company’s core sectors. Mike brings 30 years of military experience to his new role, including active service in Afghanistan and Iraq. As a Brigadier, he was appointed Chief Logistician at PJHQ Northwood before becoming Director of the Royal Logistic Corps. After the military, Mike joined Fluor, initially in business development for government services, before becoming Logistics Director. He then joined HS2 Limited as Programme Director for the Central Section of Phase 1, ultimately spending the last three years as Land and Property Director. In post, Mike will help develop projects that are critical to the UK’s Defence infrastructure. Commenting on the news, Tony Gates, Executive Managing Director of Infrastructure at Sir Robert McAlpine, said: “We are delighted to welcome Mike to lead our defence team as well as set and deliver our Defence strategy. Mike’s career to date and specialist knowledge of the sector demonstrates he will be an invaluable asset to Sir Robert McAlpine and the right fit to build our Defence business.” Mike Hickson OBE, Managing Director of Defence at Sir Robert McAlpine, said: “Sir Robert McAlpine is a household name, renowned for its infrastructure work. I look forward to working closely with the team to continue that legacy and deliver world class infrastructure for Defence projects.” Sir Robert McAlpine recently signed the Armed Forces Covenant, pledging its commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Balfour Beatty today announces the appointment of Steve O’Sullivan as Project Director with responsibility for Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA’s HS2 Old Oak Common station project. Steve replaces Nigel Russell, who was promoted to Chief Executive Officer of Balfour Beatty’s HS2 Major Projects business in January 2024. With over 40 years’ experience in the industry, Steve has been involved in the delivery of some of the largest and most complex infrastructure projects in the UK and overseas including Nam Cheong Station West Rail interchange in Hong Kong and Terminal 2B and Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport. In addition, he was responsible for Balfour Beatty’s joint venture project with Morgan Sindall and VINCI Construction, as Senior Project Director, on the Whitechapel Elizabeth Line station project and more recently, was Balfour Beatty’s Senior Representative on the Sizewell C Nuclear power Station project. Steve joined Balfour Beatty as an Electrical Engineering apprentice in 1980 and is testament to the company’s commitment to attracting, training, and retaining its employees to offer customers the best capabilities whilst providing the quality leadership required to drive forward world-class infrastructure projects. Nigel Russell, Chief Executive Officer of Balfour Beatty’s HS2 Major Projects business said: “I am pleased to hand over the reigns of the HS2 Old Oak Common project to Steve. “Steve’s detailed knowledge and understanding of the market, combined with his wealth of experience, makes him perfectly placed to perform this role and lead the delivery of the UK’s best-connected and largest new railway station.” Steve O’Sullivan, Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA Project Director at HS2 Old Oak Common station, said: “I have worked in the construction and infrastructure industry – and at Balfour Beatty in particular – for many years, helping to deliver iconic schemes around the world. “But there is no infrastructure scheme more recognizable than HS2. It’s a household name and is critical for thousands of people and communities in the UK. It is therefore an honour to be leading the 2,000 employees who are already working tirelessly at Old Oak Common to ensure its success and be part of the regeneration of the area in which I grew up.” The Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA joint venture was awarded the HS2 construction management contract for the Old Oak Common station project in 2019, with responsibility for the final design, construction and commissioning of the station and delivering six underground platforms as well as up to eight platforms on the adjacent Great Western Main Line. Last year, Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA celebrated a significant milestone at Old Oak Common, with two years of permanent construction completed including the installation of the 1.2 mile diaphragm wall for the underground box which will contain the six new high-speed platforms and the first base slab concrete pour in the western end of the station box. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
James Hardie, the world leader in the manufacture of high-performance fibre cement and fibre gypsum building solutions, has appointed Edward Dunn as Channel Manager to further support trade partners in the North. Ed has nearly 10 years account management experience working for large national accounts and independent wholesalers. In his most recent role he worked for Glen Dimplex Flame Europe where he was responsible for sales in the North & Scotland. As Channel Manager Ed will identify and drive future growth opportunities for James Hardie products, fostering relationships with key stakeholders at distributors, installers, and contractors in the region. Ed commented: “I wanted to join a fast-paced company where there was scope to develop my role and make a real difference. James Hardie has a great product portfolio and clear strategy for aggressive business growth. Since I started with the company I’ve been inspired by my colleagues’ attitudes and the support from the senior management team. I look forward to contributing to the company’s success in the future.” “The creation of this role underscores our commitment to delivering excellent customer service for our clients and partners,” said Lee Bucknall, UK Sales Manager at James Hardie. “Ed’s account management experience in the Northern region will help us to develop relationships with the channel, and grow our market share in the area.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
London anchored and leading Design & Build contractors McAleer & Rushe, proudly announces the internal appointment of five new Contracts Directors to further strengthen their senior management team. As a family-owned business renowned for its commitment to excellence and partnering with their clients and valued consultants, these appointments underscore the company’s dedication to investing and nurturing talent from within. Commenting on these senior promotions, Martin Magee, Managing Director of McAleer & Rushe said: “On behalf of our shareholders Seamus McAleer, Founder & Chairman and Eamonn Laverty, CEO, together with our main board, we are very pleased to announce these new appointments and we congratulate each one of them. “They will undoubtedly further bolster our senior management team’s professionalism, dedication andleadership capabilities to successfully deliver the exciting projects of our ever-expanding client base. Particularly so, with our early engagement in the development cycle through the negotiation of fixed price design & build contracts and collaborating with our clients through the challenges of the planning process and ultimately achieving commercial viability.” The new Contracts Directors together with the other department directors will work closely with the McAleer & Rushe Contracts UK main board in the active management of the Business Strategic Plan for the next 5-years, with turnover secured at £450m for 2024 and on target to exceed £500m in 2025. With immediate effect, the following staff members have been promoted to the Contracts Director position. As pictured, Left to Right: Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
South Staffordshire Plc’s compliance division is delighted to welcome Nicki Hay as its new sales director. Nicki will join the senior management team overseeing all aspects of sales for the two compliance businesses, Integrated Water Services (IWS) Water Hygiene and Omega Red Group. Nicki’s background of over 20 years in senior sales leadership means that she brings with her a wealth of experience specialising in people and process development, sales leadership, sales analysis and sales and marketing improvement. Nicki is customer focused with a passion for developing individuals, sales teams, and strong customer relationships. Neil Shailer, managing director of South Staffordshire Plc’s compliance division commented: “We are thrilled to welcome Nicki to the team as sales director. With Nicki’s vast experience in sales and passion for forging strong customer relationships, I’m confident that she will be an invaluable member of our leadership team and play a fundamental part in our continued success and growth.” The compliance division of the Group offers lightning protection services, electrical earthing solutions, height safety solutions, Legionella control, water treatment and air hygiene services all of which help clients achieve compliance to a range of relevant standards and regulation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Q-Bot, the UK construction tech company that uses robotics and AI to insulate people’s homes, has strengthened its Board with the appointment of a new Executive Chair and a second Investment Director. Victor Vadaneaux has been appointed Executive Chair of Q-Bot. Victor has worked within B2B services, the engineering industry and the healthcare sector, and has extensive business and private equity experience of the UK, EU and US markets, including several successful exits. Malcolm Gloat has been appointed an Investment Director of Q-Bot, to work alongside Dr Ilian Iliev, the company’s existing Investment Director. Malcolm has more than 25 years of experience as a Chair, NED, CFO, and CEO in the public and private markets. These senior board appointments significantly enhance Q-Bot’s capabilities and take place at an exciting time for the company and the construction industry. Using AI and robotics, Q-Bot’s insulation is deployed beneath suspended timber floors or to the underside of suspended concrete floors. In the UK alone, Q-Bot’s high performance retrofit insulation can help insulate the 8 to 12 million homes that have suspended floors and which are hard to treat using traditional forms of insulation. In the UK, Q-Bot’s customers include social housing landlords, energy companies and private homeowners. Internationally, the company has identified a further multi-billion market for robotics-based retrofit of insulation to residential homes in North America and North West Europe. Victor and Malcolm will help Q-Bot to scale its robotics-as-a-service sales in the UK and expand its digital retrofit service. As its next phase of growth, Q-Bot is set to launch in the US and scale in the EU through strategic partnerships. Their appointments have been facilitated by EMV Capital, a key investor in Q-Bot, and the company continues to draw on the value creation services provided by EMV Capital. Dr Ilian Iliev, MD of EMV Capital and an Investment Director of Q-Bot, commented: “Victor and Malcolm are joining us at an exciting point of Q-Bot’s journey, and bring strong experience in scale-ups and growth from relevant sectors. We have been an early backer of Q-Bot’s robotics and AI-driven insulation retrofit solution. Q-Bot is at the intersection of multiple megatrends, including growing automation and digitisation of the construction industry, the imperative to decarbonise existing housing stock, and the deployment of robotics and AI as synergistic tools fostering upskilling and employment in the construction services sector.” Tom Lipinski, a Co-founder of Q-Bot and its Chief Commercial & Scientific Officer, said: “Attracting the calibre of individuals such as Victor and Malcolm constitute a solid endorsement of our work to date and they will support our work to further develop our robotic solution and grow our business in the UK and overseas. We offer a hassle-free and cost-effective energy efficiency solution that is disrupting the traditional retrofit/construction industry, providing fast comfort and warmth for people’s homes.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Supply Chain Sustainability School, a leading online platform dedicated to promoting sustainable practices within supply chains, is pleased to announce the appointment of three new distinguished members to its Board of Directors. The new appointees bring a wealth of experience and expertise that will strengthen the School’s mission of enabling a sustainable built environment through knowledge and collaboration. Joining the board are: Aled commented, “I am honoured to join the Supply Chain Sustainability School Board. Their compelling vision to deliver a more sustainable built environment is inspirational. I am eager to contribute towards shaping a more productive, innovative and sustainable sector; catalysing more engagement and partners.” Mandy commented on her appointment: “Having been an active Partner in the Supply Chain Sustainability School for the last eight years, I’m honoured to be joining the Board. With a passion for all things sustainability and bringing SME perspective, I aim to support increased engagement from the smaller companies, who make up a large part of the supply chain.” Ben commented, “Being appointed to the board of the Supply Chain Sustainability School is a privilege. It’s a great opportunity to weave my passion for sustainability into the fabric of the construction industry. I’m excited to roll up my sleeves, collaborate with fellow visionaries, and drive meaningful change towards a future where every link in the chain reflects our commitment to our people, our places and our planet.” The Supply Chain Sustainability School is dedicated to equipping professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to build resilient and environmentally responsible supply chains. The addition of these individuals to the Board of Directors underscores the School’s commitment to driving meaningful progress in sustainability practices. “We are thrilled to welcome Aled, Mandy and Ben to our Board of Directors,” said Hilary Hurrey, Head of the Supply Chain Sustainability School. “Their diverse backgrounds and deep expertise will be invaluable as we continue to empower our members and Partners to integrate sustainability into their operations.” For more information about the Supply Chain Sustainability School, explore the website here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Acoustic, fire and thermal insulation product manufacturer AIM has appointed Chris Dale as Business Development Manager – North. Liaising with insulation distributers, builders’ merchants and their installer customers, Chris will be responsible for customer and installer relationships in the Midlands, northern England and Scotland. He will work hand in hand with contractors, funnelling project requirements through an aligned distribution network. The appointment is part of a major investment in sales and marketing at Acoustic Insulation Manufacturing, known as AIM. The recruitment of an equivalent role for the south of England and for a specification sales manager is underway. Chris joins AIM following three years managing specification sales in the Middle East, including passive fire protection products, a key product category for AIM. Prior to that, from 2013 to 2019, he was National Key Account Manager for insulation products for ROCKWOOL UK and, from 2002 to 2013, Area Sales Manager for joinery products, including doors, windows and staircases, for JELD-WEN UK. Ian Exall, AIM’s Commercial Director, said, “I am super excited that Chris is joining AIM at this exciting time. We have spent two years investing in our product range and marketing support so that our expanded sales team will have the tools to take the business to the next level.” UK-based AIM Acoustic & Insulation Manufacturing designs and manufactures third party tested fire, thermal and acoustic insulation products, primarily, but not exclusively, for the construction industry. The company produces bespoke insulation products to customer specification and a range of standard fire, thermal and acoustic insulation products, and provides technical and product training support. AIM supplies products on a rapid response basis throughout the UK and Ireland. www.aimlimited.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading property management agent Rendall & Rittner has recently promoted Ross Facta to the position of Head of Consultancy. Ross’ role will see him lead on the consultancy of a range of residential and mixed-use projects from concept design through to ongoing management. Ross began his career in property, managing the acquisition and refurbishment of property investments in cities across the world including London, New York, Chicago and Panama. Following this, Ross joined Rendall & Rittner in 2018 as a Senior Property Manager, before advancing through to positions as Property Team Manager and most recently as Area Director for one of the company’s London divisions. As Head of Consultancy, Ross will build upon his analytical abilities, as well as his desire for detail, to assist clients in the pre-construction stages of development projects. This will include providing guidance on budgets and forecasting, advice on planning requirements and compliance strategies, as well as identifying key considerations for ensuring a smooth customer journey. Ross will ensure that Rendall & Rittner’s development consultancy offering is tailored to a variety of projects from smaller estates to larger, mixed-tenure schemes and optimises every stage of clients’ developments. Ross comments: “When I first joined Rendall & Rittner six years ago, I was attracted by the strong values and the proven ability of the company to go from strength to strength. This felt like a place where I would have valuable opportunities to grow and learn and I am grateful to have been supported to develop and advance in my career. In my new role, I am looking forward to leveraging the knowledge and broad experience that I have gained at Rendall & Rittner to provide practical, value adding guidance for our clients.” Richard Daver, Group CEO at Rendall & Rittner said: “Since joining Rendall & Rittner, Ross has proven to be an exceptional asset with excellent problem-solving skills and his promotion to Head of Consultancy reflects his dedication and hard work. By providing expert advice at every stage of a building or development, we can help to optimise build costs, service charges and operating risks, as well as improving the level of service and customer experience for stakeholders. I look forward to seeing how our consultancy services continue to grow and evolve under Ross’ leadership.” For further information please visit: www.rendallandrittner.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
