Muse, the nationwide placemaker, has appointed Elliot Sellars as Project Director in the Midlands. Elliot brings over 20 years’ regeneration experience to Muse, having previously held senior roles at St Modwen Developments and Birmingham City University. With experience delivering nationally significant regeneration and working in partnership with the public and
After a long and successful career in the construction industry, and with more than 20 years at the helm of Clegg Construction as managing director, Simon Blackburn has announced his retirement. Michael Sims has stepped up to become MD from his previous role as commercial director, with Darren Chapman and
Travelodge, the UK’s first budget hotel brand which operates nearly 600 hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain, today announces it has promoted and appointed Kirsty Berry as the Company’s new Head of Estates. Kirsty joined Travelodge in 2022 as Regional Estates Manager and has been an integral member of
STARK Building Materials UK, one of the nation’s leading builders’ merchants providing building and construction materials and services to professional tradespeople, has appointed Nim Cassidy as its new Company Secretary and General Counsel. Cassidy brings nearly 25 years of experience in the legal field to the organisation, which is going through a
AtkinsRéalis, a global design, engineering and project management company, has bolstered its major programme leadership team with the appointment of Rob Ewen as Strategic Programme Director for UK and Europe. Rob brings a wealth of experience to the business from a career spanning 40 years in industry, and will drive
With a focus on strategic service development, RLB Partner Andrew Fettes-Brown has been appointed to RLB’s Global Board with effect from 1 January 2024. Andrew, who leads RLB’s data centres sector for Europe, will bring focus to RLB’s service transformation programme providing leadership, guidance and oversight in the development and
A2Dominion Group has announced the appointment of Tracey Barnes as its first Chief Finance Officer (CFO). The permanent new role will oversee all of the Group’s finance activities, treasury, business planning, procurement, governance, compliance, legal, communications, digital, corporate strategy, and the people team. The appointment is part of A2Dominion’s wider
Design, planning and development consultancy Marrons has expanded its masterplanning and urban design team with the appointment of Sarah Middleton – a highly-talented associate director in Birmingham. With a wide range of design experience, Sarah has joined Marrons following more than three years at edgeUD where she worked on masterplanning
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has announced the appointment of Mark Hand as the Director of Wales, Northern Ireland, and Planning Aid England. Hand, who is currently Head of Service for the Physical Regeneration, Highways, Flooding, Planning and Building Control services at Monmouthshire County Council, brings over 20 years
Renowned Northampton construction consultancy Bhangals Construction Consultants has celebrated its recent expansion and office move by making two dedicated members of staff directors of the business. Former operations manager Katie Newman is now Associate Operations Director and Harrison Baxter, who was previously estimating manager at the firm, has been named
Muse, the nationwide placemaker, has appointed Elliot Sellars as Project Director in the Midlands. Elliot brings over 20 years’ regeneration experience to Muse, having previously held senior roles at St Modwen Developments and Birmingham City University. With experience delivering nationally significant regeneration and working in partnership with the public and private sector, Elliot will support the delivery of Muse’s regional pipeline. This includes the £3.2bn Arden Cross regeneration scheme, as well as City Centre West in Wolverhampton, and Mell Square in Solihull. Elliot’s appointment follows a quartet of new hires in Muse’s Midlands team at the end of 2023, along with a new Birmingham city centre office. Maggie Grogan, Managing Director at Muse – Midlands, said: “Elliot is an experienced and dedicated regeneration specialist who is set to play a key role supporting our pipeline and regional growth. Elliot understands the region and will help shape an important year for our business, in which we are focussed on delivery alongside our partners.” Elliot Sellars, Midlands Project Director at Muse, said: “I am delighted to be joining Muse and supporting the business’ growth in the Midlands. Muse has an exciting and ambitious portfolio which will be transformative for the region. I’m looking forward to working with the expert team, to create partnership led place-changing regeneration.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
After a long and successful career in the construction industry, and with more than 20 years at the helm of Clegg Construction as managing director, Simon Blackburn has announced his retirement. Michael Sims has stepped up to become MD from his previous role as commercial director, with Darren Chapman and Ross Crowcroft continuing in their roles as operations director and pre-construction director respectively. The change in leadership comes as Clegg Construction has secured its strongest carry-forward order book, with more than £82m secured turnover for 2024. Simon, who joined Clegg Construction in 2002, before becoming MD two years later, will remain as a group director until the end of May 2024 in support of the new generation of leadership which will take the business forward into 2024 and beyond. “Over the last 20 years I’ve been extremely proud to lead a business that has delivered in excess of 7,000 student beds, 1,500 apartments, 1,000 care home beds, 750 hotel bedrooms and more than one million square feet of industrial schemes,” he said. “Projects have included new builds, refurbishments, re-cladding & extensions, providing education facilities for primary, secondary, further, higher and vocational training, advanced manufacturing centres, research and development labs, offices, distribution, storage, libraries, leisure facilities, hotels, residential developments, community centres, places of worship, sports facilities, retail buildings, archives, courtrooms, the odd glulam replacement here and there, a raft ride, a cable-ski and even a crematorium. “I am pleased to be handing over the business with a record level of carry forward workload and I congratulate Michael on his new role as managing director and wish him, and the other directors, all the best for the future.” Michael Sims, who joined Clegg Construction in spring 2021, bringing to the business over 20 years of industry experience with key expertise in commercial and risk management and contract negotiation, paid tribute to his predecessor. “I am proud to have been appointed to follow in his footsteps and take up the reins as the new MD for a company that is so well regarded and has such a long history. “Alongside the other directors, I look forward to building on Simon Blackburn’s legacy and continuing to provide design and construction excellence to our clients across the country.” Clegg Construction is a Midlands, Yorkshire and East Anglia-based construction firm specialising in the delivery of public and private sector projects. Part of Clegg Group and the sister company to Clegg Food Projects, Clegg Construction has been trading since the 1930s. Its headquarters is in the Lace Market, Nottingham. For more information visit www.cleggconstruction.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Travelodge, the UK’s first budget hotel brand which operates nearly 600 hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain, today announces it has promoted and appointed Kirsty Berry as the Company’s new Head of Estates. Kirsty joined Travelodge in 2022 as Regional Estates Manager and has been an integral member of the UK Estates team since. With a background consisting of a vast range of property experience with a number of multi-site businesses including Domino’s UK and Majestic Wines, Kirsty has been crucially involved in various sublet deals and lease regears. This includes leading a unique sublet agreement for one of the UK’s first Popeyes Louisiana Chicken drive-thrus, at the Travelodge Northampton Way site, which the Group announced last year. Over the past year, a key strategic priority for the Property and Development function of the Travelodge business has been expanding the Estates team and its remit, due to the Company’s growing hotel portfolio and opportunities to improve its assets. The team is dedicated to supporting the hotels and the wider business with general estate matters and is also responsible for asset management, rent reviews, service charges, business rates, sublets, insurance, asset management, lease renewals and landlord approvals. Members of the Estates team are field-based so that they can make regular hotel visits, allowing full access to the Travelodge hotel portfolio and providing hands-on support for Travelodge’s hotel colleagues and its landlords. Reporting into the Chief Property and Development Officer, Kirsty will be overseeing all operations of the Estates function, made up of six team members, and is currently looking to expand the team further by the appointment of a Regional Estates Manager (South). For more details of this vacancy, please visit: https://www.travelodge.co.uk/careers/ Steve Bennett, Chief Property and Development Officer, Travelodge, comments: “We are delighted to be promoting Kirsty to the position of Head of Estates, as she has proven to be integral to the recent success of the Estates function. Kirsty’s industry expertise and experience represents a significant benefit to Travelodge as a business, and she has already played a crucial role in the growing and improving Estates Management team since joining in 2022.” Travelodge has a significant estate of nearly 600 hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain, with over 580 of these hotels located throughout the UK. In addition, the group has a large sublet estate, with over 150 subtenants. Furthermore, with over 200 Bar Cafes, Travelodge is also one of the largest Food & Beverage operators in the country. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
STARK Building Materials UK, one of the nation’s leading builders’ merchants providing building and construction materials and services to professional tradespeople, has appointed Nim Cassidy as its new Company Secretary and General Counsel. Cassidy brings nearly 25 years of experience in the legal field to the organisation, which is going through a transformational period following the merger acquisition by STARK Group, which completed in March 2023. She began her career as a Trainee Solicitor with Hammond Suddards Edge – now Squire Patton Boggs – in 1999, before moving to Addleshaw Goddard. Over the course of 10 years, she progressed to the role of Managing Associate before joining Elior UK – the UK subsidiary of French listed company Elior SA – as a Senior Solicitor. Six years later Cassidy was appointed as Group Legal Director at Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC, a FTSE250 specialist veterinary pharmaceuticals business, which she supported through several mergers and acquisitions until it entered the FTSE100. In 2022, she moved to JD Sports Fashion PLC, a FTSE50 retailer, as General Counsel and Company Secretary and a member of the executive team. There, she significantly grew the company’s legal and compliance division and improved the corporate governance structure during a period of transformational change. Now, as a member of the STARK Building Materials UK Executive Team, Cassidy will lead the organisation’s legal, compliance and secretarial function, supporting key stakeholders across the business brand portfolio that makes up the STARK UK family, including Jewson, Northern Ireland based merchant JP Corry, Jersey based merchant Normans and specialist brands such as Jewson Civils Frazer and Minster. Speaking about her new role, Cassidy said: “To be joining STARK Building Materials UK at such a landmark time for the organisation is a fantastic opportunity. My role is about supporting business growth and transformation and ensuring the business does everything it needs to remain compliant and a respected organisation. I’m also keen to look at the ways we can support new talent to enter the legal field – particularly women, ethnic minorities, and other under-represented members of society. “Construction brings with it its own set of opportunities and I’m looking forward to seeing how we tackle them. Under the leadership of John Carter – a household name in the field, and someone who’s put together a hand-picked executive team – we have an exciting journey ahead of us to inject new life into all the UK brands functioning under the STARK UK umbrella. We are all working closely together to achieve that shared goal, with a strong focus on inspiring and energising our people and making them extremely proud to be part of the STARK Group.” John Carter, CEO of STARK Building Materials UK, said: “Nim is a true asset to our organisation. Her experience speaks for itself, and we know the variety of roles and responsibilities she’s held previously will provide us with fresh perspectives and new ways of working that will position us firmly as leaders in our field. We’re delighted to have her on board and know our future will be brighter with her as part of our team.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
AtkinsRéalis, a global design, engineering and project management company, has bolstered its major programme leadership team with the appointment of Rob Ewen as Strategic Programme Director for UK and Europe. Rob brings a wealth of experience to the business from a career spanning 40 years in industry, and will drive forward opportunities to develop AtkinsRéalis’ project delivery capabilities further – complementing its global design and engineering expertise. Drawing on his experience leading on some of the biggest engineering and infrastructure projects in the world, including the delivery of THE LINE at NEOM, Rob will focus on projects and programmes across key markets including transportation, energy and defence, as well as large-scale public sector property programmes. Having worked on major programmes such as the 2012 Olympics, the UK New Hospital Programme and Heathrow Expansion, Rob brings a strong focus on the industrialisation of design and delivery models, and the consequent potential for performance improvement of this industry at every level. He is passionate about improvement through data-empowered change and innovation, having previously chaired the delivery group of i3P. James Butler, managing director of Project and Programme Services at AtkinsRéalis, said: “We are extremely pleased to welcome Rob Ewen into this important role, with the vast range of experience he brings with him. “We are already taking a lead in delivering on major national infrastructure projects such as Sizewell C and HS2, and in sectors including education and transportation, where we are deploying a range of project and programme management services and digital tools. By doing so we are able to ensure better outcomes and provide improved visibility, control and predictability. “Rob will help to provide a strategic focus to our programme, building on the great work we’ve seen from our teams in the past few years and ensuring our clients are able to benefit from greater use of data and technology.” Rob Ewen added: “This is an exciting time to join AtkinsRéalis with a real sense of unity and renewed purpose following the recent re-brand. “I’m looking forward to bringing my experience of working on nationally significant infrastructure projects and working in closer collaboration with delivery teams and supply chains to help realise AtkinsRéalis’ ambitious plans for global growth.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With a focus on strategic service development, RLB Partner Andrew Fettes-Brown has been appointed to RLB’s Global Board with effect from 1 January 2024. Andrew, who leads RLB’s data centres sector for Europe, will bring focus to RLB’s service transformation programme providing leadership, guidance and oversight in the development and implementation of services worldwide across the key areas including sustainability and digital transformation. “To ensure we are providing the best solutions to our clients, we need to understand, embrace and integrate change in both the market and technology,” says Andrew Fettes-Brown. “Leading this work with colleagues from across the global practice will play a critical role in aligning our global service offerings with evolving market demands and technological advancements. I am excited to be leading this important work with my Global Board colleagues to drive the change our clients and industry needs to answer the questions of a modern property and construction industry into the future.” Russell Lloyd, current Global Board Director and RLB UK’s Head of Services, stepped down from the Global Board as of 31 December 2023. Russell, who has been part of the RLB team for over 30 years, will continue to work on key projects but will relinquish part of his senior management responsibilities. Andrew Reynolds, Global Chair for RLB and Chief Executive of RLB UK and Europe, comments, “First, I want to recognise the extraordinary insight, work and commitment Russell has given to RLB’s global team over the time he has served as a Global Board Director. His experience and expertise within the built environment and strategic ability to align services on a global platform have been invaluable to the business. Thank you, Russell. Second, I’d like to extend a welcome from all my Global Board colleagues to Andrew Fettes-Brown whose capability I know well in his work across the UK and Europe. Andrew will bring a fresh perspective and strong leadership to support the next stage of RLB’s global strategic service journey.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A2Dominion Group has announced the appointment of Tracey Barnes as its first Chief Finance Officer (CFO). The permanent new role will oversee all of the Group’s finance activities, treasury, business planning, procurement, governance, compliance, legal, communications, digital, corporate strategy, and the people team. The appointment is part of A2Dominion’s wider leadership changes, following the launch of its new Corporate Strategy earlier this year which focuses on customers and core services. It also signals the streamlining of its financial executive director roles, combining the positions of Executive Director of Finance & Strategy (held by Dean Tufts who retires early next year) and Executive Director of Central & Financial Services, which has been held by Tracey Barnes on a fixed-term basis since February 2023. Prior to joining A2Dominion, Tracey was Chief Finance Officer at Sovereign Housing Association and held a number of roles internationally at Diageo for over 20 years, including Chief Finance Officer of East African Breweries Ltd, Chief Finance Officer of Diageo Ireland and Managing Director of Diageo Business Services India. Tracey said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with everyone at A2Dominion over the past few months, learning about what works and how things can be improved to totally transform the customer experience. I am delighted to have the opportunity to help to drive forward the changes that are needed.” Ian Wardle, Chief Executive Officer, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Tracey Barnes as our new Chief Finance Officer. The role attracted a significant number of high calibre applicants, and it is testament to Tracey, who came out on top following a rigorous recruitment process. “She brings a wealth of experience, and I look forward to continuing to work with her to deliver ambitious plans for customers.”
Design, planning and development consultancy Marrons has expanded its masterplanning and urban design team with the appointment of Sarah Middleton – a highly-talented associate director in Birmingham. With a wide range of design experience, Sarah has joined Marrons following more than three years at edgeUD where she worked on masterplanning and urban design projects at a variety of scales, with a particular focus on strategic land promotion, placemaking and outline applications. In her new role, she will be working with housebuilder, developer and strategic land clients on land promotion, urban extensions, mixed-use and urban regeneration projects – guiding the proposals from feasibility through to planning approval. Sarah said: “It is an exciting time to join Marrons with the growth of the design team and I’m looking forward to being a part of that as it evolves. The consultancy’s B-Corporation status and commitment to social and environmental sustainability also aligns with my values and interest in creating high-quality, healthy and sustainable places for people. “It is also great to be part of a multi-disciplinary team and I’m looking forward to working collaboratively with colleagues in related disciplines such as planning, heritage, architecture and socio-economics, and continuing to grow and collaborate with colleagues with these wider specialisms.” Marrons’ roots are in planning, but the consultancy has since added masterplanning and urban design, socio-economics, heritage and architecture to its list of services, with locations across the country – including the Midlands, London, the South East and, most recently, the South West. Partner Luke Hillson recently joined the consultancy from Barton Willmore to head up its national masterplanning and urban design service, and Tom Macklen joined the business last year to head up its architecture service. The consultancy has also recently welcomed masterplanning and urban design director Maria Vierma, heritage director Hannah Hamilton-Rutter, planning partner Ian Blacker, and planning partner Charlotte El Hakiem. Luke Hillson, masterplanning and urban design partner at Marrons, said: “We are delighted to welcome Sarah to the team. Her excellent urban design, visioning, promotion and feasibility experience will be invaluable as we continue growing our design offering across the Midlands and nationally. She is a highly-talented designer and will further strengthen our masterplanning and urban design team in Birmingham city centre.” Marrons is proactively seeking team and lateral hires. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has announced the appointment of Mark Hand as the Director of Wales, Northern Ireland, and Planning Aid England. Hand, who is currently Head of Service for the Physical Regeneration, Highways, Flooding, Planning and Building Control services at Monmouthshire County Council, brings over 20 years of experience working in the public sector in Wales as well as 7 years of experience with the planning system in Northern Ireland. In his current role as Head of Service at Monmouthshire County Council, Hand has responsibility for planning, building control, regeneration, highways, and flooding. In Northern Ireland, Hand worked with the Department for Infrastructure to review planning performance indicators, looking at best practices across the UK nations, and more recently has been working with Derry City and Strabane District Council to review the implications of the Northern Ireland Audit Office and Public Accounts Committee reports on the planning service. In recent years, Hand has been Chair of the Planning Officers’ Society Wales, an external examiner for Cardiff University’s planning course, and sat on the RTPI’s General Assembly. He previously worked at Newport City Council where he led the delivery of numerous large-scale regeneration projects. Hand will be taking up the position from Wales, where he currently resides with his partner, cat and dog. Hand will replace Roisin Willmott, who is leaving the role to take up a new position of One Planet Manager at Cardiff Council, working on the Council’s net zero ambitions. Willmott, who has been with the Institute since September 2007, started as National Director of Wales, extending to Northern Ireland in 2012, and then taking on responsibility for Planning Aid England in 2018. While working at the RTPI Willmott has helped influence national policies and built up the services offered to members in Wales and Northern Ireland. Speaking on his appointment, Mark Hand said, “I am delighted to be appointed as RTPI Director of Wales, Northern Ireland and Planning Aid England. Roisin has done a fantastic job and I hope to build on her achievements. “Planners have a central role to play in tackling the huge issues of the climate and nature emergencies, housing crisis and infrastructure delivery. This needs some brave decisions and collaborative working, drawing on the strengths and contributions of planners from all sectors. I look forward to working together with all built environment professionals throughout Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as supporting our vital network of Planning Aid England volunteers.” Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI said: “Mark’s impressive track record of delivering for the public sector comes at a critical time for the planning sector across Wales and Northern Ireland. We’re delighted that Mark is joining the team at this exciting time.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Renowned Northampton construction consultancy Bhangals Construction Consultants has celebrated its recent expansion and office move by making two dedicated members of staff directors of the business. Former operations manager Katie Newman is now Associate Operations Director and Harrison Baxter, who was previously estimating manager at the firm, has been named Associate Estimating Director. The dynamic duo have worked their way up the career ladder at Bhangals Construction Consultants over the last five years and both recently featured in the company’s Build A Career at Bhangals campaign which marked Careers in Construction Month. The month-long celebration of the career paths available in the construction industry shone a much-needed spotlight on the rewarding opportunities on offer in the sector to people looking learn a new craft or skillset. Katie and Harrison were perfect examples for the campaign as both have grown with the business. Katie started out as a client services executive five years ago, and now oversees and improves business processes and in-house strategies to ensure the company’s success. She said: “I’m thrilled to announce my new role. From starting out as an administrator five years ago to being where I am now is something I’m extremely proud of and I’m incredibly grateful to be a part of such an amazing team. I’m so excited for the journey ahead!” Harrison, who studied product design and has a natural eye for detail, looks after a team of around 20 estimators and enjoys the responsibility of his role. He said: “I am so excited about this promotion. My journey throughout the last five years has been unimaginable and I have grown within the business and within myself by a staggering amount. I am excited for what this new opportunity brings and can’t wait to hit future goals with our amazing team.” Bhangals Construction Consultants Managing Director Parm Bhangal said: “This promotion for Katie and Harrison is well deserved and well earned. They are both an asset to our business and their dedication and hard work has paid off. We look forward to continuing to watch them thrive as they ascend the professional ladder within our organisation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
