LEADING developer Lovell Partnerships has welcomed two new recruits to support its growth across the North East. Ronnie Wake and Chris Hole have joined the team as buyer and senior quantity surveyor respectively, bringing together 13 years of industry experience. Since launching in December last year, the new appointments mean
Richard Linacre has joined multi-disciplinary design, engineering and project delivery company, BakerHicks, as Director for Life Sciences & Industry in the UK, further strengthening their capabilities and expertise. This new role will deliver focused local support to the company’s existing and prospective clients across the UK life sciences and industrial
THE East Midlands team at leading housing developer Lovell Partnerships has ramped up its commitment to the region, strengthening its expanding team with several senior appointments and promotions. Longstanding Lovell employee Beth Bundonis has been made regional managing director to oversee the growth of the East Midlands team, stepping up from regional commercial director.
Lee Brunsden has been appointed as the Head of Sales EMEA at CHAS, a Veriforce company, as part of the supply chain risk management expert’s ongoing global expansion strategy. With a track record of over a decade in compliance and risk management, Lee has assisted numerous clients worldwide in enhancing
Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard has been appointed to the £1.6 billion NHS Shared Business Services framework agreement. Operating across a four-year term, the move will see the firm deliver each of its core services and more across ten lots of the NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) Healthcare Planning, Construction
An expanded senior leadership team has been unveiled at MC Construction as the buoyant firm heads for a record year. Turnover for the Salford-based business is on track to reach £22m for the 12 months to September, an increase of almost 50 per cent on last year’s figure of £15m.
Network Rail is pleased to confirm the appointments of two regional managing directors to lead the Southern and North West & Central regions. Ellie Burrows has been appointed as the permanent regional managing director for Network Rail’s Southern region. Ellie has been in the regional managing director role for the
Affordable housebuilder, Orbit Homes, has appointed Ray Winney as its new Regional Managing Director for the East. Ray takes up the position after four years as Construction Director with Orbit Homes and succeeds Andy Doylend following his retirement. Ray brings with him over 20 years of experience in the construction
Prologis UK, a leading logistics property owner, developer and investor has announced a new promotion in the business’ UK Capital Deployment and Leasing team, with James Straw, who has been with the business for over seven years, becoming a Director. Straw joined Prologis UK in May 2016 and began working
Multi-disciplinary consultancy, The Rocket Group have appointed Sam Hinchliffe, ARB RIAS, as Technical Director of Architecture for Scotland. Sam joins Rocket’s Dundee-based team, enhancing the company’s expertise in archaeology, heritage, ecology and construction. With more than 10 years of experience as an Architect and Principal, Sam has acquired his broad
LEADING developer Lovell Partnerships has welcomed two new recruits to support its growth across the North East. Ronnie Wake and Chris Hole have joined the team as buyer and senior quantity surveyor respectively, bringing together 13 years of industry experience. Since launching in December last year, the new appointments mean that Lovell’s North East team has already grown to a 30-strong unit, with further plans to continue its expansion over the coming months. Ronnie will be responsible for the buying, and sourcing of materials for the region’s sites, which will include researching the market, analysing sales data, and building relationships with both new and existing suppliers. Ronnie said: “Housebuilding and construction have always been a passion. I really enjoy sourcing the best quality products to enable us to build high-quality homes. “I’m so excited about my journey with Lovell and being part of the North East region as I’ve only heard good things about them. It is a team that is growing fast and has some great people in the business; and I’m delighted to be a part of that. I look forward to bringing some added value to help the supply chain increase its options, to ensure Lovell continues to produce the highest possible product that meets our customers’ aspirations for their future home.” Chris will be overseeing the commercial function, ensuring it runs smoothly and efficiently to support the developer’s ambitions for growth. Chris said: “What attracted me to the role was the opportunity to join a business with a new expanding team, with exciting but sustained growth plans. There are so many upcoming sites, which in the competitive market we find ourselves in, is excellent to see. “I hope to add some value to the region and play an important role in helping it achieve its strategy and success, whilst obviously not forgetting the day-to-day task of commercial robustness across the sites. It’s an exciting time to be part of the Lovell team and help deliver a five star product across the region.” Conor O’Hanlon, regional commercial manager at Lovell Partnerships in the North East, said: “It’s great to have Ronnie and Chris on board, and be part of the commercial team. It’s been extremely positive to have so many new recruits that are bringing fresh ideas and knowledge to the North East region. “They both have such vast experience in the sector and have already impressed the team. I’m really looking forward to working with them to support their continued journey in their career whilst realising our business ambitions.” The new appointments follow what has proven to be a strong year for the region, which this spring broke ground on its first development Cornish Park, in Spennymoor, County Durham. Once complete, Cornish Park will offer a selection of two, three, and four-bedroom new homes to suit a range of different buyers – 71 of which will be available on the open market, with the remaining 53 offering affordable housing. To find out more about Lovell Partnerships, please visit: https://corporate.lovell.co.uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Richard Linacre has joined multi-disciplinary design, engineering and project delivery company, BakerHicks, as Director for Life Sciences & Industry in the UK, further strengthening their capabilities and expertise. This new role will deliver focused local support to the company’s existing and prospective clients across the UK life sciences and industrial sectors. Richard will be tasked with nurturing current client relationships and overseeing the delivery of their programmes of work, as well as developing new business opportunities in the region. This appointment follows on from the expansion of BakerHicks’ Life Sciences & Industry division across Europe. He will work closely with the business’ Swiss, German, Austrian and Belgian operations to continue building the company’s impressive portfolio. Richard has over 30 years’ experience of working in multi-disciplinary engineering and project management environments for high profile life sciences and industry clients. His career began as a civil & structural engineer, working on a range of projects in the pharma, chemical and heavy industrial process engineering industries. Amongst his previous roles, he was Head of Engineering for WSP CEL and, most recently, was the director responsible for the EMEA region at Integrated Project Services (IPS). Richard says he has been immediately impressed with the BakerHicks team: “They have developed a strong reputation as a trusted and reliable partner in a number of very high-profile projects, and I am very much looking forward to the opportunity of building on this success. The scale of opportunity for an organisation with this level of multi-disciplinary skills and a proven track record is significant, and what is more, everyone in the organisation is truly engaged and committed towards its success. This, above all else, makes me excited about getting started.” Mark Dickson, Managing Director for Life Sciences & Industry at BakerHicks, says Richard’s experience of working with blue chip clients in the sector will be invaluable: “We work with global brands to bring new thinking to the design and delivery of complex process, manufacturing, and science facilities. This requires in-depth industry knowledge and Richard knows the sector inside out, having worked with clients with a significant portfolio in this industry for many years. His understanding of the need to get to know our clients to deliver solutions that work for them is what makes him the ideal candidate to lead our UK sector. I look forward to working with him to continue growing the sector over the coming years.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
THE East Midlands team at leading housing developer Lovell Partnerships has ramped up its commitment to the region, strengthening its expanding team with several senior appointments and promotions. Longstanding Lovell employee Beth Bundonis has been made regional managing director to oversee the growth of the East Midlands team, stepping up from regional commercial director. Continuing the upward trajectory, former regional technical director Lewis Charity has also been promoted to land and technical director helping to spearhead continued growth. To ensure the ongoing market success of the business, the regional office has also secured three senior hires – commercial manager Dan Buller, refurbishment manager James Phillips and sales and marketing manager, Mark Blake. Dan Buller has returned to Lovell having originally started his career with the firm in 2005 as a trainee quantity surveyor. After holding senior commercial roles for the past eight years within another housebuilding association, Dan has taken the opportunity to rejoin Lovell to help drive forward success for the East Midlands. He said: “I have always held Lovell in high regard, so I am very keen to get stuck back in and help Beth and the team achieve our growth plans, while also continuing to develop our commercial team and building key relationships with stakeholders and subcontractors in the region.” With more than 20 years’ industry experience, James Phillips has been appointed as refurbishment manager having spent the past 10 years working in the region and is keen to harness the potential for Lovell. This service arm is designed to help partners to make best use of their existing property portfolios through repurposing spaces and using retrofit services to create more sustainable homes. He said: “The planned refurbishment and maintenance works in the region is a key focus for many social housing and local authorities within the region. With the introduction of the SHDF for installing energy measures to reduce energy consumption, I’m keen to position us as the go-to refurbishment partner in the region to really unlock the potential in the existing building stock, build on the great existing partnerships to see where we can add more value to our clients and its local communities. I will also be developing my own team and am really looking forward to nurturing new talent.” The third senior appointment is Mark Blake, who joins Lovell as sales and marketing manager with extensive experience within the housebuilding sector. His appointment marks significant strides for multiple developments as they go on sale across the region. The team changes reflect the progression of several key developments with housing partners such as EMH, Riverside and Compendium Living. Most notably, the Castleward development – a major regeneration in Derby city centre under the Compendium brand – has announced the launch of 83 homes for phase 3 and planning permission for phase 4. Once completed, the scheme will deliver 800 new homes, as well as schools and commercial space in a once underused area of the city. Mark said: “The reputation at Lovell is well known in the industry, and as it is currently in a phase of huge growth it felt like an exciting time to join. I’m keen to hit the ground running with sites already selling well, as well as helping with bids to acquire and expand on new land. With Derby’s Castleward progressing and St Aidan’s Garden in the pipeline – a new development in Burton-upon-Trent – there is plenty to get stuck into. “It’s certainly a challenging time for developers, however, I am confident in finding innovative ways to overcome and help deliver fantastic communities for the region.” In addition to the senior team, Gareth Bevan and Rory McPheators have been promoted to land and preconstruction manager and procurement manager respectively, both having spent more than 15 years with the business. Beth Bundonis, regional managing director at Lovell in the East Midlands, said: “I’m proud of the progress the East Midlands team has made since opening its dedicated office just last year. We have a diverse mix of projects happening, strong partnerships and a highly experienced and committed group of people to deliver for them. I welcome all the new additions to our team – the combined knowledge of Dan, James and Mark will help to ensure we can reach the goals we have set for this year, and really shine a spotlight on Lovell in the East Midlands.” For more information, please visit https://corporate.lovell.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Lee Brunsden has been appointed as the Head of Sales EMEA at CHAS, a Veriforce company, as part of the supply chain risk management expert’s ongoing global expansion strategy. With a track record of over a decade in compliance and risk management, Lee has assisted numerous clients worldwide in enhancing their supply chain risk management practices. Lee’s expertise in sales strategy, adept team leadership, and change management make him a valuable addition to CHAS as they expand their solutions to a broader international audience following their acquisition by Veriforce in January 2023. As a seasoned Sales Leader, with over 20 years of experience across all disciplines of sales, Lee specialises in new business development, major market expansion, and fostering high-performance sales teams. His leadership skills and passion for building partnerships will play a pivotal role in overseeing CHAS’s sales organisation across EMEA. Lee’s recent career highlights include overseeing the introduction of a new carbon product which has enjoyed rapid success. Lee has also been proactive in interfacing with trade bodies across the infrastructure sector to champion industry best practice, inform on upcoming legislation and provide industry perspective. Eager to engage with both new and existing customers, Lee is excited about launching innovative products tailored to meet the needs of the construction, utilities, and facilities management sectors in the UK and beyond. Lee comments: “I’m thrilled to be joining CHAS and to have the opportunity to play a part in their expansion plans. “CHAS has earned an excellent reputation for driving advancements in supply chain risk management within their operating sectors. I am eager to build upon this success both in the UK and overseas.” Welcoming Lee aboard, CHAS Managing Director Ian McKinnon adds: “Lee is a formidable leader with extensive experience in the supply chain risk management space. We are delighted to have him join us at this exciting time in our company’s history. “Lee’s experience and enthusiasm will be of great value as we strive to expand our product offering and our audience.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard has been appointed to the £1.6 billion NHS Shared Business Services framework agreement. Operating across a four-year term, the move will see the firm deliver each of its core services and more across ten lots of the NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) Healthcare Planning, Construction Consultancy & Ancillary Services Framework Agreement, spanning architectural and project management services to net zero environmental consultancy. Open to local authorities, emergency services, higher education, NHS and the wider public sector, the new agreement builds on the previous NHS SBS Framework Agreement and a nine-year working relationship Pick Everard has held with the organisation on the NHS SBS framework agreement. Alex Hamilton-Jordan, associate director at Pick Everard, said: “This agreement provides an efficient route to market to procure our services, and offers flexibility for organisations to adapt to meet their requirements. “Collaboratively, we aim to deliver better, together. Nothing can be achieved in isolation, and key to our continued success on this framework will be to engage and work with a full range of partners throughout the supply chain, including local SMEs that can offer valued, local insight. “We’re excited and open to the opportunities this will bring to appoint our professional services, engaging public bodies through the framework agreement.” Pick Everard has successfully delivered a wide range of projects through the existing NHS SBS framework agreement, including the relocation of congenital heart services for the Leicester Children’s Hospital in 2021 – which had been threatened with closure until campaigning efforts ensured the centre received part of a £450m pot of government funding. The firm also designed and managed a £250m+ schools expansion programme for the London Borough of Hounslow, which delivered more than 1,000 new school places. Alastair Hamilton, partner at Pick Everard, said: “Our strength as a business is being able to create a positive impact for local communities, that scale regionally and nationally. We’ve made huge strides in growing our operation over the past five years, and part of this owes to our framework appointments, which have a real focus on quality, a broad range of service delivery and technical excellence. “We’re hugely proud to be able to continue our journey with NHS SBS and the success the framework agreement delivers – ensuring the best possible outcomes for clients and end-users.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
An expanded senior leadership team has been unveiled at MC Construction as the buoyant firm heads for a record year. Turnover for the Salford-based business is on track to reach £22m for the 12 months to September, an increase of almost 50 per cent on last year’s figure of £15m. MC Construction has made strides across its Greater Manchester and Cheshire heartlands over the past year while also expanding its geographical reach with projects in Cumbria, North Wales and Shropshire. Its current forward order book stands at a record level of £18m. Founded in 1971 by Charlie Lowe and John Purcell, the multi-award-winning, family-owned company delivers complex construction projects, specialising in internal and external refurbishments, structural alterations and new builds for a wide range of clients across multiple sectors. Earlier this year, the company made an historic change by promoting Russ Forshaw from group operations director to managing director, the first time that a non-family member has held the role. He succeeded David Lowe, son of co-founder Charlie, who has become executive chairman. Now the company has promoted Jason Houghton from commercial manager to commercial director and Karl McDonald from contracts manager to operations manager. The duo, along with human resources and business services manager Sophie Houghton, have now joined the senior leadership team which includes Russ, pre-construction director Chris Purcell and finance director Gary Glendenning. Russ said: “We pride ourselves on being a business where learning and development supports internal promotion and career opportunities, as well as personal growth. “Our commitment to investing in and empowering talented young staff members has helped us to achieve great progress and success as a business. “Jason has made a significant difference to the business since he joined us three years ago and fully deserves his promotion. “Karl and Sophie joined us as apprentices and have progressed through the ranks and increased their levels of responsibility to the stage where we are now delighted to appoint them to the senior leadership team. “Expanding our leadership team is a significant milestone for the company. The team will ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the business while also enabling us to be more future facing, as we work on initiatives to further strengthen the company, with a focus on developments such as process improvement, digital innovation and sustainability. “These latest promotions mean we are extremely well-positioned to support a period of record turnover and expanded geographical coverage, as we look to the future with confidence.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Network Rail is pleased to confirm the appointments of two regional managing directors to lead the Southern and North West & Central regions. Ellie Burrows has been appointed as the permanent regional managing director for Network Rail’s Southern region. Ellie has been in the regional managing director role for the Southern region on an interim basis since January this year. Ellie Burrows said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have been appointed as the permanent managing director for Southern region. I’ve had such a warm welcome since starting on an interim basis in January and I’m really grateful to have been involved in some exciting industry achievements, including the King’s coronation, the celebration of 75 years of Windrush, the 175th anniversary since London Waterloo station first opened and lots more. “We’ve overcome some significant challenges over the past few years and my focus is on working with our industry partners even more closely to make sure we’re investing our money wisely, so we can give our passengers a safe and high-performing railway that they can rely on. “I’m committed to making Southern region a safe, caring and inclusive place where our people are proud to work.” Eastern region managing director Rob McIntosh has been appointed as the new regional managing director for the North West & Central region. Rob will move over to the region on 4 September, and the recruitment process for a new Eastern region managing director is progressing well. Rob McIntosh said: “I’m very much looking forward to working with colleagues, partners and stakeholders to deliver a better service across the North West and Central region. “Whilst running a safe, reliable service for passengers and freight is at the core of what we do, our commitment extends beyond that to making a real difference to the communities and economies we serve.” Andrew Haines, chief executive, said: “Many congratulations to Ellie on her permanent appointment. Ellie is a fantastic leader in Network Rail and has done a great job during her seven months in leading Southern, including building deeper relationships with the regions stakeholders. “I am also really pleased that Rob has agreed to transfer to our North West & Central region. Rob has valuable experience across the industry and I know he will provide excellent leadership to regional colleagues as they navigate their future challenges as well as continue to work with partners in strengthening regional connectivity. “Wishing both Rob and Ellie the best of luck in their roles and I look forward to continuing to work closely with them as we all work to deliver a safe and reliable rail service across Britain.”
Affordable housebuilder, Orbit Homes, has appointed Ray Winney as its new Regional Managing Director for the East. Ray takes up the position after four years as Construction Director with Orbit Homes and succeeds Andy Doylend following his retirement. Ray brings with him over 20 years of experience in the construction and housebuilding sector and will play a key role in continuing to drive Orbit Homes’ land acquisition, construction, HS&E, sales and marketing, and customer care in the region. Commenting on his appointment, Ray said: “I first joined Orbit Homes as I believed in its strong social purpose and commitment to delivering affordable, high-quality, sustainable new homes. I am looking forward to working with the team to continue to deliver on these values together, grow the business and have a positive impact across the region for our customers, communities, and colleagues.” Helen Moore, Group Director at Orbit Homes, added: “I am delighted to confirm Ray’s appointment as our new Regional Managing Director for the East. Ray has been instrumental in taking the business forward in his role as Construction Director and is a real asset to the team. “I would also like to thank Andy for his service over the last four years. Orbit Homes in the East has gone from strength-to-strength under his leadership, becoming the strong business and team we have today. I wish him all the best in his retirement.” Orbit Homes has recently unveiled a brand-new range of sector-leading house designs, all of which have been matched against the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accident’s (RoSPA) Safer by Design framework and include the introduction of new safety standards and Orbit Homes’ inclusive design specification. Orbit Homes currently has nine thriving new communities underway in East Anglia, comprising a range of affordable two-, three- and four-bedroom homes, including some rarely available brand-new bungalows. The homes are available to purchase either as market sale or shared ownership and the rented homes are for Orbit Group’s housing portfolio. To find out more about the properties on offer at your nearest Orbit Homes development, please visit: www.orbithomes.org.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Prologis UK, a leading logistics property owner, developer and investor has announced a new promotion in the business’ UK Capital Deployment and Leasing team, with James Straw, who has been with the business for over seven years, becoming a Director. Straw joined Prologis UK in May 2016 and began working in the Investment Services team, where he gained a deep understanding of the UK business, as well as the country’s industrial and logistics property market. In February 2021, he joined the Capital Deployment and Leading team, where he has played an important role in a number of significant land and lease deals for the business. As an Associate, Straw led Prologis UK’s first deal of 2023, a 350,000 sq ft build-to-suit development for Hankook Tire. In his new role, Straw will continue to work closely with his colleagues on the Capital Deployment and Leasing team to build and develop Prologis UK’s landbank as well as securing build-to-suit opportunities and leases. Geographically, Straw will keep his focus on the East and West Midlands markets. Robin Woodbridge, Head of Capital Deployment and Leasing, Prologis UK, said: “James has been with us for a number of years now and has really made his mark on the business. He has been pivotal in a significant number of deals and has proven himself a go to person for our customers and our agents, as well as shown himself to be an expert in the Midlands market. “One of the most fulfilling parts of my job is seeing our team thrive and progress, and I am excited to see James’ career develop even further at Prologis UK.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Multi-disciplinary consultancy, The Rocket Group have appointed Sam Hinchliffe, ARB RIAS, as Technical Director of Architecture for Scotland. Sam joins Rocket’s Dundee-based team, enhancing the company’s expertise in archaeology, heritage, ecology and construction. With more than 10 years of experience as an Architect and Principal, Sam has acquired his broad range of skills working on projects as diverse as the refurbishment of the Trimontium Roman Museum, near Melrose, and a bespoke housing development in Kennoway, Fife. Sam said: “I’ve worked for Scottish councils and as a self-employed architect, and I’m very much looking forward to working with such an exciting and fast-moving organisation. I fully intend to continue my commitment to high-quality and sustainable design, which is an appropriate match for Rocket’s variety of contracts. “I lived and studied in Dundee for seven years to complete my MArch (Hons), and I’m proud to return to the city as Rocket’s Technical Director of Architecture for Scotland and am extremely keen to get started on projects in Tayside and across Scotland.” Rocket Group CEO, Craig Huddart commented: “At the Rocket Group, our focus is on creating an all-inclusive, end-to-end service for our clients with our experts in ecology, heritage, architecture, archaeology, and construction. Being present as early as possible on a client’s project allows us to streamline that project from start to finish. Sam, with his passion for architecture coupled with his expertise, will be crucial to delivering Rocket’s vision.” The Rocket Group encompasses Rocket Heritage & Archaeology Ltd, Rocket Construction Ltd, Rocket Ecology Ltd, and Rocket Architectural Design & Surveying as nine full time staff members bring together a powerful mix of experts, with the Group’s client base including Dundee Renewable Energy Society. The Group’s Regional Director for Scotland, Dr Greg Bremner said: “We’re delighted to welcome an architect of Sam’s calibre and reputation to Rocket. He’s a hugely important addition to our team as we head towards the first anniversary of our presence in Scotland, and as we continue to recruit the very best talent.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
