Arfon Engineering, part of the Wilo group, has appointed Alice Oakes as service and support manager to lead the launch of an end-to-end solution tailored for the data centre sector. Alice brings with her over a decade of experience in both the pump and maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) industries. During this time, she has held various sales, supply chain and project management roles. She will now liaise with data centre operators and facilities managers across the nation to facilitate the shift from reactive maintenance to online condition-based monitoring. Her appointment comes amid the launch of a bespoke one-stop package from Arfon and Wilo. Decisionmakers can turn to Wilo for the specification and supply of its industry-leading pumps, which play a crucial role in maintaining 99.999% availability in data centres by circulating cooling fluids in various configurations. Arfon, meanwhile, will maintain and repair any mechanical rotating equipment found in data centres, from pumps and fans to chillers and generators, regardless of their brand, 24/7 and 365 days a year. It will also implement real-time monitoring to detect anomalies before they lead to failures and unplanned downtime. After more than half (54%) of respondents to Uptime Intelligence’s annual survey reported their most recent significant outage to have cost more than $100,000[1], online condition-based monitoring is becoming essential for operators seeking to mitigate risk and protect uptime. Alice said: “Data centres are a critical component of our day-to-day lives and downtime is simply not an option. With the sector set for exponential growth over the coming decades, the shift away from preventative to predictive maintenance has never been more important. “Although more businesses are starting to adopt condition-based monitoring, it is often seen as an operating expense and incorporated too late when the data centre is already in operation and the risks of downtime already present. Rather than this, we encourage businesses to see it as a strategic investment from the outset in maintaining uptime and integrated resilience. “For new entrants to the sector, implementing real-time monitoring at the planning stage can ensure that from the get-go, a data centre can operate without the fear of significant reputational damage and financial hits that come with unplanned outages. By offering this solution alongside the specification of pumps and guarantee of maintenance and repairs, our goal is to make this transition seamless.” Alice’s call-to-action similarly applies to existing data centres, particularly those with ageing mission-critical assets that are at a heightened risk of failing. With 66% of operators planning to retrofit at least a quarter of their data centre estate in the next five years[2], she believes that proactive monitoring and maintenance should not be optional for mission critical assets. “Retrofitting data centres shouldn’t solely revolve around replacing old equipment, operators must reconsider how to best manage it,” she added. “By embedding condition-based monitoring into these upgrades, they can gain greater control over assets, both existing and new, and as a result reduce the risk of costly service-led agreement breaches, all while guaranteeing continuous improvement and future resilience” Discover more about Arfon Engineering’s services for the data centre sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Contractor Clegg Construction has appointed a new bid writer to strengthen its pre-construction team. Chloe Lawless brings public sector procurement experience to the role, having joined from a specialist bid writing consultancy, supporting a wide range of UK clients to develop successful public sector tender submissions. She began her career working in commercial property for a Nottingham-based firm of chartered surveyors before moving into bid writing. Chloe, who is originally from Doncaster, said: “I’m looking forward to playing a key role in Clegg Construction’s future during this time of growth. I was really drawn to Clegg’s reputation for delivering high-quality projects that make a visible impact in the regions in which we work. “I value the company’s blend of heritage and forward-looking approach, and there’s a real commitment to growth, innovation and social value. The team already has such strong in-house expertise, and I’m excited to be able to bring my expertise to Clegg and further enhance our proposals.” Clegg Construction pre-construction director Christian White said: “I am pleased to welcome Chloe to the team. She brings significant experience to the role and her proven track record in developing successful tender submissions makes her a valuable addition as we continue to grow.” Outside of work, Chloe enjoys running, exploring the outdoors and spending time with her family. With its head office in The Lace Market in Nottingham, Clegg Construction is a Midlands, East Anglia, and Yorkshire-based construction firm specialising in the delivery of public and private sector projects.   For more information visit www.cleggconstruction.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The LK Group, a ground investigation and environmental consultancy, has appointed Mark Worsfold as Associate Director within its Project Management team.   Mark brings over 20 years of experience in retail and leisure development as part of wider town centre regeneration initiatives, with a strong focus on community, inclusivity, and well-being.   He has also played a pivotal role in leading the private sector response to Grenfell by developing robust cladding systems and conducting rigorous testing for high-rise residential buildings. His expertise extends to ensuring compliance with new legislation under the Building Safety Act, including submitting Building Safety Cases, Mandatory Occurrence Reporting procedures, and Resident Engagement Strategies to the Building Safety Regulator, as well as developing complementary Golden Thread management systems.    In his new role, Mark will play a vital role in delivering project management for key town centre regeneration projects across Bury, Rugby, Tameside, St Helens and other Councils across the northwest, while also supporting The LK Group’s wider business development efforts.   Conor Leyden, Managing Director at The LK Group, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Mark to our expanding team. His extensive industry expertise is a great fit as we continue to grow our project management offering and take on more ambitious regeneration projects. His appointment supports our wider strategic growth plans, and he will play a key role in strengthening delivery and helping us to scale our impact across major schemes.”   Mark Worsfold said: “The LK Group already has a deserved strong reputation for excellence in the industry. I look forward to further enhancing the project management capabilities across the team and to support the successful delivery of complex regeneration projects for our clients. The team already has some fantastic projects lined up that I can’t wait to get started on, including supporting regeneration schemes that will make a real positive difference at the heart of communities and shape the landscape for their future.”   Earlier this year, The LK Group bolstered its senior team with several key hires including Director Nick Riding, Associate Director for Flood Risk and Drainage Matthew Bell, Remediation Manager Will Fitzpatrick, and Andy Kuehl, who joined as Director of LK Structures, a dedicated structural survey solution.   This latest appointment sees The LK Group grow its team to more than 45 experts operating across the UK.   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Award-winning property management agent Rendall & Rittner has recently appointed Dave Williams to the role of Client Accounting Director. In his new role, Dave will be responsible for optimising financial processes at Rendall & Rittner, an RICS-regulated company committed to delivering full financial compliance to its clients. Dave has also been appointed to the Board of Directors at Rendall & Rittner, where he will play a pivotal role in ensuring the company continues to meet the evolving needs of its clients and customers. Having worked within Corporate Real Estate for over 25 years and in Client Accounting for more than 20 years most recently for JLL, Montagu Evans and HSBC, Dave has developed an in-depth understanding of the specific financial elements affecting the property sector. Dave’s experience operating with a range of large and prestigious clients has also ensured that he has exemplary communication, stakeholder engagement and client relationship skills that will prove highly useful in this new role. As Client Accounting Director, Dave will focus on enhancing service delivery for both clients and internal customers. Reflecting Rendall & Rittner’s focus on delivering high-quality, professional services that simplify the lives of its customers, Dave will look to develop strong client relationships, allowing him to understand individual businesses and their priorities in order to deliver a more tailored service. Discussing his new role, Dave comments: “In my new role as Client Accounting Director, I am looking forward to using my extensive industry experience within the residential property management sector. Rendall & Rittner has a growing reputation for being a technology-enabled company and I am excited to see how future advances in this area will impact how we work and further enhance the services we deliver to our clients.” Richard Daver, Co-CEO of Rendall & Rittner comments: “Dave’s extensive experience from across the property industry means that he has a strong understanding of the unique challenges faced by the sector and our clients. As we continue to grow, we are delighted to be welcoming Dave as Client Accounting Director and as a member of the Board so that his expertise can play a role in shaping our future strategy.” For further information please visit: www.rendallandrittner.co.uk  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Global real estate firm Avison Young today announces the appointment of Chris Pilgrim as Principal, Managing Director and UK Head of Capital Markets. Chris joins Avison Young from Colliers, where he was based in both London and Singapore as Managing Director of Global Capital Markets for Asia Pacific and sat on the Capital Markets Global Executive Committee. At Avison Young Chris will bring a global-first approach to the UK capital markets team, focused on leveraging international capital deploying into the UK. He will be integral to expanding Avison Young’s global capital markets service line, working closely with U.S. and Canadian colleagues. This includes Marion Jones, who was recently appointed as Principal and Executive Managing Director of U.S. Capital Markets, and Michal Cwiklinski, Principal, Managing Director, Europe. Growing the London Capital Markets team and asset class specialism across the UK capital markets business, Chris will be at the forefront of a talent acquisition drive aimed at driving investment and growth into capital markets at Avison Young. Bringing more than 18 years’ experience specialising in the deployment of capital into major real estate markets and asset classes, Chris is a recognised strategic leader bringing extensive global capital expertise and a deep client base spanning across the UK, EMEA, APAC, MENA and North America. Acting for sovereign wealth funds, REITs, developers, insurance companies, pension funds and investment managers, Chris brings considerable knowledge of advising, structuring and transacting across the risk-return spectrum. He has a proven track record in marketing £1+ billion single asset trades, alongside structuring and marketing complex corporate M&A activity. Nick Walkley, Principal, UK President at Avison Young, said: “Chris brings vast expertise and is a landmark addition to our capital markets team. Bringing international knowledge, Chris will push forward global cross-collaboration across clients and services. This appointment will significantly strengthen our capital markets presence in London, whilst bolstering Avison Young on an international scale.” Chris Pilgrim, Principal, UK Head of Capital Markets at Avison Young, said: “Joining Avison Young is the opportune time to grow an international capital markets service to provide our clients best in class advice and access to global capital. Leveraging the existing strength of Avison Young’s diversified UK platform, I look forward to delivering outstanding outcomes for our people and our clients. Together with global colleagues, we will develop a collaborative team that is open for growth and new talent. The UK is the number one global destination for international real estate capital and we will grow out asset class specialism putting more specialists in place, as well as developing our debt brokerage and equity placement offer to align with our client’s strategies across the capital stack.” Prior to his time at Colliers, Chris also spent a decade at CBRE across their London, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore offices. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard has appointed David Dunbar as National Director of Architecture. Bringing more than 30 years of experience in architecture, multi-disciplinary design and project management, the appointment strengthens Pick Everard’s commitment to driving positive change through high impact projects across the UK and beyond. A chartered architect, David joins from RPS Consulting Services, part of Tetra Tech, where he served as chief executive officer, having previously led design teams on multiple commercial, industrial, rail and aviation projects, ranging from a business park in Abu Dhabi to the design of the UK’s first gigafactory in Sunderland. David said: “I am really enjoying getting to know our architecture teams based throughout the UK and the projects we are delivering.  “Our people and our clients are the cornerstones of Pick Everard’s future success. Working together across our services, we will foster closer collaborative working methods and grow future joint business opportunities.” Pick Everard is recognised for successfully leading the design and delivery of high quality projects across a wide range sectors including education, culture and heritage, healthcare and residential. As part of his role, David will use his experience of managing projects overseas to leverage new growth opportunities. In October 2024 Pick Everard joined Artelia, one of Europe’s leading multidisciplinary consultancy, engineering and project management companies.  David’s appointment supports the potential for Pick Everard to further enhance and diversify its offer by working together with colleagues across the Artelia group. “I am keen to develop relationships within the wider Artelia business, recognising the prospective openings to promote architecture and design services internationally,” said David.  “Pick Everard is known for its design capabilities, and commitment to quality and  social value, which it delivers across a vast range of products. I am looking forward to working closely with the team to encourage their growth and business development initiatives while supporting the executive team in the delivery of business objectives.  “Together we can build on the strong architectural legacy within Pick Everard, initially connecting as a national team but also across the Artelia business to leverage new opportunities.”  Commenting on the appointment, David Harris, Executive Director for Design Services at Pick Everard, said: “David has joined with a strong vision and a keen eye for detail and accuracy. His natural leadership and extensive experience in leading highly performing teams will not only drive our ongoing growth, but his architectural expertise will add significant value to our business. “These qualities will allow us to continue building our reputation of delivering sustainable, purposeful design and architecture able to secure positive and lasting legacies through the work we deliver across the UK and beyond, and I look forward to seeing what David achieves as part of the Pick Everard team.”  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Independent housebuilder Dandara has appointed seasoned industry leader Gary Martin as Technical Director for its Northern Home Counties region. Bringing nearly four decades of housebuilding experience, Gary will lead the region’s technical function – supporting land acquisition, design, planning and delivery with a focus on collaboration, innovation and quality. His appointment comes as Dandara continues to expand across the Northern Home Counties, with several live and upcoming sites in Bedfordshire. Gary began his career as a management trainee at Beazer Homes in Bedford and has held senior technical roles at some of the UK’s largest housebuilders, including Kier, Persimmon, Stamford Homes and Vistry Group. Most recently, he served as Technical Director for Vistry’s East Anglia division, where he played a key role in delivering complex, high-volume developments. Reflecting on his move to Dandara, Gary said: “There’s a real sense of momentum at Dandara – and I wanted to be part of it. From the minute I joined, I was made to feel welcome. There’s a clear commitment to quality, to doing things the right way, and to supporting people across the business. It’s a company with strong values and a great team, and I’m looking forward to playing a role in its continued success. “The housing sector is always evolving, from tighter regulations to shifts in buyer priorities, and technical teams are right at the heart of how we respond. I’m proud to be part of a business that values quality, people and long-term impact.” With a customer-focused approach and consistent 5 Star HBF status, Dandara is known for combining practical design with lasting quality. Gary’s appointment will support the region’s delivery of homes that meet growing local demand, while navigating ongoing industry challenges – from planning delays and regulatory change to skills shortages and rising costs. Simon Pendlebury, Managing Director at Dandara Northern Home Counties, said: “Gary’s experience speaks for itself – he brings deep technical knowledge, local understanding and a strong team ethos. His track record in delivering high-quality developments will be a real asset as we scale up across the region and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the leadership team.” Gary will oversee Dandara Northern Home Counties’ technical department, working across disciplines to streamline processes, support sustainable design, and ensure a joined-up approach to delivery across the region. For more information about Dandara’s Northern Home Counties developments, visit: www.dandara.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A senior Siemens executive who led two of the Humber region’s biggest inward investments has been appointed as the new Chair of Humber Freeport. Finbarr Dowling, who has driven forward large-scale investments within the region with a total value of £1 billion, will take up the role in October, following his retirement from Siemens. Announcing the appointment, Humber Freeport Acting Chair Professor Neal Juster said: “Finbarr will bring exceptional experience, credibility and connections to the role, as well as an unrivalled perspective, as someone who has overseen major investments into the region from vision to delivery. “He also has a deep passion for the region and commitment to maximising its potential for growth. We look forward to Finbarr taking up his new role and leading the next stage of development for the Freeport.”   As one of 12 UK freeports, Humber Freeport is a specially-designated cluster of strategically important sites benefiting from incentives designed to boost investment, economic growth and international trade. Humber Freeport covers three tax sites, in Hull, Goole and Immingham, and a customs site in Grimsby, and offers investors significant advantages related to tax, planning, infrastructure, innovation and customs. More than £1.2bn of investment has already been pledged in the Humber Freeport tax sites. Mr Dowling has worked for global technology giant Siemens for more than 35 years, in a variety of senior and leadership roles. Over the past 12 years he has been focused on leading the delivery of two of the region’s largest and most significant inward investments – Siemens’ developments focused on offshore wind, in Hull, and the rail industry, in Goole. Mr Dowling said: “I’m honoured to be appointed as Chair of Humber Freeport and I’m looking forward to working closely with the Freeport Board, executive team and partners to realise the many exciting opportunities that freeport status offers. “Having dedicated much of the past 12 years to delivering large-scale on the Humber, I know this region is a great place to invest and do business.” Mr Dowling was the Project Director for Siemens Gamesa’s investment, in partnership with Associated British Ports, in an offshore wind turbine blade factory, assembly and logistics operations at Alexandra Dock in Hull. He was later appointed as Director of Localisation for Siemens Mobility and has driven forward the development of an industry-leading rail centre of excellence in Goole. Prof Juster will continue as Acting Chair until Mr Dowling takes up the role on a permanent basis. Prof Juster has led the Board since the Freeport’s Founding Chair, Simon Bird, stepped down in January, having spearheaded the process of securing freeport status and leading the Board since the organisation was formally established in summer 2023. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Siemens Buildings UK and Ireland has further strengthened its sales team with the appointment of Mark Gutteridge to the position of Area Sales Manager – South, Siemens Buildings Product Sales and Business Development. Gutteridge has been with Siemens for more than 10 years, most recently in the company’s digital industries business where he was the Solutions Partner Manager for the UK and Ireland. In his new role he will be responsible for both the Fire and the Comfort divisions which fall under the Siemens Buildings portfolio. Commenting on his appointment Gutteridge said – “I’m very much relishing the new challenge.  While I have some experience in areas which crossover with building management from my automation and control background – variable speed drives for example – it is essentially a new area for me. I understand the Siemens solutions-orientated philosophy very well from my previous roles and I look forward to applying that same commitment to finding optimal solutions in providing safer, more comfortable and more energy efficient environments for buildings.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Muse, the nationwide placemaker, has appointed Laura Percy as Development Director to strengthen its growing North West team.   The new hire joins the business with over 15 years’ experience delivering complex urban regeneration, mixed-use, and innovation projects across the UK and Asia. Laura was most recently at Landsec U&I, where she oversaw the businesses’ investments and developments across the North. This included MediaCity UK, the transformative mixed-use development in Salford Quays, Greater Manchester, and Mayfield, the large-scale £1.4bn regeneration project in Manchester City Centre. Prior to this, Laura was Head of Development at Bruntwood SciTech. Over the course of a three-year period she led the development of ID Manchester, the £1.5bn joint venture project with the University of Manchester, alongside holding responsibility for the master planning and delivery of the £750m mixed-use Circle Square development in Manchester. With a deep-rooted connection to the region, Laura is also a Board Member of the Greater Manchester Business Board (LEP), which brings together the public and private sectors to support business growth, develop local skills and innovation, and direct investment. The appointment of the strategic development lead continues to boost Muse’s growth trajectory in the North West, with the Development Director supporting the delivery of a strong regional pipeline. This includes Crescent Innovation Zone, a pivotal element of the £2.5bn Crescent Salford Masterplan, by ECF – the joint venture between Muse, Homes England and L&G, Salford City Council, and the University of Salford, and the £100m transformation of Prestwich Village in partnership with Bury Council. Steven Knowles, Director of Development Management at Muse – North West, said: “Laura brings a wealth of placemaking experience to our team. She will play an important role in supporting our exciting and ambitious pipeline in the North West.   “Her knowledge of innovation-led regeneration and experience working in partnership with the public and private sector will be crucial as we push forward with our plans for Crescent Salford and the sustainable regeneration of Prestwich Village. “The last six months have been excellent in terms of growth, and Laura’s appointment puts us in a strong position to continue to progress over the forthcoming period.” Laura Percy, Development Director at Muse – North West, said: “I am delighted to be joining Muse and look forward to playing my part supporting the team in the North West. “The company is amongst the industry leaders who are working in partnership to deliver outstanding new places across the country. Joining the team in the North West is an opportunity to support an ambitious pipeline which will be transformative for the region. “By bringing my own experience, and working with the established and expert team, we will continue to deliver outstanding regeneration and placemaking and have a real impact on communities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals