Mansell Building Solutions specialist in modern methods in construction (MMC) have recruited Martin Lynch to the newly-created position of Head of Commercial. Martin joins from Seddon Construction, where he held senior commercial and management positions from January 2020 to June 2025. Prior to joining Seddon, Martin was Commercial Manager for Keepmoat Regeneration before joining ENGIE as Head of Commercial and Operations Education & Public Buildings. With more than 30 years’ leadership experience in Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management, Martin has built a proven track record in delivering major construction and new-build projects across the education, housing, warehousing, and care sectors. He brings both strategic oversight and hands-on expertise in driving value, quality, and innovation. In this new role, Martin will support Mansell’s mission to increase the uptake and implementation of off-site construction – balancing commercial imperatives with build quality, programme certainty, and stakeholder priorities. He has a strong background in working within frameworks and long-term partnerships, consistently delivering results that strengthen client relationships and drive repeat business. Commenting on his appointment, Martin said: “Mansell is the go-to specialist contractor for panelised construction and MMC in the region. I’m passionate about building capability, improving performance, and contributing to the evolution of the sector – especially in sustainability, modern methods of construction, and future-proofing housing stock. I’m looking forward to seeing what impact I can make on the business so it can continue building high-quality spaces.” said Martin Lynch, Head of Commercial at Mansell Building Solutions. Angela Mansell, Managing Director, added: “With an impressive track record across education, housing, warehousing, and care sectors within main contractors, Martin is known for his strategic insight, commercial leadership, and people-first approach. He’s passionate about sustainability, de-risking project delivery, and building high-performing teams that make a real difference.” Martin’s commercial and leadership experience, along with his contractual and risk management approach will be a welcome addition to our Senior Leadership Team as we work to generate over 100,000m2 of off-site panelised construction the only MMC factory in Greater Manchester, helping the region create over 1,000 spaces each year. “We’re excited for the impact Martin will have as we continue to grow and evolve – and we know he’ll be a fantastic addition to the Mansell team”. Established in 1991, Mansell Building Solutions are a specialist contractor using modern methods of construction (MMC) to build high quality spaces in the North. They have over 30 years industry experience in off-site frames and on-site finishes. Geographically they deliver their finished frame solution across the North West and Frames in the North (Yorks, NE & Mids). Since 2018 they have created over 5,500 spaces for occupation across residential, care, student and leisure sectors including – Aviva Studios, Downley Drive in Ancoats and five affordable Passivhaus schemes in Salford for Seddon Construction. They are currently working on two iconic developments in Stockport, Cityheart’s Stopford Park for Oak Construction Projects and Academy of Living Well for Rowlinson Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Baxi, part of the BDR Thermea Group, has announced the appointment of Alstom MD Jason Baldock as the new MD for Baxi UK & Ireland. This follows the news that out-going MD and Dutch national Jan Rijnen has re-located to head up sister BDR company Remeha, covering the Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg (Benelux) region.  Jan will continue to be responsible for Baxi UK&I until Jason joins on October 1st . Jason has 29 years’ experience in commercial and project delivery roles, most recently as MD of Alstom UK&Ireland Digital and Integrated Systems division since 2020.  During his time at Alstom, Jason oversaw numerous significant contract wins in the rail sector, which included securing the largest market share of Network Rail’s Major Signalling Framework Agreement (MSFA). Both Jan and Jason will report into BDR Group CEO Tjarko Bouman. Of his UK&I replacement, Jan said: “Jason has immense experience in helping complex organisations to upgrade and replace their legacy control systems for the 21st century.  His experience is a great fit for Baxi in our role to help organisations replace existing heating systems with sustainable solutions that reduce carbon, reduce costs and improve controls. We’re extremely pleased Jason is joining our BDR team.”  Commenting on his appointment, Jason said; “I am truly excited to be joining Baxi UK & Ireland and look forward to building on the company’s strong heritage and exploring new opportunities as we embrace the decarbonisation agenda.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Leep Utilities has appointed Ieman Barmaki as Director of Heat, to establish and drive forward the company’s heat networks division. Ieman brings over 20 years’ experience in delivering sustainable heat solutions, energy efficiency and decarbonisation projects across both public and private sectors. Ieman’s expertise is crucial at a time of rapid change for the UK’s heating sector. Heat networks have undergone a step change in functionality and efficiency and, with the UK on a firm path to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, they offer an unrivalled opportunity to reduce the carbon associated with heating homes and businesses, as well as providing cost-effective energy solutions. It’s estimated that the number of heat networks in operation will need to increase from 3% to around 18%. Ieman’s appointment strengthens Leep’s heat network adoption programme, ensuring heat networks are a sound investment and supporting Leep to be a true multi-utility provider: offering water, electricity, waste, and heat services to developers and asset owners. Louise Manfredi, CEO of Leep Utilities said, “We are delighted to welcome Ieman to the team at such a pivotal time for the UK’s heating sector. “His proven track record in developing heat networks and navigating complex regulatory environments makes him the ideal person to establish and grow our heat division. With changes on the horizon like the Future Homes Standard and gas boilers being phased out of new developments, Ieman’s expertise will be instrumental in helping our clients transition to sustainable heating solutions while maintaining our commitment to exceptional customer service.” Ieman previously lead on the development of multiple heat network both in the private and public sector, He has held numerous senior roles in renewable and heat network organisation and formerly Head of Asset Management and Sustainability at London Brough of Enfield managing complex asset portfolio, decarbonisation and development of renewable heat networks. Ieman Barmaki said about his role, “I’m joining Leep at a time when the UK’s heating landscape is undergoing such fundamental change. It’s exciting to have the opportunity to acquire and adopt innovative and sustainable heat solutions that align with the UK’s decarbonisation targets but that also work for our customers – helping developers and asset owners to maximise their business outcomes while also supporting environmental objectives.” To learn more about Leep Utilities and its services, please visit www.leeputilities.co.uk/heat-networks/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

SLR CONSULTING has strengthened its integrated approach to placemaking with the appointment of experienced masterplanner Louise Fountainas associate director for urban design.  With more than 20 years of experience in masterplanning, urban design and architecture across both the public and private sectors, Louise has held senior roles at AECOM, Planit, Taylor Young (now Arcadis), and PRP Architects and led on major regeneration projects.   Her portfolio includes 1,500 homes within the Greater Manchester Places for Everyone (PfE) plan, Jackson’s Brickworks in Manchester, 2,500 homes at New Eastern Villages near Swindon, and the historic Woolwich Barracks site in Greenwich.  Based in Manchester, Louise will enhance SLR’s Place team in the North West, which includes 15 masterplanning and landscape specialists.   The team is involved in some of the region’s most significant projects. These include the South Warrington Eastern Urban Extension for Homes England, Bold Garden Village in St Helens, Droylsden Town Centre Masterplan, Leigh Civic Square, First Street and Bootle Strand.  Louise said: “I admire the creativity and ambition of the place team at SLR, the combination of visionary design with technical excellence uniquely positions the team to deliver sustainable, people-focused places. By bringing my own experience together with the established team, we’ll strive for outstanding placemaking that positively impacts both communities and the environment.”  She also brings leadership experience in town and city centre regeneration, having worked on frameworks and strategies such as the Warrington Growth Ambition, Sheffield City Centre Priority Frameworks, and Northwich Development Framework, alongside regeneration schemes in Radcliffe and Ashton, and residential capacity studies in Sheffield and Leicester. She has also delivered design codes in Prestwich and Keighley.  Alongside her practice work, Louise serves as Supporting Chair of the RIBA Places Matter design review panel, providing independent design advice across the North West. She intends to use this experience to strengthen SLR’s internal design review process and its advocacy for design quality.  Pol MacDonald, director of the place team at SLR Consulting, said: “Louise’s extensive masterplanning expertise and commitment to raising design quality will play a key leadership and mentoring role for the Manchester studio and beyond, as we continue to expand our place team across specialist disciplines and levels of experience.  “Since fully merging OPEN with SLR in 2022, our place team across the UK has gone from strength to strength, benefiting from the support of SLR’s wider disciplines such as ecology, transport, heritage and infrastructure – combining creativity with technical rigour to ensure that placemaking projects are deliverable and sustainable.”  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

M&G Investments has appointed Ruth Jackson as head of UK investment management within its real estate division. Jackson joins from Hines, where she was managing director of investment management with responsibility for three major European funds, overseeing assets valued at more than €5 billion (£4.37 billion). Her career also includes senior roles at Invesco, in a pan-European capacity, and at JLL with a focus on investment and development in the City of London. In her new position at M&G, Jackson will lead bespoke mandates and develop fresh investment solutions, reporting to Peter Riley, head of UK commercial and capital solutions. Commenting on the appointment, Riley said: “We are delighted to welcome Ruth to M&G. Her appointment reflects our commitment to building the capabilities required to capitalise on global opportunities and deliver for clients as the UK market enters a new phase of growth. Ruth’s proven leadership and impressive track record will be invaluable for leading our UK commercial team through compelling opportunities for our clients.” Jackson added: “I’m excited to join M&G at such a pivotal time as the UK commercial real estate market is reinvigorated. Stabilising capital values, easing interest rates and structural demand across key sectors are creating a compelling environment for performance-led strategies. This is an opportunity for M&G Real Estate to lead in the UK market recovery and I look forward to building on its strong track record of innovation and performance.” M&G Real Estate, part of M&G’s £77 billion private assets division, manages a portfolio that includes retail landmarks such as Manchester Arndale and Cribbs Causeway in Bristol. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Savills has expanded its development project management industrial & logistics team, which is part of its building & project consultancy division, with the appointment of Susannah Packer, who joins as an associate at the firm’s Margaret Street head office in London. Susannah has over seven years’ experience working in property development, specialising in the delivery of industrial property. This involved both asset and investment management for new build projects, industrial estates and a varied portfolio of real estate, for clients including CEVA Logistics, Sandvik and Goodyear Tyres. Following a relocation from Australia, she joins from Hesperia, a boutique developer based in Perth. At Savills, Susannah will focus on supporting existing clients within the industrial & logistics sector, from both a landlord and occupier perspective. As well as working with the firm’s wide network of logistics experts to help secure new business. Susannah Packer comments: “I am excited to be joining the market leading development project management team at Savills. I look forward to working with new colleagues and other market specialists across the business on both new opportunities and also strengthening relationships with existing clients.” Will Cooper, head of the London development project management industrial & logistics team at Savills, adds: “We are very pleased to welcome Susannah, whose dynamic and detailed approach will no doubt increase our capability to offer our clients a best in class service. With a strong varied background, she brings with her a unique insight that can only be positive for the wider team”  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Esh Construction has been appointed as the contractor to deliver the UK Government-funded Towns Fund transformation of Brighouse town centre. Following a competitive tender process, the company will now prepare for construction work to begin and will work with local shops and businesses to ensure support is in place during the programme of improvements. The £19.1 million Brighouse Town Deal will focus on creating a more welcoming town centre, with an emphasis on people rather than cars while maintaining vital access routes. The project aims to encourage more visitors to shop, spend time and support the local economy. Plans for the transformation were first developed in 2019, with extensive consultation taking place over the past six years. The final phase of work will deliver major changes to the layout of the town centre, complementing other investments already underway. As part of the wider programme, Calderdale College has launched the Industry 4.0 Hub to deliver manufacturing and digital skills support, while the rebuilding of Brighouse Market is nearing completion. The town centre public realm improvements will form the most visible stage of the regeneration. The improvement works will focus on: Initial work on Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) has already been undertaken, with feedback from local properties leading to some adjustments. A formal consultation on changes to vehicle movements and parking will begin shortly, with previous respondents having received feedback on their comments. The Brighouse Town Deal is a partnership between Calderdale Council, Calderdale College, private and voluntary sector partners, and community and residents’ groups. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Build UK, the leading representative body for the UK construction industry, has confirmed the appointment of Paul Brown, Chief Executive of John Sisk & Son, as its new Chair in its 10th anniversary year. Previously Vice Chair of Build UK after joining the Board in 2022, Paul brings more than 25 years of leadership experience to the role. He is a civil engineer with a deep commitment to the power of construction to change lives and create a better future, and his election by members reflects Build UK’s central role in driving forward the industry priorities that support all sectors within UK construction. Paul’s appointment was confirmed alongside the rest of the Board at today’s AGM, where members heard directly from the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, the Right Honourable James Murray MP, who outlined the Government’s ambition and commitment to deliver and maintain £725 billion of economic and social infrastructure over the next decade as set out in its 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy. Paul succeeds Julie White, Managing Director of D-Drill & Sawing which is a member of the Drilling and Sawing Association (DSA), who has successfully led Build UK for the past two years and steps down with the thanks of the Board and members. In his first speech to Build UK members at the AGM, Paul said: “Taking on the role of Build UK Chair at such a pivotal time for our industry is a huge privilege. Construction is taking an increasingly integrated approach to infrastructure planning, improving the way we deliver projects, and driving forward the highest standards of building safety. “Build UK has a vital role to play in supporting these priorities, and I look forward to working with members across the supply chain to deliver change and demonstrate the positive impact of construction on the economy and local communities across the UK.” Build UK Chief Executive Suzannah Nichol OBE welcomed Paul’s appointment, saying: “We are delighted to have Paul as our new Chair. By bringing the whole industry together around the same table, Build UK has demonstrated that it can successfully respond to the issues we face, such as the new building safety regime, and Paul’s leadership and experience will be invaluable as we navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead. “I would also like to thank Julie for her outstanding contribution over the past two years and for all her support in representing the industry since she was first elected to the Board 10 years ago.” Build UK has also appointed two new Board members – Skanska’s President and CEO Katy Dowding, and Lee Rowswell from GKR Scaffolding which is a member of the National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) – who alongside the existing members of the Board will ensure Build UK continues to represent the breadth and depth of the sector. For more information on the Build UK Board, please visit: www.BuildUK.org/Board. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

KLM Real Estate has appointed Nick Sewell to head and expand its asset management arm, KLM Asset Partners. Sewell joins from Urbn Partners, the town centre regeneration specialist he continues to operate. He previously spent five years at CBRE as an executive director in retail capital markets, and a decade at NewRiver REIT, where he helped build a leading investment platform focused on grocery and essential retail following its 2009 IPO. “The recovery in the UK retail property market, particularly in shopping centres, has led to an increased demand from owners for strategic asset management expertise,” Sewell said. “At KLM Asset Partners we will be able to harness the deep sector expertise found within the parent firm to offer a broader service to clients.” KLM Real Estate described the move as a natural progression for the business, leveraging its in-house expertise and market experience to support clients as retail environments evolve and to help generate long-term value. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals