UK and Ireland specialist paving and building products company, AG has welcomed three new recruits to its growing workforce. AG Appoints new Head of Sales for Scotland UK and Ireland specialist paving and building products company, AG, has appointed James Jack as Head of Sales for Scotland. James brings with him over 25 years’
Leading UK build-to-rent provider Placefirst has appointed Anna Hwang as its new assets and strategy director, as the business moves forward with its ambitious growth plans. This is a new role and key addition to the senior leadership team for Placefirst. Anna joins with over 20 years’ experience in the
Salboy Group, the nationwide property development and funding company, has named Carmen Ching as the Group’s first Head of Sales. Carmen, a senior director at Salboy since 2020, becomes the first person to be handed a global remit to lead Salboy’s international sales strategy. For the last three years, Carmen
Ecofill Group, the UK-based construction technology company, announced today that Catherine Li has joined as CEO, bringing with her over twenty years of extensive global experience in sustainable development of the built environment, including most recently as CEO of Atkins / SNC Lavalin in Asia Pacific. Ecofill is an award-winning,
NATIONAL real estate consultancy Naismiths has announced the appointment of new managing director, Ben Harwood. Having joined Naismiths in 2017, Ben facilitated the buyout of the business and has since led the restructuring and advisory team. As managing director, Ben is now leading the business as it enters its sixth
Linbrooke Services Ltd (Linbrooke), is pleased to announce the appointment of Will Wilson as Chief Executive Officer. Linbrooke is a leading UK engineering company specialising in the design and integration of multi-sector power and telecom solutions, combined with Rail related signalling, telecoms and power systems and multi sector, multi-discipline consultancy.
The parent company to Baxi and leading manufacturer of smart thermal comfort solutions, BDR Thermea, has appointed Luigi La Morgia as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Luigi will join the Management Board and report directly to CEO Bertrand Schmitt. Luigi brings over 20 years of experience in general management, operations and
Top 10 UK housebuilder Keepmoat, has announced the appointment of Amanda Bishop as Regional Managing Director for the West Midlands. Amanda’s role as Regional Managing Director focuses on implementing new strategies for the West Midlands region, supporting the land acquisition strategy and driving growth in key areas. With previous roles
SPECIALIST retrofit decarbonisation turnkey provider Sustainable Building Services (SBS) has made two new promotions to its board of directors as annual turnover is forecasted to increase to more than £50 million. Steve Roberts and Ian Jones, both regional directors, have joined managing director Gary Lawson, divisional director Mike Easdon and
Leading construction consultant, Currie & Brown, has announced a series of new hires to boost the firm’s technical expertise, and deliver advisory services to lenders and investors across a raft of large-scale PPP projects across the UK and internationally. The new team is made up of Jonathan Wilson, Director, Simon
UK and Ireland specialist paving and building products company, AG has welcomed three new recruits to its growing workforce. AG Appoints new Head of Sales for Scotland UK and Ireland specialist paving and building products company, AG, has appointed James Jack as Head of Sales for Scotland. James brings with him over 25 years’ experience in the construction industry, working across both the manufacturing and distribution sectors. Most recently James was Account Manager at Keyline, part of the Travis Perkins Group, where he managed the group’s Tier 1 contractors. Prior to this James was Head of Commercial Sales for GB at a manufacturing company and also spent 13 years at Jewson where he held a range of senior sales positions. James will be responsible for managing sales within the Scotland region. His role will be to engage with contractors, subcontractors and builders’ merchants as well as supporting general merchant/stockist activity and driving retail sales through this sales channel. AG Appoints new Digital Marketing Manager UK and Ireland specialist paving and building products company, AG, has appointed Stephen Gallagher as Digital Marketing Manager. Stephen spent the last 5 years working with Christies Direct as Marketing Manager where he was responsible for supporting the firm’s growth strategy through the creation of quality content, advertising and managing customer relations. Stephen will be part of AG’s marketing team where he will be responsible for planning and implementing AG’s digital marketing campaigns across a variety of platforms. AG Appoints new Specification Consultant UK and Ireland specialist paving and building products company, AG, has appointed Mark Toole as Specification Consultant. Mark brings with him a wealth of knowledge with over 25 years’ experience in the construction industry. His spent the last seven years working as a Senior Project Consultant for Marshalls where he was responsible for several key contractor accounts as well as managing its sales team. Prior to that Mark held various managerial positions including a Key Account Manager for Charcon. At AG Mark will be responsible for dealing with business enquiries for customers, working closely with clients through the product selection process. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading UK build-to-rent provider Placefirst has appointed Anna Hwang as its new assets and strategy director, as the business moves forward with its ambitious growth plans. This is a new role and key addition to the senior leadership team for Placefirst. Anna joins with over 20 years’ experience in the property sector and will be responsible for developing and executing Placefirst’s real estate strategy, which looks to build on recent success as the business aims to reach 6,500 homes in the coming years. Anna joins Placefirst from Savills, where she was director of operational capital markets for two years, consulting with clients to drive their strategy and achieve maximum growth. Prior to this, Anna was a partner at investment and asset management specialist Addington Capital. Anna joins at a pivotal time for Placefirst which has established itself as a leader in the single-family BTR market, both through existing award-winning neighbourhoods and an exciting pipeline of UK wide projects. This pipeline includes 122 apartments at Cow Green in Halifax approved in March, 146 homes at Benwell Dene in Newcastle submitted in April, and 366 units in Wolverhampton. Placefirst are also now on site in Bolton, delivering a 167 unit neighbourhood in partnership with the council. Commenting on her appointment, Anna said: “I am delighted to be joining Placefirst at such an exciting time for the business. Our position as an industry leader in the market is shown through a number of high-profile schemes currently being built or in planning, and it is important we continue to be influential in the industry and create communities where people are proud to live and rent for the long term, in an exciting and growing residential sector. I look forward to working closely with David and the wider team to deliver this next phase of growth which will see the business expand at an impressive rate.” David Mawson, chief executive officer at Placefirst added: “We are thrilled to welcome Anna to Placefirst, bringing with her over 20 year’s experience and knowledge of the industry. With Anna’s skills in strategy and asset management, this new role encompasses the ambition that Placefirst has and will help us to progress at a national scale. Our plan is to continue on our path in delivering best-in-class BTR communities and contributing to answering the huge demand for quality private rented accommodation across the UK.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Salboy Group, the nationwide property development and funding company, has named Carmen Ching as the Group’s first Head of Sales. Carmen, a senior director at Salboy since 2020, becomes the first person to be handed a global remit to lead Salboy’s international sales strategy. For the last three years, Carmen has been Salboy’s Head of Asia Pacific based in Hong Kong. Following her promotion and reporting to Simon Ismail, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Salboy Group, Carmen will continue to lead Sales in Asia from Hong Kong while directing a global sales strategy that is implemented across the world in Manchester, London, Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai and the Middle East. With 16 years’ experience in international residential property including leading the international residential team at Colliers, Carmen has developed a strong and vast client base across South-East and North-East Asia. Her experience of Western and Eastern working cultures, her expertise in investment advisory, and her multiple past successes in managing investor portfolios including block deals are all highly beneficial to international investors in UK property. Bringing her vast industry knowledge and wide-ranging skill set to her global strategic role, Carmen will be responsible for the success of the sales and marketing teams she leads not only across Asia but throughout the world where Salboy has a presence. Simon Ismail, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Salboy, comments: “Since we were lucky enough to welcome Carmen to the Salboy team in 2020, she has been instrumental in maturing our sales strategies, nurturing our teams and ultimately driving our growth across Asia. We are hugely excited that Carmen has accepted our proposal to lead our sales strategy on a global basis in the future and we look forward to seeing the impact she has on all our talented sales teams wherever they are in the world. “Ensuring that our sales process reflects how borderless the UK property market has become is essential. Our client base is hugely international in its reach as more international clients buy UK property not just for investment but as homes for their children while studying at first-class UK universities or as homes-from-home during extended business travel. A globalised, coordinated approach will help ensure our discerning clients experience a better, easier and faster service from us.” Carmen is supported by Salboy’s experienced senior management team, including Zann Quek and Benjamin Ashcroft. Zann brings 14 years’ experience as a UK and international property professional to her role as Head of Greater China and Regional Director following previous directorships at JLL, Knight Frank and Colliers. Benjamin joined Salboy in 2019 as Head of Marketing and has 17 years’ extensive experience in project marketing and branding in the UK, Asia and Middle East. Carmen Ching, Head of Sales at Salboy Group, adds: “Collaboration will be key to achieving our ambitious growth goals over the next five years. Salboy has over £1 billion worth of property currently in development in London, Cornwall and Manchester – all parts of the UK where the demand for high quality housing continues to outstrip supply. We need to continually expand our sales presence globally to ensure that buyers throughout the world have the opportunity to access Salboy property built where it is most needed. Working with Zann, Benjamin and the rest of our global sales and marketing team, I look forward to rolling out a strategy that brings together our collective knowledge and expertise to help us maximise the potential ahead of us.”
Ecofill Group, the UK-based construction technology company, announced today that Catherine Li has joined as CEO, bringing with her over twenty years of extensive global experience in sustainable development of the built environment, including most recently as CEO of Atkins / SNC Lavalin in Asia Pacific. Ecofill is an award-winning, innovative, low-carbon technology and solution for the construction sector that transforms all types of clays & subsoils into aggregate replacement products on-site. It is designed to reduce carbon emissions and other pollutants throughout the construction process, optimising time and cost efficiency while minimising environmental impact. Decarbonisation and sustainability are at the core of the Ecofill circular economy process. Its methodology significantly reduces soil waste to landfill, use of aggregates, and lorry movements. Ecofill’s biofriendly binders can also enable the ground to be easily returned to its original pH level and nutrient status. Dr Nigel Griffiths, Chairman of Ecofill Group and a former UK Construction Minister, said “The board is delighted to welcome Catherine as CEO. Her accomplished career, global market reach, along with her passion for technology and innovation, and decarbonising construction, makes Catherine the ideal person to lead Ecofill Group into our next stage of growth.” “I am thrilled to have this opportunity to join Ecofill Group at this pivotal period in history on the journey to a low carbon economy.” said Catherine Li, CEO. “Studies indicate that approximately 40% of global carbon emissions can be attributed to the built environment and construction sector, and about another 30% to the transport sector. For the UK, achieving net zero by 2050 has become mission critical, and many other countries have also or are looking to set their own targets. Sustainable low-carbon construction is key in the fight against climate change. Technology and innovation will be crucial to this transition. By embracing Ecofill technology and solutions, construction projects can significantly reduce their carbon footprint as well as time and cost. We are proud to be at the forefront of this transformation, providing real opportunities for the industry as a whole. I am honoured to be playing my part in global decarbonisation, and I am looking forward to joining forces with like-minded partners and clients who share the same passion and vision.” For the last two decades, Catherine has developed significant industry knowledge and connectivity spanning the UK and Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa. Prior to Atkins, she was Global Alliances Leader for Arup. Catherine has been a board member of the China Britain Business Council (CBBC) and the British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, and was recently Chair of its International Infrastructure Forum. Catherine is a frequent and passionate speaker on industry topics including ‘Delivering large infrastructure at scale and speed’, and ‘The impact of technology and low carbon on infrastructure and investment’. Catherine is an alumna of Harvard Business School, having completed the Advanced Management Programme (AMP). Ecofill is paving the way for a decarbonised future in the construction industry on both local and global scales. Through innovative low carbon solutions, Ecofill empowers construction companies to meet and surpass their sustainability goals. This forward-thinking approach allows customers to align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, placing them at the forefront of sustainable development. As Ecofill continues to innovate, the company calls on industry leaders, stakeholders, and communities to join it on this transformative journey towards a low-carbon future. More information on Ecofill can be found at www.ecofillgroup.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
NATIONAL real estate consultancy Naismiths has announced the appointment of new managing director, Ben Harwood. Having joined Naismiths in 2017, Ben facilitated the buyout of the business and has since led the restructuring and advisory team. As managing director, Ben is now leading the business as it enters its sixth decade, armed with his extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions as a chartered accountant. Ben said: “The consultancy continues to grow from strength to strength and I see our bright future being intrinsically tied to our sixty years of experience, with the company celebrating this 60-year milestone in 2023. My ambition is to drive the company forward, focusing on evolving our data-led approach, while maintaining our reputation as trusted advisors across project monitoring, building consultancy and restructuring and advisory. “Data really is king when forecasting future projects, so as part of our continued growth, Naismiths is working on delivering greater access to our leading property development information. By fully understanding the key metrics and risk factors, we can use our data to assist property developers, lenders, and other stakeholders to appraise and monitor projects more effectively.” Marcus Higgins, national head of project monitoring at Naismiths said: “Naismiths is marking a significant 60-year milestone this year and with this includes the appointment of Ben as managing director. Ben’s energy, focus and ideas are having a positive impact on the direction of the business, with both the senior and wider teams benefiting from his leadership. We look forward to the next chapter of Naismiths and taking the business to new levels of success.” For more information visit www.naismiths.com and follow www.linkedin.com/company/naismiths-ltd/
Linbrooke Services Ltd (Linbrooke), is pleased to announce the appointment of Will Wilson as Chief Executive Officer. Linbrooke is a leading UK engineering company specialising in the design and integration of multi-sector power and telecom solutions, combined with Rail related signalling, telecoms and power systems and multi sector, multi-discipline consultancy. Lee Hallam, Executive Chairman said: “We are pleased to welcome Will Wilson to Linbrooke and he will lead the company into the next phase of growth, bringing into his new role a wealth of experience in the engineering and rail industries.” Prior to joining Linbrooke, Will held senior leadership positions at a number of global companies including Siemens, Alstom and GE Transportation. He was formerly the CEO of Siemens Mobility in the UK. During his career Will has gained extensive rail and transport experience on an international basis, and has majored in railways, aerospace, traffic and general transportation for over 27 years. With a current personal passion for carbon free transport he is a recognised authority in the sector. On joining Linbrooke as Chief Executive, Will said: “I am delighted to be joining Linbrooke at such an exciting time in its evolution. With many sectors growing especially around the global de-carbonisation agenda we are so well positioned to deliver innovative bespoke solutions as well as growing our unique position within the rail sector as the only multi-tier signalling integrator.” “The company has an outstanding reputation in the industry and a talented team of engineers, project managers and hugely dedicated staff in all areas. We are already building on this strong foundation, continuing to deliver high-quality projects for our clients, while also expanding our capabilities and exploring new growth opportunities. A renewed focus on the customer and delivery will be implemented due to Linbrooke’s culture based upon safety and integrity.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The parent company to Baxi and leading manufacturer of smart thermal comfort solutions, BDR Thermea, has appointed Luigi La Morgia as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Luigi will join the Management Board and report directly to CEO Bertrand Schmitt. Luigi brings over 20 years of experience in general management, operations and supply chain in large multinationals, including at Ducati, Fiat Powertrain, and most recently Whirlpool, where he served as Vice President Manufacturing and Supply Chain EMEA. In this time, Luigi has been involved in successful company integration processes, supply chain turnaround and world class manufacturing development. In his position as COO, Luigi will be responsible for group-wide procurement, supply chain and manufacturing, to maximise the effectiveness and efficiency of BDR Thermea Group’s operations for its customers. This includes the UK-based customers served by Baxi and its brands, both in the residential and commercial sectors. “I am thrilled to join a company whose values I so strongly identify with,” says Luigi. “As part of its ‘sustainable future’ value, BDR Thermea Group has ambitious plans to lead the energy transition in residential and office buildings. And in line with the Group’s ‘customer focus’ value, I’m looking forward to developing the efficient and effective operations needed to deliver on changing customer demand. I’m a firm believer in ‘one team’, BDR Thermea’s third value. This is how we get things done, showing that teamwork truly makes the difference.” Welcoming Luigi to the Management Board, CEO Bertrand Schmitt says: “To match the robustness of our ambitions, we need strong leadership to guide us in the right direction. We feel very fortunate to have Luigi joining us in the new role of COO, with his wealth of experience helping us to further develop our future-ready operations for the exciting times that lie ahead.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Top 10 UK housebuilder Keepmoat, has announced the appointment of Amanda Bishop as Regional Managing Director for the West Midlands. Amanda’s role as Regional Managing Director focuses on implementing new strategies for the West Midlands region, supporting the land acquisition strategy and driving growth in key areas. With previous roles at a number of national homebuilders including Crest Nicholson, Amanda brings over 30 years’ experience in the new homes industry to the role. Commenting on her appointment, Amanda said: “Over the past few years the West Midlands has seen significant successes and has grown to become one of Keepmoat’s flagship regions. I am looking forward to bringing my expertise from my time as Keepmoat’s Group Sales Director to the role, and supporting the region with further growth and new opportunities.” Keepmoat West Midlands has seven live developments operating from Staffordshire down to the South West. Flagship partnerships are ongoing with Homes England, Citizen, and Walsall Housing Group. Amanda continues: “These key partnerships have improved access to the property market for families on lower incomes and we’re particularly proud that we have the ability to build and sell new homes utilising the strength of these partnerships and relationships built locally.” The region has secured 1,350 plots over 90 acres of new land to support future developments that drive investment across the region. The West Midlands is active in the land market and is looking to acquire sites for a further 1,000 plots to feed the immediate pipeline. Tim Beale, Group CEO at Keepmoat, added: “I’m delighted that Amanda has been promoted to the role of Regional Managing Director for our West Midlands business, having joined Keepmoat as Sales Director in 2019 and playing a pivotal role in helping to deliver our growth in the region to date. As we look to further expand our presence in the West Midlands, I am confident that Amanda will continue to build on this success, working closely with our public and private sector partners to actively source new opportunities.” Keepmoat is a top 10 UK partnership housebuilder with a track-record of delivering quality homes in regions across the UK. To date, Keepmoat has built over 35,000 homes, transforming brownfield sites into thriving new communities. With around 70% of Keepmoat’s homes being affordable, the housebuilder is working to deliver high-quality, multi-tenure, new homes nationally. Keepmoat has achieved five star builder status in the National Home Builders Federation Award, receiving a rating of at least 90% in the National New Homes Customer Satisfaction Survey. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professional
SPECIALIST retrofit decarbonisation turnkey provider Sustainable Building Services (SBS) has made two new promotions to its board of directors as annual turnover is forecasted to increase to more than £50 million. Steve Roberts and Ian Jones, both regional directors, have joined managing director Gary Lawson, divisional director Mike Easdon and chairman Derek Horrocks on the now-five-man board. These promotions are two of four senior appointments across the business, with Daniel Owens and Dwayne Jones both stepping into roles as regional operations managers. The changes are integral to a wider restructuring, which sees the creation of five regional management teams to facilitate the healthy stream of work that the business has secured. Regional management will be a fluid concept, with the five regional directors and managers in position responsible for multiple projects across the country at any one time. Holding almost 20 years of experience with the business between them, those recently promoted will be integral in the continued endorsement of excellence, meeting PAS 2035 principles, consistent delivery of high-quality resident engagement, innovation, high-quality whole house retrofit projects, and providing career opportunities within the retrofit sector. Steve Roberts said: “Having progressed through the company, I can safely say that there is opportunity here for those that want to seize it. Not only can we learn a lot from recent success and growth, but we can also influence change too. “At a board level, I look forward to contributing more to the business’ overarching strategy, while at a regional level I will continue to ensure that our pipeline of work is carried out to the highest standard and with the passion we all share for improving living conditions, reducing fuel poverty and the impact of the cost-of-living crisis through the decarbonisation of homes.” “Our clients love working with us because of who we are and what we stand for, which makes us relatable. We’re all an important part of the business, from apprentice to director, and our recent growth is a reflection of this.” Sustainable Building Services was recently crowned Retrofit Contractor of the Year by The Retrofit Academy, and is set to deliver multiple circa £15 million projects awarded funding through the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) Wave 2. Gary Lawson, managing director at Sustainable Building Services, said: “The recent changes and appointments are proof that you can work your way to the top at Sustainable Building Services and there is no limit to the rewards that success can bring. “Moreover, there is not just one route for doing so. For example, Daniel Owens has risen from quantity surveyor to regional operations manager, which should inspire others who have similar ambitions to grow as individuals and be the deciders in their own destiny.” To discover more about Sustainable Building Service’s mission to decarbonise the UK’s housing stock, visit its website at:www.sustainablebuildinguk.com
Leading construction consultant, Currie & Brown, has announced a series of new hires to boost the firm’s technical expertise, and deliver advisory services to lenders and investors across a raft of large-scale PPP projects across the UK and internationally. The new team is made up of Jonathan Wilson, Director, Simon Bate and Liam Potts, Associate Directors and Andrew Henderson, FM Consultant. The team boasts over 60 years of combined industry experience, across a portfolio of social infrastructure projects ranging from Government Accommodation such as HM Treasury, to major healthcare projects such as the Royal London and St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London and Karolinska Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden. The team will complement Currie & Brown’s existing PPP expertise, with each new member bringing unique and long-standing experience of PPP projects. Their exceptional reputations and skill set in this market will significantly increase Currie & Brown’s contribution to delivering many of these projects across the UK. During the next decade nearly 300 major PFI contracts in the UK covering a range of assets, including hospitals, prisons, and schools, will reach the end of their term. The team’s combined insight and expertise means they will be able to offer support and advice as assets transition back from private sector operation. Beyond the UK, the new team will also bolster Currie & Brown’s capacity to leverage its existing work in the Middle East and expand into Africa, where parent company, Dar Group, is already a major player. Commenting on the appointments, Nick Gray, said: “I am thrilled to welcome Jon, Simon, Liam and Andrew to Currie & Brown. They each possess exceptional skills that will complement our existing capabilities perfectly and help us better position ourselves to support the wave of PPP projects that are rapidly reaching an inflection point. “As a business, we’re in a fantastic position to make a great contribution on a number of important projects. We have a robust strategy in place and a winning team to deliver it.” Jonathan Wilson adds: “I am really pleased to be joining Currie & Brown and that our long-standing team will continue to work together in providing services to clients and projects many of which we are proud to have been associated with for over 20 years. The opportunity to develop Currie & Brown’s capacity, both in the UK PFI market and the wider international PPP sector, presents an exciting challenge which we look forward to.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
