New leadership team will spearhead company’s core ‘Build’ service Design, fit-out and refurbishment specialist Paramount has strengthened its position in the property sector by adding construction to its set of core services. In a move that “signals the start of an exciting new era”, commercial and residential construction activity will
Modular construction specialist Rollalong has recruited another experienced director to further strengthen its senior team. Keith Woodlock has been appointed as Project Director responsible for main contracts and major works, with a focus on the defence sector and MOD contracts. Keith has many years’ experience in both modular and traditional
A Sales and Marketing Manager is now part of the St Arthur Homes team – a shared ownership provider with developments currently located across Hampshire and Kent. Michelle Robins from Southsea has brought 34 years’ experience working within the property industry to the company, which she joined in November last
Forward-thinking flexible office space provider, Canvas Offices, has achieved an impressive 30% increase in growth over the last six months, following the appointment of two new strategic hires. Committed to providing authentic and modern work environments in sought-after locations across the Capital, Canvas was originally established in 2018 and has
London residential developer Mount Anvil has appointed Katie Rogers as Chief Financial Officer. The new hire is an integral part of the developer’s drive to Pursue Better, Differently as it delivers estate transformation schemes in partnership with local authorities and housing associations in central London. Rogers brings more than 20
Property and construction consultancy Ridge and Partners LLP (Ridge) has appointed Phil Kelly as Partner to head up its Net Zero Carbon and Circularity (NZ+C) expertise. A sustainability leader, Phil brings over 15 years of experience in building services and sustainability and is recognised internationally as a thought leader in
Leicester architectural firm promotes both Joe Travers and Jack Mellor. IMA Architects (IMA), an award-winning architectural firm based on Lutterworth Road in Blaby, Leicester, is pleased to announce two promotions. Joe Travers has been promoted to Associate Director and Jack Mellor has been promoted to Associate. Joe and Jack have
Nottingham-based civil and structural engineering firm Howard Ward Associates (HWA) has bolstered its team with the hire of two new engineers. Claudia Henry joins as a structural engineer and Rob Morley as a principal engineer, increasing the company’s team to 16. The new recruits come following a sustained period of
In a move to further John F Hunt’s ambition to grow market share in London’s commercial sector, the firm has confirmed Simon Wilkinson will be joining their senior team from the beginning of April. The appointment follows a string of recent acquisitions including the company’s strategic acquisition last month of
National law firm Irwin Mitchell is expanding its Construction & Engineering Team with the recruitment of a new partner, Robert Tunningley, who will be based in the firm’s Gatwick office. The appointment takes the specialist construction team to thirteen, with three partners and two trainees. The team is led by
New leadership team will spearhead company’s core ‘Build’ service Design, fit-out and refurbishment specialist Paramount has strengthened its position in the property sector by adding construction to its set of core services. In a move that “signals the start of an exciting new era”, commercial and residential construction activity will propel Paramount towards the £40-million turnover mark. To drive forward the new ‘Build’ offering, which heralds a new phase in Paramount’s exceptional growth, the company’s leadership team has been boosted by key appointments. Paramount’s board of directors has been bolstered with Paul Thomas in a new post as Construction Director and in conjunction with Commercial Director Dimitri Tsakiris will focus on ‘Build’. Paul Jones has moved into the newly-formed post of Projects Director, to support the ‘Build’ expansion, in addition to ongoing fit-out and refurbishment works carried out by Paramount. They now form part of a senior leadership team alongside Richard Jones, Helen Bartlett and Kevin Mashford. Richard Jones, Paramount Chief Executive Officer, said: “Our move into construction signals the start of an exciting new era for Paramount, as we pursue ambitious aspirations for our dynamic company. “After focusing on high-quality interiors comprising fit-out and refurbishment for more than 30 years, encouraged by our clients, Paramount is broadening horizons with a comprehensive construction service which represents natural progression for our company. “I’m proud of the enviable reputation Paramount has earned across the property market thanks to our brilliant leadership team and in-house expertise that will ensure we strengthen our position at the forefront of the construction sector, based on our commitment to quality and professionalism.” As part of the Cardiff-headquartered company’s new service, Paramount has underlined its ambitions by winning two major contracts, commencing construction work on a £18-million contract on the Tene Living project in Salford, Greater Manchester, and a £3-million social housing scheme in the South Wales town of Porthcawl. The Manchester project is in the middle of a total redevelopment, with Paramount converting former offices into 151 high-end luxury apartments, complete with communal roof terrace, BBQ area and plans for an outdoor cinema, expected to be completed this autumn. The Porthcawl project in mid-Glamorgan, which is expected to be complete in summer 2024, will create 20 EPC ‘A’ flats, with an emphasis placed on energy-efficiency with solar PV, EV charging points and will not contain gas. Paul Thomas, Paramount Construction Director, said: “Our leadership team has the ideal blend of experience and expertise to successfully expand our core offering and place the company on a higher growth trajectory. “That experience and expertise across the company will provide us with the versatility to undertake diverse projects, from complex refurbishments and regeneration schemes to new-build developments, which will see Paramount go from strength to strength.” Dimitri Tsakiris, Paramount Commercial Director (Construction), added: “We have hit the ground running in South Wales and Greater Manchester and all our build projects will be planned with precision, managed tightly and ultimately delivered in partnership with our clients. “We approach every project with the same openness and transparency that has been the cornerstone of Paramount’s success, aiming from day one to establish a collaborative relationship with clients and partners to deliver buildings that not only meet expectations but exceed them.” Paramount, whose turnover currently stands at £38.5 million, employs 61 people who still own a majority shareholding of the business – 51 per cent – following completion of an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) scheme, in May 2021, a deal which marked a major milestone for Paramount after a period of sustained growth. The company is already well known across Wales and England where it has created high-quality inspirational space for a number of leading companies. These include former Wales and Real Madrid football star Gareth Bale’s Par 59 bars in Cardiff and Bristol, multi-million-pound redevelopment of Hodge House in Cardiff, refurbishment of the Development Bank of Wales HQ, transformation of the landmark 360 Bristol office complex and acclaimed office revamps in Bath for American software company SmartBear and financial services consultancy Altus.
Modular construction specialist Rollalong has recruited another experienced director to further strengthen its senior team. Keith Woodlock has been appointed as Project Director responsible for main contracts and major works, with a focus on the defence sector and MOD contracts. Keith has many years’ experience in both modular and traditional builds and has worked on major projects including the Wave Hotel at Butlins Bognor Regis, 5 Churchill Place in Canary Wharf, and Orchard Plaza in Poole. He has worked in main contracting for large PLCs helping to deliver landmark buildings, offsite solutions and refurbishment schemes nationwide. He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Buildings and the Association of Project Managers and is a certified member of the Certified Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (CIWFM). “I wanted to join Rollalong because they are increasing their turnkey operations, and my skills and experience will help the company to achieve growth in that area,” said Keith. “My role is all about quality and delivery – ensuring that quality is high and continuing to deliver projects on time and on budgets – while providing the rest of the board with information to help the company grow and be successful. “I’ve loved it so far and the wider team are brilliant. I’m really enjoying working with the MD Steve Chivers, who has given me the autonomy to use my initiative and make sure I deliver what’s required in line with Rollalong’s vision and values.” Steve Chivers commented: “We are delighted to welcome Keith, who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team. “We’ve recruited Keith to help us ensure that Rollalong’s major works projects are delivered effectively, on time and under budget, for our valued clients, and we’re confident that he will make an important contribution to our business.”Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A Sales and Marketing Manager is now part of the St Arthur Homes team – a shared ownership provider with developments currently located across Hampshire and Kent. Michelle Robins from Southsea has brought 34 years’ experience working within the property industry to the company, which she joined in November last year. After a spell working as a Business Development Manager in various conveyancing companies, Michelle decided it was time to get back to her first love – finding people their ideal homes. With time spent within Linden Homes, Bovis and Churchill Retirement, as well as working for an estate agent, Michelle has seen and understands many facets of the housing industry. Michelle said: “I first began my career in the property industry when I was 18 years old, and I’ve never left. There’s something very special about helping someone through one of the biggest purchases of their life – which can be happy or sad, stressful or exciting. For me, I genuinely view it as a privilege. Supporting purchasers, helping them find their perfect property and settle into it, making it a home – once you feel that kind of excitement and responsibility, it’s a hard thing to walk away from. “Coming to St Arthur Homes is my first time with a shared ownership provider, but in many ways we apply the same principles as any housebuilder. We strive to provide the best quality, the best service and the best aftercare. It’s always all about the people – and I’ve found that, often, the harder the journey to home ownership, the greater the reward.” Michelle works remotely most of the time from her home, which is a ten-minute walk from the seaside and just a short drive from St Arthur Homes’ Whiteley Meadows development in Whiteley and spends much of the rest of her working time visiting St Arthur’s other developments. She said: “It’s been very interesting to join St Arthur at this time, when we have so many happy buyers at Whiteley Meadows and I’ve seen a real community form. It’s also been great to get to know the team onsite – as well as in the office. “It feels very much that everyone here has the same goal and ethos. My manager Louise is brilliant to work with and we also have Trin and Mandy in our sales team, we all have the same passion for our individual roles and together as a team and although we all work really hard, there’s time to chat and get to know each other too.” For more information, visit starthurhomes.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Forward-thinking flexible office space provider, Canvas Offices, has achieved an impressive 30% increase in growth over the last six months, following the appointment of two new strategic hires. Committed to providing authentic and modern work environments in sought-after locations across the Capital, Canvas was originally established in 2018 and has since built an impressive portfolio of 13 buildings in desirable locations across London including Shoreditch, Mayfair, Clerkenwell, Farringdon and Old Street. With exciting plans to more than triple the business and open 10 additional buildings within the next 18 months, the leading flexible office space provider has welcomed a new Finance Director and Head of Marketing to the business over the last six months, who have played a fundamental role in achieving its growth objectives. With extensive experience in financial planning and analysis for household names including PwC and KFC, Jasmer Singh has joined Canvas as its new Finance Director. Having already played a fundamental role in forecasting, budgeting, and planning for the acquisition of additional buildings, Jasmer is also preparing for the firm’s first large equity investment round to be launched in summer 2023. Having held multiple lead marketing positions within the property sector, Mathew Moore joined Canvas as its new Head of Marketing, where he is responsible for implementing an impactful client acquisition strategy, while ensuring Canvas is established as a leading office space provider across the Capital. Discussing the new strategic hires, Yaron Rosenblum, co-founder and CEO of Canvas, said: “The next 12 months or so is an exciting but challenging time for Canvas, as we work hard to execute our strategy to more than triple growth and drive international expansion. In order to achieve these ambitious objectives, my co-founder, Oren, and I both agreed that we need true experts in the business within finance, marketing, and sales, and feel we have more than found this in Jasmer and Mathew. Although we have only been working together for a short time, they have made an impressive impact and, more importantly, are united in our vision and values for the business.” Headquartered in Shoreditch, Canvas boasts an average 98.4% occupancy rate across its entire portfolio, with growing waiting lists and strong occupier demand. In late 2022, Canvas secured £2.5 million in debt investment to drive its growth strategy, with plans to announce its first equity investment round in mid 2023. The flexible office space provider is in the final legal stages of a new building which will more than double its portfolio once completed. For more information, visit: https://canvasoffices.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
London residential developer Mount Anvil has appointed Katie Rogers as Chief Financial Officer. The new hire is an integral part of the developer’s drive to Pursue Better, Differently as it delivers estate transformation schemes in partnership with local authorities and housing associations in central London. Rogers brings more than 20 years of experience to the role, including 15 years in the sector spent building partnerships, securing debt funding, raising equity, and delivering quality homes. Most recently Rogers had an 11-year tenure as Chief Financial Officer of leading developer Telford Homes, with three years of that time spent also as their Chief Operating Officer. Additionally, she is currently a Non-Executive Director of Essex housing association CHP. Mount Anvil has been focused on London for more than 30 years and has a current pipeline of over 4,000 homes primarily in estate transformation partnerships with local authorities and housing associations. Recently the developer broke ground in Islington at the Barnsbury Estate where 914 new homes will be delivered for current residents and those on the council waiting list, and handed over the first block of quality affordable homes at Friary Park in Ealing to the residents who so enthusiastically support the estate’s transformation. Mount Anvil has been shaping London by creating quality, safe and sustainable places for over 30 years. Proven to deliver some of the city’s best residential developments, Mount Anvil has a proud record of working with London’s boroughs, housing associations and the GLA (including a one-of-its-kind £50m investment partnership) to create high-quality, tenure-blind homes for Londoners. As part of its mission to pursue better, differently Mount Anvil is nurturing unique wellbeing and sustainability partnerships with Peloton and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Darragh Hurley, Mount Anvil’s Managing Director, said: “Katie’s arrival is great news for the partners for whom we’re focused on delivering. This year we’re bucking the trend in London – we’re able to keep on building in six boroughs because we’ve secured planning and funding and are committed to doing what we said we’re going to do. Katie’s 15+ years of experience driving results in central London joint ventures is exactly what will help us keep delivering the quality places that London needs, whatever the economic weather.” Katie Rogers, Mount Anvil’s Chief Financial Officer, said: “Mount Anvil has a clear vision for growing its contribution to London and its impact in the communities that welcome them. They’ve got an unusual culture that drives results, and I’m excited to join a leadership team that I respect as amongst the best in the business as we partner with local authorities, housing associations (and our trusted banking providers) to deliver much-needed quality housing in London.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Property and construction consultancy Ridge and Partners LLP (Ridge) has appointed Phil Kelly as Partner to head up its Net Zero Carbon and Circularity (NZ+C) expertise. A sustainability leader, Phil brings over 15 years of experience in building services and sustainability and is recognised internationally as a thought leader in sustainable design and strategies. Phil has led the energy and sustainability strategies for some of the most innovative and complex projects across UK commercial, education, science, and healthcare sectors. He has also led international research projects on decarbonisation and the circular economy. Based in Birmingham, Phil will deliver a cross-discipline, cross-market NZ+C offer for clients, working closely with design and engineering disciplines, sustainability teams, and social value specialists to maximise sustainable outcomes on projects. Speaking of his appointment, Phil said: “Ridge delivers market-leading sustainability strategies that touch every stage of a building’s design and operation. I’m excited to be working across the organisation to share knowledge, boost collaboration, and build a national team that will help clients meet present – and future – climate and legislative challenges. Graham Blackburn, Partner at Ridge, said: “Further strengthening our world-class expertise in sustainability and social value, we welcome Phil, another highly regarded industry professional who joins us from senior positions in Ramboll and Hoare Lea. “Phil will lead integration with our multidisciplinary professionals so we can show the way to a holistic approach that delivers sustainable growth for our clients.” Phil joins Ridge from Ramboll, where he launched its Sustainable Solutions department in 2020.
Leicester architectural firm promotes both Joe Travers and Jack Mellor. IMA Architects (IMA), an award-winning architectural firm based on Lutterworth Road in Blaby, Leicester, is pleased to announce two promotions. Joe Travers has been promoted to Associate Director and Jack Mellor has been promoted to Associate. Joe and Jack have both been with IMA since 2011 and have amassed considerable experience across a range of UK wide construction projects during this time. Joe has increasingly specialised within the commercial and industrial sectors and has worked on a number of high-profile projects including the Marks and Spencer Distribution Centre in Castle Donnington, the Co-op Distribution centre in Sutton and Ashfield and the Redrow Homes East Midlands Office, also in Castle Donnington. In 2015, he achieved Chartered Membership status with the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists and was promoted to Associate in 2017. Working on projects for companies including Clowes Developments, Jessup Partnerships, Vaillant UK, Modus Partnerships, Avant Homes and Venture Properties amongst others, Jack has worked on schemes across the residential, commercial and industrial sectors in the Midlands. He achieved associate status with the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists in 2016. Commenting on the promotions Anthony Day, IMA Managing Director said: “Both Jack and Joe have demonstrated continued excellence across our client projects in the 12 years they have been with IMA. They have both more than earned their promotions. They have built excellent working relationships with our clients which leads to the successful delivery of schemes, and this had led to the continued growth of our business over recent years.” Joe Travers comments: “It is an exciting time for IMA and I am looking forward to working with Jack and us both playing an important role in the future development of the company.” Jack Mellor comments: “I am delighted to have been promoted and that both Joe and I have the continued support of the IMA directors who have all been instrumental in our career development over the past 12 years. I am looking forward to getting started in my new role.” IMA is an award-winning firm of architects based in Blaby, Leicestershire. The firm has grown from a two-person team to now employ 20 members of staff and work with a range of FTSE 100 companies, such as Marks and Spencer, and global brands including an international discount retailer. The company is a proud Community Partner of Leicester City Football Club and a sponsorship partner of both Leicester Tigers RFC and Leicestershire County Cricket Club. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Nottingham-based civil and structural engineering firm Howard Ward Associates (HWA) has bolstered its team with the hire of two new engineers. Claudia Henry joins as a structural engineer and Rob Morley as a principal engineer, increasing the company’s team to 16. The new recruits come following a sustained period of growth in 2022, with growing workstreams from Midlands contractors under major construction frameworks, and a surge in housing and renewable energy projects. HWA has secured a pipeline of work for 2023 with a Gross Development Value of over £400m in the East Midlands and nationally and is continuing to expand its team this year to facilitate its growing portfolio. HWA director, Dan Bailey, said: “Our strategy over the last 12 months has been to diversify our client base and the sectors we operate in and our efforts in delivering that strategy have really started to come to fruition. HWA is experiencing a welcome time of significant growth and innovation which is great following a challenging time for the industry. “We are working with incredible clients, old and new, on really impressive, innovative schemes and the growing demand for our services has led to us expanding the team at all levels. “Rob and Claudia join us at an exciting time and their passion and expertise is a real asset to our team and will enable us to expand our offer and portfolio further. “Likewise, we feel it is just as important to invest in the next generation of engineers and our year out student, Jakub, has gained valuable experience over his time with us which we are sure will benefit his studies. “We’re a close-knit business with a supportive and progressive culture and myself and the rest of the team are really pleased to be welcoming new people to the company.” Claudia, who studied Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Nottingham and is a graduate member of IStructE, has already become a valuable member of the team delivering building designs for the wider HWA team. Rob has over 25 years of consultancy experience and has worked with some of the HWA team previously. He will add further expertise to the reporting and structural assessment side of the business, whilst carrying a substantial depth of knowledge of building and design projects. The HWA team are currently working on significant student residential projects nationwide, multiple care projects across the North West, Midlands and East Anglia, and a number of public sector and housing projects across the Midlands. The engineer is also a specialist in renewable energy, assisting providers in delivering projects which included 35,000 solar panels in 2022, and in 2023 that number will more than double. HWA specialises in structural and civil engineering, along with a range of complementary services including geotechnical, environmental, flood risk and highways consultancy. It also has particular expertise and experience in undertaking structural investigations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In a move to further John F Hunt’s ambition to grow market share in London’s commercial sector, the firm has confirmed Simon Wilkinson will be joining their senior team from the beginning of April. The appointment follows a string of recent acquisitions including the company’s strategic acquisition last month of RKD, a highly respected engineering consultancy that has an impressive track record in some of London’s most recent high-profile projects. John Hall, Chairman of the Group, commented, “We are seeing a growing demand for specialist contractors, not only to advise and engage in the repurposing of existing buildings but to take on far more substantial and complex packages, ranging from demolition up to and including the entire concrete frame & core. We are growing a highly experienced team to meet that demand and Simon’s depth of knowledge fits perfectly with the Group’s ambitions”. Simon Wilkinson started his career as a surveyor in the late 70’s for John Laing Construction on the final phase of the Barbican Arts Centre. A mid-career change saw him take on a more front-end role with engineering consultants Oscar Faber a few years before their acquisition by AECOM. Wates Construction then came knocking where he was tasked by the then COO, Dave Smith, to help shift the balance away from the company’s reliance on the public sector. Wilkinson confirmed he will continue to support the Claritas Group in a reduced role to further develop their brand in construction management and traditional contracting. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
National law firm Irwin Mitchell is expanding its Construction & Engineering Team with the recruitment of a new partner, Robert Tunningley, who will be based in the firm’s Gatwick office. The appointment takes the specialist construction team to thirteen, with three partners and two trainees. The team is led by Mark Clinton and sits within Irwin Mitchell’s Property Division which will now number 27 partners and over 150 qualified lawyers. Robert joins Irwin Mitchell from Teacher Stern LLP where he was a non-contentious construction partner. Prior to joining Teacher Stern, Robert was a Managing Associate at Linklaters LLP. Robert regularly acts for employers, developers, contractors, funders and consultants and advises clients on numerous construction contracts, drafting and negotiating bespoke amendments to industry standard forms, and advising on all associated documentation such as appointments, collateral warranties, bonds and guarantees. He has acted on a number of high profile developments including the development of new office headquarters, high-end residential conversions, student accommodation, private rented sector (PRS) schemes and mixed-use redevelopment projects. Robert also has experience in advising on engineering projects both in the UK and internationally. Key examples of recent work include: Mark Clinton, Head of Construction at Irwin Mitchell said, “Robert’s arrival will be a real boost to our national construction practice, particularly for our Southern region and in London. He will strengthen our development practice and our push into housing and BTR.” “We are now looking to boost the contentious side of our construction practice, following the fall out from the Building Safety Act, where we believe clients will need expert construction advice.” Irwin Mitchell has continued to invest heavily in its team focused on the corporate, property and institutions audience. Earlier this year it announced the arrival of banking partner Jeremy Ladyman who was soon followed by the arrival of two corporate/property tax partners, Kate Featherstone and Jennie Newton. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
