Barnet Council has announced the appointment of Russell Curtis as chair of the borough’s first-ever Quality Review Panel. The Quality Review Panel will test the fundamental design principles of planning proposals, playing a major role in the council’s commitment to exemplary, high-quality developments. Comprising 28 experts drawn from across the
Leading property management agent Rendall & Rittner has strengthened its new client service offering, appointing Amaly Hind as New Business and Mobilisation Manager, expanding its team and capacity. With 15 years of experience working in property management, Amaly will support Rendall & Rittner as it continues to expand its growing
Environment Bank, a leading nature restoration company and biodiversity net gain (BNG) provider which delivers solutions to the built environment industry is pleased to announce the appointment of Catherine Spitzer as its new Chief Executive Officer. She joins Environment Bank with a proven track record in scaling businesses and implementing
Aggregate Industries has appointed a new Sustainability Director as part of the company’s ongoing mission to decarbonise the construction industry. The leading UK building materials suppliers has announced the arrival of Anna Baker into the post. She brings with her 20 years of sustainability expertise in the construction industry and
Tier one contractor Sir Robert McAlpine has today announced the appointment of Paul Sims as its new Operations Director as it eyes continued growth. A well-respected industry veteran, Paul will work closely with Commercial Director Glen Harding to further build Sir Robert McAlpine’s growing pipeline of work. Paul was most
Mike joins Sir Robert McAlpine from HS2 Limited… Sir Robert McAlpine has today announced the appointment of Mike Hickson OBE as Managing Director of Defence. Joining Sir Robert McAlpine from HS2 Limited, Mike will be responsible for setting and delivering the company’s Defence strategy. This forms an essential part of
Balfour Beatty today announces the appointment of Steve O’Sullivan as Project Director with responsibility for Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA’s HS2 Old Oak Common station project. Steve replaces Nigel Russell, who was promoted to Chief Executive Officer of Balfour Beatty’s HS2 Major Projects business in January 2024. With over 40 years’
James Hardie, the world leader in the manufacture of high-performance fibre cement and fibre gypsum building solutions, has appointed Edward Dunn as Channel Manager to further support trade partners in the North. Ed has nearly 10 years account management experience working for large national accounts and independent wholesalers. In his
London anchored and leading Design & Build contractors McAleer & Rushe, proudly announces the internal appointment of five new Contracts Directors to further strengthen their senior management team. As a family-owned business renowned for its commitment to excellence and partnering with their clients and valued consultants, these appointments underscore the
South Staffordshire Plc’s compliance division is delighted to welcome Nicki Hay as its new sales director. Nicki will join the senior management team overseeing all aspects of sales for the two compliance businesses, Integrated Water Services (IWS) Water Hygiene and Omega Red Group. Nicki’s background of over 20 years in
Barnet Council has announced the appointment of Russell Curtis as chair of the borough’s first-ever Quality Review Panel. The Quality Review Panel will test the fundamental design principles of planning proposals, playing a major role in the council’s commitment to exemplary, high-quality developments. Comprising 28 experts drawn from across the planning and design sectors, the independent panel will ensure design issues can be discussed at the early stages of the planning process. Its formation fulfils a key commitment of the council’s corporate plan. Russell Curtis is a well-known local architect and founding director of London-based firm RCKa, which specialises in innovative residential, community and commercial projects. Vice-chair Selina Mason, another local resident, is director of masterplanning and strategic design at Lendlease, focusing on urban regeneration masterplans. The chair and vice-chair will work with a talented team of independent experts tasked with ensuring new developments in the borough are built to high standards, with sustainable credentials. Cllr Ross Houston, Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Homes & Regeneration, said: “I’m delighted that Barnet’s first-ever Quality Review Panel has now been formed, fulfilling a key pledge of the council’s plan for Barnet. The team of experts will help to deliver our commitment to high-quality development that complements the existing townscapes of our borough. “At the same time, we’re strengthening our planning policies to focus on building communities, not just homes, to ensure that developments integrate well with surrounding areas, and to align with our ambitious environmental goals.” Barnet Council aims to concentrate development in the borough’s town centres and around transport links, to consolidate growth and help build sustainable communities. It is committed to high-quality design that responds to its context and improves the lives of residents. With these aims in mind, the council’s Cabinet has approved a series of changes to its Local Plan – the fundamental planning framework that shapes development in the borough. These modifications include strengthening policies to encourage high-quality design, improve street safety and amenity, and promote active travel. The updated policies aim to ensure that the public realm forms an integral part of the design process, and to enhance the connection between publicly accessible space and the built environment. They also encourage developers to address crime prevention and fire safety in pre-application discussions. Revisions have been also made to environmental policies, in line with the council’s commitments on combating climate change and enhancing green and open spaces. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading property management agent Rendall & Rittner has strengthened its new client service offering, appointing Amaly Hind as New Business and Mobilisation Manager, expanding its team and capacity. With 15 years of experience working in property management, Amaly will support Rendall & Rittner as it continues to expand its growing portfolio. Having started her career at Rendall & Rittner in 2009, Amaly helped establish Rendall & Rittner’s North division, before expanding her knowledge at other firms across the Greater Manchester area. Working for a high-end residential retirement developer, Amaly was responsible for overseeing the company’s portfolio in the Midlands and North, developing an interest in the mobilisation of new schemes. In 2020, Amaly returned to Rendall & Rittner, where she has been managing significant changes to health and safety processes in line with the evolving Building Safety Act legislation. As New Business and Mobilisation Manager, Amaly is responsible for overseeing the acquisition and onboarding of new clients, before handing them over to Rendall & Rittner’s property teams for ongoing management. Amaly’s previous experience in mobilisations, and more recently in understanding new requirements under the Building Safety Act, will allow her to deliver a smooth experience for new clients and developments. Amaly said: “Through my role as New Business and Mobilisation Manager, I am looking forward to applying my existing knowledge of property management in new ways. Over the past 15 years, I have gained an in-depth knowledge of a range of different elements that affect the ongoing management of developments and am keen to use this to ensure that our onboarding and handover processes are as smooth and comprehensive as possible.” Richard Daver, Group CEO at Rendall & Rittner comments: “Through her previous roles, Amaly has repeatedly proven her ability to deliver exceptional results and her experience across the industry will make her a key asset in expanding the capabilities of our New Business and Mobilisation team. Introducing new clients to everything we can offer at Rendall & Rittner, Amaly will be important in helping us grow our business across the UK, whilst also continuing to deliver an unrivalled residential property management service.” For further information please visit: www.rendallandrittner.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Environment Bank, a leading nature restoration company and biodiversity net gain (BNG) provider which delivers solutions to the built environment industry is pleased to announce the appointment of Catherine Spitzer as its new Chief Executive Officer. She joins Environment Bank with a proven track record in scaling businesses and implementing successful growth strategies. Catherine previously served as Managing Director at property consulting firm Bidwells LLP. In her new role, Catherine will oversee Environment Bank’s strategic direction, working closely with stakeholders to develop innovative BNG solutions for developers in England. She will also develop the company’s voluntary ‘Nature Shares’ proposition, aimed at large organisations with nature-positive ambitions. Commenting on her appointment, Catherine said: “I am delighted to join Environment Bank and to have the opportunity to contribute to such important work. This is a very exciting new phase for the company with the BNG regulations coming into force in February. I am looking forward to working with developers and delivering the highest integrity BNG solutions in the market.” Out-going CEO, James Cross, who has led Environment Bank since 2018, said: “Working alongside Professor David Hill and building such an amazing team has been a career highlight for me. With the BNG regulations passing into law in February 2024, the time is right for me to now pass on the baton to Catherine and I wish her and the whole team the very best of luck for the next phase of their journey.” Founder and Chair of Environment Bank, Professor David Hill, expressed gratitude for James Cross’s contributions. He said: “We extend our thanks to James for his many years of service and leadership. His passion for conservation and his strategic focus and expertise across the land-based sectors has been instrumental in shaping Environment Bank’s success. We wish him all the very best in his future endeavours.” Professor Hill also warmly welcomed Catherine Spitzer to the role, expressing confidence in her ability to lead Environment Bank into its next phase of growth and impact. “Catherine brings a unique combination of private equity investment, leadership, commercial experience and delivery to Environment Bank and we are excited to have her on board to lead the next stage of growth,” he added. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Aggregate Industries has appointed a new Sustainability Director as part of the company’s ongoing mission to decarbonise the construction industry. The leading UK building materials suppliers has announced the arrival of Anna Baker into the post. She brings with her 20 years of sustainability expertise in the construction industry and will be part of the company’s Executive Committee. Anna’s most recent role at Kier saw her lead the sustainability strategy for the UK-wide construction division. Previous to this she established the sustainability function at Sir Robert McAlpine, where she won Environmental Contractor of the Year. Her experience spans the client, main contractor and subcontractor value chain making her ideally placed to understand the challenges and opportunities available to the business in its vision to be the UK leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions. Commenting on her new role, Anna said: “Aggregate Industries is a future focused and innovative company with sustainability at the heart of its vision. “I’m thrilled to be joining this business and look forward to working alongside the talented teams here to deliver an ambitious sustainability agenda that will add real value for our customers and communities.” Dragan Maksimovic, Chief Executive Officer for Aggregate Industries, said: “Decarbonising our operations and the wider industry is central to our vision and strategy as a company. “So it is great to have Anna joining us at this exciting time. She has an established track record in sustainability within a construction setting and understands the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We look forward to her continuing to take us forward on our journey.” Aggregate Industries launched its first Sustainability Strategy: Building Progress for a Sustainable Future in May 2022 and last year it released its ambitious plan to achieve zero carbon emissions before 2050 through its Our Journey to Net Zero strategy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Tier one contractor Sir Robert McAlpine has today announced the appointment of Paul Sims as its new Operations Director as it eyes continued growth. A well-respected industry veteran, Paul will work closely with Commercial Director Glen Harding to further build Sir Robert McAlpine’s growing pipeline of work. Paul was most recently the Operations Director at Lendlease Europe, where he worked on a number of high-profile, award-winning projects, including TV studios for both the BBC and Sky along with multiple offices, 5-star hotels and rail schemes across the course of a career spanning almost four decades. Alongside the appointments of Mike Hickson OBE as Managing Director of Defence, and Vip Gandhi as Managing Director of Transport, Paul is the latest in a series of hires to help Sir Robert McAlpine maintain its market-leading position in its core sectors, which include Infrastructure, Healthcare, Industrial, Commercial and Special Projects. Grant Findlay, Executive Managing Director, Buildings, at Sir Robert McAlpine, commented: “We are very pleased to welcome Paul Sims to Sir Robert McAlpine. Paul has a reputation for being a truly outstanding operator and will help cement company’s continued growth within our target sectors. He’s a natural fit for Sir Robert McAlpine.” Paul Sims, Operations Director at Sir Robert McAlpine, said: “Sir Robert McAlpine is immensely well-respected within the construction sector, and works with some really fantastic clients, so this felt like the perfect move. I look forward to getting stuck in, building on client relationships and helping the firm go from strength to strength”. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mike joins Sir Robert McAlpine from HS2 Limited… Sir Robert McAlpine has today announced the appointment of Mike Hickson OBE as Managing Director of Defence. Joining Sir Robert McAlpine from HS2 Limited, Mike will be responsible for setting and delivering the company’s Defence strategy. This forms an essential part of growing the infrastructure business unit, one of the company’s core sectors. Mike brings 30 years of military experience to his new role, including active service in Afghanistan and Iraq. As a Brigadier, he was appointed Chief Logistician at PJHQ Northwood before becoming Director of the Royal Logistic Corps. After the military, Mike joined Fluor, initially in business development for government services, before becoming Logistics Director. He then joined HS2 Limited as Programme Director for the Central Section of Phase 1, ultimately spending the last three years as Land and Property Director. In post, Mike will help develop projects that are critical to the UK’s Defence infrastructure. Commenting on the news, Tony Gates, Executive Managing Director of Infrastructure at Sir Robert McAlpine, said: “We are delighted to welcome Mike to lead our defence team as well as set and deliver our Defence strategy. Mike’s career to date and specialist knowledge of the sector demonstrates he will be an invaluable asset to Sir Robert McAlpine and the right fit to build our Defence business.” Mike Hickson OBE, Managing Director of Defence at Sir Robert McAlpine, said: “Sir Robert McAlpine is a household name, renowned for its infrastructure work. I look forward to working closely with the team to continue that legacy and deliver world class infrastructure for Defence projects.” Sir Robert McAlpine recently signed the Armed Forces Covenant, pledging its commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Balfour Beatty today announces the appointment of Steve O’Sullivan as Project Director with responsibility for Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA’s HS2 Old Oak Common station project. Steve replaces Nigel Russell, who was promoted to Chief Executive Officer of Balfour Beatty’s HS2 Major Projects business in January 2024. With over 40 years’ experience in the industry, Steve has been involved in the delivery of some of the largest and most complex infrastructure projects in the UK and overseas including Nam Cheong Station West Rail interchange in Hong Kong and Terminal 2B and Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport. In addition, he was responsible for Balfour Beatty’s joint venture project with Morgan Sindall and VINCI Construction, as Senior Project Director, on the Whitechapel Elizabeth Line station project and more recently, was Balfour Beatty’s Senior Representative on the Sizewell C Nuclear power Station project. Steve joined Balfour Beatty as an Electrical Engineering apprentice in 1980 and is testament to the company’s commitment to attracting, training, and retaining its employees to offer customers the best capabilities whilst providing the quality leadership required to drive forward world-class infrastructure projects. Nigel Russell, Chief Executive Officer of Balfour Beatty’s HS2 Major Projects business said: “I am pleased to hand over the reigns of the HS2 Old Oak Common project to Steve. “Steve’s detailed knowledge and understanding of the market, combined with his wealth of experience, makes him perfectly placed to perform this role and lead the delivery of the UK’s best-connected and largest new railway station.” Steve O’Sullivan, Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA Project Director at HS2 Old Oak Common station, said: “I have worked in the construction and infrastructure industry – and at Balfour Beatty in particular – for many years, helping to deliver iconic schemes around the world. “But there is no infrastructure scheme more recognizable than HS2. It’s a household name and is critical for thousands of people and communities in the UK. It is therefore an honour to be leading the 2,000 employees who are already working tirelessly at Old Oak Common to ensure its success and be part of the regeneration of the area in which I grew up.” The Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA joint venture was awarded the HS2 construction management contract for the Old Oak Common station project in 2019, with responsibility for the final design, construction and commissioning of the station and delivering six underground platforms as well as up to eight platforms on the adjacent Great Western Main Line. Last year, Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA celebrated a significant milestone at Old Oak Common, with two years of permanent construction completed including the installation of the 1.2 mile diaphragm wall for the underground box which will contain the six new high-speed platforms and the first base slab concrete pour in the western end of the station box. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
James Hardie, the world leader in the manufacture of high-performance fibre cement and fibre gypsum building solutions, has appointed Edward Dunn as Channel Manager to further support trade partners in the North. Ed has nearly 10 years account management experience working for large national accounts and independent wholesalers. In his most recent role he worked for Glen Dimplex Flame Europe where he was responsible for sales in the North & Scotland. As Channel Manager Ed will identify and drive future growth opportunities for James Hardie products, fostering relationships with key stakeholders at distributors, installers, and contractors in the region. Ed commented: “I wanted to join a fast-paced company where there was scope to develop my role and make a real difference. James Hardie has a great product portfolio and clear strategy for aggressive business growth. Since I started with the company I’ve been inspired by my colleagues’ attitudes and the support from the senior management team. I look forward to contributing to the company’s success in the future.” “The creation of this role underscores our commitment to delivering excellent customer service for our clients and partners,” said Lee Bucknall, UK Sales Manager at James Hardie. “Ed’s account management experience in the Northern region will help us to develop relationships with the channel, and grow our market share in the area.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
London anchored and leading Design & Build contractors McAleer & Rushe, proudly announces the internal appointment of five new Contracts Directors to further strengthen their senior management team. As a family-owned business renowned for its commitment to excellence and partnering with their clients and valued consultants, these appointments underscore the company’s dedication to investing and nurturing talent from within. Commenting on these senior promotions, Martin Magee, Managing Director of McAleer & Rushe said: “On behalf of our shareholders Seamus McAleer, Founder & Chairman and Eamonn Laverty, CEO, together with our main board, we are very pleased to announce these new appointments and we congratulate each one of them. “They will undoubtedly further bolster our senior management team’s professionalism, dedication andleadership capabilities to successfully deliver the exciting projects of our ever-expanding client base. Particularly so, with our early engagement in the development cycle through the negotiation of fixed price design & build contracts and collaborating with our clients through the challenges of the planning process and ultimately achieving commercial viability.” The new Contracts Directors together with the other department directors will work closely with the McAleer & Rushe Contracts UK main board in the active management of the Business Strategic Plan for the next 5-years, with turnover secured at £450m for 2024 and on target to exceed £500m in 2025. With immediate effect, the following staff members have been promoted to the Contracts Director position. As pictured, Left to Right: Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
South Staffordshire Plc’s compliance division is delighted to welcome Nicki Hay as its new sales director. Nicki will join the senior management team overseeing all aspects of sales for the two compliance businesses, Integrated Water Services (IWS) Water Hygiene and Omega Red Group. Nicki’s background of over 20 years in senior sales leadership means that she brings with her a wealth of experience specialising in people and process development, sales leadership, sales analysis and sales and marketing improvement. Nicki is customer focused with a passion for developing individuals, sales teams, and strong customer relationships. Neil Shailer, managing director of South Staffordshire Plc’s compliance division commented: “We are thrilled to welcome Nicki to the team as sales director. With Nicki’s vast experience in sales and passion for forging strong customer relationships, I’m confident that she will be an invaluable member of our leadership team and play a fundamental part in our continued success and growth.” The compliance division of the Group offers lightning protection services, electrical earthing solutions, height safety solutions, Legionella control, water treatment and air hygiene services all of which help clients achieve compliance to a range of relevant standards and regulation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals