The Scaffolding Association has announced the appointment of Mark Parkin as its new Strategic Director, reinforcing its commitment to raising standards, improving safety, and advocating for the industry’s recognition as a highly skilled and essential industry. With 37 years of experience in scaffolding—including 31 years in roles such as advanced
Global real estate firm, Avison Young UK, today announces 43 senior promotions across the business to Associate Director and Director levels. These team members have been recognised for their exceptional dedication and outstanding contributions to the firm. Of the promotions, 23 have stepped up to the role of Director, while
AWARD-WINNING retrofit decarbonisation contractor Sustainable Building Services (UK) Ltd (SBS) has appointed Matthew Kershaw as its new head of health and safety. With more than 17 years of experience in various health and safety roles across multiple sectors, Matthew brings a wealth of expertise to SBS. Describing himself as a
Walker Sime is pleased to announce the appointment of Jon Neville as its new Managing Director. Jon takes on the role following 18 months as Director of Infrastructure, where he has already made a significant impact. Walker Sime provides project management, project controls, and cost and commercial management services across the UK’s Infrastructure
Real PM Limited, a leading project and programme management consultancy, has announced a strategic leadership transition to strengthen its service offerings and drive growth. Barry Fowler has been appointed Managing Director, Philip Soleil assumes the role of Director of Project Management, and Steve White and Martin Clark step into positions
Senior position in rail follows recent contract awards and supports future growth. Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has announced the appointment of Alistair Geddes as rail sector director. Alistair joins from Balfour Beatty where he held the role of operations director leading its rail system business. In this role he
Pell will work closely with MGAC leadership to implement the firm’s strategic initiatives MGAC, a global project and cost management consultancy, is pleased to announce that Bob Pell has joined the firm as Executive Managing Director. In his new role, Pell will support the implementation and success of the company’s
The FirstPort Group, the UK’s leading provider of residential property management services, has appointed Carina Paine as its Head of Resident Management Company (RMC) Services. This newly created role is designed to strengthen FirstPort’s commitment to the growing consumer-led market. Carina will be responsible for overseeing the operational delivery and
Construction firm Beard is celebrating the first anniversary of its Southampton office with the appointment of a new office lead. The family-owned company has promoted Ollie Chun to lead the 18-strong team on the south coast as the company looks to continue its growth and double its turnover in 2025
Newmark Group, has appointed Vinnie Kilner, Parin Patel, Alfie Molloy, Ine Roren, Nathan Archer and Alfie Tierney to form its Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Project and Cost Management practice. The sustainability conscious, commercially-minded construction experts will support clients in the UK and Europe, providing specialist project, programme and cost management
The Scaffolding Association has announced the appointment of Mark Parkin as its new Strategic Director, reinforcing its commitment to raising standards, improving safety, and advocating for the industry’s recognition as a highly skilled and essential industry. With 37 years of experience in scaffolding—including 31 years in roles such as advanced scaffolder, supervisor, managing director, CEO, and operations director—Mark has developed a profound understanding of the industry. His expertise spans operations, health and safety, and business management, making him a valuable addition to the Scaffolding Association’s team. Robert Candy, CEO of the Scaffolding Association, welcomed Mark’s appointment, stating: “Mark’s extensive industry knowledge, hands-on experience, and strategic mindset align perfectly with the Association’s mission. His expertise will help the Association continue its work in supporting members, driving innovation, and ensuring the scaffolding industry gains the recognition it deserves.” Mark’s vision is closely aligned with the Scaffolding Association’s values of collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement. “I’ve spent 37 years in the scaffolding industry, not just working within it but striving to understand it at its core—its challenges, its opportunities, and the people who make it what it is,” said Mark. “Now, as Strategic Director for the Scaffolding Association, I have the opportunity to drive meaningful change through collaborations and partnerships, ensuring our members and the wider industry thrive. All too often, I see businesses struggling because they can’t see the options available to them,” he noted. “Using the right approach for each challenge requires an open mind and the ability to think outside the box. Sometimes, you just need to reframe what’s in front of you to get a different perspective.” Through his role at the Scaffolding Association, Mark will work closely with the team to support its members, enhance industry-wide collaboration, and contribute to the ongoing development of best practices. His focus will be on strengthening the Association’s initiatives, helping to drive positive change, and ensuring the industry continues to evolve to meet future challenges. By working together, the Association and its members can build a stronger, more resilient scaffolding industry for generations to come. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Global real estate firm, Avison Young UK, today announces 43 senior promotions across the business to Associate Director and Director levels. These team members have been recognised for their exceptional dedication and outstanding contributions to the firm. Of the promotions, 23 have stepped up to the role of Director, while 20 have been promoted to Associate Director level. Driving future growth, this cohort will be central to the efficient delivery of the firm’s strategic objectives. In total, the promotions span across 10 regions Avison Young operates in including: Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Leeds, London, Manchester, Newcastle and Stoke on Trent. The wave of promotions encompasses seven key business groups including: Building and Project Consultancy, Client and Business Solutions, Place, Professional Advisory, Rating and Technology, REIFM and Transactions. Nick Walkley, Principal and UK President at Avison Young UK, said: “I look forward to working closely with this highly skilled cohort of new senior leaders, who exemplify our values and will continue driving forward our vision. Highlighting professional excellence and dedication to our collaborative company culture, these accomplishments showcase our belief in creating positive impact. “Underlining the wealth of internal talent at Avison Young, these promotions display the diverse expertise and experience our teams offer. We continue to invest in our people, supporting current and future leaders within the business.” Stephen Cowperthwaite, Principal and Managing Director, Regions and Liverpool at Avison Young UK said: “Regional investment is key to Avison Young’s growth strategy for 2025 and beyond, our local market experts are vital in achieving this goal. These promotions will help deliver real growth and net benefit to our towns, cities and communities across the UK.” Full List of promotions: Directors Business Group Location Mark Beer Building and Project Consultancy London David Roobottom Building and Project Consultancy Birmingham Clive Withers Building and Project Consultancy London Andrew James Building and Project Consultancy London Paul Herrington Building and Project Consultancy Leeds Kate Inskip Client and Business Solutions Birmingham Richard Oxley Client and Business Solutions London Chris Whetstone Client and Business Solutions London Matt Pigott Place London Ed Harvey Place Manchester Emily Davies Place Manchester Julie Taylor Professional Advisory London Geraldine Horner Professional Advisory Edinburgh Naymesh Patel Rating and Technology Birmingham James Millson REFIM Leeds Robert Reeve REFIM London Dave Bamford REFIM London Laura Loom REFIM Stoke on Trent Pete-James Robinson REFIM Birmingham Helen Ewles REFIM Newcastle James White Transactions Birmingham Pete Harding Transactions Glasgow Sarah Miles Client and Business Solutions London Associate Directors Business Group Location Eliott Kelly Place Bristol Henry Sayers Professional Advisory London James Drury Building and Project Consultancy London Robert Hayes Building and Project Consultancy Edinburgh Megan Stacey-Green Building and Project Consultancy London Mandy Poon Rating and Technology Manchester Charlotte Smith Building and Project Consultancy Birmingham Jamie Sim Transactions Newcastle James Short Transactions Bristol James Parton REFIM Client site Gemma Houghton REFIM London Graham Cunningham REFIM London Ralph Smart REFIM Brighton Emma Parker REFIM Stoke on Trent Emma Parkin REFIM Birmingham Kushay Shah Client and Business Solutions London Sophie Russell Client and Business Solutions Birmingham Helen Whitesmith Client and Business Solutions Bristol Andy Smith Client and Business Solutions London Kate Young Client and Business Solutions Manchester Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
AWARD-WINNING retrofit decarbonisation contractor Sustainable Building Services (UK) Ltd (SBS) has appointed Matthew Kershaw as its new head of health and safety. With more than 17 years of experience in various health and safety roles across multiple sectors, Matthew brings a wealth of expertise to SBS. Describing himself as a ‘jack of all trades’ in safety, he has worked across diverse industries but is most passionate about improving communities through transformational retrofit projects. Matthew said: “I grew up in social housing, so I know what it’s like to live in a cold house and not be allowed to turn the heating on through winter.” His career has allowed him to witness first-hand how retrofit solutions can positively impact communities. Matthew continued: “I worked on a rundown housing estate in Wales where we installed external wall insulation (EWI). We collaborated with contractors and site teams to create a positive working environment for residents. As the houses started to look more modern, people took pride in their surroundings – gardens were tidied, fences were painted, and within 18 months to two years, the whole village had transformed.” For Matthew, people are at the heart of safety. His perspective is that processes and procedures don’t keep people safe, but people keep people safe. Working closely with the senior leadership team and project managers, he aims to integrate safety into every aspect of operations to ensure safety is “blended in, not bolted on.” Matthew said: “You can either see health and safety as a compliance and risk strategy, or you can see it as a people strategy. A strong safety culture creates not only a safer work environment, but a more supportive and productive one. This, in turn, should enhance overall well-being, job satisfaction, and ultimately support the growth of SBS.” Over the next 18 months, Matthew plans to expand the health and safety team and embed a new way of thinking across the SBS ecosystem. His goal is to create a company-wide culture where safety is a shared responsibility, deeply integrated into every process rather than treated as a separate compliance function. Matthew said: “I want people to make good decisions at the right time, but we must also hold them accountable for those decisions. That comes from a culture of trust, kindness, patience, and responsibility. By fostering open communication, ensuring competency at all levels, and leveraging technology, we can embed safety seamlessly into SBS’s daily operations.” Gary Lawson, managing director at SBS, said: “Bringing Matthew into the SBS team is an important appointment for us. His expertise and passion for a company-wide cultural approach to safety, along with striving for continuous improvement, will be invaluable in driving SBS toward a more innovative approach to health and safety. We look forward to hearing the ideas he will bring to the table and supporting him with implementing them.” For more information about SBS, visit www.sustainablebuildinguk.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Walker Sime is pleased to announce the appointment of Jon Neville as its new Managing Director. Jon takes on the role following 18 months as Director of Infrastructure, where he has already made a significant impact. Walker Sime provides project management, project controls, and cost and commercial management services across the UK’s Infrastructure and Real Estate sectors. The company has helped deliver transformative projects like Liverpool Waters, the Wythenshawe Civic Regeneration Master Plan as well as mega programmes at the forefront of the Net Zero transition, such as the Great Grid Upgrade. Now part of the HanmiGlobal family, Walker Sime has expanded its reach with international, European, and US capabilities, further strengthening its ability to serve clients on a global scale. This growth enhances its capacity to deliver exceptional results, positioning Walker Sime as a key partner in shaping the future through transformative projects that drive success and innovation. Under Jon’s leadership, the company will focus on sustainable growth, nurturing talent, and maintaining the technical excellence that has earned it an enviable reputation with its clients. With over 20 years of industry experience, Jon is enthusiastic about the role Walker Sime can play in shaping the future of the UK’s Infrastructure and Real Estate markets. Jon said: “I’m incredibly proud to take on the role of Managing Director at Walker Sime. From the moment I joined, I recognised this was a business built on strong values, a fantastic culture, and a deep commitment to its people. My priority is to build on that success while ensuring we continue to grow in a way that stays true to our values. This role is more than just a career move for me – it’s about leaving a legacy. I joined this industry because I wanted to make a difference, to be part of something that stands the test of time. Now, my focus is on ensuring Walker Sime remains a business that is not only successful today but is fit for the future. That means continuing to invest in our people, nurturing talent, and ensuring we remain a trusted and innovative partner for our clients.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Real PM Limited, a leading project and programme management consultancy, has announced a strategic leadership transition to strengthen its service offerings and drive growth. Barry Fowler has been appointed Managing Director, Philip Soleil assumes the role of Director of Project Management, and Steve White and Martin Clark step into positions as Directors of Planning. Founders Jeremy Ruff and Geraint Roberts will remain actively engaged as Project Executive and Executive Planner, ensuring a seamless transition and continuity for clients and partners. With deep expertise in delivering complex projects across the built environment, Real PM has built a strong reputation for delivery of project management and planning solutions in commercial, residential, hospitality, education, infrastructure, retail, and mixed-use developments. The company is expanding its service offerings into emerging sectors such as research and technology, energy, and sports and stadia facilities. Barry Fowler said: “Maintaining strong relationships and delivering exceptional value is at the heart of Real PM. By integrating our planning, logistics, and project management expertise, we offer a uniquely comprehensive service, ensuring efficiency, certainty, and value for our clients across diverse markets.” Jeremy Ruff said: “Real PM’s success is rooted in its open, collaborative approach and deep industry expertise. This new structure ensures we continue to provide high-quality project delivery and is a significant next step for the business and for our clients.” Abrar Sheriff, President of Turner, said: “I am excited to see even more opportunities for our people as Real PM expands in our current and growing markets. Real PM supports Turner’s strategy to expand our technical service offerings in Europe and our collaboration across the Turner company gives Real PM the scale and coverage to deliver services to a wide range of clients.” As part of Turner, HOCHTIEF and the ACS Group, Real PM combines a boutique consultancy approach with access to global expertise, technical innovation, and extensive project delivery experience. This strategic positioning enables Real PM to scale its services and bring added value to a broader client base. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Senior position in rail follows recent contract awards and supports future growth. Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has announced the appointment of Alistair Geddes as rail sector director. Alistair joins from Balfour Beatty where he held the role of operations director leading its rail system business. In this role he looked after a number of manufacturing facilities, frameworks and projects for clients including Network Rail, Transport for Wales, Transport for London and others in the private sector. He has also held leading roles for several significant infrastructure programmes including Crossrail, Hinkley Point C Marine Works and the Olympic Stadium transformation. Alistair will support Costain’s strategic focus on growth in strong markets, as well as ensure the business continues to provide predictable, best-in-class delivery to its customers. Alistair’s appointment comes following a successful period of growth for Costain’s transportation division. Costain recently announced two significant contract awards for HS2, including a £400m contract to deliver tunnel and lineside mechanical and electrical (M&E) systems as well as a separate award to deliver high voltage power supply systems across the entire line, worth in the region of £300m to the Siemens Mobility and Costain Joint Venture. The news is Costain’s second senior appointment of the year, following on from the recent appointment of Eva Soto Pérez as engineering services general manager, as Costain ensures a full-service offering for its customers and supports the growth of its consultancy service. Jonathan Willcock, managing director, transportation, at Costain, commented: “UK rail infrastructure is critical for creating a sustainable future and driving UK prosperity through improved productivity, greater connectivity, and job creation. But it faces challenges around resilience, particularly with rising demand and more extreme weather. Alistair brings a wealth of experience that will support our rail sector growth as we continue to deliver the strategic needs of our customers.” Alistair Geddes, rail sector director at Costain, added: “Costain has an excellent reputation and heritage in delivering complex rail infrastructure that improves people’s lives. I’m looking forward to drawing on Costain’s breadth of service offerings and expertise from across the organisation to continue providing best-in-class infrastructure services to the rail industry.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Pell will work closely with MGAC leadership to implement the firm’s strategic initiatives MGAC, a global project and cost management consultancy, is pleased to announce that Bob Pell has joined the firm as Executive Managing Director. In his new role, Pell will support the implementation and success of the company’s global strategic initiatives. He will focus on strengthening the team’s capabilities to drive growth and ensure seamless execution for an expanding client base across the UK and North America. Pell has a proven track record of success with MGAC, having worked closely with the firm as a consultant and strategist. During this time, he advised on projects including MGAC’s acquisitions of Stonemark Construction Management in the United States and Flint + Partners in the United Kingdom, while also playing a key role in strategic planning efforts across the UK and North America. “Bob has been instrumental in the success of our expansion, both in facilitating acquisitions and ensuring their smooth integration for our clients and organisation,” said Mark Anderson, President and Chief Executive Officer of MGAC. “We are confident that his expertise will drive the continued growth of our firm. His experience in growing and leading some of the world’s top built environment firms will be invaluable in achieving our goals.” Pell has held senior roles such as Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer at international design firm EDAW, Chief Operating Officer of Buildings & Places at AECOM, and, most recently, Managing Director at Hatch, a leading international advisory practice. His background is rooted in urban planning and in building and leading multidisciplinary teams across continents. His diverse experience spans the UK public sector and private consulting across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. In 2023, Bob served as a Fellow at the Harvard Advanced Leadership Initiative, where he focused on creating coalitions to help cities and communities in developing countries address challenges related to urbanisation and economic growth. “After working with MGAC on strategic initiatives over the past year, the firm presents an exciting opportunity to transform the way business is conducted in the built environment,” said Pell. “I look forward to collaborating with a talented and creative team to position clients for success in a rapidly evolving industry landscape.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The FirstPort Group, the UK’s leading provider of residential property management services, has appointed Carina Paine as its Head of Resident Management Company (RMC) Services. This newly created role is designed to strengthen FirstPort’s commitment to the growing consumer-led market. Carina will be responsible for overseeing the operational delivery and strategic direction of FirstPort’s RMC services, ensuring a consistent, high-quality experience for both residents and RMCs. She joins FirstPort from Barratt Redrow, where she served as Estates Manager for the Southern Counties division. During her tenure, she played a key role in estate management and led RMC transitions, bringing valuable expertise to her new position. Speaking about her appointment, Carina said:“I am excited to join FirstPort at a time of significant change in the property industry. We are continuously improving how we listen to our RMC clients to better meet and exceed their expectations. My focus will be on shaping our service offerings to align with their needs. “It is essential that we take a collaborative and tailored approach, as no two RMCs are the same. By fostering strong, transparent relationships with residents and delivering a professional, simplified, and effective service, we can ensure the long-term success of these developments. “This partnership empowers homeowners, ensuring they have clear insights into how their developments are managed, while also streamlining the process for developers.” Martin King, Managing Director of The FirstPort Group, added:“We are delighted to welcome Carina to FirstPort. Her extensive experience in the RMC and developer landscape will be invaluable as we continue to adapt and innovate to meet the evolving needs of our clients. Her leadership will help us build a more collaborative approach for our Resident Directors, ensuring long-term success and satisfaction for both residents and clients.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction firm Beard is celebrating the first anniversary of its Southampton office with the appointment of a new office lead. The family-owned company has promoted Ollie Chun to lead the 18-strong team on the south coast as the company looks to continue its growth and double its turnover in 2025 after achieving its targets last year. Ollie joined Beard in 2016 as pre-construction manager, based in Beard’s Guildford office. He was instrumental in establishing the Southampton office, initially splitting his time between the two regions. “After supporting our set-up in Southampton, taking this role was the natural next step for me,” said Ollie. “I’m excited to lead the Southampton team into its second year, with the support of Beard’s leadership team firmly beside me, as we continue to deliver quality work for our customers and develop our strong pipeline of work.” Mike Hedges, company operations director at Beard, said: “Over the past year, as our Southampton team has grown, Ollie has consistently shown his dedication to delivering projects promptly and faultlessly. His commitment reflects the core values of Beard, and his skills in project management and operational efficiency have been invaluable. “The Southampton team has had an incredibly successful first year, completing our first two projects and expanding our presence in the region. We look forward to supporting our customers, Ollie, and the team in achieving continued success.” Ollie successfully completed Beard’s internal leadership development programme in 2024, designed to equip colleagues with the skills to be successful leaders and enabling the firm to promote from within. Around half of the Southampton team were existing employees, redeployed to the area to share their expertise and establish the Beard culture within the new office. A further eight new colleagues were recruited last year across office and site-based roles. “We’re got a great balance of highly experienced colleagues who are ambassadors for how we do things at Beard, and new recruits with wide-ranging construction and operational experience, as well as sound local knowledge,” Ollie added. The Southampton office had previously been led by director Pat Hughes, who left the firm at the end of 2024 after five years with the business. He first led Beard’s Guildford office, before taking the helm in Southampton. One of the office’s flagship projects has been the restoration of the historic Hilsea Lido for Portsmouth City Council. Due to open later this year in time for its 90th anniversary, Beard is modernising and restoring facilities at the Lido, including installing new pipework, stabilising the pool structure, and building new modular changing facilities. The office is also hosting a placement student as part of the company’s commitment to supporting the next generation into the industry. Mitch Burton, who is studying Quantity Surveying student at Oxford Brookes University, has been offered a full-time role within the team upon completion of his studies. The Southampton team is keen to expand its regional supply chain and is inviting businesses to express their interest in working with Beard via its website. Beard is proud to be in the first cohort recognised with the Fair Payment Code Bronze level, honouring fair payment practices with suppliers. To find out more about Beard, visit www.beardconstruction.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Newmark Group, has appointed Vinnie Kilner, Parin Patel, Alfie Molloy, Ine Roren, Nathan Archer and Alfie Tierney to form its Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Project and Cost Management practice. The sustainability conscious, commercially-minded construction experts will support clients in the UK and Europe, providing specialist project, programme and cost management expertise across their retail, hospitality and leisure portfolios. Led by Vinnie, these hires bring more than 80 years combined experience managing projects and portfolios from site selection and feasibility, through design and construction. They will work closely with corresponding departments across Building Consultancy, Occupier Agency, Business Rates and Capital Markets, allowing the world’s most successful brands to thrive at every stage of their real estate, backed by Newmark’s extensive and comprehensive knowledge and advisory of the international market. Simon Prichard commented: “The addition of these hires reinforce Newmark commitment to bringing the best talent and services to its clients. With their proven track record of delivering transformative projects for global brands, this practice further strengthens Newmark’s comprehensive service offering and enhances its ability to support clients in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors across the UK and Europe.” The responsibilities, oversight and areas of expertise of each hire are summarized below: Vinnie Kilner brings 17 years’ specialist experience in major projects, advising international brands and occupiers on project delivery strategies, ranging from multiple store rollouts to iconic flagship projects in some of the most exclusive locations. Parin Patel joins as Senior Associate. Parin provides programme management and project delivery expertise, having worked with retailers on large scale international expansions and being responsible for the construction of 100s of stores. Alfie Molloy, Senior Associate, has an experienced background in project and cost management. He joins with a strategic focus on supporting Newmark’s leisure clients. Ine Roren, Associate, will lead multi-territory programmes for high profile brands, having worked on both client and consultancy side of international store and showroom expansions. Nathan Archer joins as Senior Cost Manager. His experience spans luxury retail, food and beverage, leisure and retail offices acquired from both main contractor and consultancy where he has worked with prominent clients in UK and Europe. Alfie Tierney, Senior Project Manager, joins with an impressive track record in the construction of retail, high-end residential and hotel projects where his technical expertise and hands-on delivery approach have been fundamental to the completion of five projects in live environments. Vinnie commented: “These project delivery specialists are aligned with Newmark’s ambitions to be the very best real estate advisor, which is evident from their track record delivering projects for many of the world’s best-known brands. It’s an exciting time to be part of Newmark, and they are perfectly placed amongst Newmark’s industry leading experts.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
