Civic, a team of system thinkers in the built environment, has appointed Rob Harris as Director of Building Services and Sustainability at its London studio. In this role, he will lead the expansion of Civic’s building services team across London and the South East. His focus will be on creating
United Trust Bank (UTB) is continuing to expand its property development proposition by hiring Andy Thomson to lead its activity in the Build to Rent (BTR) sector. Andy has been appointed to the newly created role of Senior Director – Operational Real Estate working within UTB’s Property Development business. He
This Blue Monday (20 January), escape the ordinary and apply for the job of a lifetime in Antarctica. British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is looking for people to work at its research stations in Antarctica in a range of roles. Carpenters, chefs, electricians, plumbers, boating officers, plant operators and more are
Alliance Homes has appointed Jon McMahon as its new Chief Finance Officer (CFO), as the organisation continues to focus on building much-needed new affordable housing across the West of England, while investing in existing homes and communities. Jon brings more than two decades of financial leadership experience and a wealth
NATIONAL real estate consultancy Naismiths has appointed a new senior surveyor, boosting the business’ growth in the South. Peter Norris joins the team with a wide variety of experience, having started in the industry as an apprentice aged 18 before completing a Higher National Certificate in Building Studies, as well
Matt Shufflebottom joins leading team to support continued growth CBRE has appointed leading North West office sector expert, Matt Shufflebottom, as Director within its Manchester Office Agency team. Matt joins after nine years with Knight Frank, where he was a Partner. He brings more than a decade of expertise within
Manchester-headquartered AEW Architects has made a positive start to 2025 with the recruitment of two highly experienced industry specialists bringing a combined experience in excess of 60 years. Associate director, Mark Massey, has returned to the practice following a 22-year tenure at Calderpeel Architects and is joined by Wayne Jones,
Group to benefit from Tim’s strong project management skills and extensive industry knowledge The RO Group is delighted to announce that it has appointed Tim Cakebread as planning manager. In his new role, Tim will be based at the company’s Potters Bar office and will work across the Group’s extensive
Drylining, insulation and M&E solutions distributor etag has appointed Michael Kelly as its Sales Director for the Irish market, harnessing over 20 years of experience in the industry to elevate the company’s position in the construction sector. Michael originally joined the industry with Heat Merchants, beginning with a summer job and then progressing with
Leeds and London based architecture practice, Edward Architects adds to its growing team with the appointment of Graham Davey as Architect. The new hire will further strengthen the firm’s court protection and accessible design work, one of its core specialisms and expanding service lines. Graham joins from Stage One Creative
Civic, a team of system thinkers in the built environment, has appointed Rob Harris as Director of Building Services and Sustainability at its London studio. In this role, he will lead the expansion of Civic’s building services team across London and the South East. His focus will be on creating a fully integrated engineering service that bridges disciplines to deliver high performing, cohesive, next-generation sustainable projects tailored to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving market. With over twenty five years of technical, performance and leadership experience in the built environment, Rob brings an impressive track record to Civic. He has held senior roles at respected firm Elementa Consulting, now known as Introba, where his work earned industry recognition for innovation in sustainable engineering and design. His achievements include leading the detailed production design of 2 Trafalgar Way in London, which will become Europe’s tallest PassivHaus-certified tower, optimising energy efficiency and buildability while reducing complexity for the client in this next generation of tall tower ambient loop projects. At the W Hotel in Edinburgh, situated in Edinburgh St James Quarter, he delivered high-profile, mixed-use developments, and his work alongside Civic on net zero and whole-life carbon at the Shugborough Estate for the National Trust highlights his ability to align sustainability with heritage conservation, a feature that has been a theme throughout his career. As a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), Rob is known for driving technical excellence and real world performance, while fostering a collaborative, people-focused work environment, which aligns with Civic’s values and conscience which prioritises people, planet and purpose. Speaking about his appointment, Rob said: “What excites me most about this opportunity is the chance to build an integrated engineering and consultancy team that challenges conventional approaches to building services and aligns with today’s new ways of working, data, research, building and thinking. Civic’s ethos of system thinking aligns perfectly with my belief in breaking down silos and designing projects that truly deliver value—whether that’s technical, operational, environmental, social or economic. I’m looking forward to helping Civic make an even greater impact across London and beyond.” Welcoming Rob to the team, Stephen O’Malley, CEO at Civic, commented: “Rob understands the importance of integrating engineering and sustainability disciplines to create seamless, efficient projects that benefit our communities and clients. His leadership will further Civic’s ability to take on larger and more complex regeneration projects, particularly in London, where his expertise will help deliver tangible social and environmental benefits. This appointment demonstrates Civic’s commitment to being system thinkers and having an even greater impact while remaining true to our values and conscience.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
United Trust Bank (UTB) is continuing to expand its property development proposition by hiring Andy Thomson to lead its activity in the Build to Rent (BTR) sector. Andy has been appointed to the newly created role of Senior Director – Operational Real Estate working within UTB’s Property Development business. He will initially focus on delivering loans to developers and investors operating in the Build to Rent sector, before exploring opportunities in adjacent markets including Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) and Co-living. Andy has over 30 years of banking experience gained from senior roles with a variety of lenders including RBS, Bank of Scotland and Secure Trust Bank and within real estate debt advisory at Avison Young, formerly GVA. Andy has worked on a number of significant loans within the UK Living sector since 2016 and has joined UTB from Bank of London and Middle East where he was Head of Real Estate Finance and Private Banking. Adam Bovingdon, Head of Property Development, United Trust Bank, commented: “Andy’s appointment follows a very successful year for Property Development at United Trust Bank. For the first time in the Bank’s history, we credit sanctioned over £1bn of funding for a variety of residential and mixed use schemes across England and Wales and by the end of 2024 our loans were helping our housebuilder and developer customers create around 4500 new homes. “Build-to-Rent, and the wider UK Living sector, presents a great opportunity for the Bank and Andy’s experience and contacts will help us to develop UTB’s proposition and activity in this increasingly important and exciting market.” Upon joining UTB, Andy Thomson said: “I am excited to have joined such a highly regarded bank with an impressive track record. The UK Living Sector is an attractive real estate asset class for domestic and international capital seeking high quality investment and development opportunities. 2024 saw more than £5bn invested into the UK BTR sector and the UK government’s goal to deliver 1.5m homes over the next five years is an important catalyst for further growth. “Multifamily BTR apartment developments in London and the key regional cities have been the initial focus for the market and it’s exciting to see this expanding into other smaller UK towns and cities, as well as the increasing focus on Single Family BTR developments. UTB is keen to consider all types of schemes proposed by experienced operators.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
This Blue Monday (20 January), escape the ordinary and apply for the job of a lifetime in Antarctica. British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is looking for people to work at its research stations in Antarctica in a range of roles. Carpenters, chefs, electricians, plumbers, boating officers, plant operators and more are encouraged to apply for a job that offers the opportunity of a lifetime. It’s a job unlike any other and an experience that will provide lifelong memories. Successful applicants will work in some of the most remote and beautiful places on Earth, building lifelong friendships and contributing to science that’s critical for understanding our changing world. Eloise Saville is a carpenter at Halley VI Research Station, which sits on an ice shelf and is the furthest south of the BAS research stations. This is her first season in Antarctica. “This job is unlike anything I’ve ever done before. I scrape ice off wood, drive skidoos and build things in one of the most extreme places on Earth, yet it’s funny how quickly it all feels normal. The people here are some of the most interesting and adventurous that I’ve met, and yet they’re normal too! If I’d known this was an option earlier, I’d have been working my way down here all along. It’s not just cold, it’s cool!” It’s an experience that leaves a lot of people wanting more. Ben Norrish, Head of Vehicles, joined BAS in 2001 as a Mobile Plant Technician. He has since returned to Antarctica many times, having spent 16 Antarctic seasons living and working on the ice. “There’s something special about Antarctica and the people that adventure there that gets under your skin. No matter how many times you go, when you step off the ship or aeroplane into Antarctica, you look up and take in where you are. That feeling of being in an amazing place is that same now as it was the first time. I would say to anyone who’s even a bit curious about what it’s like to live on the ice, take the leap and apply for the job of a lifetime – you won’t regret it and you don’t know where it might take you!” Looking out the window of your workplace and watching icebergs, whales and penguins is an experience that never gets old. Olivier Hubert, who is now a Catering Manager at BAS, was a chef in a Michelin-starred restaurant before deciding he was ready for a change of scene. He has over-wintered at Rothera Research Station and spent a summer at Halley VI Research Station. “Being a chef in Antarctica is a very different experience to anything I’ve ever done before. Meals are such an important part of life down South – they’re the anchors to the day so the pressure is on to create interesting and nutritious meals with limited supplies. But it’s such a privilege to cook for the team that become your family while you’re there – plus the views from the kitchen are pretty epic!” BAS is a world leader in polar research and operations. Its research highlights the fragility of the Earth’s frozen environments, and what that means for us and our planet. BAS scientists discovered the hole in the ozone layer and identified key evidence for climate change in ancient ice. It provides the UK’s national polar capability by operating research stations, aircraft and Royal Research Ship Sir David Attenborough, supporting science at the poles and securing the UK’s presence in Antarctic affairs. The first batch of the jobs – including diving officer, meteorological observer and ocean scientist are now on the BAS website at bas.ac.uk/vacancies. Applicants should check the specific job advert for the relevant closing date, with contracts starting anytime between May and September. We will continue to post more vacancies, including chefs, vehicle mechanics and zoological field assistants over the next three months. Contracts run from six to 18 months and are flexible. Salaries start at £29,273 per annum, with a benefits package. It’s worth noting there are no external costs whilst living on station as all living expenses are covered – accommodation, food, travel, specialist clothing, tools and training. Want to know more about what it’s like to live and work in Antarctica? Check out our podcast Iceworld to hear stories from people working in these roles on the ice. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Alliance Homes has appointed Jon McMahon as its new Chief Finance Officer (CFO), as the organisation continues to focus on building much-needed new affordable housing across the West of England, while investing in existing homes and communities. Jon brings more than two decades of financial leadership experience and a wealth of expertise in the property development sector. As Finance Director at PG Group, he played a key role in delivering landmark regeneration and new build projects, including the Carriage Works development in Bristol, working closely with Homes England to secure funding. Louise Swain, Chief Executive of Alliance Homes, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Jon to our Strategic Leadership team. His extensive experience in finance and property development will be instrumental in helping us deliver our strategic priorities – investing in our existing homes and neighbourhoods and delivering new affordable homes. “Jon’s leadership will ensure we continue to be a financially responsible organisation that provides good quality affordable housing and great services for our customers.” Jon McMahon, Chief Finance Officer at Alliance Homes, said: “I’m excited to join an organisation that exists to provide safe, affordable homes for people who need them most. Alliance Homes already has strong financial foundations and trusted partnerships in place, and I’m looking forward to building on that success.“This is a particularly challenging time for social landlords, with many competing pressures on our finances. That’s why I’m focused on making sure we continue to make sound financial decisions that support our ambitious plans to invest in our homes, build new affordable housing, and provide great services for our customers.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
NATIONAL real estate consultancy Naismiths has appointed a new senior surveyor, boosting the business’ growth in the South. Peter Norris joins the team with a wide variety of experience, having started in the industry as an apprentice aged 18 before completing a Higher National Certificate in Building Studies, as well as a master’s degree in Commercial Management at the University of Westminster. After becoming a chartered surveyor, Peter progressed to the position of associate director at consultancy BAQUS. Peter has experience in sectors spanning healthcare, residential, education, leisure and commercial, and has recently spent time working on a self-employed basis as a project manager and quantity surveyor, completing various projects, including a golf club, for an ultra-high-net-worth individual in Hampshire that saw them develop a 400+ unit-strong residential portfolio. Other significant projects Peter has completed include a 50,000 sq. ft office building. Now based in the business’ London office, Peter’s primary responsibility will be fund monitoring projects across Kent, Surrey and London. He is already working on a number of projects, including five care homes throughout the South East, notably a 70-bed care home in Westgate on Sea, as well as a variety of residential schemes in Kent and South London. Peter said: “Having worked for myself for a number of years it felt like the right time for a change, and Naismiths is the perfect business for me to join at this point in my career. Most of my previous experience has been in quantity surveying so I’m looking forward to working with a variety of funders in London and developing my skills in that area, as well as learning more about Naismiths Analytics and how this can further support my clients. “The team has been welcoming and from the very beginning I’ve had a fantastic rapport with everyone, particularly our directors Marcus Higgins and Ross Wilson, who were keen to get me on board and have helped me settle in. I’m now looking forward to getting out and spending more time on site to see our projects for myself.” Ben Harwood, group chief executive, said: “It’s been an exciting few months for Naismiths and Edmond Shipway following our strategic partnership, and Peter is another fantastic addition to the team. We’re keen to continue to grow in the South, and we know Peter’s knowledge and experience will be invaluable as we progress.” Naismiths is a modern yet mature national real estate consultancy with offices in eight cities across the UK. Earlier this year the business announced a strategic partnership with fellow consultancy Edmond Shipway. The joining up of these two industry-leading businesses has resulted in a stronger, more versatile organisation, capable of delivering an even higher level of expertise and support to clients across various sectors. For more information please visit www.naismiths.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Matt Shufflebottom joins leading team to support continued growth CBRE has appointed leading North West office sector expert, Matt Shufflebottom, as Director within its Manchester Office Agency team. Matt joins after nine years with Knight Frank, where he was a Partner. He brings more than a decade of expertise within the North West office market, and will be focusing on office leasing and occupier mandates in his new role at CBRE. CBRE boasts a large, diverse office agency team within the North West covering all sectors, including growth areas such as flex and life sciences which continue to drive demand. Joe Rigby, MD North, CBRE said “This is a key appointment for us, as we plan to double down on the market following a record breaking year across the region. Matt’s appointment will further cement and support our growth plans within the office agency team and we welcome him at a time when the market is reaching a turning point and expected to gather pace and strength throughout the year.” Matt added: “I’m excited to join CBRE and I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead. The Manchester team are market leaders in the office agency field and are renowned for providing best in class advice to our clients. I’m looking forward to adding my expertise to the team and building on their success.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Manchester-headquartered AEW Architects has made a positive start to 2025 with the recruitment of two highly experienced industry specialists bringing a combined experience in excess of 60 years. Associate director, Mark Massey, has returned to the practice following a 22-year tenure at Calderpeel Architects and is joined by Wayne Jones, appointed to the newly-created position of technical lead. The multi award-winning practice, which recently launched a London office, employs upwards of 100 people and has a project portfolio currently in excess of 1,300 live opportunities. In light of the Government’s target to build 1.5 million new homes in the next five years, Mark has been brought in to compliment and strengthen AEW’s residential portfolio. Mark has extensive experience designing and delivering a wealth of residential projects for a wide range of property developers, national housebuilders and Registered Providers, together with a broad portfolio of blue light projects. Wayne joins AEW with more than 40 years’ industry experience amassed at several high-profile North West practices, most recently with a 10-year stint as associate director at Leach Rhodes Walker. With vast technical and legislative knowledge, along with a wealth of practical cross-sector experience, Wayne will lead the technical delivery of projects across the practice. This will further enable AEW to continue to meet the highest standards of design and compliance following the implementation of the Building Safety Act (BSA) and associated changes to Building Regulations. Andy Rainford, managing director at AEW, said “It’s a real pleasure to welcome Mark back to the fold who will, along with Wayne, add significant skill and experience to our already extensive capabilities. “We have a great, growing team and many established clients in a diverse range of sectors and together, we look forward to continuing to deliver places that provide lasting value for our clients, communities and the environment.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Group to benefit from Tim’s strong project management skills and extensive industry knowledge The RO Group is delighted to announce that it has appointed Tim Cakebread as planning manager. In his new role, Tim will be based at the company’s Potters Bar office and will work across the Group’s extensive land and property portfolio. Edward Rowlandson, Group Managing Director, the RO commented: “Tim is an ambitious chartered town planner, and brings a decade of diverse experience, spanning both the public and private sectors. He is highly proficient in project management and in navigating intricate planning systems to successfully deliver a range of projects throughout the South of England, our key geographical focus area. “Our strategy required the appointment of a collaborative planner to join our multidisciplinary team across project inceptions to completions, and Tim delivers on that requirement. Our focus is to make positive and sustainable changes to the built environment, which Tim’s expertise will further support.” In his previous role as a principal planner within the strategic major planning team of Uttlesford District Council, Tim focused on large scale applications. His responsibilities included managing a diverse caseload focusing on greenfield residential projects, but including all types of applications, which will benefit the RO Group as the owner of over 325,000 sq. ft. of property as well as almost 200 acres of land. Prior to his time at Uttlesford District Council, Tim was an associate director at Savills, where he was the day to day lead on a variety of complex projects, which involved working closely with clients and Council officers. In experience that is highly relevant to the RO Group, he delivered a number of very successful mixed-use schemes, such as obtaining the hybrid planning consent at the Edmonton Green Shopping Centre and the implementation of Hurlingham Retail Park. He also delivered planning strategies for development opportunities and planning applications for office refurbishment and extension schemes in London. Tim graduated from the University of Sheffield with MPLAN (Merit) and BA (Hons) degrees and is a Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Drylining, insulation and M&E solutions distributor etag has appointed Michael Kelly as its Sales Director for the Irish market, harnessing over 20 years of experience in the industry to elevate the company’s position in the construction sector. Michael originally joined the industry with Heat Merchants, beginning with a summer job and then progressing with the company over 14 years to become a Branch Manager and Regional Sales Manager. In 2012, he joined the Grafton Group as Regional Heating Manager to develop the company’s heating and plumbing offering within the subsidiaries of Chadwicks and Heaton Buckley. Over the years, he progressed to the role of Regional Director, and most recently worked as Sales Director for Chadwicks, where he was responsible for maintaining and developing relationships with Tier 1 contractors and oversaw the development and implementation of a new CRM strategy to enhance customer engagement. Now, in his new position at etag he will focus on developing team members and building a strong sales team to support customer growth. Michael said: “There is a generally positive feeling from both clients and suppliers when it comes to the Irish economy, and the upcoming market opportunities will align well with etag’s growth strategy and target sectors. To join an organisation where I can use my experience to make a meaningful contribution and tangible difference is a brilliant opportunity and one I jumped at. “I’m committed to building on etag’s 20-year legacy, maintaining our personal touch and deep understanding of our customers’ needs. Whether businesses have worked with etag for the last two decades or are new, I’m looking forward to building on these partnerships to help fuel growth for our customers.” Tony Taylor, CEO of etag, said: “Michael’s experience in our sector is irrefutable, and he is unarguably going to be an enormous asset to our team. I’m looking forward to seeing how Michael uses his knowledge of the sector to foster fantastic working principles in our employees, ensuring they are armed with the skills and tools to have a direct impact on the growth of our customers’ businesses – something that is incredibly important to us. Welcome to the team, Michael.” Established in 2004, etag is a complete system solutions provider of drylining, insulation, membranes, M&E support systems and fixings, which prides itself on creating efficiencies in project timelines and processes through its products and services. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leeds and London based architecture practice, Edward Architects adds to its growing team with the appointment of Graham Davey as Architect. The new hire will further strengthen the firm’s court protection and accessible design work, one of its core specialisms and expanding service lines. Graham joins from Stage One Creative Services where he was Project Manager with a breadth and wealth of experience leading on large scale events and unusual builds. Prior to that he was an Architect with Pearce Bottomley Architects. During his project management role, Graham led a range of high profile live events involving complex design from the Eurovision 2023 set build at the M&S Arena in Liverpool to The Art of All Pavilion by Roc Nation and Jay-Z at Olympia in Kensington which involved a 4-week turnaround from contract to completion. He also worked on Moncler X’s Mercedes Reveal at Olympia which formed the centrepiece of Moncler’s London Fashion Week launch. Graham has also project managed a number of unusual builds including Bulgari’s Serpanti Lit Sculpture in Duke of York Square, Chelsea. His expertise also spans work across visitor centres, new builds, primary care centres, golf centres and the Leeds Chinese Christian Church. Graham Edward, MD, Edward Architects said: “Graham will be a fantastic asset to our team and brings a broad range of experience and expertise which has involved some unique and unusual builds. This will be invaluable in our accessible design and court protection projects.” Graham Davey commented: “I am excited to join the team at Edward Architects as the business continues to build. The practice has such a breadth of skills and experience and I’m keen to further my own skills by learning from those around me. I have particularly enjoyed that the values of the practice align with my own, placing the client at the centre of everything we do.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
