An expanded senior leadership team has been unveiled at MC Construction as the buoyant firm heads for a record year. Turnover for the Salford-based business is on track to reach £22m for the 12 months to September, an increase of almost 50 per cent on last year’s figure of £15m.
Network Rail is pleased to confirm the appointments of two regional managing directors to lead the Southern and North West & Central regions. Ellie Burrows has been appointed as the permanent regional managing director for Network Rail’s Southern region. Ellie has been in the regional managing director role for the
Affordable housebuilder, Orbit Homes, has appointed Ray Winney as its new Regional Managing Director for the East. Ray takes up the position after four years as Construction Director with Orbit Homes and succeeds Andy Doylend following his retirement. Ray brings with him over 20 years of experience in the construction
Prologis UK, a leading logistics property owner, developer and investor has announced a new promotion in the business’ UK Capital Deployment and Leasing team, with James Straw, who has been with the business for over seven years, becoming a Director. Straw joined Prologis UK in May 2016 and began working
Multi-disciplinary consultancy, The Rocket Group have appointed Sam Hinchliffe, ARB RIAS, as Technical Director of Architecture for Scotland. Sam joins Rocket’s Dundee-based team, enhancing the company’s expertise in archaeology, heritage, ecology and construction. With more than 10 years of experience as an Architect and Principal, Sam has acquired his broad
Key senior appointments made across Trivandi’s teams responsible for the design, delivery and operations of major events and venues… Trivandi has reached its 10-year anniversary since being founded by the Venues and Infrastructure Leadership team of the London 2012 Games. Recent appointments of industry experts in the strategy, design, operations
Senior Director, John Neale has been appointed as Compliance Inspector as part of the Government’s Building Safety Act to improve competence levels and accountability in the sector. The role further strengthens DMWR’s expertise in the cladding and remediation of non-compliant buildings for G15 Housing Associations, private developers, tier 1 contractors
Turner & Townsend, the global professional services firm, has strengthened its leadership team in Hong Kong and Macau with multiple senior appointments. Oliver Sneath takes on the role as Head of Real Estate for Hong Kong and Macau, while Helen Cheng assumes the role of Director for Sustainability and Net
Fortel Group, a leading supplier of labour to the construction industry, has appointed Tim Hunt as its new Head of Compliance. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades and a wealth of experience in accounting, payroll and compliance, Tim’s expertise will further solidify Fortel’s commitment to standards and ethical
Karen Boswell OBE, Managing Director of Baxi UK and Ireland, has been appointed the new chair of the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC). Succeeding the outgoing chair Steve Keeton, Director of External Affairs and Future Portfolio at Vaillant, Karen is the first female chair of the HHIC and is
An expanded senior leadership team has been unveiled at MC Construction as the buoyant firm heads for a record year. Turnover for the Salford-based business is on track to reach £22m for the 12 months to September, an increase of almost 50 per cent on last year’s figure of £15m. MC Construction has made strides across its Greater Manchester and Cheshire heartlands over the past year while also expanding its geographical reach with projects in Cumbria, North Wales and Shropshire. Its current forward order book stands at a record level of £18m. Founded in 1971 by Charlie Lowe and John Purcell, the multi-award-winning, family-owned company delivers complex construction projects, specialising in internal and external refurbishments, structural alterations and new builds for a wide range of clients across multiple sectors. Earlier this year, the company made an historic change by promoting Russ Forshaw from group operations director to managing director, the first time that a non-family member has held the role. He succeeded David Lowe, son of co-founder Charlie, who has become executive chairman. Now the company has promoted Jason Houghton from commercial manager to commercial director and Karl McDonald from contracts manager to operations manager. The duo, along with human resources and business services manager Sophie Houghton, have now joined the senior leadership team which includes Russ, pre-construction director Chris Purcell and finance director Gary Glendenning. Russ said: “We pride ourselves on being a business where learning and development supports internal promotion and career opportunities, as well as personal growth. “Our commitment to investing in and empowering talented young staff members has helped us to achieve great progress and success as a business. “Jason has made a significant difference to the business since he joined us three years ago and fully deserves his promotion. “Karl and Sophie joined us as apprentices and have progressed through the ranks and increased their levels of responsibility to the stage where we are now delighted to appoint them to the senior leadership team. “Expanding our leadership team is a significant milestone for the company. The team will ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the business while also enabling us to be more future facing, as we work on initiatives to further strengthen the company, with a focus on developments such as process improvement, digital innovation and sustainability. “These latest promotions mean we are extremely well-positioned to support a period of record turnover and expanded geographical coverage, as we look to the future with confidence.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Network Rail is pleased to confirm the appointments of two regional managing directors to lead the Southern and North West & Central regions. Ellie Burrows has been appointed as the permanent regional managing director for Network Rail’s Southern region. Ellie has been in the regional managing director role for the Southern region on an interim basis since January this year. Ellie Burrows said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have been appointed as the permanent managing director for Southern region. I’ve had such a warm welcome since starting on an interim basis in January and I’m really grateful to have been involved in some exciting industry achievements, including the King’s coronation, the celebration of 75 years of Windrush, the 175th anniversary since London Waterloo station first opened and lots more. “We’ve overcome some significant challenges over the past few years and my focus is on working with our industry partners even more closely to make sure we’re investing our money wisely, so we can give our passengers a safe and high-performing railway that they can rely on. “I’m committed to making Southern region a safe, caring and inclusive place where our people are proud to work.” Eastern region managing director Rob McIntosh has been appointed as the new regional managing director for the North West & Central region. Rob will move over to the region on 4 September, and the recruitment process for a new Eastern region managing director is progressing well. Rob McIntosh said: “I’m very much looking forward to working with colleagues, partners and stakeholders to deliver a better service across the North West and Central region. “Whilst running a safe, reliable service for passengers and freight is at the core of what we do, our commitment extends beyond that to making a real difference to the communities and economies we serve.” Andrew Haines, chief executive, said: “Many congratulations to Ellie on her permanent appointment. Ellie is a fantastic leader in Network Rail and has done a great job during her seven months in leading Southern, including building deeper relationships with the regions stakeholders. “I am also really pleased that Rob has agreed to transfer to our North West & Central region. Rob has valuable experience across the industry and I know he will provide excellent leadership to regional colleagues as they navigate their future challenges as well as continue to work with partners in strengthening regional connectivity. “Wishing both Rob and Ellie the best of luck in their roles and I look forward to continuing to work closely with them as we all work to deliver a safe and reliable rail service across Britain.”
Affordable housebuilder, Orbit Homes, has appointed Ray Winney as its new Regional Managing Director for the East. Ray takes up the position after four years as Construction Director with Orbit Homes and succeeds Andy Doylend following his retirement. Ray brings with him over 20 years of experience in the construction and housebuilding sector and will play a key role in continuing to drive Orbit Homes’ land acquisition, construction, HS&E, sales and marketing, and customer care in the region. Commenting on his appointment, Ray said: “I first joined Orbit Homes as I believed in its strong social purpose and commitment to delivering affordable, high-quality, sustainable new homes. I am looking forward to working with the team to continue to deliver on these values together, grow the business and have a positive impact across the region for our customers, communities, and colleagues.” Helen Moore, Group Director at Orbit Homes, added: “I am delighted to confirm Ray’s appointment as our new Regional Managing Director for the East. Ray has been instrumental in taking the business forward in his role as Construction Director and is a real asset to the team. “I would also like to thank Andy for his service over the last four years. Orbit Homes in the East has gone from strength-to-strength under his leadership, becoming the strong business and team we have today. I wish him all the best in his retirement.” Orbit Homes has recently unveiled a brand-new range of sector-leading house designs, all of which have been matched against the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accident’s (RoSPA) Safer by Design framework and include the introduction of new safety standards and Orbit Homes’ inclusive design specification. Orbit Homes currently has nine thriving new communities underway in East Anglia, comprising a range of affordable two-, three- and four-bedroom homes, including some rarely available brand-new bungalows. The homes are available to purchase either as market sale or shared ownership and the rented homes are for Orbit Group’s housing portfolio. To find out more about the properties on offer at your nearest Orbit Homes development, please visit: www.orbithomes.org.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Prologis UK, a leading logistics property owner, developer and investor has announced a new promotion in the business’ UK Capital Deployment and Leasing team, with James Straw, who has been with the business for over seven years, becoming a Director. Straw joined Prologis UK in May 2016 and began working in the Investment Services team, where he gained a deep understanding of the UK business, as well as the country’s industrial and logistics property market. In February 2021, he joined the Capital Deployment and Leading team, where he has played an important role in a number of significant land and lease deals for the business. As an Associate, Straw led Prologis UK’s first deal of 2023, a 350,000 sq ft build-to-suit development for Hankook Tire. In his new role, Straw will continue to work closely with his colleagues on the Capital Deployment and Leasing team to build and develop Prologis UK’s landbank as well as securing build-to-suit opportunities and leases. Geographically, Straw will keep his focus on the East and West Midlands markets. Robin Woodbridge, Head of Capital Deployment and Leasing, Prologis UK, said: “James has been with us for a number of years now and has really made his mark on the business. He has been pivotal in a significant number of deals and has proven himself a go to person for our customers and our agents, as well as shown himself to be an expert in the Midlands market. “One of the most fulfilling parts of my job is seeing our team thrive and progress, and I am excited to see James’ career develop even further at Prologis UK.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Multi-disciplinary consultancy, The Rocket Group have appointed Sam Hinchliffe, ARB RIAS, as Technical Director of Architecture for Scotland. Sam joins Rocket’s Dundee-based team, enhancing the company’s expertise in archaeology, heritage, ecology and construction. With more than 10 years of experience as an Architect and Principal, Sam has acquired his broad range of skills working on projects as diverse as the refurbishment of the Trimontium Roman Museum, near Melrose, and a bespoke housing development in Kennoway, Fife. Sam said: “I’ve worked for Scottish councils and as a self-employed architect, and I’m very much looking forward to working with such an exciting and fast-moving organisation. I fully intend to continue my commitment to high-quality and sustainable design, which is an appropriate match for Rocket’s variety of contracts. “I lived and studied in Dundee for seven years to complete my MArch (Hons), and I’m proud to return to the city as Rocket’s Technical Director of Architecture for Scotland and am extremely keen to get started on projects in Tayside and across Scotland.” Rocket Group CEO, Craig Huddart commented: “At the Rocket Group, our focus is on creating an all-inclusive, end-to-end service for our clients with our experts in ecology, heritage, architecture, archaeology, and construction. Being present as early as possible on a client’s project allows us to streamline that project from start to finish. Sam, with his passion for architecture coupled with his expertise, will be crucial to delivering Rocket’s vision.” The Rocket Group encompasses Rocket Heritage & Archaeology Ltd, Rocket Construction Ltd, Rocket Ecology Ltd, and Rocket Architectural Design & Surveying as nine full time staff members bring together a powerful mix of experts, with the Group’s client base including Dundee Renewable Energy Society. The Group’s Regional Director for Scotland, Dr Greg Bremner said: “We’re delighted to welcome an architect of Sam’s calibre and reputation to Rocket. He’s a hugely important addition to our team as we head towards the first anniversary of our presence in Scotland, and as we continue to recruit the very best talent.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Key senior appointments made across Trivandi’s teams responsible for the design, delivery and operations of major events and venues… Trivandi has reached its 10-year anniversary since being founded by the Venues and Infrastructure Leadership team of the London 2012 Games. Recent appointments of industry experts in the strategy, design, operations and sustainability of major events and venues have seen Trivandi expand to 40 permanent staff across four global offices in London, Doha, Dubai and Riyadh. Trivandi’s Associate Network, a pool of tried, tested and trusted Subject Matter Experts, has also reached the milestone of 1,000 members. Reflecting on the growth of Trivandi over the last 10 years, CEO and Co-Founder James Bulley said: “Paul May, Jonathan Branson and I founded Trivandi in 2013 to share our knowledge and expertise of planning, delivering and operating the 37 competition venues and the 80+ non-competition venues of the London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games. Since then, we have seen incredible growth in the breadth and depth of our expertise, and we are now an integrated team of strategic and commercial advisors, designers, project managers, and operators with sustainability threaded through everything that we do. We are proud to have delivered over 200 projects across 26 countries, and we can’t wait to see what the next 10 years will bring.” Highlight projects that Trivandi have been involved with over the last 10 years include all summer Olympic Games since 2012, Expo 2020 in Dubai, Super Bowl 50 in San Francisco, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, F1 Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia, Eden Project UK and International, Aston Villa FC Stadium, the Pyramids of Giza, and the 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Ashgabat. Executive Director and Co-Founder, Paul May added: “Trivandi’s success is because of our amazing team. We’re really focused on our people. We like to create an environment where people can do the best work of their lives on projects that they’re really enthused by, working alongside brilliant people. We are passionate about what we do and delivering our mission to make every venue and event better than the one before it, leave a sustainable legacy and train local people to do what we do.” Over the last year, Trivandi has strengthened its senior team with the hiring of Peter Griffin as Director of Strategy & Commercial Advisory, Marcus Carling as Director of Venue Development, James Owen Webster as Associate Design Director, and Jess Donald as Head of Sustainability. Between them they bring in-depth knowledge and expertise across every stage of the events and venues lifecycle and cement Trivandi’s unique, collaborative ‘OneTeam’ approach to driving projects to success, from concept to execution. Griffin has extensive experience providing financial, strategic and operational advice to venue and event owners, investors, developers and operators, including Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong, Singapore Sports Hub, Vienna Arena in Austria, Co-op Live Arena in Manchester and the new Everton FC Stadium in the UK. Carling brings with him over 30 years’ experience in the operations, delivery and project management of high-profile international venues, including senior positions with Wembley PLC, the Walt Disney Company and Turner & Townsend. Commenting on his appointment, Carling said: “I’m very excited to join Trivandi, not just because of the impressive portfolio of major venue projects that Trivandi have delivered, but also because of the unique, collaborative approach to how we work. Bringing together commercial and strategy advisors, designers and operators, all working as one team, delivers maximum value for projects.” Qualified architect Webster was previously the founder and director of his own award-winning architectural and design studio, where his focus was working with brands and architectural and interior design across the public and commercial sectors. Finally, Donald started her career in the planning and delivery of major events, including London 2012, FIFA World Cup 2010, Commonwealth Games and more, before following her passion for sustainability and studying for an MSc in Global Energy and Climate Policy. She now applies her dual skillset to provide critical advisory services on sustainability across the entire venue and event lifecycle, from design to delivery. Donald said: “I was keen to join Trivandi because it’s an intense melting pot of talent from across the industry, which is an amazing environment to learn from. My understanding of the design, planning, operations and delivery phases of event and venue projects enables me to apply a more realistic and practical approach to sustainability to ensure the strategy is achievable within its specific context.” Trivandi’s core team are complemented by over 1,000 members of its Associate Network who are Subject Matter Experts covering over 50 different specialisms. This enables Trivandi to provide bespoke, tailored services and solutions across every service area on every project, whilst supporting freelance event and venue professionals with exciting role opportunities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Senior Director, John Neale has been appointed as Compliance Inspector as part of the Government’s Building Safety Act to improve competence levels and accountability in the sector. The role further strengthens DMWR’s expertise in the cladding and remediation of non-compliant buildings for G15 Housing Associations, private developers, tier 1 contractors and resident groups. As Compliance Inspector, John will act independently of the contractor and design team to perform regular site inspections to ensure that the new cladding installation is consistent to the design specification and requirements set out in the works contracts and that the project is being completed in accordance with the project documents, the guidance and good industry practice. John Neale, Senior Director for DMWR Architects comments, “As a practice we have built up a strong reputation for offering a specialist and expert service to assist in the recladding and remediation of non-compliant buildings. This will continue and my new appointment will add to this offering, by providing an independent service that is vitally needed within the industry. “The safety of homeowners and leaseholders is the highest priority, and my new role will help address this by overseeing the safety and performance of all buildings with a special focus on high rise buildings.” The Compliance Inspector will be responsible for the design and delivery inspections of the project, ensuring the work that is being carried out is compliant with the Guidance and will provide Homes England a report within a month following cost consultation certifying each of the following milestones – the point at which cumulative spend against total eligible costs approved to date exceeds 20%; 40%; 60%; 80% and 100%. For further information about DMWR Architects please visit https://www.dmwr.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Turner & Townsend, the global professional services firm, has strengthened its leadership team in Hong Kong and Macau with multiple senior appointments. Oliver Sneath takes on the role as Head of Real Estate for Hong Kong and Macau, while Helen Cheng assumes the role of Director for Sustainability and Net Zero Advisory for Northeast Asia. Sabrina Li also joins Turner & Townsend as a Project Director, with significant programme management experience in real estate across the banking and finance sector. The new leadership appointees form an important part of the firm’s market management team for Hong Kong and Macau, further expanding its capabilities in delivering major projects, programmes, and portfolios for global corporate and public sector clients. They also enhance the firm’s sector-specific decarbonisation and digital advisory services that are integral in their industry-leading programme, project and cost management service. Oliver Sneath joins from Turner & Townsend’s London office where he served as Head of London Occupier, transforming performance of major projects and programmes across the UK and EMEA. Oliver will bring his deep expertise in servicing global corporate occupier clients to Asia, together with experience in public sector and industrials, science and technology (IST). Helen Cheng has also relocated to Hong Kong from Turner & Townsend’s Singapore office. She brings more than 25 years of architectural and construction delivery experience in Australia and Singapore to the role, having worked on complex construction projects across Australia, Singapore, China, India and Bangladesh. Sabrina Li also joins the Turner & Townsend Hong Kong team this month, taking on the role of Project Director focused on delivering regional portfolios in the financial services sector. She brings close to two decades of programme management experience in delivering real estate projects for global corporations including Abbott, Microsoft, Macquarie and MasterCard. Oliver, Helen and Sabrina will be joined by Daniel Cheung, Director of Infrastructure, Northeast Asia, who will chair the new Hong Kong and Macau market management team. The team will report to Brian Shuptrine, who was appointed Regional Managing Director of Turner & Townsend’s Asia business based in Hong Kong on 1 May, this year. Turner & Townsend has been operating across Asia for more than 30 years. Working across infrastructure, real estate and natural resources, the business helps clients maximise their investments in the transportation, housing, health, education, commercial and industrial sectors, as well as supporting government, developers, corporate occupiers and retailers to achieve their outcomes. Brian Shuptrine, Regional Managing Director, Asia for Turner & Townsend comments: “We are charting a bold path for our Hong Kong and Macau business to further position ourselves for exceptional growth in Greater China. These strategic appointments to our senior leadership team ensure that our clients, and our growing pool of talent, have access to the very best industry expertise. “Consolidating our sectorial specialisations, particularly for global corporates and public sector clients, and strengthening our market-relevant technical capabilities in areas like programme management, sustainability and net zero enables us to meet the changing demands of the industry ahead, while retaining a focus on transforming performance.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Fortel Group, a leading supplier of labour to the construction industry, has appointed Tim Hunt as its new Head of Compliance. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades and a wealth of experience in accounting, payroll and compliance, Tim’s expertise will further solidify Fortel’s commitment to standards and ethical business conduct. Tim will be responsible for all things compliance including legislation, policies and procedures to ensure Fortel continues to achieve and exceed the high bar of excellence it delivers for its people and clients. Tim’s journey began in the 1990s when he qualified as a Chartered Accountant with KPMG. During his tenure, he gained valuable expertise in forensic investigation and has served as an expert witness. Subsequently, he established his own successful payroll and outsourced employment business in 2010. More recently, Tim has provided consultancy on a range of topics, specialising in supply chain management risk assessment, working with contracting businesses, labour end hirers, and recruitment firms. Notably, he has played a pivotal role as a board member of the FCSA (Freelancer & Contractor Services Association), demonstrating his leadership in compliance issues within the construction sector. “We are delighted to welcome Tim to the Fortel team,” says Sat Nijjer, CEO of Fortel. “He is joining us at a time when we believe we are in a very strong position, but his extensive experience and proven track record will be instrumental in ensuring we remain at the forefront of industry standards. With Tim’s appointment, we are confident in further strengthening our market position and driving our commitment to excellence, ethics, and compliance forward.” “Joining the Fortel team feels like coming home,” says Tim, emphasising the long-standing relationship he shares with the organisation. “I am excited to work closely with the team and contribute my expertise to keep Fortel at the forefront of compliance and ethical business practices.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Karen Boswell OBE, Managing Director of Baxi UK and Ireland, has been appointed the new chair of the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC). Succeeding the outgoing chair Steve Keeton, Director of External Affairs and Future Portfolio at Vaillant, Karen is the first female chair of the HHIC and is set to lead the membership following the Council’s recent AGM. Since joining Baxi as Managing Director almost three years ago, Karen has successfully led Baxi at the forefront of innovations in low carbon technology and installer support as the heating industry looks to decarbonise. This includes recent work with Government to make training more affordable and attractive to installers through the Heat Training Grant, which was launched this month. Karen also brings rich experience as a leader in the engineering space across multiple industries – most notably the rail industry heading up Hitachi Rail’s UK division. In her new role as chair of the HHIC, she brings strong focus on business improvement and accelerating growth, is passionate about equality, diversity and inclusion and has extensive experience in manufacturing, supply chain and customer service. As the heating industry continues its progress decarbonisation and develop the skills required to achieve it, Karen’s leadership experience and expertise are set to drive forward the HHIC’s focus on advancing the heating industry to net zero. Karen Boswell OBE said: “I’m delighted and privileged to have been selected to Chair the HHIC Board. I want to thank Steve Keeton, our outgoing Chair, for his leadership during the incredibly difficult lockdown period we’ve all endured, and for his work despite the challenge of the pandemic, with business transformation, innovation and helping shape Government policy. “Our industry is at the forefront of enabling solutions for decarbonising heat and hot water in UK homes and businesses. The next three years are going to be incredibly important and exciting as we help move customers towards their carbon reduction targets and ambitions. “Our members are best placed to provide expert advice to government and support the development of the right decarbonisation policy that benefits everyone. “One of my clear focus areas will be on growing our skills base to deliver this critical, transformational role. We must attract, train and reward new talent from all walks of life, reflecting the customers and communities we serve. The decarbonisation agenda is a great career opportunity and we need to work better at demonstrating how attractive this sector is; delivering clean heat and hot water in homes and buildings is a fundamental component of our national ambition for net zero.” Stewart Clements, Director of the HHIC, said: “We are pleased to announce Karen’s appointment as chair following a commendable tenure from the outgoing Chair Steve Keeton. Our industry is at a pivotal and exciting point. New technologies like heat pumps and hydrogen further down the line mean there is exciting opportunity for jobs and making a difference in the UK’s decarbonisation journey. “However, our research has found that there is a large skills gap that we must fill if we are to make any progress. Encouraging more people into the industry with a focus on improving diversity, equity and inclusion is a next crucial step to attracting more people into this exciting sector at a time of great progress and innovation.” For more information about the HHIC and to see its latest research reports, click here. For more information about Baxi, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals