Cadogan announces the appointment of Stuart Wetherly as Finance Director. Working closely with the Chief Executive and wider Cadogan team, he will play a pivotal role in driving the financial strategy to support Cadogan’s commercial success and long-term stewardship of the Estate. Stuart brings extensive experience in corporate finance and business
The British Property Federation (BPF) has announced the appointment of Morgan Garfield, head of capital partnerships at NewRiver, as the new chair of its Retail Board. Garfield succeeds Allan Lockhart, CEO of NewRiver, who is stepping down from the role. A co-founder of investment management firm Ellandi, Garfield played a
Luna Students, a leading provider of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) management services and part of Torsion Group, is pleased to announce its new leadership team. The appointments mark a significant step in Luna’s ambitious growth strategy, positioning the company to enhance student living experiences while driving value for property owners.
United Trust Bank (UTB) is continuing to enhance its support of housebuilders and developers operating in the South of England with the appointment of Andy Porter as Senior Director in its business development team. The appointment follows a busy start to 2025 for the specialist lender and a successful 2024
East West Rail (EWR) is bolstering its leadership team with two significant appointments, reinforcing its commitment to delivering one of Britain’s most transformative rail projects. New Railway Operations Director Joins the Team Ben Rule has been named Railway Operations Director, bringing over 25 years of experience across high-profile rail projects.
The National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC) regrets to announce that Duncan Rudall is stepping down from the position of CEO. Duncan has spent much time away from home and travelling on behalf of the NFDC. After his wife’s cancer treatment, he has made the decision that he must spend
SafeSite Facilities and sister company SafeSite Security Solutions are building on their growth and sector leadership with a key promotion and strategic new hire. Paul Goossens has been promoted from operations manager to operations director at SafeSite Facilities. With a strong track record of driving operational improvements and mentoring staff,
International construction and property consultancy Thomas & Adamson, part of Egis group, has appointed Gemma Prior as director and head of cost management for its London office, supporting the firm’s ambitious growth plans. Gemma brings over two decades of experience in the construction sector to the firm, having held senior
Embrace Steel Group (Embrace), a leading provider of steel frame building solutions throughout the UK, has announced the appointments of three senior hires to its group, bolstering the teams of both Hambleton Steel and Shufflebottom. The new appointments highlight Embrace’s continued effort to invest in its people and cement its
Great Portland Estates (GPE) has appointed William Eccleshare as a non-executive director and chair designate, effective from 1st May. He will take over from Richard Mully, who steps down after more than eight years of service. Extensive Leadership Experience Eccleshare brings a wealth of leadership experience in both executive and
Cadogan announces the appointment of Stuart Wetherly as Finance Director. Working closely with the Chief Executive and wider Cadogan team, he will play a pivotal role in driving the financial strategy to support Cadogan’s commercial success and long-term stewardship of the Estate. Stuart brings extensive experience in corporate finance and business transformation. He joins Cadogan from Capital & Regional Plc, where he was Group Finance Director and a member of the Board of Directors. Prior to this, Stuart held senior positions at Deloitte, where he led global audits for FTSE 100 and 250 companies and played a crucial role in major corporate transactions, including M&A, capital raises and IPOs. Stuart also served as Treasurer and Trustee for the London Wildlife Trust, where he helped restructure the Trust’s funding model to ensure long-term sustainability. Hugh Seaborn, CEO of Cadogan, commented:“We are delighted to welcome Stuart to Cadogan. His extensive experience and proven leadership in financial strategy will be invaluable to the business. I am looking forward to working with him as we continue to shape the future of Chelsea, making a positive contribution towards a sustainable environment and putting the community at the heart of our commercial decisions.” Stuart Wetherly, Finance Director, added: “Cadogan is renowned for its placemaking and long-term stewardship of one of London’s most fascinating and thriving neighbourhoods. I very much look forward to supporting the continued success of this extraordinary property portfolio and helping to curate a destination where retailers, businesses and local residents flourish.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The British Property Federation (BPF) has announced the appointment of Morgan Garfield, head of capital partnerships at NewRiver, as the new chair of its Retail Board. Garfield succeeds Allan Lockhart, CEO of NewRiver, who is stepping down from the role. A co-founder of investment management firm Ellandi, Garfield played a key role in expanding the business over 16 years, overseeing the management of more than 30 shopping centres before its acquisition by NewRiver in July 2024. Throughout his career, he has been actively involved in acquiring and managing shopping centres across the UK, from local community hubs to major retail destinations. His experience spans working with a diverse range of stakeholders, including investors, debt providers, local authorities, occupiers, and community groups. In his new role as chair, Garfield aims to champion the UK retail sector as an attractive investment opportunity and engage with key stakeholders to drive positive change. He will also continue to support the BPF’s initiatives, including advocating for business rates reform and modernising the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 to streamline commercial leasing. Additionally, he will push for policies that encourage the decarbonisation of buildings and facilitate the repurposing of vacant and underutilised spaces in town centres. Speaking about his appointment, Garfield said: “I am honoured to take on the role of chair of the BPF Retail Board. Our high streets, town centres, and shopping centres are vital to both the economy and local communities. Retail has undergone significant structural changes, accelerated by the impact of Covid, and we are now at a pivotal moment. Retailers and consumers increasingly recognise the value of physical stores within an omni-channel environment, while communities and government acknowledge the importance of placemaking in our towns and cities. This presents a unique opportunity to invest, curate, and shape vibrant retail destinations that drive long-term economic and social prosperity. “This is an exciting time for retail property, and I look forward to promoting this vision to investors and stakeholders. It is crucial that the BPF and its members continue to influence policy and create a regulatory environment that fosters investment and delivers thriving towns, employment opportunities, and dynamic spaces where people want to live, shop, and socialise.” Other members of the BPF Retail Board include representatives from M&G Real Estate, Landsec, Aberdeen, Pepper Media, Hammerson, Cadogan Estates, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, British Land, CBRE, and Shaftesbury Capital. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Luna Students, a leading provider of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) management services and part of Torsion Group, is pleased to announce its new leadership team. The appointments mark a significant step in Luna’s ambitious growth strategy, positioning the company to enhance student living experiences while driving value for property owners. We’re especially proud that our leadership team is majority female —an important distinction in a sector where this remains rare. Meet the Leadership Team With over 15 years of experience in the PBSA sector, Louise is a strategic leader with a proven track record in driving occupancy, enhancing student experiences, and maximising asset value. Having held senior roles at Unite, Liberty Living, GSA/Yugo, and StudentCrowd, she brings a wealth of expertise in sales, marketing, and strategy. Louise’s vision for Luna Students is centred around operational excellence and industry-leading student experiences. Stuart has been at the forefront of PBSA operations for over a decade. Beginning his journey as General Manager at The Student Housing Company in 2014, he quickly ascended to European Head of Operations at Yugo, overseeing 20,000 beds. His leadership has garnered multiple industry awards, including International Operator of the Year at the 2020 Student Accommodation Awards. Stuart’s expertise in operational efficiency, team leadership, and ESG strategies will be instrumental in Luna’s continued growth. Rosie began her decade-long career in PBSA as a Resident Assistant at The Student Housing Company, quickly advancing to Digital Marketing Specialist. She later played a key role in the rapid expansion of PBSA portfolios, successfully launching new markets across nine countries as Head of Marketing at Nido Living and contributing to 12 industry award wins during her tenure. With expertise in brand development, demand generation, and strategic market entry, and named one of EG’s Rising Stars of Real Estate in 2023, her appointment will support LUNA’s ambitious growth, expanding its presence in new locations and strengthening student engagement. Shelley brings over 17 years of experience in PBSA, having held key roles at Yugo, Liberty Living, The Student Housing Company and Project Student. She specialises in building high-performing teams and optimising commercial and operational functions. She has a keen ability to enhance student experience while delivering strong financial performance. Shelley’s leadership will ensure Luna’s growth remains people-focused, aligning with its commitment to providing exceptional student living environments. Luna’s Growth and Expansion Plans LUNA Students currently has over 700 beds live for 2025 and a pipeline of over 2500 beds as part of their rapid growth plan to own and operate over 4,000 beds in the next 4 years. As a third-party operator, Luna is expanding its reach through strategic partnerships, leveraging its expertise to provide best-in-class student accommodation management services. In partnership with Torsion Group, Luna is committed to sustainability, operational efficiency, and student well-being. Recent developments include a joint venture with Zenzic Capital, acquiring five major PBSA schemes in Leeds, Warwick and Nottingham. Currently LUNA operates two schemes, with three additional properties set to launch in September 2025, following a mix of owner –operator and third-party management models. Luna Students work closely with Torsion Developments to achieve the highest 3-Star Fitwel Certification in the UK, and excellent BREEAM ratings reinforcing its commitment to creating healthy and sustainable student living environments. Leadership Vision Louise Bena, Managing Director at Luna Students, stated: I am incredibly proud to have built such an outstanding leadership team. At Luna Students, people are at the heart of everything we do—our team, our customers, and our investors. We are committed to delivering excellence at every level. This year marks an exciting period of growth for Luna, and I am thrilled to be on this journey with such a talented and dedicated team. Dan Spencer, CEO of Torsion Group, added: Luna Students is a key part of Torsion Group’s fully integrated business model, enabling us to invest, develop, construct and operate best-in-class student accommodation. The team at Luna is among the best in the sector, and they are already making a huge impact—enhancing student experiences, optimising developments, and delivering strong returns for our investors. With Louise’s leadership and our combined expertise, we are well-positioned to accelerate our growth and set new benchmarks for excellence in the PBSA sector. For more information on Luna Students, visit: www.lunastudents.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
United Trust Bank (UTB) is continuing to enhance its support of housebuilders and developers operating in the South of England with the appointment of Andy Porter as Senior Director in its business development team. The appointment follows a busy start to 2025 for the specialist lender and a successful 2024 when it sanctioned over £1bn of funding for a variety of residential and mixed-use schemes across England and Wales. Andy Porter is an experienced career banker having worked in real estate finance for around 25 years with lenders including RBS and Barclays. Most recently Andy was Business Development Director at Close Brothers. In his role at UTB, Andy will predominantly be assisting housebuilders and developers operating across the South of England in securing flexible and competitive funding for a wide variety of residential and resi-led mixed use developments for both build to sell and build to rent sectors. Andy Porter’s appointment follows Andy Thomson recently joining UTB in the newly created role of Senior Director – Operational Real Estate. He is initially focusing 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. Adam Bovingdon, Head of Property Development, United Trust Bank, commented: “Andy has joined us at an excellent time as we’re seeing high levels of enquiries from housebuilders and developers looking to take advantage of increasing activity in the market as well as the Government’s commitment to get Britain building. “2024 was a successful year for the Bank’s Property Development team. At the close we were helping our developer customers create around 4500 new homes across England and Wales and we are aiming to help housebuilders deliver even more in 2025.” Upon joining UTB, Andy Porter said: “UTB has established an excellent reputation as an experienced and reliable relationship lender. I am excited to have joined the Bank at this busy time as it continues to support SME housebuilders and targets further lending growth this year and in the future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
East West Rail (EWR) is bolstering its leadership team with two significant appointments, reinforcing its commitment to delivering one of Britain’s most transformative rail projects. New Railway Operations Director Joins the Team Ben Rule has been named Railway Operations Director, bringing over 25 years of experience across high-profile rail projects. His expertise will be instrumental in shaping the operational framework for EWR as the project continues to develop. “We are very excited to welcome Ben to East West Rail. Ben will play a key role within the company, and his proven track record in the rail industry will be invaluable as we continue to refine our plans.” – David Hughes, CEO, East West Railway Company. Ben will join later this year to oversee operational planning, ensuring the railway delivers a seamless and efficient service. Engineering, Technical and Safety Director Appointment EWR has also appointed Andrew Went as its new Engineering, Technical and Safety Director. Currently Head of Rail Engineering at Arup and a Board Member of the Railway Industry Association, Andrew brings extensive expertise in rail infrastructure. “With consistent backing from consecutive governments, we are progressing with detailed designs for the railway. Andrew’s unparalleled experience will be vital as we continue to develop and refine our plans to reconnect Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford, and Cambridge.” – David Hughes, CEO, East West Railway Company. Andrew will take up his role in the spring, leading EWR’s design and engineering work ahead of the upcoming Statutory Consultation and Development Consent Order submission. A Transformational Project for the Region East West Rail is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enhance connectivity across Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford, and Cambridge. By providing a fast, sustainable, and affordable transport solution, the project is set to drive economic growth, with forecasts suggesting it could boost the local economy by £6.7 billion per year by 2050. These appointments mark a crucial step forward in ensuring EWR delivers long-term benefits for communities, businesses, and the wider region. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC) regrets to announce that Duncan Rudall is stepping down from the position of CEO. Duncan has spent much time away from home and travelling on behalf of the NFDC. After his wife’s cancer treatment, he has made the decision that he must spend more time at home with his family, where he’s needed most. Duncan has worked tirelessly to modernise the Federation, support current members, and remove barriers to make it more accessible to new members, which has been successful. He has built greater ties and bonds with other industry representations, including the Institute of Demolition Engineers (IDE), the National Demolition Association (NDA), and the European Demolition Association (EDA), as well as regulators, in the push for transparency and better levels of competence. Duncan will be in post until the 21st of May 2025 and will remain an active participant in the NFDC but in a lesser role. The NFDC would like to express its deep gratitude to Duncan for his dedication, leadership, and the transformative impact he has had during his tenure. His contributions have strengthened the Federation’s position as a leading voice in the demolition industry and paved the way for continued growth and progress. The NFDC will provide further updates in due course. John Lynch NFDC President Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SafeSite Facilities and sister company SafeSite Security Solutions are building on their growth and sector leadership with a key promotion and strategic new hire. Paul Goossens has been promoted from operations manager to operations director at SafeSite Facilities. With a strong track record of driving operational improvements and mentoring staff, Paul has been instrumental in shaping the company’s strategic direction. Paul said: “My focus will be on streamlining processes, enhancing operational efficiency and creating a culture of continuous improvement,” said Paul. “I’m also looking forward to mentoring future leaders within the company, so we have a strong foundation for future success.” As operations director, Paul will lead efforts to refine operational structures, identify skills gaps and implement targeted training programmes. He will also take an overview of the company’s financial performance, overseeing cost-saving initiatives while enhancing productivity. In addition to Paul’s promotion, SafeSite Security Solutions is welcoming Shane Hall as its new business development manager. Shane brings a decade of sales experience, with a strong background in commercial cleaning, pest control and security services. He specialises in guarding, CCTV, temporary alarm systems and physical security solutions. His appointment will strengthen SafeSite Security Solutions’ relationships within the social housing sector in particular, and his expertise in client relations and problem-solving will support the company’s expanding reach. “My goal is to drive business growth by building strong client relationships,” said Shane. “Coming from a large organisation, I’m looking forward to working in a close-knit team where collaboration and innovation thrive. I’m eager to bring my industry knowledge and experience to SafeSite Security Solutions to help support it’s ambitious growth plans.” For further information please visit: https://www.safesitefacilities.co.uk/ and https://www.safesitesecuritysolutions.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
International construction and property consultancy Thomas & Adamson, part of Egis group, has appointed Gemma Prior as director and head of cost management for its London office, supporting the firm’s ambitious growth plans. Gemma brings over two decades of experience in the construction sector to the firm, having held senior positions at AECOM and Currie & Brown. Most recently, she spent almost five years at Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB), where she progressed to partner and was responsible for leading the public sector cost management division in London. At RLB, she also held the role of national deputy head of education and contributed to winning several of the UK’s largest university and public sector frameworks. In her new role, Gemma will focus on expanding Thomas & Adamson’s presence in the UK capital’s construction and property market, with an emphasis on several sectors, including residential build-to-rent and commercial office workplace and conversion. She will also seek to diversify into other areas, such as the public sector and life sciences. Key projects already on Gemma’s agenda include a prestigious high-end residential development, cutting-edge laboratories, and large-scale façade remediation framework for a UK-wide housebuilder. An advocate for diversity and inclusion in the sector, Gemma is an active member of The Circle Partnership, a mentoring network that supports women in construction by partnering senior professionals with the next generation of female leaders to support career development. Gemma’s appointment follows the recent hiring of associate Stephen Hart to lead the London office’s newly established building surveying team, working alongside Gary Wait, who heads up project management for London, enabling the firm to offer a full suite of services to clients in the capital. Founded in 1935, Thomas & Adamson has a team of over 100 staff across the UK delivering cost management, project management, building surveying, and construction safety services. The firm was acquired by global architectural, advisory, construction engineering and mobility services firm Egis last year, bringing a wider range of services to clients, including decarbonisation and sustainability consultancy. John McGuire, director and head of cost management at Thomas & Adamson, said: “Gemma’s appointment marks an exciting step forward for our London office and underscores our commitment to strengthening our capabilities in the capital. Gemma’s energy and expertise in cost management will help us to capitalise on emerging opportunities across key sectors. Offering the full suite of construction services means we can continue to meet the evolving needs of our clients and deliver market-leading projects.” Gemma added: “Joining Thomas & Adamson at this pivotal time is a fantastic opportunity. The firm’s integration with Egis has created a strong platform for growth, and I’m excited to be part of the next chapter. In particular, I’m looking forward to helping develop the firm’s multi-disciplinary approach, while also working alongside Egis’s equality, diversity, and inclusion lead to foster positive change in the industry.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Embrace Steel Group (Embrace), a leading provider of steel frame building solutions throughout the UK, has announced the appointments of three senior hires to its group, bolstering the teams of both Hambleton Steel and Shufflebottom. The new appointments highlight Embrace’s continued effort to invest in its people and cement its position as one of the major players in the British steel and wider construction industry. Shufflebottom, a steel fabrication company based in South Wales, has welcomed Richard Wigley to the business as its new Commercial and Technical Director while Ben Thomas joins as Operations Director. Richard brings a wealth of experience from the steel and broader building products manufacturing sector spanning over 3 decades. He is a Prince 2 practitioner and MBA-qualified commercial leader with extensive experience in stakeholder development for a multitude of steel and construction materials. On starting his new role at Shufflebottom, Richard Wigley commented: “I’m thrilled to be joining a well-established business with a reputation for manufacturing and delivering high quality structural steel frames. While Shufflebottom is a family business with clear core values and a strong presence in the local community, it’s now part of a larger ambitious group which provides the resources to continue its evolution, growth and expansion. I look forward to playing my part in taking Shufflebottom to the next level in the coming years.” Ben Thomas is an experienced manufacturing leader with a proven track record of enhancing operations across multiple sectors. Throughout his career to date, Ben has made sustained improvements in health and safety, quality and productivity. Ben Thomas, Shufflebottom’s new Operations Director, added: “The opportunity to join such a well-established, family-branded company with a long-standing reputation for excellence in structural steel manufacturing and passion for fabrication, was one I certainly couldn’t miss. I’m excited to using my skills to help improve the operations of Shufflebottom and now thrilled be part of a forward-thinking group that embraces new technologies and continuous improvement which aligns with my own drive for progress and efficiency.” Meanwhile Chris Burns has re-joined Hambleton Steel, a steel designer and fabricator headquartered in North Yorkshire, as Design and Build Engineer. Chris has over two decades of working within the structural steel industry throughout the UK, New Zealand and Australia. On rejoining the business, Chris Burns commented: “Hambleton Steel have gone from strength to strength over the past six years and has become an extremely attractive proposition for an engineer wishing to become an integral part of an ambitious business. I look forward to providing my expertise in front-end design and build as part of the talented commercial team at Hambleton.” 2025 has already been a busy year for Embrace with the appointment of a new CFO, Ross McAdam, as the ambitious steel and construction group strive towards achieving a group revenue target of over £100m in the near term through both operational improvement and M&A activity. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Great Portland Estates (GPE) has appointed William Eccleshare as a non-executive director and chair designate, effective from 1st May. He will take over from Richard Mully, who steps down after more than eight years of service. Extensive Leadership Experience Eccleshare brings a wealth of leadership experience in both executive and non-executive roles. He currently serves as a non-executive director and senior independent director at Centaur Media, as well as Chairman of Team ITG, a digital media company. Additionally, he chairs the Design Council, a Royal Charter charity and the UK government’s strategic advisor on design. His previous non-executive roles include serving as senior independent director at Britvic, deputy chair of Clear Media Limited, and a board member at Hays. In the executive sphere, he spent 13 years at Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, where he was chief executive from 2012 to 2021, leading the company’s listing on the New York Stock Exchange in 2019. His career also includes senior leadership roles at BBDO Europe, Young & Rubicam EMEA, McKinsey & Co, WPP, and Interpublic Group. Looking Ahead Outgoing chair Richard Mully expressed confidence in his successor, stating: “I am delighted that William has been selected to succeed me as chair. His extensive experience in marketing, business transformation, and growth will be invaluable to GPE’s board. I know he will provide strong leadership and support to Toby Courtauld and our management team. It has been an honour to serve on the board for over eight years, and I look forward to working closely with William to ensure a smooth transition.” Eccleshare added: “I am excited to be joining the GPE Board as its future chair. With GPE’s strong market position and high-quality portfolio, I look forward to leading the board and working with the management team to drive the company’s strategy and capitalise on new opportunities. I am also grateful for Richard’s guidance during the transition period.” With Eccleshare’s appointment, GPE is set to continue its trajectory of growth and innovation, leveraging his expertise to strengthen its strategic direction in the years ahead. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
