AN initiative which recently won £40m backing to help create more than 700 jobs across West Cumbria has made its second appointment to its own team. Hannah Pears, who is passionate about working with partner organisations to give young people the best possible life chances, has joined iSH (the Industrial Solutions Hub) as Education Liaison Officer. Hannah, from Whitehaven, has spent the last 11 years working to give young people opportunities in education and employment having worked with Northumbria University, University of Cumbria, Lakes College, The University of Law, and Hello Future, a partnership of universities, colleges and employers working to improve access for young people to higher education in Cumbria. “I am really excited to start with iSH,” said Hannah. “iSH is such an important programme for the people of West Cumbria. It’s great to be involved from the beginning. “Having worked with many young people through education and outreach, I am passionate that every young person should have the support they need to access opportunities. “I think in many ways life is getting harder for young people wherever they live. “Social media comes with its negatives. Youth clubs and youth experiences have been cut to almost non-existent over the last ten years.  “Young people have also had to experience education turbulence and social disruption during the pandemic. “Then when you look at West Cumbria where young people can be so isolated because of the infrastructure, you realise that it can be even harder here. “That’s why I am so determined that young people here should be able to access opportunities and cultural experiences to benefit themselves and the communities around them for the future. “When I first talked to John Maddison (iSH Managing Director) and Steve Wilkinson (iSH Operations Director) we were talking about robotics and AI and it inspired me. “I think it’s brilliant that iSH will be helping give young people access to big city opportunities and bringing that to their doorstep and showcasing what the future can hold for them. “I also love that iSH is all about collaboration. It’s not about doing all of this ourselves. It’s about working with local partnerships and employers to fill in the gaps. “My role is to make sure that, through collaboration, young people who might otherwise not have had opportunities, will have clear pathways and the support they need to access training and employment that iSH will help create across the region. “That’s what I will be focusing on and working with other organisations and groups to help make that happen.” Brought up in Caldbeck, and having attended Caldew School, Dalston, near Carlisle, Hannah has lived in Cumbria and Newcastle. John Maddison, iSH Managing Director said: “We are delighted to welcome Hannah to the team. She has lots of expertise and experience of helping young people, who might otherwise get overlooked, access opportunities, which is such a vital part of our programme. “Hannah also brings that energy, enthusiasm and ability to collaborate with other organisations, businesses and individuals, which is the way we work at iSH, mapping the gaps and then working with others to enhance the region’s capability. “It is an approach which is enabling us to press ahead with initiatives which are bringing opportunities to businesses, organisations and people of all ages in the region.” Hannah is the second of ten initial appointments iSH is making as it builds its team to deliver a programme to create more than 700 jobs, enabling industry, businesses, academia, and community to come together and collaborate to enhance skills, increase capabilities, and regenerate communities across West Cumbria. Latest job opportunities with iSH include: Regional Representative, Operations Director, Investment Lead and Senior Project Manager. There will also be roles for a Project Controls Officer, Business Liaison Officer, Community Liaison Officer and a Project Management Apprentice. These latest positions come on the back of iSH opening its office in Cleator Moor town centre where it has appointed Lynn Huddart as its Office Manager. John Maddison said: “As we build our team we will further accelerate our work to bring a range of economic and social benefits to the community through projects which will create training and employment opportunities and have a positive impact on people, the economy, and the environment. “As with our first two appointments we are looking for people in these latest eight roles who share our passion and ethos for making this happen.” Last month £20m of Levelling Up Fund investment was awarded by government to Copeland Borough Council for the iSH Enterprise Campus, to fund phase two of redevelopment at Leconfield, Cleator Moor. iSH is also supported in its activity by funding from Cleator Moor Town Deal Board which, working with Copeland Borough Council, secured a provisional offer of £22.5 million from the Government’s £3.6 billion Towns Fund initiative last year.  As well as being supported by Copeland Borough Council, iSH is also backed by Sellafield Ltd, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership. For further information visit ishco.co.uk or email info@ishco.co.uk  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Civil engineering and infrastructure specialist Barhale has brought in Mark Wood to lead its operations in Yorkshire and North East England. He will take up the position of Regional Director after four years as Programme Director at Keltbray. Previously, he held senior positions at TXM Plant and at Balfour Beatty where he spent 22 years of his career. Mr Wood will take overall responsibility for developing Barhale’s portfolio of work in Yorkshire and the North East across transport, energy, water and the built environment. He will also lead and support the successful delivery of projects for Yorkshire Water. Under the AMP7 framework, Barhale works in joint venture with Enpure, on complex civils for the clean and waste water network. Barhale is also appointed to Yorkshire Water’s minor civils framework. Chief executive Martin Brown described Mark Wood’s appointment as a very positive step for Barhale. “Mark brings with him exactly the sort of strong programme management and engineering skills which we see as a hallmark of Barhale,” he said. “His appointment will ensure that we continue to grow our relationship with existing clients and support the delivery of our business plan targets and objectives for the region. “Mark’s extensive civil engineering and rail infrastructure experience will also add depth to our senior team as we continue to grow our business and increase our presence across the region.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Award-winning housebuilder, Crest Nicholson, has made two new appointments to its expanding Yorkshire division. Andrew Sanderson has been appointed as Build Director and Paul Thornton as Head of Land & Planning. Previous Regional Director, Guy Evans, will now move into the role of Managing Director. Both Andrew and Paul, collectively bring over 45 years’ experience in the housing sector to their new roles. Andrew re-joins Crest Nicholson after beginning his career at the housebuilder over 25 years ago as a Contracts Manager. Since, he has gone on to work as a Construction Director for the likes of Miller Homes, Keepmoat Homes and most recently, Countryside Properties. Paul joins from Bellway Homes Yorkshire where he was a Planning Manager and prior to that worked at Persimmon Homes (West Yorkshire). Paul will lead on helping to drive business growth through the expansion of the land portfolio in the region, whilst Andrew will be responsible for delivering high quality homes and developments, maintaining excellent customer service. Guy Evans, Managing Director at Crest Nicholson Yorkshire said: “Over the last year we have been working to establish Crest Nicholson’s presence in Yorkshire. The division plays an important role within the company’s overall growth strategy and with our first acquisition complete and others underway, we’re pleased to be building on recent successes by welcoming both Andrew and Paul to the team.” Andrew Sanderson, Build Director at Crest Nicholson Yorkshire comments: “After over 25 years, I’m delighted to be re-joining Crest Nicholson. It is an exciting time for the new Yorkshire division, and I look forward to further supporting its expansion, delivering high quality homes in thriving communities.” Paul Thornton, Head of Land & Planning at Crest Nicholson Yorkshire comments: “I’m pleased to be joining the Yorkshire division, building on the work of Guy and his team over the last year to further expand Crest Nicholson’s offering, working towards becoming the housebuilder of choice in the region.” The Crest Nicholson Yorkshire division, which was established last year, forms part of the company’s growth strategy expanding into Northern England. It oversees North, West and South Yorkshire as well as the East Riding. In September 2022 the new division celebrated its first major land milestone, acquiring a site in Sprotbrough, on the edge of Doncaster. In 2023 the business expects to expand this further, with plans to build 600 homes annually. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

FOLLOWING a highly successful 2022, one of the UK’s leading multi-disciplinary property consultancy firms, EDGE, has revealed its London office expansion with an exciting new senior hire, Jay Dahyabhai, who joins the firm as associate director. Challenged with driving further sustained growth in the capital, Jay brings a wealth of experience in project management within the construction industry. During his time with a global consultancy, Jay delivered a portfolio of projects across central London including 21 Moorfields and 52 Lime Street (The Scalpel). Operating out of the company’s prestigious new premises 1 Poultry, Bank, City of London, Jay brings extensive experience within the commercial and residential sectors to further strengthen the capability and expertise across the business. Jay will support EDGE’s continued drive in providing high-quality services to both new and established clients, the latter of which includes the University of Greenwich, Godwin Developments, Telereal Trillium, Lambeth and Harrow Councils, and University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Jay said: “I’m really excited to join EDGE during a period of significant business growth in London with the opportunity to build on our already established client relationships, attracting the best talent and working on key projects that will help shape the future of the built environment in the capital” “The structure and culture of the business really appealed to me together with the chance to work with over 100 high quality professionals operating nationally out of five regional office bases that drive a professional and collaborative culture. It’s such a fantastic opportunity to further grow an innovative business” “Although we are encountering a number of global challenges the UK, the property and construction market continues to deliver vital infrastructure and construction projects. Despite these challenges, EDGE’s diversity, quality of people, placement on both national and regional frameworks together with our broad sector profile with regional and national clients will enable EDGE to further grow and develop strategic business activities” Jay’s appointment builds on the company’s continued business growth in its already established offices in London, Leeds, Sheffield, Nottingham and Birmingham, with the company having surpassed the significant milestone of 100 employees in 2022. Nick Phelan, director at EDGE, added: “London is a major target for EDGE, and Jay’s appointment, along with the relocation to our new office is an exciting milestone and signifies the next stage of the company’s development. We are continuing to expand our cost management, project management, building and digital surveying offerings to the London market. The growing London office will enable EDGE to build upon its existing client base within the city and the wider South East region in the business’ focus areas of healthcare, schools and higher education, infrastructure, aviation, residential, retail, commercial and manufacturing sectors, food and drink, logistics and distribution, through both the public and private sectors over the coming years. For more information on EDGE and its services, follow the link for more information: https://www.edgeps.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Johnson Controls , the global leader for smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, has promoted Sarah Dixon to Enterprise Sales Director, UK&I, effective immediately. As the former General Manager, Fire Suppression at Johnson Controls, Dixon brings a wealth of leadership experience and industry expertise to the wider business. In her new role, Dixon will continue to bring the team from strength to strength, driving sustainable growth, digital & sustainable outcomes for Johnson Controls customers and positioning the business to thrive in an ever-evolving world. “I am thrilled to announce Sarah’s new role in the business. Having been with Johnson Controls for two years now, Sarah has shown herself to be a proven leader in fire suppression, applying her experience and insights to some of the most complex fire suppression challenges,” shared Richard Lek, VP and GM, Building Technologies and Solutions, UK&I at Johnson Controls. “She is an asset to the team and I am excited to see her thrive in our enterprise sales function.”  “I’m honoured to have progressed in my role at Johnson Controls and am eager to work among some of the best in the business,” said Sarah Dixon. “I look forward to drawing on my experience to help drive Johnson Controls toward continued industry leadership and global success.” During her time with Johnson Controls, Sarah has led her team in driving the return of sales for Fire Suppression. Alongside her fantastic work in improving their financial results, Sarah has spent time speaking both internally and externally to encourage diversity and inclusion within the industry.   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Affordable housing provider SO Resi, the shared ownership arm of housing association Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing, has appointed its Group Head of Sales, Kevin Sims, into the newly created role of Director of Sales & Marketing. The new position forms part of SO Resi’s ongoing mission to inform and educate the market on shared ownership, where Kevin will be responsible for leading SO Resi’s sales and marketing function across the UK. Kevin, who joined SO Resi in the summer of 2019, has a 35-year-long background in the property and mortgage industry, having worked across a number of sectors including new homes development, estate agency and shared ownership. Before joining SO Resi, Kevin held Regional Sales & Marketing Director roles for national housebuilders including McCarthy & Stone, Wilcon Homes and Prowting Homes, and was also Regional Director for Countrywide. Kevin comments: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to be a part of this exciting new chapter for SO Resi, and this brand new role feels like the natural next step in our mission to continue the necessary conversations about shared ownership. Marketing is an incredibly valuable tool for informing, educating and supporting people about the benefits of affordable schemes. I’m determined to change the way that shared ownership is perceived within the industry, and by first time buyers, many of whom don’t understand the benefits that the product can offer.” SO Resi has already seen exceptional sales performance in recent years, and has recently launched three new developments: SO Resi Farnham, SO Resi Bracknell and SO Resi Welwyn Garden City. As many more first time buyers turn to affordable schemes in wake of Help to Buy, demand for shared ownership is expected to increase throughout the upcoming year. The brand-new Director of Sales & Marketing role will see Kevin continue to build on SO Resi’s recent successes, alongside taking on new challenges as the housing association moves into the Rent to Buy and London Living Rent tenures, with SO Resi’s first London Living Rent development expected to launch in Spring 2023. “Where SO Resi differs from other housing providers is the continued focus on encouraging homeownership in a way that is safe and sustainable for the customer,” Kevin adds. He continues: “Balancing customer needs with business requirements is a challenge that everyone in this industry faces, but where SO Resi stands out from the crowd is its agile approach to selling new homes. We put product innovation, the customer experience and a continued pursuit for improvement at the forefront of everything we do. As we venture into other tenures, we bring the lessons learnt and successes achieved from working in shared ownership to the table.” Kevin plans to build on this growth trajectory as SO Resi celebrates the second anniversary of its partnerships arm. He adds: “I’d like to focus on the opportunities that come with forging new partnerships. In some ways, the industry is very disconnected and affordable housing is looked down upon as lesser, despite playing a crucial role in bringing homeownership back into reach for first time buyers. By building these important connections with developers, we can help to raise standards across the entire industry. We have a depth of infrastructure and experience in selling new build schemes which a number of our partners have already recognised, and we have stepped up to run their sales and staircasing function too.” To find out more about SO Resi call 0208 607 0550 or visit www.soresi.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

SIMON BRIGGS has been appointed as the very first ‘energy lead’ for complete construction partner Stepnell. In the new role, Simon will be responsible for designing and implementing renewable energy and carbon reduction technologies for clients, which will underpin Stepnell’s long-term “Step to Zero” carbon strategy.  Simon joins Stepnell as energy lead following close to 20 years in the construction industry delivering projects spanning the education, hotel, leisure and industrial sectors. Having started his career working on maintenance and refurbishment projects for the Ministry of Defence, Simon then progressed into engineering and building services.  As energy lead, Simon will be managing and collaborating with the sustainability team to provide added value support on projects across all regions. He will also be overseeing sustainable installations through Step Energy – Stepnell’s new, embedded energy and renewables business.  Simon commented: “This is an exciting new role that reflects Stepnell’s unfaltering commitment to sustainable solutions, which is so important to embrace in the current climate. With net zero ambitions across the entire construction industry, Stepnell continues to be a pioneer through forward-thinking strategies including our ‘Step to Zero’ carbon strategy.  “As energy lead, my goal is to see a reduction in the ‘copy & paste’ design culture in the construction industry and replace outdated technologies. I look forward to using my expertise to deliver renewable energy solutions that help the business embrace change and make significant contributions to a carbon neutral construction industry by 2030.”  Tom Wakeford, managing director at Stepnell said: “The new energy lead role underpins Stepnell’s strategy to invest in and deliver sustainable project solutions.   “Through Simon’s expertise and enthusiasm, we know he shares our commitment as an industry-leading, complete construction partner, to achieve energy efficiency and carbon reduction in the built environment.  “Simon will be engaging with clients in the early design stages to enable them to make realistic and informed decisions regarding energy use and renewable integration. We pride ourselves on this engagement approach to maximise the added value we can deliver.”  To find out more about Stepnell visit www.stepnell.co.uk, or join in the conversation at @Stepnellltd.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals