PERFECT Circle, the consortium comprising Pick Everard, Gleeds and AECOM, has appointed Victoria Brambini as its managing director. Brambini, who has headed Scape Procure for the past two years, will take the helm of Perfect Circle from 1 January – leading the organisation to further success and developing its ambitious
Earl Kendrick Associates are delighted to announce the appointment of two new Directors for the South and North regions respectively. Zoë Walheim MRICS and Andrew Banister MRICS have been spearheading Earl Kendrick’s expansion in the past two years, with new regional offices in Brighton and Manchester, which are now separate
Global independent inspection expert Bureau Veritas has announced the strategic appointment of building control veteran, Dave Allen, who will head up the business’ construction-focused division. As business unit director, Dave will lead the 80-strong team across the building control, fire engineering, structural and construction management disciplines. The move comes at
British Steel Pension Fund has reportedly tasked consulting firm CBRE with the sale of a refurbished office in Midtown, London. The UK firm is said to be listening to offers around £93 million. British Steel was privatised in the 1980s, later merging with a Dutch company to form Corus. The
Anthony Walker FRICS has been appointed chief executive officer at PropTech business GoReport, taking the reign as it continues to expand its portfolio of digital surveying solutions for the commercial and residential property sectors. Anthony Walker has more than 30 years’ industry experience as a surveyor and project manager. He chairs
TODD Architects is delighted to announce a posse of internal team promotions, creating seven new Associates with specialisms across a range of sectors, including office, residential, healthcare, education, retail and aviation. Says MD Paul Crowe: “These well-deserved promotions are part of our continued succession and business development plan, rewarding talent and experience
Ian Smallman has been named as the third former colleague to join Principle Estate Management in Birmingham. He joins Principle founder Brett Williams and fellow director Joe Jobson who joined in the summer, and has been appointed as a board level director at the managing agent which opened for business
Shelbourne Motors has appointed local building contractor O’Hare & McGovern to build its new £5m multi-franchise facility in Newry as Renault signs-up to the showpiece development. The Newry based Chartered building company has commenced work on the 50,000 sq ft development that will create 60 new jobs when it’s scheduled
Aberdeen Standard Investment’s AIPUT fund (Airport Industrial Property Unit Trust) today announces the acquisition of multinational car rental company, Sixt’s main Heathrow premises at Hatton Cross for just under £5 million. The 1.5 acre freehold site, which Sixt will continue to use for both car rental and maintenance operations, sits
Watson Batty Architects has been appointed to design the new arrivals extension, departure pier and internal remodelling at Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA). Last week LBA formally revealed plans for the £12.5 million investment with a three-storey new extension to its terminal building. This will include a transformed international arrivals process,
PERFECT Circle, the consortium comprising Pick Everard, Gleeds and AECOM, has appointed Victoria Brambini as its managing director. Brambini, who has headed Scape Procure for the past two years, will take the helm of Perfect Circle from 1 January – leading the organisation to further success and developing its ambitious plans for growth. Perfect Circle was formed in 2016 to deliver the four-year £350 million National Built Environment Consultancy Services (BECS) framework for Scape Group, the public sector owned built environment specialist. To date, Perfect Circle has delivered more than 750 projects to over 220 clients. Brambini said: “I’m excited about joining Perfect Circle, and delighted to be leading the next stage of progressing the joint venture into an even higher performing and sustainable organisation. “It’s a great opportunity for me to be able to add value to the business, drawing on my knowledge and experience of working in the public sector, to ensure our clients continue to receive outstanding levels of service through the Scape BECS framework.” Brambini, who joined Scape in 2014 as head of national frameworks and later taking up the role of MD of Scape Procure in 2016, had worked ‘client side’ prior to that as director for places at Rutland County Council. Richard Whitehead, chairman of Perfect Circle, said: “This is a significant appointment for Perfect Circle. Victoria joins us at a pivotal time in our evolution, as we make plans for further expansion and continued initiatives on achieving the best value for clients. “There are tremendously exciting times ahead as we continue to build upon our excellent relationship with Scape and deliver a comprehensive suite of services. “Perfect Circle has gone from strength to strength in its success of delivering for Scape over the past two years. Victoria will assist to reinforce the Perfect Circle brand, ensure the delivery of the framework and explore new opportunities for being the trusted partner for clients.” Whitehead added: “Having worked in a local authority prior to Scape, Victoria has seen the direct benefit of framework delivery to clients – having been a client herself. “Her five years of engagement in the delivery marketplace has given her a unique look at operational delivery, as well as the benefit and huge value the BECS framework has for clients.” Perfect Circle is a consortium of leading, innovative firms with expert industry knowledge and expertise working closely with a wealth of local supply chain providers. Together it delivers the very best high quality, value for money services for clients. Whitehead said: “A regional presence across the UK has enabled Perfect Circle to engage with the local supply chain more effectively, supporting local economies and targeting more than 25% work to be undertaken by SMEs. In its first two years, the delivery teams have contributed to more than 12,000 hours in community engagement and charity work.” The services available under the BECS framework include, but are not limited to: project management, quantity surveying, building surveying, commercial surveying, architecture and design services, civil and structural engineering, highways consultancy and engineering services and strategic asset management. Perfect Circle understands public sector procurement and is able to work with any public body via the BECS framework. Through the consortium’s breadth and depth of expertise across many built environment disciplines and services, it offers the fastest route to market in public sector project procurement, delivering value for money to UK taxpayers. Through its global reach and networks, Perfect Circle also ensures UK public sector built environment projects delivered overseas are procured seamlessly.
Earl Kendrick Associates are delighted to announce the appointment of two new Directors for the South and North regions respectively. Zoë Walheim MRICS and Andrew Banister MRICS have been spearheading Earl Kendrick’s expansion in the past two years, with new regional offices in Brighton and Manchester, which are now separate companies under the EKA umbrella. In recognition of their success, Zoë Walheim becomes our Regional Director – South, while Andrew Banister is our Regional Director – North. The Brighton office was established two years ago to serve Brighton and the South, and has gone from strength to strength. Headline projects have included work on the iconic Brighton Pier and the preparation of maintenance plans for converted mental hospitals. Zoë and her team have also assisted clients with the implementation of urgent Health & Safety works, a repairs and redecoration scheme on a property on Regency Square, and overseen a repair scheme on the prestigious High Street in Tunbridge Wells. The Manchester office followed soon after, serving the North region. Andy and his team quickly built up a new client base through word of mouth by taking on and simplifying major works processes for managing agents, leaseholders and freeholders, establishing Earl Kendrick as leading building surveyors in the region. Earl Kendrick’s Managing Director Julian Davies said, “Zoë and Andy have done a fantastic job heading up Earl Kendrick’s expansion to the South and North. They have more than earned their new roles as company Directors, and I look forward to working with them in the years to come.”
Global independent inspection expert Bureau Veritas has announced the strategic appointment of building control veteran, Dave Allen, who will head up the business’ construction-focused division. As business unit director, Dave will lead the 80-strong team across the building control, fire engineering, structural and construction management disciplines. The move comes at an important time for the construction industry, as the spotlight falls on the critical need to review the entire approach to fire safety following the Grenfell tragedy. Dave brings with him 34 years’ experience following a leadership and integration tenure with Stroma and 18 years at Butler & Young, some of which as the company’s Managing Director. This comes after dedicating the best part of 15 years to a local authority role at the start of his career. He will now deploy his considerable expertise and clarity to lead the charge on championing a best practice approach to construction compliance. As the secretary of The Association of Consultant Approved Inspectors (ACAI) and actively involved with the Construction Industry Council (CIC), he is ideally placed to share the latest industry insights, cascading from a strategic Government level both internally and with customers who are looking for the highest levels of competency and professionalism in construction compliance. Commenting on his new position, Dave said: “After a great grounding in a local authority building control roles, I’ve established a reputable career in the private building control industry and have vast experience at a strategic leadership level, as well as on-the-ground experience of working on large projects across a range of sectors. My work with the ACAI also means I am involved at the highest level of the discussions around how to make much-needed improvements to how the industry and customers approach and fire safety. “Bureau Veritas, as a leading global inspection body and health and safety expert is therefore an ideal fit, as it allows me to utilise my experience, both in a leadership and industry-expert capacity, and really champion the critical need for giving construction compliance the level of importance it needs. The Grenfell tragedy really highlighted some of the major gaps in the industry and, whilst there is no quick fix, there is a lot to be done. Being part of such a large and well-placed organisation is the ideal place to influence real change and it is my aim to bring both my valued team and Bureau Veritas customers on this crucial journey with me.” Ken Smith, chief executive officer at Bureau Veritas, adds: “With his invaluable industry experience, there was no-one better to head up our construction-focused division and I have no doubt that he is going to support our global capabilities within the construction industry and be instrumental in driving our ambition to be the UK’s number one compliance partner. I am also certain he is going to make real strides in influencing the future of building control and have a positive impact not only internally but for our customers and the wider industry in general.” To find out more about Bureau Veritas please call 0345 600 1828 or email info@uk.bureauveritas.com. Alternatively, please visit www.bureauveritas.co.uk
British Steel Pension Fund has reportedly tasked consulting firm CBRE with the sale of a refurbished office in Midtown, London. The UK firm is said to be listening to offers around £93 million. British Steel was privatised in the 1980s, later merging with a Dutch company to form Corus. The combined entity was then taken over in 2007 by the Indian steel operator Tata, however by late 2017, Tata’s UK arm declared it was no longer able to support the pension scheme – one of the UK’s largest – without becoming insolvent. To that end, its remaining members transferred over to the Pension Protection Fund (PPF), a government-backed pensions lifeboat. Now, as the scheme attempts to further secure its future, the British Steel Pension Fund has announced plans to sell a major property based in the UK’s capital city. 15 Fetter Lane, which British Steel Pension Fund acquired 40 years ago, is a large office building, located between the West End and the City of London. The property benefits from keystone local amenities and public transport with Blackfriars (Circle and District lines) and Chancery Lane (central line) underground stations and City Thameslink over ground station and Farringdon Crossrail (as of 2019) all within a short walk. Meanwhile, the accommodation itself provides 54,126 square feet of Grade A refurbished space. According to PropertyEU, the pension fund has commissioned global consultancy CBRE to oversee the sale. The overall passing rent for the property stands at 57.90 per square foot, while being multi-let to six office tenants with an average unexpired lease term of 9.1 years. Current tenants come from a range of sectors, including charities, legal firms and recruitment agencies. CBRE is now looking for offers in excess of £9.5 million. Commenting on the sale process, James Beckham, a Managing Director at CBRE, said, “Being adjacent to the New Street Square Campus and only a short walk to Farringdon Crossrail, this location has everything going for it. We expect to receive good interest in this prominent freehold asset.” CBRE recently also oversaw the sale of a large residential site in North Leigh to UK housing builder Countryside. CBRE’s UK development team in Manchester was appointed to market the scheme in February 2018, and was acting on behalf of the North Leigh Park Group.
Anthony Walker FRICS has been appointed chief executive officer at PropTech business GoReport, taking the reign as it continues to expand its portfolio of digital surveying solutions for the commercial and residential property sectors. Anthony Walker has more than 30 years’ industry experience as a surveyor and project manager. He chairs the RICS Building Surveying Professional Board Group on which he also leads on PropTech, and he developed and led the PropTech offer at Trident Building Consultancy for over four years. He has also held a number of senior positions within the public and private sector including 10 years with the Department for Education where he led the Property Data Survey Programme, the largest single building surveying programme in Europe covering more than 52 million square metres of internal area. Anthony said: “PropTech is my passion and has been central in my professional life for over 20 years. Most recently I’ve witnessed first-hand how much simpler and effective GoReport makes intelligent data capturing for surveyors on site and the added value it brings for their clients. Their customer service is something that stands them out in this space. I’m really looking forward to being a part of the continued growth and development of this innovative company.” David Bell, GoReport executive chairman, said: “Anthony is regarded by many as a thought leader on PropTech and through the work he has carried out with the RICS, he has influenced others on the benefits of embracing technology. He is widely respected by his peers for his knowledge and vision. We are delighted Anthony has agreed to join us at such an important time. The unique combination of Anthony’s knowledge, passion and experience will play a valuable role in building our success and propelling GoReport to the next level on our exciting growth journey.” Belfast-based GoReport is best known for its software for surveyors, project managers and estates managers, capturing site data electronically to convert into vital property management information, reports and data analytics. The new CEO has spoken many times about the benefits of PropTech and its positive impact on productivity. Anthony’s first speaking engagement for GoReport will be at the RICS Building Surveying Conference in Scotland on 15 November, on PropTech’s potential to positively disrupt building surveying. www.goreport.com
TODD Architects is delighted to announce a posse of internal team promotions, creating seven new Associates with specialisms across a range of sectors, including office, residential, healthcare, education, retail and aviation. Says MD Paul Crowe: “These well-deserved promotions are part of our continued succession and business development plan, rewarding talent and experience and creating career opportunities to keep those skills within the practice. These promotions will help us deliver our collective aim to empower future leadership by investing in our team.” Michael Burns has over 20 years’ experience and has completed some of TODD’s most acclaimed buildings, including INI Belfast HQ and Queens University’s library tower. He is currently leading the delivery of major office developments in Belfast and Brighton. Working at TODD’s since 2015, Martin Wylie has extensive experience in the design and construction of offices, apartments, educational, and healthcare buildings. He is currently engaged in a number of high profile schemes including the Gate, a 20 storey student residential development in Sheffield. John Palmer is based at TODD’s Dublin office, and is responsible for all aspects of project delivery spanning a range of sectors including residential, healthcare, education and commercial and custodial. John has a specialist interest in Passivhaus standards, energy conservation and green building technologies. Brona Marshall has over 20 years’ experience working on projects in sectors including commercial, aviation, media, sports and particularly education. Brona has recently been involved in a master planning development project for Bristol Airport that will facilitate the anticipated capacity increase in passenger numbers initially to 12 million passengers per annum. With over 13 years’ experience across multiple sectors including healthcare, education, commercial and residential, Jonathan Thompson has a wide experience working with clients, contractors, sub-contractors and regulating authorities across the UK, Ireland and the Middle East. Jonathon is leading the design of Queens University’s prestigious new School of Management building. Having joined TODD’s in 2012, Bobby Moore has become an integral part of the practice’s education team, regularly working on feasibility studies, competitions and tender submissions. Currently Bobby is working on Holy Family Special needs school in Cootehill, County Cavan where the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar has just cut the first sod! Heading the residential housing team, Shaun Hegarty has 17+ years of experience in the area and has completed a multiplicity of schemes for both private sector and Housing Association clients. Shaun also fronts TODD’s involvement in the RNLI framework, supporting RPS on the delivery of works to the RNLI’s coastal and inland life boat stations throughout Ireland and Scotland. Concludes Paul: “By developing and applying our united skills and efforts, we will continue to nurture our existing client relationships while also reaching out and building new networks.”
Ian Smallman has been named as the third former colleague to join Principle Estate Management in Birmingham. He joins Principle founder Brett Williams and fellow director Joe Jobson who joined in the summer, and has been appointed as a board level director at the managing agent which opened for business in Spring 2018. He will focus on the operations side for Principle’s growing client list of residential and mixed use property investors. All three directors were formerly in the residential estate management division of CPBigwood. Mr Smallman has specialised in private sector residential service charge management, ground rent collection and portfolio management nationally for nearly 30 years. Brett Williams said: “Ian is a senior figure in the property management industry and is well known and well respected in the sector. “I recruited him previously to head our property management operations and I am delighted to be able to do so again. Ian has a wealth of experience and will be a major asset to the business. “He strengthens our team and will be integral to our future progress.” His appointment comes as Principle approaches 1,000 units under management in just six months since the firm opened for business. Mr Williams said: “With the number of instructions already secured in less than six months, we are delighted with the positive feedback we are receiving and our growing pipeline of instructions from clients who want a managing agent they can trust and rely on. “Our portfolio now stretches from Blackpool through Bristol to Portsmouth, across to Crawley to Basildon, and up to Peterborough and Manchester. We are also acting for a growing number of properties in London.” Ian Smallman said: “This is a new challenge in a sector I know very well. It is important for me to be working within an organisation where the core values of integrity, transparency, professionalism, honesty and responsiveness are not just words on a strapline but embraced by all who work with the organisation. “I have worked with Brett and Joe previously and I am looking forward to playing my part in driving the business forward.” Ian Smallman is actively involved in the Institute of Residential Property Managers and sits on the Leasehold Working Group.
Shelbourne Motors has appointed local building contractor O’Hare & McGovern to build its new £5m multi-franchise facility in Newry as Renault signs-up to the showpiece development. The Newry based Chartered building company has commenced work on the 50,000 sq ft development that will create 60 new jobs when it’s scheduled to open in summer 2019. The new state-of-the-art facility, designed by Clarman Architects, is a significant investment by the family-owned vehicle retailer in the Newry area as it celebrates its 45th Anniversary. It will include new car showrooms, new car handover bays, lounge-style waiting area with café and a drive-thru service centre with a 28-bay service workshop. The Renault partnership will see Shelbourne Motors become the dedicated dealer of new and used Renault vehicles in the Newry and Mourne area. Kia was the first manufacturer to be confirmed for the site. Caroline Willis, Financial Director of Shelbourne Motors, said; “This is a significant milestone for Shelbourne Motors. We are delighted to partner with one of Northern Ireland’s leading Contractors to carry out the building works on our largest ever single investment.” “We implemented a rigorous procurement process to appoint the best contractor to deliver our vision. O’Hare & McGovern have demonstrated the skills, experience and resources to match our ambitions to build a state-of-the-art facility that reflects the strength and growth of our brand. “It will create 60 new jobs for the Newry area, as well as offer an environment that’s modern and spacious with a host of technologically-advanced features that will provide local customers with an unrivalled sales and after-care experience. “Our long-term relationship with Renault made the manufacturer an obvious fit for this new development and it demonstrates their confidence in our business to incorporate a brand-new dealership into our Newry expansion.” Martin Lennon, Managing Director of O’Hare & McGovern said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have won the contract to build this new state-of-the-art showpiece facility. It strengthens our relationships with Shelbourne Motors which stretches back more than 40 years, and it is also a huge economic boost for the city, and the wider Newry area. “The Ward family are to be commended for committing to such an investment. The benefits will be enormous, especially with the provision of so many new jobs.” Shelbourne Motors was founded by the Ward Family in 1973. It currently employs over 130 staff at its 9-acre Portadown headquarters, where it operates Toyota, Renault, Nissan and Dacia franchises, as well as a Used Car Supermarket, Accident Repair Centre and Valet Centre.
Aberdeen Standard Investment’s AIPUT fund (Airport Industrial Property Unit Trust) today announces the acquisition of multinational car rental company, Sixt’s main Heathrow premises at Hatton Cross for just under £5 million. The 1.5 acre freehold site, which Sixt will continue to use for both car rental and maintenance operations, sits directly opposite Hatton Cross Underground and Bus Station on the A30 Great Southwest Road, immediately adjacent to the airport perimeter fence. Sixt, a new tenant for AIPUT, has occupied the site for nearly 20 years. Sixt plans to take the opportunity to further upgrade its facilities and operations at its Heathrow sites as it seeks to enhance the service and product offer it offers to its customers. Commenting on the deal, AIPUT Fund Manager, Nick Smith, said: “Our acquisition of this keystone site at Hatton Cross will enable AIPUT to work closely with Sixt in supporting the growth of their operations at Heathrow, benefitting from a site that enjoys ready access to all passenger terminals, central London and the rest of the South East. “Hatton Cross is a leading asset location for AIPUT and this new property will dovetail well with AIPUT’s neighbouring airport logistics facilities, particularly the Radius Park estate. One of the fastest growing areas serving Heathrow, Hatton Cross provides an important point of access to the airport, readily supported by public transport. “The Sixt site is an excellent strategic opportunity for us, with the potential to unlock further value for its investors in the near and long-term by enhancing the use of the site. We see that it will play a valuable contribution to AIPUT’s plan to shape our real estate strategy to facilitate the continued introduction of automation and driverless vehicles in a wide range of airport services to deliver cleaner, safer and more efficient environments, as set out in our recent Airport of the Future Report.” Aaron Kedward, Senior Property Manager at Sixt, commented: “Sixt rent a car are excited to be working with Aberdeen Standard Investments as part of our ambitious expansion and upgrade plans for the UK. ”Specifically at our Hatton Cross location, we will look to capitalise on the continuing success of Heathrow Airport as the UK’s No. 1 international transport hub and strive to find ways to impress our customers and serve them better than ever.” The Airport of the Future report was produced jointly on AIPUT’s behalf by specialist UK aviation real estate consultancy, ChappellKing and Dornier Consulting International GmbH. It highlighted the scale of progress and future potential for the adoption of automated transport and logistics technology at the UK’s airports, exploring the potential efficiency gains from automation across a plethora of airport-related functions such as cargo-handling, as well as passenger transportation both to and within airports. AIPUT was represented in the property transaction by Eversheds Sutherland and Martin Campbell.
Watson Batty Architects has been appointed to design the new arrivals extension, departure pier and internal remodelling at Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA). Last week LBA formally revealed plans for the £12.5 million investment with a three-storey new extension to its terminal building. This will include a transformed international arrivals process, including immigration, baggage reclaim and customs. The extension will also accommodate improved departure gates, seating areas and new retail and food and beverage outlets. Once completed in late 2019, works will then commence on re-modelling the existing terminal building to provide a new centralised security search area and a more intuitive departure lounge layout, with an expanded new retail offer. Work is scheduled for completion by summer 2020. A future phase will include the completion of the departure pier, replacing the current passenger walkway. The planned extension works will deliver additional job opportunities at the Airport for local people, including apprenticeship roles in key operational areas. The appointment follows an ongoing brief for Watson Batty to support extension works planned as part of the airports’ Route to 2030’ Strategic Development Plan. Peter White, Managing Director at Watson Batty said: “We are delighted to cement our partnership with Leeds Bradford Airport with our biggest project to date. We have worked closely with the team at LBA over the last six years, assisting with detailed collaboration and consultation, to support a series of enabling projects, both airside and landside. It is rewarding to know that our transport expertise is helping to build the future of a critical northern hub.” Watson Batty has previously assisted Leeds Bradford Airport to improve circulation and flow of passengers around the terminal. It designed the new departure lounge extension last year which provided an additional storey and mezzanine floor to Gate Five. It designed a 150-metre-long, 3-lane covered, external walkway from the terminal together with a major departure gate refurbishment. Watson Batty also re-planned the passenger scanning area, providing new feature lifts to help increase the efficiency of people movement and wheelchair access. Watson Batty has extensive transport and leisure sector experience. It has completed successful projects for West Yorkshire Combined Authority at Leeds Bus Station and Keighley Bus Station and is on the Manchester Airport Group Framework. Leisure projects also include Egham Leisure Centre, Haxby Road Sports Campus and Liverpool Hope University sports complex. Watson Batty Architects is a future focused business offering architectural, interior design and master planning solutions for all sectors. It is credited for a number of major public and private sector projects including schools, universities, leisure centres, distribution facilities, residential developments and transport hubs. For further details, visit: www.watsonbatty.com https://twitter.com/Watsonbatty