Business : Appointments News
Avison Young appoints Chris Pilgrim as UK head of capital markets

Avison Young appoints Chris Pilgrim as UK head of capital markets

Global real estate firm Avison Young today announces the appointment of Chris Pilgrim as Principal, Managing Director and UK Head of Capital Markets. Chris joins Avison Young from Colliers, where he was based in both London and Singapore as Managing Director of Global Capital Markets for Asia Pacific and sat

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Pick Everard appoints David Dunbar to head up architectural services

Pick Everard appoints David Dunbar to head up architectural services

Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard has appointed David Dunbar as National Director of Architecture. Bringing more than 30 years of experience in architecture, multi-disciplinary design and project management, the appointment strengthens Pick Everard’s commitment to driving positive change through high impact projects across the UK and beyond. A chartered architect, David

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New Technical Director Brings Decades of Industry Insight To Dandara Northern Home Counties

New Technical Director Brings Decades of Industry Insight To Dandara Northern Home Counties

Independent housebuilder Dandara has appointed seasoned industry leader Gary Martin as Technical Director for its Northern Home Counties region. Bringing nearly four decades of housebuilding experience, Gary will lead the region’s technical function – supporting land acquisition, design, planning and delivery with a focus on collaboration, innovation and quality. His

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Senior Siemens executive appointed as Chair of Humber Freeport

Senior Siemens executive appointed as Chair of Humber Freeport

A senior Siemens executive who led two of the Humber region’s biggest inward investments has been appointed as the new Chair of Humber Freeport. Finbarr Dowling, who has driven forward large-scale investments within the region with a total value of £1 billion, will take up the role in October, following

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New southern region sales head

New southern region sales head

Siemens Buildings UK and Ireland has further strengthened its sales team with the appointment of Mark Gutteridge to the position of Area Sales Manager – South, Siemens Buildings Product Sales and Business Development. Gutteridge has been with Siemens for more than 10 years, most recently in the company’s digital industries

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Muse appoints development director to growing North West team

Muse appoints development director to growing North West team

Muse, the nationwide placemaker, has appointed Laura Percy as Development Director to strengthen its growing North West team.   The new hire joins the business with over 15 years’ experience delivering complex urban regeneration, mixed-use, and innovation projects across the UK and Asia. Laura was most recently at Landsec U&I,

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Barhale announces two new director appointments

Barhale announces two new director appointments

Civil engineering, infrastructure and tunnelling specialist Barhale has announced the appointment of James Haddon in a newly created role of Director of Low Carbon Solutions and Joe Solomon as Regional Director (Eastern). Director of Low Carbon Solutions is a new board-level position which reflects both Barhale’s corporate commitment to decarbonisation

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Acivico Group Appoints David Morrissey as New Group Managing Director

Acivico Group Appoints David Morrissey as New Group Managing Director

Acivico Group is pleased to announce the appointment of David Morrissey as its new Group Managing Director, effective 14 July 2025 Acivico Group Appoints David Morrissey as New Group Managing Director Acivico Group is pleased to announce the appointment of David Morrissey as its new Group Managing Director, effective 14

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Latest Issue
Issue 335 : Dec 2025

Business : Appointments News

Avison Young appoints Chris Pilgrim as UK head of capital markets

Avison Young appoints Chris Pilgrim as UK head of capital markets

Global real estate firm Avison Young today announces the appointment of Chris Pilgrim as Principal, Managing Director and UK Head of Capital Markets. Chris joins Avison Young from Colliers, where he was based in both London and Singapore as Managing Director of Global Capital Markets for Asia Pacific and sat on the Capital Markets Global Executive Committee. At Avison Young Chris will bring a global-first approach to the UK capital markets team, focused on leveraging international capital deploying into the UK. He will be integral to expanding Avison Young’s global capital markets service line, working closely with U.S. and Canadian colleagues. This includes Marion Jones, who was recently appointed as Principal and Executive Managing Director of U.S. Capital Markets, and Michal Cwiklinski, Principal, Managing Director, Europe. Growing the London Capital Markets team and asset class specialism across the UK capital markets business, Chris will be at the forefront of a talent acquisition drive aimed at driving investment and growth into capital markets at Avison Young. Bringing more than 18 years’ experience specialising in the deployment of capital into major real estate markets and asset classes, Chris is a recognised strategic leader bringing extensive global capital expertise and a deep client base spanning across the UK, EMEA, APAC, MENA and North America. Acting for sovereign wealth funds, REITs, developers, insurance companies, pension funds and investment managers, Chris brings considerable knowledge of advising, structuring and transacting across the risk-return spectrum. He has a proven track record in marketing £1+ billion single asset trades, alongside structuring and marketing complex corporate M&A activity. Nick Walkley, Principal, UK President at Avison Young, said: “Chris brings vast expertise and is a landmark addition to our capital markets team. Bringing international knowledge, Chris will push forward global cross-collaboration across clients and services. This appointment will significantly strengthen our capital markets presence in London, whilst bolstering Avison Young on an international scale.” Chris Pilgrim, Principal, UK Head of Capital Markets at Avison Young, said: “Joining Avison Young is the opportune time to grow an international capital markets service to provide our clients best in class advice and access to global capital. Leveraging the existing strength of Avison Young’s diversified UK platform, I look forward to delivering outstanding outcomes for our people and our clients. Together with global colleagues, we will develop a collaborative team that is open for growth and new talent. The UK is the number one global destination for international real estate capital and we will grow out asset class specialism putting more specialists in place, as well as developing our debt brokerage and equity placement offer to align with our client’s strategies across the capital stack.” Prior to his time at Colliers, Chris also spent a decade at CBRE across their London, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore offices. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Pick Everard appoints David Dunbar to head up architectural services

Pick Everard appoints David Dunbar to head up architectural services

Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard has appointed David Dunbar as National Director of Architecture. Bringing more than 30 years of experience in architecture, multi-disciplinary design and project management, the appointment strengthens Pick Everard’s commitment to driving positive change through high impact projects across the UK and beyond. A chartered architect, David joins from RPS Consulting Services, part of Tetra Tech, where he served as chief executive officer, having previously led design teams on multiple commercial, industrial, rail and aviation projects, ranging from a business park in Abu Dhabi to the design of the UK’s first gigafactory in Sunderland. David said: “I am really enjoying getting to know our architecture teams based throughout the UK and the projects we are delivering.  “Our people and our clients are the cornerstones of Pick Everard’s future success. Working together across our services, we will foster closer collaborative working methods and grow future joint business opportunities.” Pick Everard is recognised for successfully leading the design and delivery of high quality projects across a wide range sectors including education, culture and heritage, healthcare and residential. As part of his role, David will use his experience of managing projects overseas to leverage new growth opportunities. In October 2024 Pick Everard joined Artelia, one of Europe’s leading multidisciplinary consultancy, engineering and project management companies.  David’s appointment supports the potential for Pick Everard to further enhance and diversify its offer by working together with colleagues across the Artelia group. “I am keen to develop relationships within the wider Artelia business, recognising the prospective openings to promote architecture and design services internationally,” said David.  “Pick Everard is known for its design capabilities, and commitment to quality and  social value, which it delivers across a vast range of products. I am looking forward to working closely with the team to encourage their growth and business development initiatives while supporting the executive team in the delivery of business objectives.  “Together we can build on the strong architectural legacy within Pick Everard, initially connecting as a national team but also across the Artelia business to leverage new opportunities.”  Commenting on the appointment, David Harris, Executive Director for Design Services at Pick Everard, said: “David has joined with a strong vision and a keen eye for detail and accuracy. His natural leadership and extensive experience in leading highly performing teams will not only drive our ongoing growth, but his architectural expertise will add significant value to our business. “These qualities will allow us to continue building our reputation of delivering sustainable, purposeful design and architecture able to secure positive and lasting legacies through the work we deliver across the UK and beyond, and I look forward to seeing what David achieves as part of the Pick Everard team.”  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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New Technical Director Brings Decades of Industry Insight To Dandara Northern Home Counties

New Technical Director Brings Decades of Industry Insight To Dandara Northern Home Counties

Independent housebuilder Dandara has appointed seasoned industry leader Gary Martin as Technical Director for its Northern Home Counties region. Bringing nearly four decades of housebuilding experience, Gary will lead the region’s technical function – supporting land acquisition, design, planning and delivery with a focus on collaboration, innovation and quality. His appointment comes as Dandara continues to expand across the Northern Home Counties, with several live and upcoming sites in Bedfordshire. Gary began his career as a management trainee at Beazer Homes in Bedford and has held senior technical roles at some of the UK’s largest housebuilders, including Kier, Persimmon, Stamford Homes and Vistry Group. Most recently, he served as Technical Director for Vistry’s East Anglia division, where he played a key role in delivering complex, high-volume developments. Reflecting on his move to Dandara, Gary said: “There’s a real sense of momentum at Dandara – and I wanted to be part of it. From the minute I joined, I was made to feel welcome. There’s a clear commitment to quality, to doing things the right way, and to supporting people across the business. It’s a company with strong values and a great team, and I’m looking forward to playing a role in its continued success. “The housing sector is always evolving, from tighter regulations to shifts in buyer priorities, and technical teams are right at the heart of how we respond. I’m proud to be part of a business that values quality, people and long-term impact.” With a customer-focused approach and consistent 5 Star HBF status, Dandara is known for combining practical design with lasting quality. Gary’s appointment will support the region’s delivery of homes that meet growing local demand, while navigating ongoing industry challenges – from planning delays and regulatory change to skills shortages and rising costs. Simon Pendlebury, Managing Director at Dandara Northern Home Counties, said: “Gary’s experience speaks for itself – he brings deep technical knowledge, local understanding and a strong team ethos. His track record in delivering high-quality developments will be a real asset as we scale up across the region and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the leadership team.” Gary will oversee Dandara Northern Home Counties’ technical department, working across disciplines to streamline processes, support sustainable design, and ensure a joined-up approach to delivery across the region. For more information about Dandara’s Northern Home Counties developments, visit: www.dandara.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Senior Siemens executive appointed as Chair of Humber Freeport

Senior Siemens executive appointed as Chair of Humber Freeport

A senior Siemens executive who led two of the Humber region’s biggest inward investments has been appointed as the new Chair of Humber Freeport. Finbarr Dowling, who has driven forward large-scale investments within the region with a total value of £1 billion, will take up the role in October, following his retirement from Siemens. Announcing the appointment, Humber Freeport Acting Chair Professor Neal Juster said: “Finbarr will bring exceptional experience, credibility and connections to the role, as well as an unrivalled perspective, as someone who has overseen major investments into the region from vision to delivery. “He also has a deep passion for the region and commitment to maximising its potential for growth. We look forward to Finbarr taking up his new role and leading the next stage of development for the Freeport.”   As one of 12 UK freeports, Humber Freeport is a specially-designated cluster of strategically important sites benefiting from incentives designed to boost investment, economic growth and international trade. Humber Freeport covers three tax sites, in Hull, Goole and Immingham, and a customs site in Grimsby, and offers investors significant advantages related to tax, planning, infrastructure, innovation and customs. More than £1.2bn of investment has already been pledged in the Humber Freeport tax sites. Mr Dowling has worked for global technology giant Siemens for more than 35 years, in a variety of senior and leadership roles. Over the past 12 years he has been focused on leading the delivery of two of the region’s largest and most significant inward investments – Siemens’ developments focused on offshore wind, in Hull, and the rail industry, in Goole. Mr Dowling said: “I’m honoured to be appointed as Chair of Humber Freeport and I’m looking forward to working closely with the Freeport Board, executive team and partners to realise the many exciting opportunities that freeport status offers. “Having dedicated much of the past 12 years to delivering large-scale on the Humber, I know this region is a great place to invest and do business.” Mr Dowling was the Project Director for Siemens Gamesa’s investment, in partnership with Associated British Ports, in an offshore wind turbine blade factory, assembly and logistics operations at Alexandra Dock in Hull. He was later appointed as Director of Localisation for Siemens Mobility and has driven forward the development of an industry-leading rail centre of excellence in Goole. Prof Juster will continue as Acting Chair until Mr Dowling takes up the role on a permanent basis. Prof Juster has led the Board since the Freeport’s Founding Chair, Simon Bird, stepped down in January, having spearheaded the process of securing freeport status and leading the Board since the organisation was formally established in summer 2023. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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New southern region sales head

New southern region sales head

Siemens Buildings UK and Ireland has further strengthened its sales team with the appointment of Mark Gutteridge to the position of Area Sales Manager – South, Siemens Buildings Product Sales and Business Development. Gutteridge has been with Siemens for more than 10 years, most recently in the company’s digital industries business where he was the Solutions Partner Manager for the UK and Ireland. In his new role he will be responsible for both the Fire and the Comfort divisions which fall under the Siemens Buildings portfolio. Commenting on his appointment Gutteridge said – “I’m very much relishing the new challenge.  While I have some experience in areas which crossover with building management from my automation and control background – variable speed drives for example – it is essentially a new area for me. I understand the Siemens solutions-orientated philosophy very well from my previous roles and I look forward to applying that same commitment to finding optimal solutions in providing safer, more comfortable and more energy efficient environments for buildings.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Muse appoints development director to growing North West team

Muse appoints development director to growing North West team

Muse, the nationwide placemaker, has appointed Laura Percy as Development Director to strengthen its growing North West team.   The new hire joins the business with over 15 years’ experience delivering complex urban regeneration, mixed-use, and innovation projects across the UK and Asia. Laura was most recently at Landsec U&I, where she oversaw the businesses’ investments and developments across the North. This included MediaCity UK, the transformative mixed-use development in Salford Quays, Greater Manchester, and Mayfield, the large-scale £1.4bn regeneration project in Manchester City Centre. Prior to this, Laura was Head of Development at Bruntwood SciTech. Over the course of a three-year period she led the development of ID Manchester, the £1.5bn joint venture project with the University of Manchester, alongside holding responsibility for the master planning and delivery of the £750m mixed-use Circle Square development in Manchester. With a deep-rooted connection to the region, Laura is also a Board Member of the Greater Manchester Business Board (LEP), which brings together the public and private sectors to support business growth, develop local skills and innovation, and direct investment. The appointment of the strategic development lead continues to boost Muse’s growth trajectory in the North West, with the Development Director supporting the delivery of a strong regional pipeline. This includes Crescent Innovation Zone, a pivotal element of the £2.5bn Crescent Salford Masterplan, by ECF – the joint venture between Muse, Homes England and L&G, Salford City Council, and the University of Salford, and the £100m transformation of Prestwich Village in partnership with Bury Council. Steven Knowles, Director of Development Management at Muse – North West, said: “Laura brings a wealth of placemaking experience to our team. She will play an important role in supporting our exciting and ambitious pipeline in the North West.   “Her knowledge of innovation-led regeneration and experience working in partnership with the public and private sector will be crucial as we push forward with our plans for Crescent Salford and the sustainable regeneration of Prestwich Village. “The last six months have been excellent in terms of growth, and Laura’s appointment puts us in a strong position to continue to progress over the forthcoming period.” Laura Percy, Development Director at Muse – North West, said: “I am delighted to be joining Muse and look forward to playing my part supporting the team in the North West. “The company is amongst the industry leaders who are working in partnership to deliver outstanding new places across the country. Joining the team in the North West is an opportunity to support an ambitious pipeline which will be transformative for the region. “By bringing my own experience, and working with the established and expert team, we will continue to deliver outstanding regeneration and placemaking and have a real impact on communities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Cullen Steps Up as Cushman & Wakefield Appoints New UK and Ireland Head

Cullen Steps Up as Cushman & Wakefield Appoints New UK and Ireland Head

Cushman & Wakefield has named Ben Cullen as the new head of its UK and Ireland business, marking a significant leadership transition for the global real estate services firm. Cullen takes over from George Roberts, who is stepping down after a successful tenure. Having joined Cushman & Wakefield as a graduate in 2001, Cullen has spent over two decades at the firm, steadily rising through the ranks. He became an international partner in 2016 and most recently served as UK head of offices, where he led high-profile occupier representation deals in London and supported the company’s growth strategy across the region. Cullen is a long-standing member of the UK executive committee and has played a key role in shaping the firm’s trajectory in both the UK and Irish markets. In his new position, he will focus on driving growth, deepening client relationships, and strengthening Cushman & Wakefield’s presence in a highly competitive landscape. Commenting on the appointment, Matthew Bouw, chief executive of APAC & EMEA, said: “Ben’s promotion reflects the confidence we have in his ability to lead with energy, insight and a relentless client focus. He brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of our markets, which will be critical as we continue to deliver value for clients across the region.” Cullen added: “I’m proud to take on this role at such an important time for our business. With a talented team and a strong platform, we’re well placed to seize the opportunities ahead and continue delivering world-class advice to our clients.” Andy Tyler will succeed Cullen as UK head of offices, ensuring continuity in the leadership of the division. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Barhale announces two new director appointments

Barhale announces two new director appointments

Civil engineering, infrastructure and tunnelling specialist Barhale has announced the appointment of James Haddon in a newly created role of Director of Low Carbon Solutions and Joe Solomon as Regional Director (Eastern). Director of Low Carbon Solutions is a new board-level position which reflects both Barhale’s corporate commitment to decarbonisation and reducing fossil fuel dependency and also its focus on developing innovative low carbon solutions for clients. James Haddon originally joined Barhale in 1988 as a site engineer and rapidly progressed through commercial, project management and regional manager roles. He joined AECOM in 2006 and worked across their European operations for nine years before returning to Barhale in 2015 to take up the position of Regional Director (Eastern). Joe Solomon, who steps into the role of Regional Director (Eastern), started his career with Barhale in 2012 as a Quantity Surveyor after six years at M.A.R.S. Construction. By 2014, he had progressed to Senior QS, working on S101a schemes in Peterborough before moving into commercial management roles within the @one Alliance, Anglian Water’s highly regarded partnership delivering complex capital projects – of which Barhale is a founding partner. In January 2021, Joe was appointed to Head of Commercial for the Eastern region. For Chief Executive Martin Brown, the appointments exemplify how Barhale is promoting succession planning and developing the future leaders of its business from within.  “James and Joe are natural choices for these roles,” he said. “Accelerating our carbon solutions offering is a key element of our growth strategy and James’s expertise and wealth of experience provide an ideal combination to lead the drive. “Joe has worked closely with James for many years and he will continue to develop and grow our business within Eastern. He has an excellent relationship with key clients and partners and also brings huge enthusiasm and experience to the role. I look forward to him continuing to building Barhale’s business across the region. “Both appointments are in line with our business strategy and are a great reflection of the business’s agenda to recognise and promote talent from among its existing teams.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Panattoni launches strategic move into data centre development with senior hires

Panattoni launches strategic move into data centre development with senior hires

Panattoni, the largest logistics real estate developer in Europe, has launched a major new initiative to develop data centres across Europe, the UK, India and the Middle East with the appointment of four senior specialists. Panattoni’s new dedicated data centres team will be led by Richard Wellbrock, who joins as Managing Director, Data Centres. He brings more than 25 years of real estate experience, including almost 20 years focused on the development of data centres. Most recently, as Chief Commercial Officer at Colt Data Centre Services (DCS), a leading global data centre operator. Richard played a key role in delivering large-scale, AI-ready data centre campuses across Europe and Asia , driving growth from 100MW to 1GW, including supporting a $1.5 billion joint venture with Mitsui. Joining Richard Wellbrock at Panattoni are; Nick Parker, Head of Capital Deployment, Data Centres, John Belton, Head of Development, Data Centres, and Paul Terry, Infrastructure Director, Data Centres. Nick Parker, who was previously Global Senior Director of Asset Management at Colt DCS, where he led over €5 billion in capital deployment strategies, supported transactions of around 250MW with hyperscale customers and played a central role in structuring international joint ventures and investment strategy across India, Japan and Europe. John Belton, who served as Global Senior Director of Development at Colt DCS, has around 40 years’ experience in engineering and data centre development. He managed Colt DCS’s global development portfolio, creating a pipeline capable of delivering more than 1GW of IT load across multiple countries. Paul Terry, who was Colt DCS’s Global Director of Development Infrastructure, led infrastructure design and delivery from land acquisition through to handover, managing major utility and technology programmes. All four will be based in London and report to Robert Dobrzycki, CEO and co-owner of Panattoni Europe, UK, Middle East and India. Robert Dobrzycki, CEO, said: “This is a significant new chapter for Panattoni. Data centres are essential infrastructure for the modern economy, and we are now building a world-class platform to deliver them. Richard and his team bring exceptional experience and insight”. Richard Wellbrock, Managing Director, Data Centres, said: “Panattoni has an outstanding track record of development at scale and pace. With our team now in place, we’re looking forward to growing the business across Europe, the UK, India and the Middle East, supporting hyperscalers, cloud providers and enterprise customers with high-quality data centre solutions”. Panattoni’s expansion into data centres builds on its longstanding expertise in large-scale industrial and logistics development, which has seen it deliver more than 23 million sq m across Europe. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Acivico Group Appoints David Morrissey as New Group Managing Director

Acivico Group Appoints David Morrissey as New Group Managing Director

Acivico Group is pleased to announce the appointment of David Morrissey as its new Group Managing Director, effective 14 July 2025 Acivico Group Appoints David Morrissey as New Group Managing Director Acivico Group is pleased to announce the appointment of David Morrissey as its new Group Managing Director, effective 14 July 2025. David joins Acivico with a strong track record in public sector leadership and local authority trading companies (LATCOs). Most recently, he served as Managing Director of HTS Group Ltd, where he led operations across maintenance, facilities management, environmental services, compliance, property services, and major projects. His leadership was marked by a focus on operational excellence, stakeholder engagement, and delivering value for money. Chair of the Acivico Board, David Powell, commented: “David impressed us with his strategic skills, delivery focus, and consultative approach. His experience and leadership style are a great fit for Acivico as we continue to grow and evolve.” In his new role, David will lead the organisation through its next phase of development, with a focus on innovation, digital transformation, and strengthening client and community partnerships. Speaking about his appointment, David said: “I’m delighted to be joining Acivico at such an exciting time. The business has a strong foundation and a clear ambition to grow and diversify. I look forward to working with the team, our partners, and stakeholders to build on that momentum—focusing on innovation, collaboration, and delivering high-quality outcomes that will make a lasting impact.” David’s appointment follows a rigorous recruitment process and comes at a pivotal time for Acivico, as the organisation continues to deliver on its strategic priorities across consultancy, construction, and facilities management services. Acivico Group is a Birmingham-based, purpose-driven, multi-disciplinary firm offering an extensive range of built environment advisory services, including design, construction, building control, and facilities management. Guided by our vision to promote public wellbeing and sustainable development, we pride ourselves on our strategic partnerships and strong civic values. Established in 2012, Acivico provides comprehensive construction-related services, supporting landmark projects across Birmingham and the wider West Midlands. We collaborate closely with our clients, delivering high-quality, sustainable, and innovative solutions that are cost-effective and foster civic pride. Our strategic partnerships, combined with our unique civic values, set us apart from our competitors. Maintaining strong relationships with local and central government, we remain at the forefront of industry changes, allowing us to guide clients through future impacts within their respective sectors and ensure successful project completion. Since 2018, our business transformation has seen significant investments in our people, systems, and processes, resulting in substantial benefits for our clients, including cost savings, enhanced customer experience, and improved quality. Our growing portfolio now includes partnership frameworks for both Constructing West Midlands and Legionella, and we anticipate continued growth as we implement our future strategy. At Acivico Group, we prioritize integrity, care, expertise, and ethical entrepreneurialism, fostering a culture of active listening, continuous learning, and calculated risk-taking. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to promoting public wellbeing, sustainable development, and Building For Good. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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