Craig Thow has been appointed Operations Director of Robertson Construction Northern, following nine successful years with Robertson Construction Tayside. Craig joined Robertson in 2016 as Operations Manager and has since played a pivotal role in delivering high-quality projects for public and private sector customers across Dundee, Angus, Fife, and Perthshire. His leadership spans a wide range of sectors, including education, healthcare, hospitality and commercial. Notably, he was involved in the delivery of a number of prestigious projects across the Tayside region including Scotland’s first accredited Passivhaus primary school, Riverside Primary School,  and the £26m office development in Dundee. With almost 30 years of industry experience, Craig will now oversee all operational aspects of project delivery in the Northern region. His responsibilities include ensuring projects are completed to the highest quality, delivered efficiently, on programme and within budget, alongside identifying and securing new opportunities. One of his first major projects will be the construction of a new business park at Oban Airport, which recently received planning approval. Craig studied civil engineering at Heriot-Watt University and has worked for several construction companies, starting as a Site Engineer and progressing to Project Manager before joining Robertson. Speaking on his appointment, Craig said: “With strong opportunities on the horizon and a solid pipeline of ongoing projects, it’s a great time to be joining the Northern business. I look forward to sharing my experiences with the team and supporting the business’ continued success.” Craig also acted as a Young People Champion for four years, responsible for delivering operational support to embed and enhance the Robertson NextGen Strategy. This is geared towards providing meaningful career development and engagement opportunities for employees aged 16 to 24 years. Craig added: “Ensuring there is enough development and support given to the younger generation is important to me and is fundamental for the industry. Through our dedicated team delivering small works, we are creating real opportunities for young people to gain hands-on experience, earn qualifications and learn a trade on live projects. It’s a model that not only supports skills development but offers a clear career path for life.” Regional Managing Director Ian Phillips commented: “Craig is a strong and welcome addition to our high-performing team. He brings valuable operational leadership experience along with a deep understanding of the Robertson way of working. His expertise will further strengthen the business as we continue to grow across the region.” With offices in Elgin, Inverness and Fort William, Robertson Construction Northern is a trusted partner of choice for an array of customers covering Moray, Highlands & Islands, Lochaber and Aberdeenshire. It is part of Robertson Group, one of the largest family-owned construction, infrastructure, property and support services businesses in the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Property adviser Christie & Co has announced the appointment of Anthony Meadowcroft as regional director, taking the helm of its retail and leisure brokerage operations across Scotland and the North of England. Joining the firm’s expanding retail and leisure team in 2023, Meadowcroft brought with him nearly a decade of brokerage experience, having worked on numerous high-profile business sales since 2015. His promotion marks a key milestone in both his own career and the company’s ongoing commitment to strengthening regional expertise. Reflecting on his new role, Meadowcroft said: “I’m incredibly proud to step into this leadership position during Christie & Co’s 90th year. It’s been a privilege to work with so many talented colleagues and clients since joining, and I’m excited to build on that momentum.” He added that his priorities in the new role will include increasing collaboration across the wider business and advancing Christie & Co’s presence in the evolving convenience retail and roadside markets. “These are areas undergoing significant transformation, and our regional team is well-placed to support clients navigating that change.” The announcement comes at a time of continued investment in Christie & Co’s regional structure, aligning with the firm’s strategy to expand its reach and service capability across core growth sectors. Steve Rodell, managing director of retail and leisure at Christie & Co, welcomed the appointment, noting: “Anthony brings a great blend of energy, insight and ambition to the role. His promotion reflects our confidence in his ability to lead, inspire, and deliver results for both our team and our clients.” Rodell also highlighted the importance of maintaining agility in the current market: “As retail and leisure continue to evolve, having strong leadership across our regional teams is essential. Anthony’s knowledge of the northern markets and his collaborative approach will be key to driving our next phase of growth.” The appointment reinforces Christie & Co’s ongoing evolution as a specialist adviser in retail property and business transactions, with Meadowcroft now set to play a central role in shaping the firm’s strategy across key northern territories. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

BAM UK and Ireland has appointed Abigail Farrell-Black as its new Executive Director of Finance. Abigail joins BAM from Thames Water, where she held the position of Finance Director for Operations.  Prior to her time at Thames Water, Abigail held senior finance leadership positions at some of the UK’s largest utility companies, including Southern Water and UK Power Networks. She brings over 20 years of financial, commercial, strategic, and operational experience in regulated industries.  Abigail will be part of the UK and Ireland Divisional Leadership Team and will report directly to Henri de Pater, BAM UK & Ireland’s former Executive Director of Finance, who has now taken up the role of Chief Financial Officer at Royal BAM Group.  Abigail Farrell-Black Executive Director of Finance at BAM UK & Ireland. comments:  “I’m excited to be part of BAM, an organisation that places sustainability and people at the heart of everything it does. BAM is on an exciting journey, going from strength to strength, and playing a key role in delivering the projects and infrastructure that are shaping the UK’s future — from critical infrastructure and net zero schools to leading the transition to green energy.   Its values align closely with my own passion for creating inclusive working environments, where every team member feels empowered to bring their authentic self to work and perform at their best.”  John Wilkinson, Chief Operating Officer BAM UK and Ireland, comments:  “We’re delighted to welcome Abigail to BAM. Her extensive experience in financial leadership roles across major UK utility companies makes her an excellent addition to our team. Her expertise will be instrumental in supporting our commitment to delivering strong, predictable performance, high-quality projects, and lasting value to the communities where we operate.   Her passion for driving digital innovation, combined with her dedication to building and empowering strong teams, aligns perfectly with BAM’s culture and values.”  Henri de Pater, Chief Financial Officer at Royal BAM Group said:  “At Royal BAM Group, we are proud of the progress we have made in recent years — delivering solid financial results while contributing to a more sustainable and better-connected world. This success is only possible thanks to the dedication of our people and the strength of our strategy, which is firmly anchored in our company mission, ‘building a sustainable tomorrow’.   I’m truly pleased to welcome Abigail to our team. Her deep expertise in the utility sector and her thoughtful leadership style will be a great asset as we continue to grow and deliver lasting impact together.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Avison Young has announced the appointment of Kat Hanna as Head of UK Market Intelligence and Strategy. Hanna, who currently serves as the firm’s Co-Managing Director for London, steps into the newly created role with a focus on enhancing strategic direction and advising clients and industry stakeholders. In her expanded remit, Hanna will spearhead efforts to help clients anticipate change, identify emerging opportunities, and stay ahead in an increasingly dynamic real estate market. Working closely with the firm’s market intelligence team, she will integrate advanced data analytics and AI with the first-hand knowledge of Avison Young’s transactional and consultancy professionals to provide meaningful, actionable insights. Hanna brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously held senior positions at Lendlease, Cushman & Wakefield, and the Centre for London prior to joining Avison Young three years ago. Nick Walkley, Principal and UK President at Avison Young, commented:“Kat’s deep understanding of the built environment and the UK market, along with her ability to distil complex insights into clear strategic guidance, will be instrumental in helping our clients navigate disruption and achieve tangible outcomes. Her appointment reinforces our commitment to delivering valuable and forward-thinking expertise.” Reflecting on her new position, Hanna said:“After three years at Avison Young, I’m thrilled to be stepping into a role that allows us to better connect our data and analytical strengths with both clients and colleagues. I look forward to collaborating with our exceptionally talented team of real estate analysts and global partners, combining their knowledge with my background in politics, policy and strategy to support informed decision-making and effective delivery.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

BPF advancing merger with AREF and IPF to create new representative body to be called Real Estate: UK Simon Carter, Chief Executive at British Land, today becomes President of the British Property Federation (BPF), succeeding Jessica Hardman, Chief Executive and Co-Founder of Aboria Capital, who served as BPF President from July 2024.  Simon has been a member of the Board of British Land since 2018, first as Chief Financial Officer and as Chief Executive since 2020, where he oversees a diverse portfolio including mixed-use London campuses, retail parks and urban logistics, as well as the regeneration of a 53-acre site at Canada Water. He was previously Chief Financial Officer of Logicor and prior to that Finance Director of Quintain. Simon, who has been a BPF Board Member since 2023, will work closely with BPF Vice President Jo Allen (Chief Executive of Frogmore) and Melanie Leech, BPF Chief Executive, to champion the role of real estate in driving economic growth and regeneration and lead engagement with government to shape policy that supports long-term investment. Simon’s appointment also comes at a pivotal moment as the BPF, the Association of Real Estate Funds (AREF) and the Investment Property Forum (IPF) prepare to ask their members to vote on a proposal to merge and create a new representative body for the industry. It is announced today that the new organisation would be named Real Estate: UK (RE:UK). Simon Carter, Chief Executive at British Land and BPF President, said: “It is a privilege to take on the role of President of the British Property Federation. Our industry plays a vital role in shaping places and supporting communities across the country, and makes an enormous contribution to the UK economy in creating jobs, unlocking investment and enabling innovation. “Under Jessica’s leadership the BPF has seen significant success in securing crucial policy interventions and support that will unlock investment into UK real estate. I look forward to building on that strong foundation to ensure the Government fully harnesses the power of our sector. “I hope that our members will endorse our vision to build an even more powerful new industry body in RE:UK, and look forward to taking the baton from Jessica to oversee that transition during my Presidency.” Melanie Leech, Chief Executive, British Property Federation, said: “This is a critical time for our industry as we work with Government to deliver the homes, workspaces and infrastructure needed to reboot the economy and drive growth. “Simon’s extensive experience and knowledge across finance and development will be invaluable as we manage the twin challenges of helping to shape policy that will unlock investment and accelerate delivery, and – if our members agree – transitioning to a new organisation building on the strengths of the BPF, AREF and IPF. “I would also like to thank Jessica for her dedication and outstanding leadership over the past year as we have developed and refined our plans for a new body that will represent the full breadth of the real estate sector and amplify our voice.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Offsite housing specialist TALO has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Darren Pace as its new Head of Operations. He joins TALO as part of its continued expansion to further accelerate the delivery of ultra-low energy housing across the UK. His role is to enhance the client journey post-planning, including offsite manufacturing and site installation. Darren brings around 30 years of experience to his new role, having worked in both timber-framed construction and MMC for a number of industry leaders. Most recently, he led the construction of luxury homes in the Cotswolds for a global developer, which used timber offsite technology. At TALO, Darren will lead all aspects of project delivery, working closely with developer clients and housebuilders, their design teams, and TALO’s offsite manufacturing and logistics operations to ensure seamless project delivery to exceptional standards. Bengt Magnussen, Commercial Director at TALO: “Darren’s deep operational knowledge of all types of housing delivery, together with his passion for improving outcomes, is exactly what we need to help scale TALO’s impact. With his project leadership and a series of other new appointments, we are strengthening the entire product lifecycle – from design to delivery – and ensuring our clients benefit from an integrated, high-quality experience that lends itself very well to repeat business.” Darren Pace, Head of Operations at TALO: “TALO is doing something genuinely different. I have worked extensively with a number of different timber-framed systems for three decades, and the standard way of doing things has barely changed in that time. The housebuilding industry still uses wet timber and so has to accept shrinkage, cracking and weather-related delays. But that shouldn’t be the norm. TALO’s entirely dry, high-performance system avoids all of that. It is about speed, consistency, and quality. I am excited to help our clients deliver better homes, more quickly – ultra-low energy homes that exceed Passivhaus standards, and that aren’t handed over with snag lists. I also feel passionately about TALO’s wider vision to eradicate fuel poverty.” TALO’s panelised timber superstructure is currently manufactured in Finland using slow grown, dry Nordic timber. The system arrives on site complete with insulation, triple glazing, and internal plaster boarding. This dry, closed-panel solution ensures homes are watertight within days – not weeks – enabling faster fitout and higher performance for air tightness and insulation. As Head of Operations, Darren will work closely with TALO’s commercial and design teams to ensure a seamless transition from project inception to handover. Together, they will give housebuilding clients a streamlined pathway to achieve better quality, ultra-low energy housing with less risk, cost efficiency, fewer trades on site, shorter build times, faster return on investment and earlier occupation. TALO partners with residential developers, housebuilders and architects to deliver homes that radically exceed UK Building Regulations and the new Future Homes Standard – at no cost premium. Applications include homes for market sale, private rent, shared ownership and affordable housing. TALO’s solutions for low rise housing include the highly engineered timber superstructure, energy package and standardised foundations to enhance build quality, and deliver outstanding energy performance, verified by independent testing. For more information about TALO’s timber offsite solutions for housebuilders and property developers, see www.talo.co.uk or email hello@talo.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Be First, the regeneration delivery agency for the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, has appointed Andrew Savege as its new Development Director. Andrew joins from Wates Residential, where he played a key role in delivering major regeneration projects and forming long-term public-private partnerships. With over two decades of experience and more than £5 billion of investment negotiated, Andrew has worked with local authorities, developers, NHS trusts, and universities to unlock complex housing and mixed-use schemes. As Development Director at Be First, he will lead the acceleration of new home development and unlock strategic opportunities across the borough. Andrew Savege said: “I’m excited to be joining Be First, one of the UK’s most unique regeneration and development companies. The team’s ambition and purpose are clear, and I’m looking forward to supporting the borough’s long-term vision to deliver much-needed homes, social value, and investment for inclusive growth.” Caroline Harper, Interim Managing Director at Be First, added: “Andrew’s arrival will bring significant expertise and refreshed energy to our Development team at a critical time. His experience in building strong partnerships and getting projects off the ground will be invaluable as we work to deliver for the borough and London.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Victoria Hills, who has led the RTPI for nearly eight years, is to step down from her post as CEO. She will be moving on to take up the role of CEO at the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). Victoria will remain in post until later in the year to allow for a smooth transition while the Board of Trustees begins a recruitment process for her replacement. Chair of the Royal Town Planning Institute Meeta Kaur said: “After nearly 8 years as chief executive at RTPI the positive impact Victoria has had is clear for all to see. The Institute has become the voice of planners to Government and the membership has grown steadily as a result. Her leadership through the pandemic provided a steady hand not only for the organisation but the membership at large. The rate of delivery against the corporate strategy has been phenomenal and the results of that are to everyone’s benefit. “The Board of Trustees has appreciated the clear-eyed support she has provided and has been incredibly pleased to see the institute go from strength to strength under her leadership. “The Chartered Institute of Building is lucky to have appointed such a well-regarded and influential chief executive and Victoria will be much missed by all at the RTPI. “I would like to take this opportunity to assure staff and members that despite Victoria’s departure, the RTPI is on firm foundations and well equipped for the future. The Senior Executive Team is well established and clear on the organisation’s strategic direction. Trustees will shortly commence a recruitment process for a new chief executive and we will keep staff and members appraised throughout.” RTPI Chief Executive Officer, Victoria Hills, said: “It has been an absolute honour to be the CEO of the RTPI, not only because of the important place planning holds for our communities, but also because it is my own membership body. I could not possibly have imagined as a student member in the 1990s when I was going through my APC that I would one day have the opportunity to take the helm of the organisation. “During my time here we have seen planning rise further and further up the political agenda, both domestically and internationally, and the RTPI has been able to provide a voice for our 27,000 members throughout that process. I am so proud of everything we have collectively achieved. I leave the RTPI in a position of strength at an incredibly exciting time for the planning profession. “As I prepare to move forward onto my next chapter, I look back over the last seven years with a sense of pride that I have been able to play my part in elevating the status of planning professionals in the built environment sector. We need planners for the greater good of society, and it’s been an honour to be a part of acknowledging and amplifying their important role.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Top 10 UK homebuilder Keepmoat has announced the promotion of Divisional Chairman, Ian Hoad, to the role of Chief Executive Officer. Ian succeeds Tim Beale, who has stepped down as Chief Executive following eight years with the business. Ian initially joined Keepmoat in 1996, staying with the business for five years. He then gained valuable industry experience with other major housebuilders before rejoining Keepmoat in 2009 fulfilling a number of different roles including Technical Director and Regional Managing Director. He was promoted to the role of Divisional Chairman in 2019. He will officially take up his role as CEO on the 1st July. Tim Beale said: “After careful consideration, I have taken the decision that the time is right for me to step down as CEO. I am delighted that the board has appointed Ian Hoad, Divisional Chairman for Scotland, the North East, and Yorkshire East to be my successor. I am confident that under his leadership the business will continue to go from strength to strength. I will remain with the business over the coming months to ensure a seamless transition.” Commenting on his promotion Ian said “I am incredibly proud to be given this opportunity to lead the Keepmoat business and steer it through its exciting next stage of growth and development. Our differentiated Partnership model has proven to be resilient with our focus on first time buyers and brownfield developments and is extremely well positioned to deliver on that significant future growth. I look forward to continuing to work with our public and private sector partners and Keepmoat’s highly capable management team, to deliver the high-quality multi-tenure homes and communities that the country so desperately needs. I would like to thank Tim and the Board for their support and for entrusting me with the leadership of Keepmoat.” Paul Golding, Managing Partner at Aermont, added: “First and foremost, I would like to thank Tim for his outstanding leadership of Keepmoat over the past eight years. He has been an exemplary CEO, transforming and developing the business and its partnership model. Tim informed the board of his decision to step down over a year ago, enabling us to conduct an extensive external and internal search to find his successor. The conclusion of this is the internal appointment of Ian Hoad as Keepmoat’s CEO. Ian has continually impressed us with his operational expertise, his focus on delivering for all stakeholders and his energy and passion for the business. We look forward to working with Ian as we continue to grow the business and deliver much needed housing.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

National engineering consultancy Rodgers Leask has seen the return of Tom Nunn to its Derby office, where he rejoins the business as principal engineer, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a renewed drive to support development across the Midlands. Tom began his engineering career with Rodgers Leask in 2004, joining the company after completing his apprenticeship. Spending over a decade at the company, he became a trusted member of the civil engineering team, with significant contributions to residential project delivery. After leaving in 2017 to pursue different opportunities and build on the strong foundation of knowledge developed during his time at Rodgers Leask, Tom has now returned with new perspectives and a desire to contribute to the continued success of the Derby office. His return signals a significant boost to Rodgers Leask’s residential sector offering in the region and reinforces its commitment to growing the Derby base with experienced, homegrown talent. Director Kriston Harvey mentored Tom in the early stages of his career. He said: “Welcoming Tom back to Rodgers Leask as a principal engineer is not only a proud moment but also a strategic one. His expertise in residential development, combined with his values and standards, make him an ideal fit for our growing team and project pipeline. He knows the business, understands the region, and is already adding value to our projects and clients.” Tom said: “It is fantastic to be back at Rodgers Leask, returning after all these years feels like the natural step. I’m excited to work alongside a brilliant team and play a key role in developing the Derby office’s residential capabilities further. There’s a lot of momentum here, and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together.” Tom’s appointment highlights Rodgers Leask’s focus on nurturing long-term relationships and investing in experienced engineers, who share a passion for delivering innovative, practical solutions. His homecoming strengthens the Derby office at a time of growth and opportunity, helping to drive the consultancy’s commitment to delivering project excellence across the Midlands. For more information on Rodgers Leask, visit www.rodgersleask.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals