A TRIO of new starters has joined leading carbon and biodiversity offsetting solutions provider CSX. The appointments expand the firm’s capacity, helping deliver strategic growth in its role as providers of biodiversity net gain (BNG) and carbon offset units. The company uses earth observation technologies and data analysis systems to collect
East Midlands civil and structural engineering firm BSP Consulting has made internal promotions to create two new associate directors. Civil engineer Carol Ell, who has a leadership role in BSP’s Leicester office, has been with the company 20 years next month. Finance manager James Payne, who is based in the
Muse, the nationwide placemaker, has grown its team in the North West with the addition of two regeneration experts, Alex Vogel and Sam Wilson. Alex has been appointed Senior Development Manager, bringing almost 10 years’ experience in residential and mixed-used regeneration. Joining from Greystar, Alex actively managed the delivery of
The Independent Builders Merchant Group (IBMG) has appointed Danny Spokes as the divisional managing directorfor IBMG’s South West build division. The appointment heralds the restructure of IBMG’s South West operation to align with the wider structure of the Group. IBMG’s South West division incorporates CRS’s 13 builders merchant branches in Somerset as well as RGB’s
SevenHomes, the regional housebuilder by SevenCapital Group, has appointed Richard Hodson as Planning Director. Richard previously joined the business’ planning team in 2022 and has since played an integral role in developing and delivering SevenHomes’ full planning strategy, from the acquisition of new sites amassing to a pipeline of nearly
Architecture Director, Akshay Khera, has been appointed as head of the Bristol studio of global design practice, BDP. With more than a decade of experience designing buildings and spaces in Bristol, the South West and Wales, Akshay is passionate about improving the built environment in the region. He is committed
The Supply Chain Sustainability School, a leading online platform dedicated to promoting sustainable practices within supply chains, is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Spencer to its Board of Directors. Andrew Spencer brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the School’s mission of advancing sustainability within the built
Savills has expanded its London office project management team, part of building & project consultancy (BPC), with two new appointments. Rekha Mistry who joins as a director and John Capper joining as an associate director, who will both be based at the firm’s Margaret Street head office in London taking
Hull City Council has appointed Chris Jackson as its new Director of Regeneration. Chris joins the council from NHS England, where he most recently held the role of Director of Capital, with oversight of the NHS’s national capital budget and major capital programmes, such as delivery of new diagnostic centres
Embrace Steel Group (Embrace), a leading UK-based provider of steel frame building solutions, has announced the appointment of Matt Gibson as its new Chief Operating Officer ahead of what is expected to be a significant period of transformational growth for the business. Beginning his career within the banking and wider financial
A TRIO of new starters has joined leading carbon and biodiversity offsetting solutions provider CSX. The appointments expand the firm’s capacity, helping deliver strategic growth in its role as providers of biodiversity net gain (BNG) and carbon offset units. The company uses earth observation technologies and data analysis systems to collect and accurately analyse carbon storage and biodiversity data. This process has quickly become crucial for land developers and owners with the government’s introduction of BNG in February 2024. This new approach requires any new development to have a positive impact, or ‘net gain’, on the land biodiversity of at least ten per cent. This ensures that wildlife habitats are left in a measurably better state than they were before. Joining CSX’s expert team as BNG project officers are Kennedy Young and Heather Scollick, while Steven Crosby has been appointed a business development executive at the company’s North Yorkshire office. Kennedy and Heather are tasked with helping landowners develop their BNG projects, overseeing them from start to finish as well as advising, finalising and communicating plans with local authorities. Steven will be responsible for supporting developers, planning consultants and stakeholders in the construction sector to navigate the successful delivery of BNG on their projects. He will also secure any shortfall in units from the land managers who CSX has supported in the creation of off-site units for sale. Previously Kennedy worked at ecology and design practice FPCR as a seasonal assistant ecologist and has studied animal science and welfare. Kennedy said: “CSX has an important mission which I am more than happy to be part of. BNG is a significant change for the sector and people are understandably wary about what is now expected of developments. It’s my job to make sure that the benefits of BNG are known, but also the processes are as simple and accessible as possible. Heather said: “CSX is leading in this field, so it’s an honour to be part of the team. It’s not just about progressing these important BNG projects, but also progressing the wider knowledge of the environment, species identification, trees and general habitats. It’s important that we utilise all resources at our disposal, especially technology, to tackle this problem head on.” Steven, tasked with making sure key stakeholders are engaging in the BNG process and helping to relieve the pressure on them, said: “I’m looking forward to getting stuck into the role. Being able to talk to these different groups of people and assist them in something this significant is rewarding. It’s about having clarifying conversations about BNG – there’s a lot of information and it can be intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be.” Andy Howard, CSX’s co-founder and chief executive officer, said: “It’s a pleasure having Kennedy, Heather and Steven bolster our team across these two key departments. “At CSX we are focused on strategic growth and the awareness of what we can do and how we can help both landowners and developers. “We want to make sure we are at the forefront of the discussions around biodiversity net gain in the sector and we do that by having a dedicated team from varied backgrounds with a similar passion for the environment. I look forward to seeing the great work they accomplish with our projects and clients.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
East Midlands civil and structural engineering firm BSP Consulting has made internal promotions to create two new associate directors. Civil engineer Carol Ell, who has a leadership role in BSP’s Leicester office, has been with the company 20 years next month. Finance manager James Payne, who is based in the Nottingham office, working across the company, joined BSP from school in August 2001 and has held a variety of roles within the business. BSP MD Carl Hilton said: “Both Carol and James have proven themselves to be very committed to BSP Consulting, with almost 43 years of service between them. They bring an energy and enthusiasm to the company which very much contributes to our success. “I am pleased to announce that they have both earned a well-deserved promotion to associate director and congratulate them on their new appointments.” BSP Consulting, with its head office in Oxford Street, Nottingham, and branches in Pride Point Drive, Derby, and De Montfort Street, Leicester, was founded 25 years ago and has grown to become one of the largest independent civil and structural engineering companies in the East Midlands. An award-winning firm that operates across the UK, BSP offers civil engineering, structural engineering, transport engineering, geotechnical and environmental engineering. The company works across all sectors including housing, student accommodation, commercial, industrial, health, education, senior living, retail and heritage. For more information about BSP Consulting visit www.bsp-consulting.co.uk
Muse, the nationwide placemaker, has grown its team in the North West with the addition of two regeneration experts, Alex Vogel and Sam Wilson. Alex has been appointed Senior Development Manager, bringing almost 10 years’ experience in residential and mixed-used regeneration. Joining from Greystar, Alex actively managed the delivery of Greenford Quay, a regeneration masterplan which delivered 2,000 new homes, commercial space, and public realm as part of a new waterfront neighbourhood in London. Joining the Muse team in the North West, Alex will support the delivery of the Oldham Town Centre Regeneration Masterplan. A partnership between Oldham Council and Muse, the masterplan is set to deliver a new neighbourhood, complete with 2,000 new homes across a mix of tenures. Also joining the team is Sam Wilson as Project Manager. Sam joins from AtkinsRéalis, where he supported the delivery of the £240m arts venue ‘Factory International’, working in partnership with Manchester City Council. Sam has also supported the delivery of Tower Works, a 245-bed mixed-use build to rent scheme in Leeds, and the design of Nikal’s Blackpool Central regeneration. As part of the Muse team, Sam will help deliver a pipeline of new places in Blackpool, Wirral, and Warrington. Phil Marsden, Managing Director at Muse – North West, said: “Alex and Sam join Muse with extensive placemaking experience. Their knowledge and insight, gained from supporting significant and large-scale regeneration, will be invaluable to our team. “As we deliver on our exciting pipeline of new places across the North West, alongside our local partners, it’s our people who will unlock the opportunity, long-term benefit, and social value of regeneration. Alex and Sam will be critical to our ambition. “We have seen strong growth in our business over the last 12 months. Expanding our team allows us to create additional capacity and bolster our knowledge and skills. Alex and Sam will be critical to our long-term vision and achieving our targets.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Independent Builders Merchant Group (IBMG) has appointed Danny Spokes as the divisional managing directorfor IBMG’s South West build division. The appointment heralds the restructure of IBMG’s South West operation to align with the wider structure of the Group. IBMG’s South West division incorporates CRS’s 13 builders merchant branches in Somerset as well as RGB’s 22-branch network across Devon and Cornwall. Both RGB and CRS were acquired by IBMG in 2022. With Danny taking the helm in the South West, Toby Constable will continue to lead IBMG’s build division in the South East with Mat Miller in the North. Prior to this appointment, Danny was MD of IBMG’s roofing division where he has overseen its development to become the third largest roofing merchant in the country and the largest independent in Southern England. Allun Pittingale, COO of IBMG, said “I am thrilled with this appointment. Danny has extensive experience in this sector and a track record of building great teams and delivering great results. Danny is keenly aware of the heritage and history of his new brands and I am absolutely certain that he will take our South West build division to new heights.” Danny Spokes, a resident of Somerset, expressed his enthusiasm for the new role: “Our branch network in the region, in terms of geographical spread and customer base, is significant and I have no doubt that, together with the teams in each branch, we can continue to make a big difference to tradespeople across the South West.” IBMG is the largest owner of independent merchants in the South of England. Operating five core divisions: builders merchants; timber; plumbing & heating; roofing; and electrical, it primarily serves trade customers. IBMG-owned branches extend from Penzance to Margate, East Anglia and north to the Midlands. The Group employs 2,000+ people, and leads the way in personal customer service. independentbm.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SevenHomes, the regional housebuilder by SevenCapital Group, has appointed Richard Hodson as Planning Director. Richard previously joined the business’ planning team in 2022 and has since played an integral role in developing and delivering SevenHomes’ full planning strategy, from the acquisition of new sites amassing to a pipeline of nearly 3,000 homes, through to the achievement of planning permissions and successful disposal of sites across the midlands, including in Bromsgrove, Warwick and Redditch. In his new role as Planning Director, Richard will lead the planning function across all SevenHomes’ operating regions, whilst bolstering the wider team’s work in identifying and securing new opportunities. Richard commented: “I am delighted with the promotion to Planning Director at SevenHomes. The business prides itself on the ability to identify land with good prospects for the provision of new homes and amenities and add significant value through the planning and subsequent build process. I look forward to further developing our planning capabilities as we push ahead with both current and future projects.” Abdul Ali, Executive Director SevenHomes, said: “Richard’s track record within our planning department at SevenHomes has been exceptional in the two years he’s been with us thus far. In this new role leading the function, I am confident his leadership skills and expertise will be instrumental in achieving the company’s ambitious growth plans over the coming years.” For more information on SevenHomes, please visit: www.sevenhomes.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Architecture Director, Akshay Khera, has been appointed as head of the Bristol studio of global design practice, BDP. With more than a decade of experience designing buildings and spaces in Bristol, the South West and Wales, Akshay is passionate about improving the built environment in the region. He is committed to delivering sustainable spaces that create a sense of community and wellbeing designed with end users in mind. Akshay’s appointment supports the continued growth of BDP in the region as a widely respected, socially progressive practice with an embedded multidisciplinary approach across healthcare, housing, education, and workplace sectors. Akshay joined BDP Bristol in 2004 and in 2010 went on to lead the Delhi and Abu Dhabi studios where his international portfolio included notable projects such as the masterplan for the Indian Institute of Technology and the University of Birmingham’s Dubai Incubator campus. He returned to Bristol in 2019 and has brought his proven expertise in collaborative communication and design to lead a number of projects. These include the University of Bristol Dental School, projects for the University of the West of England, and the International HQ for the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts. Akshay Khera, head of BDP Bristol says: “Once again, Bristol has been named as one of the best places to live in the UK and it is known to be one of the highest-growth cities across multiple major asset classes. The opportunity for growth in the region in all sectors remains strong and as a multidisciplinary consultancy, we are perfectly placed to help our local clients understand their investment and property portfolio strategies. “By delivering designs that are contextual, sustainable, and people-centred we aim to deliver stimulating spaces in schools and universities, stress-relieving environments in healthcare facilities, a strong sense of community in housing developments and workplaces that foster collaboration and wellbeing. “With the depth of talent in our Bristol studio across sectors and professions, we are in a fantastic position to enhance our role in the region, delivering quality design projects that are inspirational, challenge the norm and are reflective of our progressive and diverse studio.” BDP is currently working on a number of projects across the South West including the innovative Gap House project in Bristol, a series of healthcare projects including the new elective care centre at Southmead Hospital, the design that won the Brighter Places/Housing Festival competition to build a 100% affordable housing development at Midland Road in Bristol and schools for the Department for Education. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Supply Chain Sustainability School, a leading online platform dedicated to promoting sustainable practices within supply chains, is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Spencer to its Board of Directors. Andrew Spencer brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the School’s mission of advancing sustainability within the built environment through collaboration and knowledge sharing. As the Group Supply Chain & Procurement Director at Galliford Try, a prominent UK construction group and key Partner of the School, Spencer operates at the forefront of the industry, overseeing procurement and supply chain professionals across the organisation and shaping strategic approaches to supply chain management. With over 25 years of experience and a distinguished Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (FCIPS), Spencer has led high-profile projects and collaborations with major UK clients, including HS2, National Highways, Crossrail, and National Grid, among others. His leadership has been recognised through multiple awards for his innovative approach to supply chain management. Reflecting on his appointment, Andrew commented, “I am honoured to join the Board of the Supply Chain Sustainability School. Its dedication to promoting sustainable practices resonates strongly with my professional values and how we operate within Galliford Try. I’m eager to apply my experience and network to further the School’s mission of driving positive change within the industry.” The Supply Chain Sustainability School empowers professionals across the built environment sector with the knowledge and tools necessary to build resilient and environmentally responsible supply chains. Andrew Spencer’s appointment to the Board of Directors underscores the School’s dedication to harnessing industry expertise to advance sustainability practices. “We are delighted to welcome Andrew to our Board of Directors.” said Hilary Hurrey, Head of the Supply Chain Sustainability School “His extensive experience and leadership in procurement and supply chain management will be invaluable as we continue to drive forward our mission of promoting sustainability and collaboration within the built environment.” For more information about the Supply Chain Sustainability School, explore the website here Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Savills has expanded its London office project management team, part of building & project consultancy (BPC), with two new appointments. Rekha Mistry who joins as a director and John Capper joining as an associate director, who will both be based at the firm’s Margaret Street head office in London taking the overall team headcount to more than 30. Rekha has over 20 years’ experience in consultancy project management, contract administration and design and architecture. Her specific focus is on leading large scale, complex commercial occupier fit-out projects, having worked with clients such as the Government Property Unit and Transport for London. Rekha joins from Seven Projects where she was head of project management, having previously worked at both T&T and BNP Paribas. She is also a qualified architect and has recently been a Mixology Awards judge and mentor for the Wilmott Dixon Women in Leadership Programme. John has over 11 years’ experience in construction project management, delivering high-end complex Cat-A and CAT-B projects. He specialises in the office sector, primarily delivering refurbishment and alteration schemes for clients including Oval Real Estate, Pontegadea and Savills Investment Management. John joins from his previous role as Operations Manager at Neilcott Construction and prior to this he was a project manager at Overbury. At Savills, Rekha will complement the firm’s capability in the occupier fit-out market, a key growth area for the business. Whilst John’s construction background will bring a wealth of expertise to complex building projects in the expanding refurbishment market. Rekha Mistry comments: “I am very excited to have joined Savills market leading team. Occupiers are continuing on their flight to quality, along with a focus on both attracting and retaining staff. As a result we are seeing a significant increase in the number of businesses seeking to provide the best possible space for their employees. With this in mind, I look forward to working with colleagues from across the business on a wide variety of projects.” Benjamin Cottle, co-head of London office project management, adds: “We are very pleased to welcome both Rekha and John to Savills. This continues our strategic growth in project management with further plans to expand our life science team and develop opportunities in the living market in central London over the course of 2024.” Richard Eyley, co-head of London office project management, says: “The appointments of Rekha and John underscore our ongoing commitment to expanding our team with a diverse range of expertise. Our recruitment targets are robust, positioning our team of project managers strongly within the London market.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hull City Council has appointed Chris Jackson as its new Director of Regeneration. Chris joins the council from NHS England, where he most recently held the role of Director of Capital, with oversight of the NHS’s national capital budget and major capital programmes, such as delivery of new diagnostic centres and surgical hubs. Before joining the NHS, Chris worked as a senior civil servant in central Government where he held a number of roles, including as Deputy Director in HM Treasury and the Cabinet Office, advising Government ministers on issues such as local government spending and devolution, adult social care, housing policy and private infrastructure financing. Chris, who was born in Hull, said: “Hull’s regeneration story has made national headlines and I’m looking forward to leading the fantastic team that has been instrumental in the transformation of the city. “While much has been achieved in recent years, the city also has massive potential. I am eager to get going and to play a key role in the next exciting phase of Hull’s journey.” Matt Jukes, the council’s chief executive, said: “Chris has a wealth of experience and expertise from an impressive career in the public sector and we’re delighted to welcome him to the council. “The Director of Regeneration role at the council is a hugely important one as the council continues to revitalise and build on our vibrant and burgeoning city, however, it’s one which we’re confident Chris will step into.” Cllr Mike Ross, leader of the council, added: “I look forward to working with Chris as we continue to build on recent successes in our city. “As an administration, we are proud of what we have achieved so far and have no doubt that Chris will help us to continue with that.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Embrace Steel Group (Embrace), a leading UK-based provider of steel frame building solutions, has announced the appointment of Matt Gibson as its new Chief Operating Officer ahead of what is expected to be a significant period of transformational growth for the business. Beginning his career within the banking and wider financial services industry which included partnering with ambitious entrepreneurs and prominent business leaders at Coutts & Co, Matt joined Hambleton Steel, a steel designer and fabricator headquartered in North Yorkshire, in 2017 as its Financial Director. After the business was acquired by Embrace in 2022, Matt was subsequently promoted to Managing Director where he most recently helped to double the business’ revenue to £26.5m (FY23), representing a record annual turnover in the entire business’ history. The news of Matt’s appointment comes hot on the heels of Embrace announcing the milestone acquisition of Shufflebottom last month, a steel fabrication company based in South Wales renowned for its innovative solutions and commitment to quality. This is the second acquisition completed since Embrace acquired Hambleton Steel in 2022 which now contributes to the Group’s current combined revenue of c.£55m. Embrace aims to harness the agility of smaller, innovative operators with the financial and capacity advantages of a larger group, and Matt will play an important role in cementing Embrace’s position as one of the major players in the British steel and wider construction industry with plans to achieve a Group revenue of over £100m within the next two years. On his new appointment as Embrace’s COO, Matt Gibson, commented: “Becoming the COO of the Embrace Steel Group is a great honour for me and I look forward to building the Group to its true potential. We have an incredible hardworking and talented team behind us and our culture of partnership, something I’m deeply passionate about, will enable us to drive significant growth for the business in the years to come.” Dominic Curnock, Co-Founder and Director at Embrace, added: “We have seen first-hand Matt’s dedication to pursue excellence across all aspects of Hambleton Steel which was clearly evident in not only the stellar financial results he produced but the culture he created throughout the business. We’re now looking forward to seeing Matt share his unique expertise across the Group and, in the process, enabling Embrace to become one of the UK’s leading structural steelwork businesses.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
