Newmark strengthens UK retail capability with senior director hire
Newmark has expanded its UK retail team with the appointment of Josh Braid as a director, reinforcing its capability in leasing, asset repositioning and retail led development advisory. In his new role, Braid will focus on delivering leasing strategies for landlords, while advising on the repositioning and activation of retail and leisure destinations. His remit will also include supporting clients in enhancing asset performance and driving long term portfolio value across a range of retail and mixed use schemes. Braid joins from Knight Frank, where he led the Central London retail agency team alongside the firm’s cross border retail operations. With more than 15 years of experience, he has advised landlords, occupiers and investors across London and wider European markets. His track record includes leading leasing strategies on high profile developments such as The Old War Office and Knightsbridge Gate, as well as securing flagship lettings along Oxford Street for brands including Krispy Kreme and Samsonite. This experience is expected to support Newmark’s continued growth within the retail and leisure sector, particularly as landlords seek to reposition assets in response to evolving consumer behaviour. David Harper, head of UK retail at Newmark, said the appointment adds significant market expertise to the business, particularly in navigating complex retail environments and unlocking value across major schemes. Braid added that Newmark’s integrated platform, combining specialist knowledge with global reach, positions the firm strongly to support clients as retail destinations continue to evolve. He highlighted the importance of adapting leasing strategies and asset management approaches to reflect changing occupier and consumer demands. Newmark’s UK retail team advises a wide range of clients, with recent mandates including Bodycare, Crew Clothing and Accessorize. As part of a global retail network offering end to end advisory services, the firm continues to expand its presence and strengthen its position across international markets. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Long-serving Accent tenant recognised for transforming customer voice in housing
As Accent Housing celebrates 60 years (in April 2026) of providing homes and building communities, it is customers like Richard Wilkinson who truly bring its story to life. At 72, Richard is not only a long-standing customer of 35 years, but he was also the organisation’s only customer Board member, helping ensure that customers’ voices are heard at the very highest level. His journey with Accent reflects something deeper than tenancy, it is a lifelong commitment to community, fairness and making a difference to his community and the wider sector. Richard, who is from Bradford, grew up in a back-to-back one up, one down house with an outdoor toilet, on Otley Road, where five family members shared a small bedroom divided by a hessian curtain. Richard, his mum and grandma slept on one side of the bedroom and his grandad and 15-year-old uncle on the other side. He still vividly remembers those early years “even the smell of the cellar,” he recalls and how they shaped his understanding of home, dignity, fairness and opportunity. At the age of 5, Richard lost his grandad suddenly to a heart attack at the age of 55. This had a profound change in Richard’s life as his grandad was a strong presence and the head of the house. From a young age, Richard knew he wanted to be a teacher. He enjoyed the structure and orderly routine that came with being in school, a nice change to his home life. After being schooled at Hutton Primary, Thorpe Junior High and Hanson Boys in Bradford, Richard went on to Teaching Training. He began his career at Tong School in 1975 as a probationary teacher going on to become Deputy Head before retiring in 2011 after inspiring youngsters for 36 years. But retirement did not slow him down, instead it marked the beginning of a new chapter. Having lived in an Accent home at Easthorpe Court in Bradford for decades, initially with his mother and later taking on the tenancy himself, Richard found stability and community through Accent at a time when he needed it most. “I felt that, in a way, Accent rescued me when I was in a low place in life after a difficult breakup,” he says. “Accent has always been personal to me.” Richard became actively involved in Accent’s customer engagement work joining scrutiny panels, committees and forums, helping to improve services and represent fellow residents. Accent’s approach to customer voice, through customer champions, forums and a place at Board level, gave Richard the platform to turn his lived experience into real influence and learning. In 2018, competing against more than 120 applicants for just two positions, Richard was appointed as the organisation’s only customer Board member. “I never expected to make the cut,” he admits. “But having a voice at Board level is so important. Customers should be able to challenge decisions and help shape what happens.” Over six years on the Board, Richard has done exactly that by bringing honesty, scrutiny, insight and lived experience into strategic decision-making. His contribution has helped ensure that customer impact remains central to conversations and the future direction of Accent. Even as his Board term comes to an end in September 2026, Richard has no plans to step away. “Accent isn’t just a landlord to me; Accent has been a part of my life for 35 years. When you’ve lived the experience, you understand what really matters. That’s why having a customer voice at the table isn’t a ‘nice to have’ but it’s essential if services are going to work for people.” He plans to continue supporting the organisation with recruitment, interviews, procurement panels, and be a sounding board to help the company make future decisions. Over the years, Richard has seen Accent evolve from its roots in Bradford to the large organisation with a national spread it is today. “It started small and grew through mergers, but it’s never lost its heart,” he says. “Accent has a soul, which is unusual for an organisation of its size.” At home, Richard enjoys life with his husband, Wojciech, whom he married at the age of 62. He remains deeply connected to his community at Easthorpe Court, where he values the diversity of residents and strong relationships with housing colleagues. Jo Gallagher, Accent’s Head of Customer and Community Engagement, commented: “Within the housing sector, Richard has become a well-respected and trusted voice. He is often invited to speak at conferences and events, where he openly shares his experiences, challenges stigma, and champions meaningful customer engagement. Richard brings honesty, integrity, and a genuine commitment to doing what’s right for customers in everything he does. He is constructive in his approach, not afraid to speak up, and always focused on making a positive difference. His insight and perspective have had a real impact and continue to help us grow and improve as an organisation.” Nick Apetroaie, CEO at Accent added: “Richard was one of the first customers that I met when I joined Accent. Richard’s insight into what really matter to customers and his unwavering commitment to Accent over the past three decades has been truly exceptional. He represents the very best of what customer leadership can be. People like Richard are the reason organisations like ours continue to learn, improve and stay true to our purpose for over 60 years!” As Accent marks its 60th anniversary, Richard’s story is a powerful reminder of what makes social housing more than just bricks and mortar. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Richard Graybrook to lead Ramboll’s aviation market in UK&I and Europe
Richard’s appointment as the Aviation Director further strengthens Ramboll’s growing offer in the aviation sector Global architecture, engineering, and sustainability consultancy Ramboll has today announced the appointment of Richard Graybrook as Aviation Lead for UK&I and Europe. In this role, Richard will lead Ramboll’s aviation business across the region with responsibility for major programmes and projects, driving innovation and embedding sustainability throughout project delivery. Richard brings extensive experience in the aviation sector, having led multi-disciplinary teams and managing complex operations. He has a strong track record in delivering long-term operational strategies, as well as identifying innovative ways to design, develop, and deliver new processes. Following service in the British Army, he later transitioned to the private sector, holding a series of senior leadership roles, most recently at Jacobs helping to grow their aviation business across Europe. In his role as Aviation Director at Ramboll, Richad will draw on this experience to build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders across the sector. He will apply his sector experience and leadership skills to drive innovation, challenge conventional thinking to deliver high-quality, sustainable solutions, playing a key role in advancing Ramboll’s ambition to act as the partner for sustainable change to its clients across the aviation market. Commenting on Richard’s appointment, Neil Sansbury, Managing Director UK&I, Ramboll, said: “Richard’s experience in leadership roles in the aviation industry speaks for itself and I am confident that he will play a significant role in further strengthening Ramboll’s presence across the aviation sector, a priority area for the business. He joins at an exciting time for our aviation business, and I’m pleased to welcome him to lead the team and support our ambitious growth plans. Sustainability is central to everything we do at Ramboll, and I am particularly encouraged by Richard’s focus on reinforcing our role as a partner for sustainable change for our aviation clients. Richard Graybrook, Aviation Director, Ramboll, added: “Leading the Aviation team at Ramboll is an exciting opportunity with a huge potential for future growth. Ramboll has an excellent track record in aviation, and I look forward to building on this success by growing the business and the team. My priorities are to support my colleagues in delivering successful, innovative, and sustainable programmes to the highest standards.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New finance director for housebuilder Dandara
Independent housebuilder Dandara has appointed Nic Davenport as Divisional Finance Director for its housebuilding division, strengthening its leadership team as it pursues ambitious growth plans over the next five years. Davenport joins from Vistry Group, one of the UK’s largest housebuilders, where he held a range of senior roles including Divisional Finance Director of the West Division. He began his career as an auditor at Deloitte, working with clients such as Taylor Wimpey. In his new role at Dandara, Nic will oversee the financial performance of the company’s national housebuilding business. He will support regional growth across the division, including regional expansion and strategic land acquisitions, while helping ensure the business remains efficient and resilient in the rapidly evolving market. Based in Dandara’s Milton Keynes head office, Nic said: “Working for Dandara is an honour for me as the company embodies the values I believe a housebuilder should have – a passion for building excellence and customer service, alongside a strong commitment to the communities it serves. “Much of Dandara’s success is down to the fact that it doesn’t operate like an anonymous corporation, the business is structured to give autonomy to regional management teams who know their own local markets best. That ensures that the homes that are delivered in each region genuinely reflect the needs of local buyers. I’m looking forward to spending time across the regions, supporting the teams as the business continues to grow. “While market conditions are currently challenging for the industry, housebuilding is inherently cyclical. Our focus will be on ensuring we are well-positioned to respond quickly and take advantage of future opportunities when they arise.” He added that he is also looking forward to helping grow the Partnerships side of the business to help meet the increasing demand for affordable and mixed tenure housing across the UK, and to address the acute housing shortage. Trevor Dempsey, CEO at Dandara, added: “Nic brings with him strong financial and operational experience from across the housebuilding sector, that makes him a valuable addition to the team. His experience gives him an insight into the day-to-day challenges of a housebuilding business, that goes far beyond the balance sheets. “He has an important role to play as we continue to grow the company and strengthen our delivery across private sale, affordable housing and Partnerships. His expertise will be instrumental in helping us take the business to the next level, while ensuring we remain firmly grounded in the core values that define who we are.” For more information, please visit www.dandara.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Changing Pressures Facing Tradespeople and the Impact on Mental Health
Mental health is becoming one of the biggest challenges facing the construction industry, with new research from Chartered Institute of Building showing that 94% of construction professionals experienced stress over the past year. While the physical demands of the job have always been recognised, many in the trade say it’s the day to day pressures around workload, cash flow and job uncertainty that are now having the biggest impact. In recent years, rising fuel costs, ongoing fluctuations in material prices for items such as bricks and wider economic uncertainty have added further strain, making it harder for tradespeople to plan work, manage costs and maintain consistent income. From managing tight deadlines to chasing payments and balancing multiple projects at once, the role of a modern tradesperson has expanded well beyond the tools. Drawing on its work with tradespeople across the UK, Travis Perkins is seeing how these pressures are changing the reality of working in the industry, particularly as Mental Health Awareness Week approaches. Why tradespeople are particularly exposed to these pressures While many industries are experiencing increased pressure, there are several factors that make tradespeople particularly vulnerable to its impact. A large proportion of the workforce is self employed or working within small teams, meaning there is often little separation between the individual and the business. Responsibility for securing work, managing costs and delivering projects all sits with the same person, leaving limited opportunity to step back when pressures build. Working patterns can also contribute to isolation. Many tradespeople spend long periods working alone or moving between sites, without the day to day support network that is more common in office based roles. This can make it harder to share concerns or recognise when stress is beginning to take its toll. There is also a long standing culture within parts of the industry where mental health has not always been openly discussed. While this is beginning to change, some tradespeople may still feel reluctant to speak up or seek support, particularly in high pressure environments where keeping projects on track is the priority. Research from Mates in Mind suggests that around almost a third of the construction workers who took part reported that they live with heightened levels of anxiety each day, highlighting the scale of the challenge across the industry. Lauren Hickling HSE Director at Travis Perkins says, “In construction, many people are used to just getting on with the job, even when things feel difficult. While that resilience is important, it can also mean people don’t always speak up when they need support.” At the same time, the nature of the work can make it difficult to fully switch off. Even outside of working hours, many tradespeople are still planning upcoming jobs, responding to customer enquiries or dealing with administrative tasks, reducing the opportunity to properly rest and recover. Together, these factors mean that when pressures increase across the industry, tradespeople often have fewer buffers in place, making early support and practical interventions even more important. How the construction industry is responding to mental health challenges As awareness of mental health in construction continues to grow, more organisations across the industry are taking steps to provide better support for those working on site. There has been a noticeable shift in recent years, with more open conversations around wellbeing and initiatives designed to reduce stigma, with initiatives such as the Man Down campaign helping to encourage tradespeople to speak more openly about their mental health. Industry-wide efforts such as Mental Health Awareness Week and campaigns led by organisations like Mates in Mind are also playing a key role in reducing stigma and promoting practical support. Many larger contractors and housebuilders have introduced structured wellbeing initiatives, including mental health first aid training, on site briefings and dedicated wellbeing leads. Industry events such as the Big Brew are also creating more informal opportunities for workers to come together and start conversations in a more accessible way. There is also increasing collaboration between businesses and specialist organisations, helping ensure support is tailored to the realities of construction work, from managing financial pressure to dealing with isolation and long working hours. Through its work across the trade, Travis Perkins has supported a number of initiatives aimed at raising awareness and improving access to support, including its partnership with the Lighthouse Charity, which provides free and confidential advice to those working in the industry. Hickling, “There has been a noticeable shift across the industry, with more businesses recognising the importance of supporting mental health. Creating an environment where people feel able to talk openly and access support is a key part of that.” While progress is being made, access to structured support can still vary, particularly for those working independently or within smaller teams, meaning continued focus across the industry remains essential. What actually helps tradespeople manage pressure day to day While awareness is improving, many tradespeople are still looking for practical ways to manage pressure as it builds. For many, it starts with recognising early signs of stress, whether that is feeling consistently overwhelmed, struggling to switch off or noticing changes in mood or motivation. Spotting those signs early can make it easier to take action before issues escalate. Hickling, “For many tradespeople, pressure tends to build gradually rather than all at once. Spotting those early signs and taking small steps to address them can make a big difference before things become more difficult to manage.” Staying connected with others in the trade can also help reduce isolation. Whether that is working alongside others on site, attending training or simply keeping in touch with peers, having a support network can make challenges feel more manageable. Hickling adds, “Construction can be a very independent way of working, particularly for those who are self employed. Finding ways to stay connected, even through informal conversations or shared jobs, can really help people feel supported.” ork life balance remains a key challenge. Research from Tradesman Saver found that 24% of UK tradespeople say poor work
Eversheds Sutherland announces 25 promotions to partner for 2026 – including two in its Construction Litigation Practice
Eversheds Sutherland (International) is pleased to announce that it has made 25 partner promotions with effect from 1 May 2026. 40% of Eversheds Sutherland’s new partners are female. The latest round of promotions includes two construction lawyers based within the firms Litigation & Dispute Management practice group, underlining the firm’s ongoing investment into its construction offering. Those promoted are Ray Hetherington (Birmingham) and James Molland (Cardiff). Keith Froud, Chief Executive, Eversheds Sutherland (International) commented: “Our newly promoted partners exemplify exceptional talent, deep client commitment and market-leading capability. Together, they reinforce our position as a firm that is powerful globally, strong locally, delivering seamless support to clients wherever they operate. “My congratulations go to our 2026 cohort on this well-earned achievement for their outstanding contribution to our clients and our firm.” Eversheds Sutherland – Partner promotions 2026: Practice group Partners Corporate Finance Chris Archer, Corporate (London) Adite Aloke, Corporate (Dubai) Faris Al-Louzi, Corporate (Riyadh) Thomas Howell, Corporate (Leeds) Griff Jones, Corporate (Leeds) Thomas Plant, Corporate (Birmingham) Rob Worsfold, Corporate (Birmingham) Commercial Advisory Thomas Farkas, Commercial (Munich) Lisa Highet, Commercial (Nottingham) Teresa Pessoa e Costa, Commercial (Lisbon) Robbert Santifort, Commercial (Rotterdam) Employment Labor & Pensions Laura D’Arcy, Employment (Manchester) James Ellis, Pensions (Birmingham) Jen Green, Pensions (Cardiff) Sarah Lown, Pensions (Manchester) Taoufik Yekhlef, Employment (Rotterdam) Litigation & Dispute Management Ray Hetherington, Construction (Birmingham) Angharad Hurle, Commercial Dispute Resolution (Cardiff) Mostafa Ihab, Commercial Dispute Resolution (Riyadh) Philip Kiossev, Commercial Litigation (Sofia) Karen Mitchell, Real Estate Litigation (London) James Molland, Construction (Cardiff) Real Estate Emma George, Core Real Estate (Dubai) Fiona Hammett, Core Real Estate (Cardiff) Chris Mullings, Core Real Estate (London) In December 2025, Eversheds Sutherland (US) announced the promotion of six attorneys to partner, which took effect on 1 January 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals