bdc magazine

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON SPECIALIST CARE HOME IN LEEDS

Specialist care provider, Exemplar Health Care, has begun on-site construction for its new £7.7M specialist care home in Leeds. The new 41 bed, 4-unit care home named Hillside Court, began construction in September, with plans for the home to open to residents in winter 2023, which will create over 150

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Brighton’s Edward Street Quarter welcomes first residents

The first people have moved into their homes at Brighton and Hove’s newest neighbourhood, Edward Street Quarter (ESQ), located on the former AMEX House site in the city’s Kemptown district. The development, located just a stone’s throw from the seafront and the famous Palace Pier, comprises 168 homes and promises

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Kebbell Announces Three New Developments Valuing £89 Million

Award-winning housebuilder Kebbell has revealed the details of three new developments in Berkshire, Hampshire and Buckinghamshire, totalling an estimated investment value of £89 million, spanning first-time buyer one-bedroom homes in Iver to an opulent flagship development in Ascot.   £35 million Cholbury Place in Ascot will comprise 18 elegant three-bedroom, 1800

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Buckthorn Partners to acquire Amey plc

Buckthorn Partners LLP (Buckthorn), a UK investment firm focused on energy services businesses, announces that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Amey Group PLC, a UK-headquartered infrastructure services and consulting engineering company, from Ferrovial S.A. (Ferrovial). Amey is a leading supplier to the UK government and public sector

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Visit B&B Attachments and KAUP at BAUMA 2022

B&B Attachments and partners KAUP are delighted to be exhibiting together at the 33rd edition of the world’s leading construction trade fair; BAUMA 2022. The globally renown exhibition is held at the Messe München convention centre from the 24th – 30th October. The show has yet again sold out, booking

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BOUYGUES UK shortlisted for wales stem award

Bouygues UK has been shortlisted in the ‘STEM Educational Programme of the Year (Private Sector)’ Category of the Wales STEM Awards. The only construction company in the 34 named as finalists, Bouygues UK was nominated for its STEM schools programme of activity, which includes its ‘Girls Believe Academy’. This innovative

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PfP Capital appoints Catherine Webster as its new CEO: Catherine will take up post in January 2023

PfP Capital, the Social Value and ESG-focused real estate fund manager, part of the UK’s leading social enterprise Places for People, has appointed Catherine Webster as its new Chief Executive Officer. Catherine, who starts at PfP Capital in January 2023, joins from property development and investment specialist Quintain where she is Executive Director for Strategy and Investment, leading on business

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Latest Issue
Issue 335 : Dec 2025

bdc magazine

CKH AGREES CONTRACT WITH WILLMOTT DIXON TO BUILD NORTHMINSTER DEVELOPMENT 

CROSS KEYS HOMES (CKH) has signed contracts with Willmott Dixon to build their flagship Northminster development.  Willmott Dixon was invited on to the development team by Peterborough Investment Partnership (PIP) earlier this year before the site was sold on to CKH, and since then have led on the demolition of the existing buildings and groundworks on the site.  Now it has signed a main works development contract which will see Willmott Dixon leading on all aspects of the build of this exciting £70 million development project.  CKH’s Chief Executive, Claire Higgins, said: “We are delighted to have signed contracts with Willmott Dixon to deliver this flagship scheme for the city, which will provide 315 new affordable homes.  “Willmott Dixon’s purpose is to deliver brilliant buildings, transform lives, strengthen communities and enhance the environment, which goes hand-in-hand with our core objectives and makes them the ideal partner for this exciting development.”  David McCallion, director at Willmott Dixon, said: “We’re pleased to have now signed contracts with Cross Keys Homes for this fantastic ten-storey flagship development.   “This is a hugely significant regeneration project, and we will be using innovative construction methods to build better, greener and smarter. Offsite elements will include a lightgauge steel frame, brick slips and the use of bathroom pods, which will help to ensure quality, programme certainty and come with environmental benefits.”  Due to be finished in October 2024, the Northminster development, which is in part, being funded by a £12.5 million grant from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, will provide much needed high-quality affordable housing in the city centre.  CKH are being advised on this project by construction consultants AA Projects, and working alongside Willmott Dixon are a project team which consists of architects Corstorphine & Wright, planning consultants ELG, structural engineers SBK, and mechanical and electrical engineers Briggs & Forrester.  Willmott Dixon will be prioritising locally sourced labour, providing training opportunities and investing in local businesses throughout the build period, which is anticipated to take around two years with the first completed homes expected by summer 2024. The bespoke social value commitment planned will generate a social return on investment in the region of £3.2 million. 

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CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON SPECIALIST CARE HOME IN LEEDS

Specialist care provider, Exemplar Health Care, has begun on-site construction for its new £7.7M specialist care home in Leeds. The new 41 bed, 4-unit care home named Hillside Court, began construction in September, with plans for the home to open to residents in winter 2023, which will create over 150 jobs for the local area. Hillside Court will be located on St. Anthony’s Road in Leeds, and will be Exemplar Health Care’s third home in Leeds. Once open, Hillside Court will specialise in supporting adults living with complex mental health needs, neuro-disabilities and physical disabilities. Charlotte Lloyd, Director of Commissioning at Exemplar Health Care, comments: “Hillside Court will be well-equipped to meet the needs of its new residents. Each of the 41 bedrooms will come with an en-suite wet room, and the building will feature high quality, spacious communal spaces, sensory and therapy rooms and landscaped gardens, for residents and visitors to enjoy. “As well as providing employment opportunities, there are plans in place to integrate the new care home into the local community. It’s our ambition is for the home to be a place where we host events, and where our residents can be part of the community, whether through work placements, local events or volunteering.” North-East based contractor, Walter Thompson, has been appointed to develop the specialist care home. Dave Watson, Contracts Manager at Walter Thompson, said: “We are so happy to be partnering with Exemplar Health Care again to build a brand new, state-of-the-art care home that will not only provide employment to the local community, but help those who are living with complex needs receive the highest quality of care. Construction has officially started on site and we look forward to completing the project next year.”  With over 35 homes across Yorkshire, the Midlands, the North East and North West, Exemplar Health Care provides person-centred care and rehabilitation that focuses on maximising independence, building everyday living skills and empowering people to live as fulfilled lives as possible. For further information on Exemplar Health Care, to apply for a role at Hillside Court, or to engage with the business about potential sites for new homes, visit: https://www.exemplarhc.com/care-homes/hillside-court

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Brighton’s Edward Street Quarter welcomes first residents

The first people have moved into their homes at Brighton and Hove’s newest neighbourhood, Edward Street Quarter (ESQ), located on the former AMEX House site in the city’s Kemptown district. The development, located just a stone’s throw from the seafront and the famous Palace Pier, comprises 168 homes and promises to be a vibrant, eclectic and inclusive part of the local community. As soon as people move in, they’re invited to join the Edward Street app to meet co-residents, find out what’s going on in the building and wider neighbourhood, and access all the latest news, events and exclusive offers. There’s also an opportunity to offer feedback so their experience can be tweaked and improved on an ongoing basis. Steve Eccles, Director at developer Socius, said: “ESQ has been built with community in mind. The residents are welcome to connect digitally, and there are lots of places where they can meet in real life, too, such as the stylish residents’ rooftop terrace, which has stunning views of the sea, as well as the green community spaces.” There are a handful of one, two and three-bedroom apartments available, many with private balcony space. Tom Bryant, Director of Savills, one of the lead real estate agencies working on ESQ, said: “These apartments have so much to offer in this flourishing new neighbourhood, which is minutes from the beach and the Lanes, and within walking distance of the station. With very limited new build stock in Brighton, we anticipate continued high levels of interest in the remaining apartments at this flagship residential development.” James Epps, Director of Oakley Property, Sussex-based land and new homes specialists, jointly marketing ESQ, said: “The development has everything you need for modern work-leisure living. Gyms, retail spaces, restaurants, co-workspaces and public art installations. Plus, you have easy access to Brighton and Hove itself, and all the city’s amazing facilities.” The development also features 125,000 sq ft of flexible office space, making it the largest provision of workspace to be delivered in the city since 1993. It includes 20,000 sq ft designated for food, beverage, retail and leisure. Edward Street Quarter is the £140 million redevelopment of the former AMEX House in Brighton, owned by mixed-use developer Socius, First Base, and Patron Capital. For more information about Edward Street Quarter, please visit edwardstreetquarter.com.

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Kebbell Announces Three New Developments Valuing £89 Million

Award-winning housebuilder Kebbell has revealed the details of three new developments in Berkshire, Hampshire and Buckinghamshire, totalling an estimated investment value of £89 million, spanning first-time buyer one-bedroom homes in Iver to an opulent flagship development in Ascot.   £35 million Cholbury Place in Ascot will comprise 18 elegant three-bedroom, 1800 to 2900 sq ft opulent apartments combining impressive architecture on a grand scale with contemporary design and a cutting edge level of specification. Beautiful carpentry will be a notable feature of Cholbury Place including handmade Charles Yorke kitchens, extra tall doors and exquisite joinery as well as the grandeur of the high 2.8m (9.2ft) ceiling heights. The development boasts a 13m (43ft) high atrium in the communal halls, a lift and a stunning living wall. The principal bedroom suites include large dressing areas with spacious bespoke wardrobes and luxurious ensuite bathrooms. The apartment sales prices are expected to be in the region of £1.5 to £2.5 million.    These homes will be within walking distance of Ascot high street and the racecourse, as well as being an easy drive to Wentworth Golf Club or Heathrow, with excellent train line connections and easy access to the M4, M25, M3 and the A30. The site is completely surrounded by a beautiful canopy of trees including big American Redwoods with a stunning view from all apartments. The homes will benefit from basement parking, a lift and car charging points and will be highly energy efficient.    Andrea Fawell, Sales and Marketing Director of Kebbell says: “We expect these beautifully crafted apartments to be attractive to downsizers and empty nesters who may be selling substantial homes in the area but don’t want to compromise on the high quality they are used to. The penthouses, in particular, will be quite extraordinary and we believe offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Construction has started and we are 12-18 months off from having a show apartment but already have huge levels of interest from people wanting a private priority preview. We expect to complete in 2024.”  Following the success of Heatherfields in Bordon, New Hampshire development, Alderbrook is set inPetersfield in the South Downs National Parkand will comprise82 contemporary and energy-efficient two, three and four-bedroom houses, including social housing for rent and shared ownership. Set in a wooded environment and next to playing fields, Alderbrook is a five-minute walk to the highly regarded market town centre of Petersfield. Designed for families or individuals who now need that all important home office space with ultra-fast broadband.  Work on the £32 million development has started on site with a show home expected to be open in spring 2023 and completion is anticipated to be in 2025.  The homes will range from 960 to 1974 sq ft and prices will be in the region of £500,000 to £995,000.     Andrea Fawell says: “The anticipated purchaser profile is aspiring families, young professionals and downsizers who want to live near to the buzzing town centre of Petersfield whilst being close to the area’s beautiful national park. We expect potential buyers to come from London and other large urban areas as hybrid working and the desire for space looks set to remain. Kebbell has a legacy of building homes at Herne Farm in Petersfield and we have already had enquiries from existing Kebbell owners in the area who would like their next home on this new Kebbell development!”  £22 million Meadow Court in Iver in Buckinghamshire comprises 39 two-bedroom apartments. Set in a courtyard formation, these homes will include basement parking, a lift, communal electric charging points and direct access to the green belt. The stylish 750 to 1250 sq. ft apartments will be on the market for between £450,000 to £650,000.  Meadow Court is 1.8 miles from Iver’s train station which is on the Elizabeth Line, walking distance from Iver itself and is also just outside the M25 in South Bucks and close in proximity to the M40, M4 and Heathrow. Meadow Court is near to the Grand Union Canal which benefits from gorgeous pubs, walks and cycleways. Offering residents semi-rural connected living.  Andrea Fawell explains why these homes are expected to be snapped up: “We expect Meadow Court to appeal to young professionals and the downsizer or lock-up-and-leave markets who want a UK base. The show home is expected to open late this year/early next year with the first apartments ready to move into in early 2023 and completion of the development is expected to be late 2023. The beauty of this development is the real potential investment opportunity for young buyers, especially those attracted to low energy bills and contemporary features such as slick fitted kitchens and underfloor heating, set in a stunning area of natural beauty.”  www.kebbell.co.uk  

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Land & Water reach important milestone during restoration works at Blenheim palace

This week, leading wet civil engineering firm Land & Water announced that it has reached the milestone of 100,000m3 being dredged from Queen Pool at Blenheim Palace in Oxford. Queen Pool, which was created in 1715, had become heavily silted putting its extensive eco-system at risk. Land & Water started works earlier this year, making it the Pool’s first dredge in over 100 years, to safeguard the lake for years to come and reinstate the depth of the Pool to around two metres. Due to the scientific and ecological importance of this site, Land & Water designed a methodology to protect the lake bed as much as possible. The firm is also using specifically commissioned equipment including Hoppers named Reg who likes to Dredge and Mallard, as chosen by the public. Land & Water’s Project Manager, Charlie Oakes, said: “We are thrilled to have reached the 100,000m3 milestone. The Blenheim project has been an incredible undertaking for Land & Water and we have valued the chance to work on such an iconic landscape. “We are now a third of the way through our dredging journey at Blenheim Palace, with the final dredge anticipated to finish early next year.” Blenheim Estate director Roy Cox commented: “The Queen Pool is an iconic part of the World Heritage Site, it’s a SSSI, a fishery and a national treasure seen by over a million people each year. “Over 70 per cent of the lake now has a depth of just 30cms or less. It is silting up at a rate of one to two centimetres per year but, during severe storms, deposits can reach up to 20cm. “Without this drastic intervention the Queen Pool would revert to a wetland in the next 5-10 years and the nation’s ‘Finest View’ will be lost,” he added. Land & Water has been working at the iconic property since April 2022 and looks to dredge 300,000m3 of silt during the project. This removed silt is being relocated up to Great Park, where it will be create a landform (a hill or mound) over 16ha. This land will then be returned to grassland. The Dredge by Numbers Total lorry loads to date– 10,707 Lorry load in m3 – 9.4 Tonnes – 150,968.7 Volume of silt removed (m3) to date – 100,645.8 Days dredging – 93 Average volume (m3) of silt remover per day – 1,082 Average truck loads deposited per day – 115

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Buckthorn Partners to acquire Amey plc

Buckthorn Partners LLP (Buckthorn), a UK investment firm focused on energy services businesses, announces that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Amey Group PLC, a UK-headquartered infrastructure services and consulting engineering company, from Ferrovial S.A. (Ferrovial). Amey is a leading supplier to the UK government and public sector with over 100-years of experience in innovative design and infrastructure management, maintenance, and upgrade, with core expertise in consulting and transport and built infrastructure management. Buckthorn will partner in this transaction with One Equity Partners, a middle market private equity firm focused on the industrial, healthcare, and technology sectors in North America and Europe. Buckthorn and OEP will invest in Amey to strengthen and grow the business and to access new opportunities, particularly in energy transition, where Amey is particularly well-placed to support the UK’s Net Zero ambitions. Nicholas Gee, Founding Partner at Buckthorn Partners, said: “Amey is at the heart of developing innovative routes to deliver the UK’s infrastructure needs. Amey’s consulting and engineering services are essential to expedite the energy transition by improving the performance of transport and building infrastructure. We are delighted to acquire a business with market leading capability in managing critical infrastructure and look forward to building on this capability and on Amey’s positive work in social value and sustainability. Our ownership will bring stability, investment and expertise to grow and develop the company. We have a strong track record of growing businesses and are excited about the prospect of working closely with Amey and its excellent workforce to shape the future of the business.”

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Visit B&B Attachments and KAUP at BAUMA 2022

B&B Attachments and partners KAUP are delighted to be exhibiting together at the 33rd edition of the world’s leading construction trade fair; BAUMA 2022. The globally renown exhibition is held at the Messe München convention centre from the 24th – 30th October. The show has yet again sold out, booking 200,000 m2 of indoor space and 400,000 m2 outdoor, to more than 3,000 exhibitors, from 60 countries. The two material handling specialists will be on stand B5 304, exhibiting a range of attachments designed specially to improve material handing in the construction industry. KAUP and B&B Attachments have worked together in attachment development since 1980. Together, their shared knowledge and expertise continue to advance the material handling industry. Bauma is the perfect platform for both industry giants to show their latest innovations. This includes the K320, which is part of B&B’s BlockMaster range, made uniquely for specialist applications within the construction industry. The range is designed to assist with the complex task of safely moving bricks, blocks and tiles. B&B Attachments will also exhibit its Beam Grab. This attachment has been manufactured by B&B to assist in the unloading process of pre-cast concrete floor beams. Designed to fit crane delivery vehicles, the beam grab can lift varying sized beams and profiles and handle up to six beams in one single lift. KAUP will be exhibiting their T413 heavy duty bale clamp. This attachment can be used to handle waste bales in the recycling industry. It is an example of how KAUP attachments can easily be fitted to many different types and styles of vehicles throughout many different industry sectors. The variety and range of attachments ensure that the correct handling solution can be offered for many different applications. “We are delighted to be exhibiting at this year’s Bauma. The exhibition is the construction industry’s largest event, and its return has created quite a buzz. The team are looking forward to meeting with customers and showing our products to a global audience.” Comments Mike Barton, Managing Director at B&B Attachments. B&B and KAUP will be on the stand throughout the duration of the event. If you would like to book an advance appointment to discuss how the correct handling attachment could improve your on-site safety and productivity, get in touch today – info@bandbattachments.com +44 (0)1670 737373

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Reynaers confirmed as headline sponsor for Façade 2022 Design and Engineering Awards

Reynaers Aluminium UK further reinforces its commitment to spearheading excellence in the design and engineering of façade systems by confirming its role as headline sponsor for the Façade 2022 Design and Engineering Awards.  The prestigious awards, organised by the Society of Façade Engineering (SFE) and the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineering (CIBSE), will run directly after the Zak World of Facades London conference, which will play host to close to 1000 façade specialists from across the world.  Taking place on 3 November 2022 at the Hilton Park Lane London, the awards recognise and reward excellence and achievements in façade engineering.  Dan Gleeson, Head of Commercial Sales at Reynaers Aluminium UK explains:  “The façade industry is host to some fantastic talent that has delivered some of the world’s most striking buildings. So, we are delighted to take on the role as headline sponsor for such an important awards initiative in the sector. We’re also committed to championing and supporting the importance of such a specialist discipline and being involved in this year’s awards gives us the opportunity to do just that.  “We strive, as a company, to support building design and construction professionals to achieve the most innovative and sustainable façades possible. This means that not only do our products offer extensive design freedom, but we also work hard to ensure ease of compliance with environmental regulations.  “We’re particularly looking forward to presenting the ‘UK Project of the Year – Sustainability Award’ on the evening. Having recently launched our ‘Reynaers Act’ sustainability strategy committing to science-based targets for 2030 completion, sustainability is a subject we’d very much like to champion. “I’d like to take this opportunity to wish those shortlisted for an award all the best and I look forward to raising a glass to everyone on the evening.” For further information about Reynaers visit www.reynaers.co.uk and to find out more about the awards and their sponsors, visit www.sfecompetition.org/sponsors

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BOUYGUES UK shortlisted for wales stem award

Bouygues UK has been shortlisted in the ‘STEM Educational Programme of the Year (Private Sector)’ Category of the Wales STEM Awards. The only construction company in the 34 named as finalists, Bouygues UK was nominated for its STEM schools programme of activity, which includes its ‘Girls Believe Academy’. This innovative programme runs across the whole of the UK and addresses the skills gap by demonstrating to young girls who are at the critical stage in their career decision-making, the diverse career options that can be had in construction and engineering. The academy, launched in 2021 by Bouygues UK’s women’s network WeLink, trains its staff to become academy ambassadors. The selected ambassadors reflect Bouygues UK’s diverse workforce and have a range of roles at every level in the business. They are encouraged to share their own career experiences, offering real-world examples of how they got their role, the subjects they studied at school and the enriching experiences they have had following a career in construction and engineering. In addition, Bouygues UK, in collaboration with its partners Aspire2be, has developed digital tools that build on the foundations of the academy, such as a virtual work experience platform. This platform gives young learners an insight into Bouygues UK and the range of STEM-focused roles which exist in the business. It helps its ambassadors provide an impactful learning experience to help young girls continue to build awareness of the opportunities that the construction industry can offer, while also developing knowledge and skills through STEM and curriculum-focused activities. The awards, which celebrate those making a difference to and championing Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) in Wales, will shine a spotlight on businesses who are creating an impact on the Welsh economy, those addressing the STEM diversity gap and skills shortage and those inspiring and raising aspirations of the next generation. Leigh Hughes, Bouygues UK’s Business Growth and Social Value Director, said: “The focal feature of the academy is to showcase the amazing women who have been instrumental in the construction of some of the most challenging and recognisable buildings around the world. This project also helps promote our internal network of STEM ambassadors, building a sense of community and shared responsibility within our own organisations. “Using the academy as a springboard for further engagement and opportunity, young people who have taken part have gone on to do work experience with Bouygues UK and in companies within our supply chain. The opportunity for industry engagement is significant, especially for those who are facing barriers to engagement or are at a disadvantage due to social and economic circumstances. “Bouygues UK is committed to addressing the skills gap in our industry, while also achieving gender parity in construction and engineering roles by inspiring young women to consider a career in construction and engineering. By developing ambassadors for the academy we are building our own internal network of STEM collaborators, creating a sense of community and shared responsibility within Bouygues UK. “ Simon Pridham, Managing Director of Aspire 2Be: “Our work with Bouygues UK over a number of years has been an absolute pleasure. As a fully responsible employer they completely understand the importance of engaging with young people and educating them in an exciting way around future skills, employment opportunities and STEM subjects in general. We are proud and privileged to call Bouygues UK partners at Aspire 2Be.” Dr Louise Bright, head of judges and founder of Wales Women in STEM Network, said: “The Wales STEM Awards do such an important job recognising and celebrating the achievements of organisations and individuals working in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths in Wales. This year, just like the first Wales STEM Awards, I’ve been privileged to read about the inspiring work happening around the country. I am looking forward to meeting the nominees and learning more about them and unlike our inaugural year, celebrating their success in person at the awards ceremony in October.” All finalists across the 12 categories will now be considered by an industry-leading panel of judges, with the winners being announced at the awards ceremony at the Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel on 27th October 2022.

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PfP Capital appoints Catherine Webster as its new CEO: Catherine will take up post in January 2023

PfP Capital, the Social Value and ESG-focused real estate fund manager, part of the UK’s leading social enterprise Places for People, has appointed Catherine Webster as its new Chief Executive Officer. Catherine, who starts at PfP Capital in January 2023, joins from property development and investment specialist Quintain where she is Executive Director for Strategy and Investment, leading on business strategy, financing and investment initiatives. Catherine has worked in real estate investment and finance for 30 years and has held several senior investor and lender roles including private equity, fund management and investment banking at Hudson Advisors (Lone Star Funds), TIAA & Lehman Brothers Global Real Estate. Catherine’s experience is pan-European, across residential and commercial sectors and as an owner, JV partner, fund investor, mezzanine and senior lender. PfP Capital currently has £600m under management across its three existing funds and a significant growth plan. Commenting on Catherine’s appointment, Greg Reed, Group Chief Executive Officer of Places for People, and board member of PfP Capital, said: “Catherine is a stellar appointment for us. Since it was founded five years ago, PfP Capital has been successful, and we now have big plans for growth; we have the opportunity to build on our success to-date and really scale-up the business. “We have a brilliant team in place at PfP Capital and we’re grateful for the work and vision of former MD Chris Jones who founded the PfP Capital business out of Places for People in 2017 and retired earlier this year. I know the experience and leadership Catherine brings will add greatly to our team and really drive us forward.” Catherine added: “I’m delighted to be joining PfP Capital to lead the next stage of its journey. PfP Capital has established itself as a key player with a strong reputation in the market. The excellent team has nurtured partnerships with leading institutional stakeholders and has built a great base for future expansion as we look to not only grow the existing funds but also add new funds.  Backed by the power of Places for People, the potential for growth from this solid foundation is massive.  Above all, with the company’s strong social purpose, we will have a positive impact on the communities we serve and the wider UK society.”

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