employment

Conor Bray appointed as new Group Chief Operating Officer

United Living Group is delighted to announce that Conor Bray has been appointed as Group Chief Operating Officer. Conor has extensive operational experience in various sectors and is currently Managing Director, Property Services at United Living Group. He will take up the new role from 1 May 2021. His promotion

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JOBS BOOST AS LEEDS ENGINEERS MOVE TO ACCOMMODATE GROWTH

A Leeds firm of engineers is set to create jobs after a move to larger offices to accommodate demand for its services. RWO, which opened for business in 2019 in Leeds providing a range of civil and structural engineering services, has secured an additional 1,000 sq. ft. of space at

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Sigmat Strengthen Technical Team

Sustainability & Innovation Experts Nick Milestone and Tim Doubell Join UK LGSF Market Leaders Sigmat Leeds based offsite specialists Sigmat have announced the appointment of two new directors to further strengthen their innovative leadership team. Internationally renowned offsite innovator and sustainability veteran Nick Milestone joins the team as Engineering Director,

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iMist Appoints Ex-Kier CEO as Chair Following PE Investment

iMist Appoints Chair Following PE Investment

Haydn Mursell, the former CEO of Kier Group, has been appointed as chair of fast-growing Hull-based water mist fire suppression business iMist following a £4.5m investment by private equity firm Foresight Group in January 2021. Founded in 2015, iMist has developed its own range of high-pressure water mist fire suppression

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Dario Scimeca joins Yourkeys from London Square

Yourkeys has appointed Dario Scimeca as Head of Housebuilder Product as it continues to expand its reach in the residential new build sector. Yourkeys has developed an online platform for progressing new homes sales which involves all stakeholders, brings transparency to the process, and accelerates the time to exchange on

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Double hire for Midlands fit-out and manufacturing firm

Staffordshire-based handrail and balustrade specialists, SMART Balustrades, has expanded its team as it works towards its ambitious 35% year-on-year growth target for 2021 – following a record year in 2020.  Set up by brothers David and Jonathan Hough in 2017, SMART Balustrades has experienced a sustained demand for its specialist

Read More »
MCI Developments Expands into New Regions

MCI Developments Expands into New Regions

MCI Developments, part of national homebuilder Keepmoat Homes, has expanded its operations into Yorkshire and the Midlands with the appointment of two new Regional Managing Directors. Nigel Robson and Ken Phillips have joined MCI Developments as the company looks to expand into new regions and markets in 2021. Their primary

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Wavensmere Homes welcomes new Director of Development

Brad Critcher has been appointed the new Director of Development. Wavensmere Homes, property developers based in the Midlands, have today announced that Brad Critcher has been named as Director of Development. This is a new role for the company following the huge success of the Nightingale Quarter in Derby and

Read More »
Ecommerce Manager joins Southern Sheeting to support growth strategy

Ecommerce Manager Joins Southern Sheeting to Support Growth Strategy

Southern Sheeting has appointed Ecommerce Manager Jo Morfield to lead the company’s ecommerce expansion and support the next stages of its growth as a market leader. Morfield is an experienced digital marketing manager who is looking forward to helping the business build on the recent launch of its ecommerce website.

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Baxi Heating appoints Heat Pump Business Development Manager

Baxi Heating UK and Ireland has appointed specification specialist Ryan Kirkwood to the role of Heat Pump Business Development Manager.  The move is part of the company’s continuous improvement and development strategy, ensuring it is well prepared for the future as the heating industry makes the transition towards zero carbon

Read More »
Latest Issue
Issue 326 : Mar 2025

employment

Conor Bray appointed as new Group Chief Operating Officer

United Living Group is delighted to announce that Conor Bray has been appointed as Group Chief Operating Officer. Conor has extensive operational experience in various sectors and is currently Managing Director, Property Services at United Living Group. He will take up the new role from 1 May 2021. His promotion follows a series of key appointments at United Living Group as it moves into the next stage of its strategic development and ensures a best in class service for its customers in 2021 and beyond. Neil Armstrong, United Living Group Chief Executive and Chairman, said: “I am delighted that Conor is to become our new Group Chief Operating Officer. He has strong operational leadership and takes over the reins at an exciting time for United Living Group as we continue to innovate and drive forward our ambitious growth strategy. “As well as an understanding of the company’s history, Conor has experience and knowledge of United Living Group’s people, values and ethos, which will be instrumental for us as we go forward as a business”. Conor Bray, Managing Director, Property Services, said: “I am delighted to be given the opportunity to take up the role of Group Chief Operating Officer at United Living Group. Leading a business that is rich with diverse and creative talent and the expertise to consistently deliver better for our clients is incredibly exciting. “It is genuinely inspirational to see the passion, commitment and pride that is shown delivering projects that are transformational for communities, businesses and individuals. The ability to cross share expertise, knowledge and best practice will help to ensure that our business goes from strength to strength, as we undertake the next phase of growth and expansion”.

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JOBS BOOST AS LEEDS ENGINEERS MOVE TO ACCOMMODATE GROWTH

A Leeds firm of engineers is set to create jobs after a move to larger offices to accommodate demand for its services. RWO, which opened for business in 2019 in Leeds providing a range of civil and structural engineering services, has secured an additional 1,000 sq. ft. of space at its city centre Park Place site, more than doubling current office capacity. The move follows 18 months of growth for the firm, which continues to recruit for experienced engineers and other support roles, despite the uncertainties caused by the pandemic. Work to support Opus North and Rougemont’s development of a new 43-acre logistics park on the site of the former RAF Dalton in Thirsk – a move that will create 650,000 sq. ft. of employment space – is among projects driving growth for the 22-strong firm, which is targeting revenues in excess of £2m in the next 12 months. Other new contracts include engineering development work for Berkley DeVere developments in Harrogate, a 200-plot residential scheme in Harrogate for Countryside Properties and various commercial projects for the Lindum Group and Hargreaves Land. Growth for RWO, which is investing in additional space and resources to support both workforce needs and client service requirements, has come on the back of widespread regional and national demand for its services. Andrew Fairburn, director of the Leeds office, said the management team will be eyeing further expansion in the next 12 months on the back of a healthy order book and investment in more skilled staff. He said: “We are busier than ever, investing to secure growth and increase our footprint with a business that’s on the rise. The move supports our strategic growth plans, allowing us to take advantage of rising enquiry levels and orders in recovering commercial construction markets and a robust residential house-building sector. “Additional space provides the room for growth, enabling the team to better serve existing and future customers. It represents the next chapter for the business, laying firm foundations as we continue to go from strength-to-strength.”

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Sigmat Strengthen Technical Team

Sustainability & Innovation Experts Nick Milestone and Tim Doubell Join UK LGSF Market Leaders Sigmat Leeds based offsite specialists Sigmat have announced the appointment of two new directors to further strengthen their innovative leadership team. Internationally renowned offsite innovator and sustainability veteran Nick Milestone joins the team as Engineering Director, whilst structural engineering specialist Tim Doubell will take up the newly created post of R&D Director. Both Nick and Tim join the team with a wealth of experience across a variety of offsite disciplines and have worked across a multitude of industry sectors, including landmark projects for Blue Chip clients across the globe. With a strong focus on fast-tracking innovation within the industry, the duo will be heavily focussed on reducing carbon construction techniques as they continue to build on Sigmat’s already impressive green credentials. Engineering Director Nick Milestone said: ‘I am absolutely thrilled to be joining such a passionate and progressive team. Sigmat has both the resource and expertise to really push the green agenda and I am delighted to be part of this exciting journey.’ With a major project surrounding the launch of a hybrid structural building system using low carbon materials already underway, both Nick and Tim are eager to channel their experience into creating a new wave of sustainable solutions for the industry. New R&D Director, Tim Doubell, who will be responsible for driving new, industry leading solutions commented: ‘Launching a hybrid structural flooring solution is a really exciting starting point for us as a team. By integrating Cross Laminated Timber in conjunction with an LGSF structure, the concrete usage is eliminated. It’s this type of innovation that will make a real difference as the industry works towards achieving its net zero carbon targets.’

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iMist Appoints Ex-Kier CEO as Chair Following PE Investment

iMist Appoints Chair Following PE Investment

Haydn Mursell, the former CEO of Kier Group, has been appointed as chair of fast-growing Hull-based water mist fire suppression business iMist following a £4.5m investment by private equity firm Foresight Group in January 2021. Founded in 2015, iMist has developed its own range of high-pressure water mist fire suppression systems, specifically for domestic and larger residential properties. Its proprietary solution offers a number of benefits over traditional fire sprinkler and lower pressure water mist products including more efficient use of water, ease of installation and cost effectiveness. With over 30 years’ experience in the contracting, services and development sectors, Haydn further strengthens the iMist board. From roles early in his career as chief financial officer of Lendlease and deputy group finance director at Balfour Beatty, he went on to join Kier Group as finance director in 2010, becoming chief executive four years later, before leaving the company in 2019. Having operated at plc board level for over 10 years, Haydn has a broad range of financial and management skills. He is strategically minded, with a focus on growth and business performance, managing acquisitions and improving safety, customer experience and employee engagement. Haydn currently holds a number of non-executive and board adviser positions for complementary businesses within the construction industry. Haydn comments: “The need for innovative fire suppression systems which can be quickly, easily and cheaply installed in both new and existing buildings, is a major issue for the industry and iMist has a solution. The move from a sprinkler to a misting system is a natural evolution which gives the end-user a number of benefits, particularly in terms of being more environmentally-friendly as they significantly reduce the amount of water required. “IMist has a sound business model and good market conditions to accelerate its growth, along with the backing from Foresight Group to enable them to realise their vision. Managing director Tony Sims is supported by an extremely knowledgeable management team who have ensured that every relevant safety and quality accreditation has been achieved, and also established an impressive R&D capability. “I immediately like their down-to-earth, honest approach to running the business and felt that with my industry experience and large company background, I could really add value from advising on the best path for growth and overcoming some of the challenges that come with rapid expansion, to corporate governance and measuring business performance. IMist has huge potential both in the UK and internationally and I’m really pleased to be joining the team at such an exciting time.” Tony Sims, managing director of iMist, says: “Haydn has an impressive track record as an experienced CEO, CFO and board adviser, and brings a wealth of skills having worked for some of the best-known construction and infrastructure groups in the UK. Having held senior positions in residential development, civil engineering and building businesses, he really understands our clients and their operational dynamics. “Following our recent PE investment, iMist is now embarking on the next stage in its development and we believe that Haydn will have a pivotal role to play as we optimise the current regulatory opportunity in order to drive further growth and development activities across the UK. We also have ambitious international expansion plans, including targeting the US market later this year.”

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Dario Scimeca joins Yourkeys from London Square

Yourkeys has appointed Dario Scimeca as Head of Housebuilder Product as it continues to expand its reach in the residential new build sector. Yourkeys has developed an online platform for progressing new homes sales which involves all stakeholders, brings transparency to the process, and accelerates the time to exchange on sales. Dario joins from London Square, where he was Sales Manager. He started his career with Barratt, working in sales administration, before moving to a sales progression role incorporating the David Wilson Homes brand. He went on to be a sales advisor with Bellway in the West Midlands before relocating to London and progressing his career with London Square. Dario’s role at Yourkeys will involve sharing insight from the perspective of the housebuilder to create new products within the platform. He collaborated with the Yourkeys team in the early development of the software during his time at London Square. He continues to work closely with the London Square team as one of Yourkeys’ longest-standing clients. Dario said: “I’ve been using the Yourkeys platform for a year now. This newly-created role provides an opportunity to get involved at an early stage with a company which is transforming the way new homes are sold. This is an exciting new sector, and a new challenge at a time when the prominence of technology in the industry is growing. “I will be focusing on ensuring Yourkeys offers the best possible user experience as it expands into new areas and offers more features for housebuilders and sales agents.” Yourkeys has recruited from the housebuilding sector since its inception. Co-founder and CEO Riccardo Iannucci-Dawson is a former new homes sales director. He left that role to set up the company in a bid to refine and replace outdated processes in the industry. Riccardo said: “Dario has a strong background in the new homes industry and he knows the Yourkeys product inside-out. He will help to drive further innovation as we seek to simplify more of the processes involved in property transactions. “Yourkeys has become established as the go-to sales progression platform for new homes. Following a successful first year, the software will continue to evolve and provide new solutions to challenges faced by housebuilders.” For more information see Yourkeys.com.

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Double hire for Midlands fit-out and manufacturing firm

Staffordshire-based handrail and balustrade specialists, SMART Balustrades, has expanded its team as it works towards its ambitious 35% year-on-year growth target for 2021 – following a record year in 2020.  Set up by brothers David and Jonathan Hough in 2017, SMART Balustrades has experienced a sustained demand for its specialist services – both in the commercial and residential sectors, and the firm’s investment in its team is testament to its commitment to its growth strategy Sukhi Bassi joins SMART Balustrades as a CAD technician and will be responsible for delivering creative and compliant solutions to difficult design challenges, innovative product development and order processing. With an undergraduate degree in Building Survey and a master’s degree in Building Information Modelling for Integrated Construction, Wolverhampton-based Sukhi is well equipped for the role following six years in the balustrades industry. Paul Heston joins the manufacturing arm of the business as production operative and will be working at the firm’s inhouse production facility in Burntwood. With over 20 years of experience in manufacturing, Paul will be producing a range of SMART Balustrade products including bespoke glass and stainless-steel balustrades, Juliet and platform balconies, and handrails. On her new role, Sukhi said: “Joining SMART Balustrades at such a pivotal time for the business is very exciting for me. The company is impressive and I like that it has big ambitions for the future. “As its new CAD technician, I’m looking forward to working with the team to streamline our business processes and maintain the high level of customer satisfaction that SMART Balustrades is known for.” Paul said: “As a growing company with excellent standards, SMART Balustrades is a leader within the balustrade industry, and being part of such a high-quality manufacturing team is amazing. I can’t wait to take on this new challenge and part of the journey.” Specialists in handrail and balustrade systems, SMART Balustrades manufactures and installs a range of products for sectors such as education, retail, leisure, and housing. David Hough, managing director of SMART Balustrades, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Sukhi and Paul to SMART Balustrades as our team continues to grow. “With Sukhi in the design team and Paul in the manufacturing team, we can better serve our growing volume of customers and work towards our growth targets. Welcome to the team both.” SMART Balustrades is part of the Unitech Group, and it designs and manufactures its products at Unitech Group’s 75,000 sq. ft. production facility in Burntwood, Staffordshire. 

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MCI Developments Expands into New Regions

MCI Developments Expands into New Regions

MCI Developments, part of national homebuilder Keepmoat Homes, has expanded its operations into Yorkshire and the Midlands with the appointment of two new Regional Managing Directors. Nigel Robson and Ken Phillips have joined MCI Developments as the company looks to expand into new regions and markets in 2021. Their primary focus will consist of creating strategic objectives to establish its position of building high quality new homes throughout Yorkshire and the Midlands. “We are delighted to welcome both Ken and Nigel to MCI Developments. Their appointments mark an exciting new chapter for the company and we’re confident that their combined extensive knowledge in the industry and proven track record of success will play a significant role in the company’s ambitious growth plans along with creating new beginnings and flourishing communities in both the Midlands and Yorkshire regions,” said Tim Beale, CEO at Keepmoat Homes. Ken Phillips is bringing with him over 30 years’ experience of residential land acquisition and business development within the West and East Midlands territory. As a Chartered Planning and Development Surveyor his previous job roles include heading up a housing joint venture business in the Midlands for Cala Group but latterly has operated as Land and Planning Director for both Taylor Wimpey and Redrow Homes. Nigel Robson joins MCI Developments Yorkshire with over 25 years’ experience in housing and development. Having previously worked at Strata as Pre-Development Director, he has gained extensive experience in the speculative housing market both regional and national, delivering land and pre-development processes as well as partnership working with Registered Providers and private developments. “I am absolutely delighted to be joining MCI Developments during an important and exciting time for the business. Alongside growing the portfolio in the Midlands, my focus will be to expand our team with people who are passionate about delivering affordable and multi-tenure developments in the region,” said Ken Phillips. “Having spent the majority of my career within the housebuilder industry, I’m passionate about delivering quality new homes and I’m looking forward to taking the reins and delivering much needed sustainable new homes across Yorkshire, building on repeat business which MCI Developments are renowned for,” added Nigel Robson.

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Wavensmere Homes welcomes new Director of Development

Brad Critcher has been appointed the new Director of Development. Wavensmere Homes, property developers based in the Midlands, have today announced that Brad Critcher has been named as Director of Development. This is a new role for the company following the huge success of the Nightingale Quarter in Derby and is indicative of the Company’s enthusiasm to secure further development opportunities across the greater Midlands area. Brad brings more than 30 years development experience gained across various sectors including retail, leisure, strategic land/residential and mixed use, having held senior development positions at Sainsbury’s and Castlemore, and more recently at shopping centre REIT intu where he led the team seeking to identify and secure the diversification of the portfolio via the addition of compatible non retail uses. James Dickens, Managing Director of Wavensmere Homes said: “Brad will give a new string to the Wavensmere bow. His knowledge and skill set will give us a competitive edge in repurposing city centre retail assets.  “Brad’s extensive property and business development background will allow Wavensmere Homes to tap into new areas of the sector. We look forward to bringing Brad onboard at such an exciting time for the company following the success of Nightingale Quarter. We continue to concentrate primarily in and around the Midlands looking for new build opportunities. Eyes are firmly set on the future and the growth of the company.” Brad added: “I am incredibly excited to be joining the Wavensmere Homes team at this critical time. I believe its existing business model and talented management team is uniquely positioned to capitalise on the ever-changing property industry and the new opportunities and challenges that will unfold over the next few years. Urban regeneration, the revitalisation of our town centres and the repurposing of buildings is a key element in achieving sustainable and responsible economic growth as well as the creation of inclusive and thoughtfully designed communities. Wavensmere Homes has already demonstrated these skills with a number of best-in-class developments including Crocketts Lane, The Forge and Nightingale Quarter.” Brad has a degree in Land Administration, is a member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors having been elected in 1992, a past Chair of Accessible Retail and a member of various Revo Steering Groups. Established in 2015, Wavensmere Homes continues to go from strength-to strength specialising in challenging sites, place making and regeneration across the Midlands. Its on-going development, Nightingale Quarter, will create nearly 800 homes and is set to become one of the largest city centre regeneration projects in the UK. For Wavensmere Homes sales, email: info@wavensmere.com.

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Ecommerce Manager joins Southern Sheeting to support growth strategy

Ecommerce Manager Joins Southern Sheeting to Support Growth Strategy

Southern Sheeting has appointed Ecommerce Manager Jo Morfield to lead the company’s ecommerce expansion and support the next stages of its growth as a market leader. Morfield is an experienced digital marketing manager who is looking forward to helping the business build on the recent launch of its ecommerce website. Southern Sheeting in East Grinstead, West Sussex, has been supplying building materials to trade and domestic customers around the UK for more than 40 years and is embarking on an ambitious strategy to grow digital sales. “We’re delighted to welcome Jo to our team. She will play a key role in supporting us on our digital journey, achieving our ambitions and growing our online capabilities. We’ve invested a lot of time in launching our new website. Its full ecommerce functionality allows both new and existing customers to see their own pricing, check live stock levels and purchase everything online within a few clicks,” said Tony Hobbs, Managing Director, Southern Sheeting. “Jo’s experience and enthusiasm for helping companies realise a digital transformation is just what we need to take Southern Sheeting’s offering to the next level.” Her role will involve setting-up, resourcing and managing the ecommerce department to deliver digital sales revenue, gross profit targets and KPIs, while seeking out further growth opportunities. She will also ensure that the new website delivers an exceptional user and customer centric experience. “With more than ten years of digital and ecommerce experience, I have always been passionate about digital transformation and making a difference. I love working with companies to help them on their digital journey, and who have clear ambitions, along with a desire to futureproof and grow their online capabilities, so it’s a fantastic opportunity to support them in this venture,” added Jo Morfield. “This role is vital to the company growth strategy and I believe that I will bring drive, passion, and a commitment for all things digital along with my wealth of experience. I have already been made to feel like part of the team in this friendly and family run business which goes above and beyond to look after its employees and clients. I’m looking forward to bringing their 40 years of experience and amazing customer service to the online journey.”

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Baxi Heating appoints Heat Pump Business Development Manager

Baxi Heating UK and Ireland has appointed specification specialist Ryan Kirkwood to the role of Heat Pump Business Development Manager.  The move is part of the company’s continuous improvement and development strategy, ensuring it is well prepared for the future as the heating industry makes the transition towards zero carbon and sustainable solutions, and to meet the changing needs of its customers. Ryan joined the business in 2013 as an area sales manager in Scotland, looking after specification and sales of Remeha gas boilers, biomass boilers and CHP.  He explains why he is excited by his new role: “My passion has always been sustainable design.  Heat pumps are one of the key technologies we must use properly to ensure our homes and businesses are sustainable in the future. “My background is in mechanical design engineering and building simulation.  I’ve worked closely with contractors and consultants over the last 10 years and consider myself to be an absolute geek when it comes to functional design and helping to maximise system performance.  Over the years I have seen the good, bad and ugly with both design and installation, and have learned from what I’ve seen. “I am really looking forward to the dynamic aspect of evolving solutions for heating and hot water in the future.  No one method works for all building types; the solution must be tailored for each and this is the real challenge.  Heat pumps are one of the key technologies that will help us to a more sustainable future. We cannot ignore how important heat networks are in our drive for affordable, low carbon heating and hot water. And we are making important developments with hydrogen. Having a blended solution of both heat pumps and hydrogen boilers in the future may be one of the best ways of delivering sustainable heating solutions.  “I love helping our customers deliver conceptual and innovative ideas.  Innovation is the key to making all the future carbon targets a reality.  We must ensure we have innovative solutions for today’s challenges while developing future solutions for tomorrow,” Ryan concludes. When he’s not working, Ryan enjoys paragliding and building things – anything from model aeroplanes to off-road touring vehicles.

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