employment

TODD Architects appoints new London Studio Principal

Tim Burgess and the VOP Group Architects he founded, have joined AJ100 practice TODD Architects, with Tim becoming the new Principal of TODD Architects’ growing London studio. Tim brings over 20 years’ experience, working across private and public sectors, including for the past 12 years leading and managing Cove Burgess

Read More »

New Director joins CHQ Architects

Aart Koning has joined CHQ Architects as a Director.  With over 30 years’ experience working in the UK for internationally and nationally award-winning practices, Aart will be heading up and growing the design side of CHQ across the Group.  Aart has previously worked for Foster + Partners, Rock Townsend and

Read More »

The Construction Consultants continue building with double hire

An independent, multi-disciplined construction consultancy has announced two new appointments to meet a growing national demand for its services. The Construction Consultants (TCC) has recruited Allan Davies as Director and Clint Howell as Senior Building Surveyor, as part of an expanded team at its headquarters in Cannon Street, Birmingham. The

Read More »

Caddick Construction welcomes new Managing Director Paul Dodsworth

Caddick Construction has appointed Paul Dodsworth as the new Managing Director. Caddick Construction and its subsidiaries form the construction division of Caddick Group and Paul will be head of all construction companies. Paul, who joins from Wates Group where he was Regional Managing Director North, is tasked with continuing Caddick

Read More »

Urbanise announces new senior appointment to drive growth

Construction company Urbanise has strengthened the leadership of its delivery team with a new senior appointment. Shaun Boylan, who has been appointed as Construction Lead, will play a principal role in the delivery of construction projects and will be responsible for health and safety compliance. He will also draw on

Read More »

UK construction redundancies fall to lowest figure since records began

Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect and ElectricalDirect, said:  “During the first few months of the pandemic, the job security of construction workers was thrown into serious doubt, and sadly tens of thousands of employees lost their jobs. However, the latest ONS data shows that the situation has really turned

Read More »

UK Power Networks Services announces David Mitchell as new Director

The energy infrastructure specialist has announced David Mitchell as its new Director, effective from Thursday, 7 July. He replaces Ian Smyth, who will join Electricity North West as Chief Executive Officer later this year. David is an experienced leader who has worked for the company in its various forms since

Read More »
Latest Issue
Issue 326 : Mar 2025

employment

TODD Architects appoints new London Studio Principal

Tim Burgess and the VOP Group Architects he founded, have joined AJ100 practice TODD Architects, with Tim becoming the new Principal of TODD Architects’ growing London studio. Tim brings over 20 years’ experience, working across private and public sectors, including for the past 12 years leading and managing Cove Burgess Architects and then VOP in London. Tim is also a member of Southwark Design Review Panel and since 2012 has been a visiting critic at the University of Bath. Peter Minnis, TODD Architects’ London studio director commented: “Tim and the VOP Group joining us is another positive step for the practice, coming shortly after our appointment of Gonzalo Vargas as our new Head of Healthcare. It further strengthens our offer to clients in the city, particularly in the private sector, building on the reputation we have established in recent years in the design and delivery of over 2,500 homes in the capital.”

Read More »

New Director joins CHQ Architects

Aart Koning has joined CHQ Architects as a Director.  With over 30 years’ experience working in the UK for internationally and nationally award-winning practices, Aart will be heading up and growing the design side of CHQ across the Group.  Aart has previously worked for Foster + Partners, Rock Townsend and astudio working across the residential, education, leisure, community and commercial sectors. Over the past 15 years he has played a leading role finding new opportunities, introducing new skills, mentoring staff and managing the practice to ensure a continuous high quality of work combined with an efficient performance.  Barry Harper-Smith, Managing Director of CHQ Architects comments, “Aart is a fantastic new addition to our senior team within CHQ and I look forward to working closely with him to continue to build the strength and depth of our design expertise across a range of sectors.”  Aart Koning comments, “The increasing demands of the built environment require innovative solutions, achieved through collaboration and sharing intelligence. I am acutely aware that it is key for an architectural practice to remain relevant, and I am delighted to be joining the team at CHQ who have a rich history and are actively working at the forefront of new developments, leading the process of change in the construction industry.” Celebrating its 40th anniversary, CHQ Architects has grown into a substantial practice with a talented team of over 50 architects, interior designers and 3D visualisers operating out of Central London and Baldock, Hertfordshire. CHQ offers clients a wide field of expertise at all RIBA work stages from feasibility to completion and beyond. Its sister company, DMWR Architects is also based in Manchester and London.  With a wealth of experience in both designing and delivering prestigious projects, CHQ Architects and DMWR are using intelligent software that supports an outcome-based design approach which is fundamental for an interdisciplinary process that optimises the environmental performance of a development and meets the aims of the recently published new parts O, F and L of the Building Regulations.

Read More »

The Construction Consultants continue building with double hire

An independent, multi-disciplined construction consultancy has announced two new appointments to meet a growing national demand for its services. The Construction Consultants (TCC) has recruited Allan Davies as Director and Clint Howell as Senior Building Surveyor, as part of an expanded team at its headquarters in Cannon Street, Birmingham. The appointments bolster the consultancy’s capability and will support its strategy of unlocking new business opportunities by developing long-term relationships with new and existing clients. Allan Davies is a construction industry professional with more than 20 years’ experience, including senior roles with international property and construction consultancy, McBains. He has established a track record of securing new business from a diverse range of clients and will be responsible for driving TCC’s new business growth.   He is joined by Clint Howell, an RICS award-winning chartered building surveyor, who has previously worked for AECOM, RPS and Six Property Consulting. Recent experience includes the delivery of a national fit out programme on behalf of 24/7 leisure operator, The Gym Group. Established in 2017, TCC has expanded into a team of 18 employees, specialising in a wide range of disciplines including project management, employer’s agent, quantity surveying, fund monitoring and CDM consultancy. The consultancy operates across a range of sectors including residential, commercial, industrial, student accommodation, leisure and retail and has developed a growing portfolio of clients such as The Gym Group, Zone Developments, Ocado, Equation Properties, Apsley House Capital, Godwin Developments, Wolverhampton Council and St Francis Group. Notable projects include the delivery of a 203-unit build to rent apartment scheme in Birmingham, a 200-bed student accommodation scheme in Northampton and a 113,000 sq ft industrial development on behalf of St Francis Group. Co-founder and Director of TCC, Sandeep Singh Sunner, said: “We are delighted to welcome Allan and Clint who further boost our existing team. Allan has been appointed to drive the business into the next phase of growth and brings with him a wealth of industry experience. We have been searching for a suitable candidate to join our building surveying department for nearly eight months and have finally found the right person in Clint. “Since launching the business just over five years ago, we have developed into a specialist company with a team of industry professionals who share a desire to deliver successful projects and establish long-term relationships with our clients”.

Read More »

Caddick Construction welcomes new Managing Director Paul Dodsworth

Caddick Construction has appointed Paul Dodsworth as the new Managing Director. Caddick Construction and its subsidiaries form the construction division of Caddick Group and Paul will be head of all construction companies. Paul, who joins from Wates Group where he was Regional Managing Director North, is tasked with continuing Caddick Construction’s vision for strategic geographical and sustainable growth across its divisions. Paul brings with him more than 40 years’ experience across the construction sector and was credited with leading and growing Wates’ Northern Division, which is now recognised as one of the strongest in the Wates Group. Andrew Murray, Executive Chairman of Caddick Construction, said: “We are delighted that that Paul is stepping into this exiting role to lead all of our construction businesses, his hands on approach will strengthen the business and we all look forward to working with him. Paul replaces Adrian Dobson who has retired after almost 23 years on the board. Adrian held the Managing Director Position from 2019, he has been a key member of our board helping to guide the strong growth of the company to become one of the leading and largest independent contractors in the north of England. He will be sadly missed but we wish him well in his retirement and thank him for his massive contribution since joining us in 1999.” Paul Caddick, Chairman of Caddick Group, comments: “Paul has the passion and character to take on the formidable challenges the market currently presents. His experience and ability will drive our aspiration for continued growth as a sustainable forward-thinking business.” Caddick Construction is planning to expand its regions of operation and increase its activity in the residential sector. It will also support the growth of Casa by Moda by delivering the construction of Moda Living’s single family home brand, alongside other key projects across Yorkshire, North East and North West. Paul Dodsworth added: “This is an amazing opportunity and I’m looking forward to being part of the Caddick team that has enjoyed so much success over recent years. I’m particularly excited by the opportunities currently being presented in both the residential and logistic markets. I was immensely proud to be asked to join Caddick Construction. A very well established, respected and financially strong business. The aspirations of the business to expand its geographical footprint, whilst further developing the existing regions, is a challenge I will embrace and drive. I am looking forward to joining on the 1st August 2022.” Caddick Construction is currently managing a very strong order book, with high-profile projects including the Bradford City Park, a transformational five storey office scheme in the heart of Bradford city centre and 331 apartments in two buildings at SOYO Leeds for Caddick City Living forming Federated Hermes Hestia BTR brand. Across the Pennines, Caddick Construction has just completed Spitfire Court in Speke on behalf of Network Space, a 138,000 sq ft industrial scheme that is breathing new life back into a defunct brownfield site. Its residential sector is also going from strength to strength, where the team is currently working with York City Council on two ambitious “Passivhaus” sustainable developments for the city, as well as delivering 37 high quality apartments on the former Pontefract Fire Station site on behalf of Wakefield District Housing. In Leeds, Caddick Construction is progressing a 112-housing development at Stonebridge Beck, Farnley, on behalf of joint developers Rushbond and Advent Developments.

Read More »

Urbanise announces new senior appointment to drive growth

Construction company Urbanise has strengthened the leadership of its delivery team with a new senior appointment. Shaun Boylan, who has been appointed as Construction Lead, will play a principal role in the delivery of construction projects and will be responsible for health and safety compliance. He will also draw on his wealth of experience in the industry to mentor and support Urbanise’s employees and supply chain. Shaun’s appointment comes at a time of significant growth for Urbanise, with plans to double turnover and increase headcount to 25 in the next three years. His role not only enables greater capacity and the ability to take on bigger projects, but it also frees up time in the senior leadership team, allowing a stronger focus on business strategy. Shaun brings over 20 years’ experience in construction, starting with Laing O’Rourke before moving on to ISG and Wates. During his career, Shaun has led the delivery of many multimillion-pound projects, including AstraZeneca’s SPP6 project in Macclesfield, the Lime Street Regeneration project in Liverpool and Chester Zoo’s Islands development. Shaun said, “I feel really fortunate to be joining Urbanise at such an exciting time for the business. It’s great to finally get started and I am looking forward to integrating myself into the team and working hard to realise the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.” Louise Hobson, Urbanise’s Co-founder and Project Services Director, said, “Finding the right person for this role has taken a few years of planning. We identified Shaun due to his great industry experience working across the country on a variety of projects for significant clients. Plus, having worked together previously, we were sure that he would fit well into our growing team. “With Shaun now joining Urbanise as Construction Lead, we believe that his appointment clearly illustrates our intent to continue delivering projects with a relationship led focus for our clients, whilst firmly remembering that ultimately it is all about the build.”

Read More »

Construction Principal & CEO Derek Whitehead Retires After 37 Years in Education 

Derek Whitehead, Principal and CEO of Leeds College of Building, is to retire this week after 37 years working in Further Education and vocational skills training.  From teenage Keighley carpentry and joinery apprentice to leader of the UK’s only General Further Education College that specialises in construction, Derek has spent decades training and leading the next generation of builders, engineers, and construction-craft professionals. Derek began hiseducation at Ingrow School, Bronte School, and Oakbank Grammar school in Keighley. From a young age, he excelled at craft skills and thrived in woodwork and metalwork. Derek cites a local teacher who changed the course of his life after recognising Derek’s potential. Derek said: “I always preferred hands-on learning, and it was a teacher at Oakbank – David Carter – who told me I had a knack for passing on my knowledge and passion for the subject, even at age 16. I was always in the workshop after school and would help other students where I could, especially if the woodwork teacher wasn’t available. “David stretched me, pushing me to try more complex techniques. I made various furniture items, learnt to French polish, and even turned rosewood handles for a bedside oak cabinet that my parents still have to this day! He sowed the seed that I should teach others too, even though I tended towards being more practical than academic.” Derek left school at 16 and joined the construction industry as Apprentice Carpenter & Joiner at Norman Hollins Ltd and then JSD Hamilton (Construction) Ltd. He gained a fantastic grounding in bespoke joinery products, new build housing, renovations, and shopfitting projects. It was a great platform to learn broader construction skills too.Yet, despite becoming a qualified construction worker, Derek’s experience at grammar school reinforced his desire to teach.  Derek’s first teaching job was in 1985 at Keighley College’s Carpentry & Joinery Department, where another lecturer (Peter Hakes) mentored him. It wasn’t long before Derek enrolled at HollyBank to study professional Teacher Training qualifications, followed by Bradford College to attain a teaching degree. Derek was then promoted to Section Leader for Timber Trades before leaving Keighley for a role at Bolton College as a Senior Lecturer. After that, Derek became Head of Construction and led self-assessment quality assurance across Bolton College. By the time Derek left Bolton, he was responsible for the Construction & Engineering faculty. He returned to Keighley College, this time as Head of Construction & Engineering. Then in 2004, Derek interviewed for Deputy Principal – Curriculum & Quality at Leeds College of Building and was selected for the role.Derek said: “Getting the post at LCB was such a fantastic accolade, especially with it being the only General Further Education College nationally that specialised in construction and the built environment education & training. I felt like I was back to my roots – where industry training moulds individuals into construction specialists. I am a massive advocate for vocational skills training and the vast opportunities this can unlock. “I loved working at the College so much that I continued in this role before becoming Principal & CEO.  I have fully enjoyed all 18 years that I have spent at Leeds College of Building. I’m delighted to be leaving the College in such good shape. Inspections now show quality at ‘good or better’, our HE meets all UK standards, we achieved ‘good’ in our most recent Ofsted inspection, the ESFA gave us a ‘good’ rating too for our healthy financial position. Leeds College of Building now trains around 5,500 students from across the UK, covering 16-18 full-time study programmes, adult provision, HE courses, and bespoke programmes for employers. Over half of these students (around 2,800) are enrolled on apprenticeship training across all areas of the College’s provision, from Level 2 up to degree apprentices.  Derek continued: “I’m extremely glad my teacher showed me how vocational training – such as apprenticeships – can lead to various careers and job roles. Schools play a critical role in showcasing vocational training as a viable, alternative route to reach the same endpoint as academic qualifications. These skills can lead to jobs at all levels and involve travel and an extensive variety of work, with lasting legacy projects. “It’s so gratifying to see former students running successful companies themselves, as well as attracting a more diverse cohort of students to the sector today. We have come such a long way. So, this seems the right time for me to step down. “I have lots of plans with my wife Heather (who retired from her role as Principal at Keighley College a few years ago). We hope to travel and see friends. We’re very active so enjoy walking and spending time with family. I have lots on my bucket list! I met my wife at Keighley College, and like me, she came from a vocational background as an apprentice too (Hair & Beauty in her case). Our families were thrilled when we became lecturers, so both progressing to the top of FE institutions was a very proud moment.   “I have never lost a love of construction after all these years. Although Further Education is a challenging sector, to help students develop skills that can make a transformative difference to their future and society is an absolute privilege. It is the accomplishment of which I’m most proud.  “I would like to give a special thank you to all employers and stakeholders who have supported the College, students, and me personally, over the 18 years I’ve been here. I trust the commitment and dedication will continue with my successor, Nikki Davis. Leeds College of Building is a fantastic organisation to lead, and I know it will continue to go from strength to strength. I wish the College, our stakeholders, my amazing colleagues and friends, and Nikki all the very best.” Nikki Davis, current Leeds College of Building Vice Principal for Teaching, Learning & Quality, will take up the role of Principal & CEO in August and becomes the first woman to hold the post in the 60-year history of the

Read More »

UK construction redundancies fall to lowest figure since records began

Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect and ElectricalDirect, said:  “During the first few months of the pandemic, the job security of construction workers was thrown into serious doubt, and sadly tens of thousands of employees lost their jobs. However, the latest ONS data shows that the situation has really turned around.  “At its peak in summer 2020, almost 30,000 workers were made redundant over a three-month period (July-September).  “In contrast, the data released this month shows that just 3,000 people in the industry lost their jobs between March and May. While this is obviously still 3,000 too many, it shows a significant improvement.  “In fact, 3,000 is the lowest that this figure has ever been, since records began thirteen years ago in 2009.  “Elsewhere, average wages are on the rise, which, in the context of a major cost of living crisis, will be a welcome relief to many, albeit slight. Typical weekly earnings rose by £20 to £714, which is the second highest average ever recorded.  “It’s really good news that redundancies are on the decline, and pay is increasing, but this pattern will have to continue in the coming months in order to offset the financial hardship that the country is currently experiencing.”  For more information on IronmongeryDirect, visit: https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/   For more information on ElectricalDirect, visit: https://www.electricaldirect.co.uk/   References: 

Read More »

NSM APPOINTS NEW PROPERTY MANAGER TO ITS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT DIVISION

Industrial asset and property management specialists NSM has appointed Kim Howey as its new Property Manager for the North West. Kim joins the growing company – with offices in Warrington and Doncaster – to help manage a range of logistics, SME and office assets across the M62 corridor and Midlands. Its current portfolio under management has grown to £374m so far this year. She was previously residential and commercial property manager for The Next Big Thing, based in Liverpool, and before that worked for Regus as a Community Manager in Cardiff. Kim reports into Associate Director Jacqui Saunders and will be part of the Property Management team that manages 577 units nationally with a rent roll in excess of £20.67m. NSM Managing Director Nicky Jones said: “Kim’s experience in both commercial property and asset management is a welcome addition on to the team and she has hit the ground running. Her knowledge of the North West property market is very strong and is already proving to be a real asset, both with our clients and their tenants.” Kim added: “I’m delighted to be joining NSM which holds a large and diverse portfolio of assets. My background has been in commercial space but more recently I’ve moved into residential property management, so the fit with NSM is ideal. I’m looking forward to being able to add to my knowledge in the larger commercial property section and I’m very excited to be starting this new chapter in my career.”   NSM is in a uniquely strong position, in addition to managing more than 5.4 million sq. ft of industrial property across the north, the company also markets many of the properties, handles lettings and is overseeing the delivery of new builds which will ultimately come into the management portfolio. 

Read More »

Prologis strengthens Capital Deployment and Leasing in London team with two strategic hires

Prologis UK, one of the UK’s leading developers of logistics property, has added two new hires to its Capital Deployment and Leasing team, as it looks to further grow its UK team and drive ambitious growth plans. Jason Pickering has joined as a director in the Capital Deployment and Leasing team, following six years at Cushman & Wakefield. With extensive experience in industrial and logistics capital markets, and a specific focus on South East and national developments, he will be helping Prologis to continue expansion plans in London and development of urban logistics offering. Ryan Gordon also joins the company as a Capital Deployment and Leasing director, after working for Stripe Street for eight years. There, his role as an agent for Aldi Stores UK aided in the supermarket’s expansion, with a particular focus on site acquisitions in London and the South East. Alongside his experience as an agent, Ryan is a chartered surveyor, and has an in-depth knowledge of the land acquisition and property development process from start to finish. In their new roles, both Jason and Ryan will focus on land and investment acquisitions in Prologis’ strategic priority regions within London and the South East, using their complimentary skills and 14 years of combined experience to support the firm’s ambitious growth plans. Paul Weston, Regional Head of Prologis UK, said: “It’s great to have Jason and Ryan join our business, both highly qualified to drive forward our significant growth ambitions for London and the wider South East of the UK. In 2022 we have announced six new hires who will focus on the region and will soon be moving into new London offices to provide the team with an exciting new collaborative hub. “I’m looking forward to working with Jason and Ryan and supporting their career aspirations here at Prologis”. Both Ryan and Jason will be based in Prologis’ London office. RE: IMAGE Left -Right / Jason Pickering, Ryan Gordon. Prologis UK

Read More »

UK Power Networks Services announces David Mitchell as new Director

The energy infrastructure specialist has announced David Mitchell as its new Director, effective from Thursday, 7 July. He replaces Ian Smyth, who will join Electricity North West as Chief Executive Officer later this year. David is an experienced leader who has worked for the company in its various forms since joining as an apprentice in 1980. In his most recent position as Head of Client Delivery, David has been responsible the delivery of major projects for key clients including works at Hinkley Point C, Great Western train line (GWEP) and London Underground. The internal promotion reflects UK Power Networks Services’ commitment to long-term expertise and professional development within the firm. The announcement comes during an exciting period of growth for UK Power Networks Services, as it continues to deliver for existing clients and expand to support industries through the sustainable energy transformation. The company’s clients include some of the UK’s highest profile business, including airports, ports, rail operators, public sector developments, utilities, manufacturers, and logistics firms. Last month, the company announced a new three-year project with the Port of Felixstowe, the UK’s largest container port, to meet its Net Zero aspirations, reduce emissions, and increase the resilience of the port’s electricity network. New Director David Mitchell said: “I’m of course delighted to be stepping into this role. This is a hugely exciting time for UK Power Networks Services as we continue to deliver a bright energy future for our clients. There is plenty of work to do to meet the challenge, but I believe we have the right blend of skill, experience and determination to deliver.” Basil Scarsella, CEO of UK Power Networks, said: “David is an outstanding leader with a proven track record. His determination and passion will allow UK Power Networks Services to continue to support some of the UK’s most important industries through this critical phase in the transition to Net Zero.” Find out more about UK Power Networks Services: https://www.ukpowernetworksservices.co.uk/

Read More »