United Living Group has announced that Ole Pugholm has been appointed as Group Chief Financial Officer. He joins the leadership team following the recent acquisition of Great British Telecoms, which boosted the United Living Group’s turnover to in excess of GBP 0.5 billion annually. The business has also won some
Engineer and technical consultant Tony Fox is joining commercial real estate developers Network Space Developments (NSD) as its Technical Director. Tony joins from Tetra Tech/ White Young Green where he has worked for more than 20 years, consulting extensively with Newton Le Willows-headquartered Network Space during that time. Amongst other
Derby-based contractor, G F Tomlinson, has highlighted the success of its annual apprenticeship programme and role as a Cornerstone Employer as it supported 25 apprentices last year alone with employment opportunities. The contractor, which has headquarters in Little Eaton, Derby, operates across the East and West Midlands delivering high-value construction
United Living Group is delighted to announce that Caroline Lewis has been appointed as Managing Director for New Homes. Caroline has been working for United Living as Development Director, having joined the business in 2018, bringing with her 17 years of industry experience from both the public and private sectors.
Timber frame construction specialist, SO Modular, has brought in a new Business Development and Marketing professional to join its rapidly growing team and build relationships with key stakeholders and the wider community. Lisa Amphlett has been brought into the new role with the remit of creating, maintaining, and strengthening relationships
Two construction industry leaders have been appointed as non-Executive Directors to the board of family-owned Westcountry homebuilder Cavanna Homes, to help guide the firm’s growth into its second century of trading. John Lougher, who steps down from his role as Strategic Land Managing Director for Vistry Group later this year,
Prologis, the UK’s leading developer and owner of logistics property, has confirmed three strategic hires to kickstart the New Year, as it seeks to enrich its skill set and further strengthen its platform for growth in a dynamic logistics property market. Caroline Musker is joining Prologis from Lichfields, where she
Chris Johns And Gaynor Carpenter Appointed As Directors Keyland Developments Ltd, the property trading arm of Kelda Group and sister-company to Yorkshire Water, has announced the expansion of its Board with the appointment of two new directors, Chris Johns and Gaynor Carpenter. The new appointments come as Keyland prepares for
NOTTINGHAM’S city within a city, The Island Quarter development, has strengthened its project delivery team with the appointment of Steve Thornton as project manager. Bringing more than 35 years’ experience in the construction industry with him, Steve is set to add impetus to the development team, ensuring each phase is
GMI Construction Group PLC has announced the key appointment of Andrew Hurcomb as Divisional Managing Director (DMD) for Yorkshire. He succeeds Lee Powell, recently promoted to the newly created position of Chief Executive Officer, who is tasked with delivering sustained growth across its four core regions of Yorkshire, the North
United Living Group has announced that Ole Pugholm has been appointed as Group Chief Financial Officer. He joins the leadership team following the recent acquisition of Great British Telecoms, which boosted the United Living Group’s turnover to in excess of GBP 0.5 billion annually. The business has also won some major contracts over the last few months including a 10-year £160 million partnership with Lewisham Homes, delivering major refurbishment works to its existing housing stock, a 432 new home development in Cardiff, worth £55 million and a £1.6 million deal on a district heating project at the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) – which has a total project value of £150 million. In addition, it has secured places on the £750 million Fusion 21 Decarbonisation framework and the £5 billion SCF Residential framework. Ole’s extensive experience, spanning more than 15 years in CFO level roles, includes working with private equity and Global Fortune 500 multinationals, most recently working as CFO for the Marine Division of Survitec Group Limited, a global organisation with a presence in 96 countries. He has a significant background in turnaround management, acquisition and growth – supporting both the commercial and operational aspects of business – and an impressive track record of building strong performing finance teams, whilst creating business value through both buy and build, and organic growth. Neil Armstrong, Chair and CEO, United Living Group commented: “I am delighted to welcome Ole to the team. His exceptional track record and experiences will bring significant value to the business and support our further development plans, helping to set us up for future success.” Ole Pugholm added: “I am pleased to be joining United Living Group at an exciting point in the company’s development. I very much look forward to working with Neil and the wider Executive Team on developing its growth potential and building on the considerable success the group has achieved so far.”
Engineer and technical consultant Tony Fox is joining commercial real estate developers Network Space Developments (NSD) as its Technical Director. Tony joins from Tetra Tech/ White Young Green where he has worked for more than 20 years, consulting extensively with Newton Le Willows-headquartered Network Space during that time. Amongst other responsibilities Tony will lead on all the technical work on Network Space’s major projects and acquisitions, as well as advance and develop the company’s sustainability strategy. NSD’s short term industrial and urban logistics development pipeline across the north totals some 2.5m sq. ft of space including schemes like Tunstall Arrow North in Stoke, Glass Futures in St Helens, Sovereign Industry Park in Knowsley, Broadheath Network Centre in Altrincham, Ashroyd Business Park in Barnsley, Estuary Business Park in Speke and Woodhouse Link in Rotherham. His new position at Network Space will also allow him to be involved in projects across its sister companies, asset managers NSM and Network Space Investments Network Space Managing Director (Development) Stephen Barnes said: “‘Tony has worked as our primary consultant engineer for more than 20 years now and has been involved with nearly all our major projects. It feels a very natural appointment to bring him in-house as we embark on an ever growing, ambitious and exciting development pipeline. “His experience and knowledge of our sector is extensive and we’re delighted to have him on board.” Tony commented: I am absolutely delighted to join Network Space after such a long standing and successful client/consultant relationship. I’m looking forward to supporting the Business’s ambitious future growth programme, strengthening its technical delivery and ensuring it delivers a positive response to an evolving sustainability agenda.
Derby-based contractor, G F Tomlinson, has highlighted the success of its annual apprenticeship programme and role as a Cornerstone Employer as it supported 25 apprentices last year alone with employment opportunities. The contractor, which has headquarters in Little Eaton, Derby, operates across the East and West Midlands delivering high-value construction projects in various sectors including healthcare, education, commercial, industrial, restoration, leisure and residential. Its annual apprenticeship programme enables G F Tomlinson to offer young people employment opportunities and mentor them through hands-on work in the business whilst also supporting them to achieve their professional qualifications. One of those young persons is Ed Smith, who was employed by G F Tomlinson aged 16 whilst undertaking a level 3 course. Now aged 22 Ed has completed his HNC course (Higher National Certificate) and his HND (Higher National Diploma) in Construction in the Built Environment at Derby College, whilst working on site four days a week. Following the completion of his studies with the college, Ed has become the first Derby College apprentice to achieve the new level 4 construction site supervisor higher apprenticeship standard. During his time with G F Tomlinson to date, Ed has progressed to the role of assistant site manager, helping to successfully deliver high-profile schemes, including the Advanced Manufacturing Building and Biodiscovery Institute for the University of Nottingham and most recently the major extension to Barr’s Hill School in Coventry. On his role and experience, Ed says: “I spent time getting to know all the departments, including design, estimating and quantity surveying and have since decided to progress my career within a site management role.” “One of the best things about working as an assistant site manager at G F Tomlinson is the chance to work in lots of different places, meet many different people and work on some very interesting projects. I’ll be studying for my degree for the next three years at Nottingham Trent University, and once I’ve got my degree I’d like to work as a project manager, eventually managing £20 million plus projects.” Another apprentice, employed by G F Tomlinson in 2019 is Tiarna Powell, who completed her HNC course at the Roundhouse with a distinction, and is now studying for her HND with the Derby College Group. Tiarna is working four days a week, gaining hands-on experience within the quantity surveying team having worked on projects including the Blythe Valley M2 residential mixed-use scheme in Solihull and a large industrial scheme on the new Wakefield Hub for developers HBD and Yorkcourt. She will also be starting her degree in quantity surveying at Nottingham Trent University this year. Tiarna says: “Through my work at G F Tomlinson I have been able to start my career in quantity surveying and study at the same time to gain my professional qualifications. “I’m grateful that I have the opportunity to meet and work with so many different people at G F Tomlinson, and have the chance to work on a range of projects including Derbyshire Care Homes and Tunstall Town Hall – both exciting restoration projects which are bringing the buildings back to their former glory, whilst providing a modern upgrade to the interiors. I’m looking forward to starting my degree at Nottingham Trent University this year and continuing to progress in my career at G F Tomlinson.” Working with the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership as well as local businesses and education providers, G F Tomlinson’s status as a founding member of the Cornerstone Employers group sees the contractor provide employment opportunities for younger people to gain knowledge and experience that can help them on their path towards a career in the construction industry.
United Living Group is delighted to announce that Caroline Lewis has been appointed as Managing Director for New Homes. Caroline has been working for United Living as Development Director, having joined the business in 2018, bringing with her 17 years of industry experience from both the public and private sectors. A Chartered Town Planner, Caroline has worked on multi-million-pound land acquisitions, regeneration and open market sales schemes, and implemented viability assessment models for both new build and asset management. Her 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 2022 and beyond. Conor Bray, Chief Operating Officer, United Living Group, said: “I am delighted that we continue to strengthen our executive team from within the business which clearly demonstrates the strength and depth we have within the team. Caroline has taken on the role of Managing Director at an exciting time for United Living Group as we continue to innovate and drive forward our ambitious growth strategy”. “She has strong operational leadership and has led the New Homes business into the Build to Rent sector – securing a number of schemes, PCSA opportunities and direct negotiations of significant value. She also holds a degree and masters in Town Planning, alongside a postgraduate diploma in Surveying, highlighting her expert knowledge within the field”. Caroline Lewis, Managing Director, United Living New Homes, commented: “Having worked with the teams at United Living, I am delighted to be given the opportunity to take on the New Homes Managing Director role. “During my time with the business I have been very impressed with all of the people I have met and worked with. United Living is blessed with very talented, ambitious and dedicated people and the company has a tremendous future, well placed to go from strength to strength and I am excited to be on this journey.”
Timber frame construction specialist, SO Modular, has brought in a new Business Development and Marketing professional to join its rapidly growing team and build relationships with key stakeholders and the wider community. Lisa Amphlett has been brought into the new role with the remit of creating, maintaining, and strengthening relationships with SO Modular’s clients and partner organisations. These include housing associations, local authorities, main contractors, sub-contractors, private developers, and national homebuilders. Her role also sees her managing the company’s marketing initiatives, developing project leads, assisting with tender submissions, and organising engagement opportunities with the wider community. As part of this wider engagement, Amphlett also takes on the role of tenant liaison officer, based on-site at the County Flats development in Sandfields, Aberavon. Her remit in this role includes maintaining communications and developing relationships with the residents and wider community. Amphlett joins SO Modular with five years’ experience within the construction industry in an office-based capacity. She has previously worked as a recruitment consultant for Involve Recruitment in Pontypridd, specialising in the recruitment of temporary construction site operatives. During this role, Amphlett developed extensive experience liaising with clients ranging from multi-million-pound principal contractors to local trade-specific sub-contractors. Lisa Amphlett, Business Development and Marketing Officer at SO Modular, said: “I am delighted to be working at such an innovative and forward-thinking company as SO Modular, and I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead. I will be based at the County Flats development in Aberavon, and very much look forward to taking on the additional role of tenant liaison officer at the site. “My role with SO Modular is varied and my remit wide ranging, and I hope that the skills and experience I bring can benefit the company by increasing awareness throughout the industry and wider community of its innovative and sustainable products and working practices.” Charlotte Hale, Operations Director, SO Modular, added: “We are delighted to have Lisa come on board with us, here at SO Modular, as we look to accelerate our production capacity and develop our growing business. Her new role is key to raising awareness of our products and services, and ensuring strong communications and relationships with our clients, partners and the wider community.”
Two construction industry leaders have been appointed as non-Executive Directors to the board of family-owned Westcountry homebuilder Cavanna Homes, to help guide the firm’s growth into its second century of trading. John Lougher, who steps down from his role as Strategic Land Managing Director for Vistry Group later this year, and Stephen Trusler whose career in housebuilding includes senior roles with Lovell Partnerships, Wates Group and Laing O’Rourke, will support Cavanna Homes’ Managing Director Keith Miller and Finance Director Scott Murray to grow the business in tune with the family ethos. John and Stephen have also held non-Executive Director positions with housing associations; John with the Guinness Partnership and Stephen with Aster Group. Both industry leaders will be seeking to establish stronger partnerships on behalf of Cavanna Homes with industry contacts, including the larger housing associations. John explains: “The South West is a crowded market place where all of the national homebuilders have regional offices. Cavanna Homes can distinguish itself through its legacy, the strength of its brand and the quality of its product. This is an exciting time for the company.” Stephen added: “The ambition is to drive controlled growth beyond the company’s centenary year in a way that respects the family’s legacy, follows their ethos and maintains the highest standards.” Next year marks 100 years since PD Cavanna founded the family homebuilding business, which still has its headquarters in Torquay. Twelve years ago, third generation family members Jeremy Cavanna, his brother Jonathan and their cousin Martin, embarked on a succession plan in which non-family directors have been appointed to senior management and operational posts. Despite the challenging market, in 2021 the firm produced a turnover of £60 million and secured 162 open market and 45 affordable completions, which provided much-needed housing for local people and families. This year, the firm will be expanding its South West footprint with new land secured in Somerset and Dorset, as well as bringing forward new home developments in Exeter and Paignton in Devon and Bude in North Cornwall. Cavanna Homes is currently building in Hemyock near Cullompton, Exeter, Newton Abbot, Tavistock, Holsworthy and Bude. As part of its commitment to nurturing up-and-coming talent in the construction industry, the firm has welcomed its 2022 intake of apprentices, as well as taking part in the government’s Kickstart Scheme supporting young adults to gain valuable work experience to help build a successful start to their careers. Cavanna Homes is proud to have raised over £30,000 for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) as its Charity of the Year since 2019. Following a vote by employees, Cavanna Homes will continue supporting CHSW until the end of 2023.
Prologis, the UK’s leading developer and owner of logistics property, has confirmed three strategic hires to kickstart the New Year, as it seeks to enrich its skill set and further strengthen its platform for growth in a dynamic logistics property market. Caroline Musker is joining Prologis from Lichfields, where she gained more than 17 years’ experience from a number of roles, including her latest position as senior director. She has been involved in a number of Prologis’ projects during this time. As a Director at Prologis, she will be taking the newly-created role of Head of Planning, helping to get projects off to a good start and exploring ways to add value for the customer and the business. She will also be helping to assess potential acquisition and investment opportunities. Gillian Scarth joins Prologis as a director in the Capital Deployment and Leasing team, after 15 years’ experience as a senior development manager at Kier Property. Gill has an impressive professional network and extensive experience of managing diverse customer portfolios offering a mix of uses in multiple sectors. She will primarily be focused on driving growth and supporting the delivery of new and existing projects in London and the South East. Simon Perks is joining the Capital Deployment and Leasing team at Prologis UK as a director, with a specific brief to look for opportunities to further strengthen the company’s asset portfolio in London and the South East. In his former role as senior development manager at The Crown Estate, he gained considerable experience in developing and adding value to a unique land and property portfolio, which includes 10 million sq. ft. of assets in areas of central London. Paul Weston, Prologis UK regional head, added: “We are delighted to be making these strategic hires at the start of the year to help drive our growth. There has been a significant increase in demand for logistics property during the pandemic and finding land and property to develop, in the right locations is a key focus. By enriching our skill set and hiring talented people, we aim to boost our competitiveness and unlock more opportunities in the year ahead.”
Chris Johns And Gaynor Carpenter Appointed As Directors Keyland Developments Ltd, the property trading arm of Kelda Group and sister-company to Yorkshire Water, has announced the expansion of its Board with the appointment of two new directors, Chris Johns and Gaynor Carpenter. The new appointments come as Keyland prepares for a busy year ahead following the launch of its UK-first Valuation Tool and its innovative Six Capitals approach to development, which aims to change the way that developments are delivered across the Yorkshire region with sustainability at its core. Chris Johns joins the Board alongside his current role as Chief Financial Officer at Yorkshire Water. Chris joined Yorkshire Water in 2021 from his former role as Finance Director of Northumbrian Water Limited. Also strengthening the Board is Gaynor Carpenter who joins alongside her current role as Head of Land & Property at Yorkshire Water. Chris and Gaynor will sit alongside existing members Liz Barber, who is Chair and Chief Executive of Kelda Group, Peter Garrett, Managing Director of Keyland and Luke Axe, who took his place on the Board last year following his promotion to Land and Planning Director for Keyland. Liz Barber said; “We are delighted to welcome Chris and Gaynor to the Board, who both bring a wide amount of experience with them in their roles providing strategic and practical leadership to a number of businesses. These latest appointments are designed to strengthen the Keyland Board as we look to expand the business beyond our traditional residential and industrial sectors and build on our Six Capitals approach to development, which now sees us promoting more than 9,000 residential units and 4.5 million square feet of commercial development.”
NOTTINGHAM’S city within a city, The Island Quarter development, has strengthened its project delivery team with the appointment of Steve Thornton as project manager. Bringing more than 35 years’ experience in the construction industry with him, Steve is set to add impetus to the development team, ensuring each phase is completed on schedule. Steve stepped into the role in October 2021 and is responsible for assisting the wider team with the planning for each phase of the development. Having worked in the industry since 1987, he has been brought on to The Island Quarter due to his extensive build experience and additional involvement in civils projects. Steve said: “I’m delighted to be a part of the team delivering The Island Quarter to Nottingham. Developments of this scale and significance don’t come along very often so it’s a once in a career opportunity. For me, it is particularly remarkable to play a role in bringing it to fruition as I’ve lived in Nottingham for almost 30 years, it’s the place I call home, and I’m excited to create a space the city will benefit from for generations to come.” Prior to this role, Steve worked on a range of developments across the country, from the Canary Wharf Project in London to his recent work on the local Lace Market Point. Steve pairs his strong built environment knowledge with his further experience in civils, which lends itself to the demands of the The Island Quarter site, where a mixture of both is required. Robert Ware, chief executive of the Conygar Investment Company, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Steve’s expertise to The Island Quarter. He’s already making an impact on the efficient running of the site, having hit the ground running earlier this year. As work on site is rapidly progressing, and phase 1A is set to open in Spring 2022, Steve will play a pivotal role in pushing the plans forward, on time, working with the relevant parties to do so. “We are continuing to develop our plans for the later stages of the site, at the same time as delivering the initial ones. Steve’s role will ensure the pre-construction procedures are in place and that progress is monitored once work begins, a position that will be vital as we advance through to completion at each phase.” The Island Quarter will open its doors to Canal Turn, the first phase, in spring 2022. Meanwhile, planning approval is expected within the next few weeks for phase 1B, which includes a hotel, 247 apartments and extensive food and beverage outlets. To find out more about The Island Quarter and Canal Turn, please visit: theislandquarter.com
GMI Construction Group PLC has announced the key appointment of Andrew Hurcomb as Divisional Managing Director (DMD) for Yorkshire. He succeeds Lee Powell, recently promoted to the newly created position of Chief Executive Officer, who is tasked with delivering sustained growth across its four core regions of Yorkshire, the North West, Midlands and North East. Hurcomb’s arrival represents a real coup for GMI, given his outstanding track record at Willmott Dixon where he spent five years as Operations Director. There he oversaw the company’s growth across Yorkshire and the North and was responsible for delivering several high-profile projects. With more than 30 years’ experience within the construction industry, he has gained skills and practical experience at every level. Originally from Dewsbury, he studied at Huddersfield Technical College, Leeds College of Building, and Leeds Becket University. He began his career in 1984 with M.Harrison & Co before moving to Miller Construction in Yorkshire in 1989, gaining experience in a variety of roles from Site Engineer to Senior Project Manager before progressing to Regional Technical Director for the North of England. When Galliford Try acquired Miller in 2014 Andrew took up the position of Operations Director for Yorkshire, before moving to Willmott Dixon in 2017. Lee Powell, CEO of GMI Construction Group PLC, said: “Following my appointment as CEO, we required someone with the right skills, dedication and drive to fulfil this key role within the business. “His knowledge and experience of the Yorkshire construction market is second to none. He is highly respected in the region, making him an exceptional appointment and someone who can build upon GMI’s first rate reputation and its success in delivering major developments across three decades. “He has GMI values at heart and the business acumen to make a real impact by taking our Yorkshire business portfolio to an even greater level. I’m delighted to welcome him onboard.” Andrew Hurcomb, Divisional Managing Director – Yorkshire, said: “I’m extremely proud to join a forward-thinking company like GMI, which is a business that is going places. It’s my intention to continue the excellent work Lee has already achieved as DMD in the region. “I will spearhead GMI Construction Group’s ongoing expansion in Yorkshire as part of its UK strategy to levelling up in key regions. This follows several high-profile projects wins this year and next. “We are onsite currently with a workbook of 11 live projects across Yorkshire, with a further 4 projects due to commence in Q1 2022 with a combined total value of more than £250M, and we’re looking to expand that significantly in the coming 12 months. I’m relishing the opportunity and the hard work starts now.” One of the UK’s largest independent construction companies in the North of England and The Midlands, with offices in Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, and Teesside, GMI Construction Group PLC is forecasting an annual turnover in excess of £350m for 2022 and has already secured £300m worth of opportunities.
