Who We Are

Dan has been involved in the construction industry since a school leaver at the age of 16 giving him a wealth of experience and knowledge in both new build and refurbishment sectors.

After gaining substantial industry awareness, Dan set up Holistic Housing Solutions Ltd to specialise in modern, innovative technologies and offsite ingenuities offering a variety of solutions through his collaboration with supply chain partners attributing to the rapid delivery and efficiency of much-needed homes without compromise. Used individually or collectively these concepts have a positive impact on improving the quality, enhancing the performance and reducing the overall build programme when compared to traditional methods.

Familiarity and fear of change in getting new technologies recognised, Dan advanced this through the creation of Holistic Development Solutions as a delivery mechanism for affordable-by-design homes that incorporate the ingenuities explored within HHS. Holistic Retrofit Solutions has also established bringing niche concepts for application to the existing building stock both residential and commercial that offer high-performance energy-saving solutions with rapid ROI.

Dan is passionate about collaborative working which will be a driving force behind the growth of Holistic Housing, Development and Retrofit Solutions.

He takes a very personal approach to exhaust all avenues that will improve build times and methods whilst maintaining high-quality standards of both materials and supply and energy saving as a priority. His goal having recognised that the industry has pioneered and innovated itself to an unhealthy future is to create a “Future Valued Living” Ecosystem as a new compass for “New Choice,” with originality from both inside and outside our sector that embraces new language and ethics, creating a future era of businesses where homes, communities, and those living within return to being the top priority.

Kingsley joined the SCF team in February 2018, based out of the Exeter office Kingsley has responsibility for heading up the South west region. Previously Kingsley held senior roles within the Estates team at Devon County Council and was responsible for overseeing a large capital and revenue programme.

Kingsley is a big believer in collaborative working and 2 stage open book procurement and joined the SCF team with a wealth of experience in managing contractor relationships.

Anna is a Partner specialising in construction law at Michelmores. Having lived in Cheltenham for over 30 years and specialised in construction law for over a decade, Anna knows the local market extremely well.

Anna works on both contentious and non-contentious matters, acting for employers, main contractors, specialist sub-contractors, professionals and funders, giving her a wide knowledge of the different interests of the sectors’ stakeholders.

Anna is passionate about reducing the time spent in the pre-construction phase by encouraging  reasonable and pragmatic contract drafting and negotiating.  She is known for helping clients manage risk in projects, particularly in the education, leisure and health are sectors. Her clients and project sites are spread across the whole of England.

Anna first became involved in Constructing Excellence when she joined the Gloucestershire Club in 2016 and was immediately elected to the role of Club Secretary.  After 5 years’ working with the local club, Anna joined the Board of CESW in 2021 as Company Secretary.

Paul has worked in the ‘supply link’ of the construction industry chain since 1986, having worked for the UK’s largest brick and timber distributor for over 20 years.

Starting by counting bricks and timber for stock-checking and elevating to become director based at head office was an invaluable education, helping him understand how to respond to people at every professional level.
Good communication and people skills are the foundation of how he now runs his business, Aquarian Cladding Systems, based in North Somerset and founded in 2007. Ensuring he has a solid understanding of their place in the marketplace, he is absolutely committed to ensuring he and his team provide excellent technical, commercial and logistical advice to their clients up the supply chain.

Paul is an advocate of modern methods of construction and has a burning desire to change the adversarial culture of the UK Construction Industry through collaborative working.

Chair of Southern Universities Purchasing Consortium ( SUPC ) Council of Members

Winners of the Times Higher Leadership & Management ( THELMA) award – Outstanding Purchasing Team 2011

Rob is passionate about our transformation as we move forward in a rapidly changing world, encouraging us to take a more digitised approach to work.

Since becoming marketing director in 2017, Rob has brought a fresh take to our image, a strategy that reflects the principles of our founding fathers, Ray Stride and Gerry Treglown. Keen to embrace the brave new world, he works to find a balance between real people and a thirst for design with the use of smart processes and the latest systems.

Rob, where does your interest in technology stem from?

After many beers at university, I discovered my interest in tech, and wrote a very serious dissertation based in 25 years’ time, proposing the digital world would take over our lives until one day society kicked back and architecture would save the day.

What are the key challenges that affect your industry, or are likely to in the next five years?

Keeping up with change. With the advancement of technology, robotics and smart materials, we are at the beginning of an industry wide shift in how we design and deliver buildings. I am determined to keep Stride Treglown agile, relevant and at the fore front of this change.

I am particularly excited about offsite processes and techniques. Not only will this lead to higher quality buildings, but to a more inclusive and diverse industry.

Apart from digital innovation, are there any other big trends in your industry?

I strongly believe that buildings become architecture only when people use them, and there is currently a focus on how people are engaging with places.

How we ask for client and user feedback is changing. We are researching how social media can unearth how people are using our buildings. I’m interested in how our Inhabitant series can channel user feedback into improving our design.

With the rise of technology, is the role of the architect changing?

Yes, but we are still the master glue of the whole design process. As we move forward with technology, our role is about bringing the team together and continuing to communicate the importance of good design.

Do you have a favourite book?

Shackleton’s Boat Journey by Frank Worsley. It’s a book that explores Shackleton’s ill-fated expedition to the Antarctica, and his leadership in the face of diversity. I’ve learnt a lot from his approach.

Clarity of roles is really important in any team, but so is contribution from everyone – that’s something I apply to my role as leader. It also taught me that by always looking forward, and never back, you can achieve your dreams. Anything is possible.

Gemma has been working for Willmott Dixon for 10 years and was recently promoted to pre-construction manager, overseeing all tender and bid work for our Wales and the West office. Managing a team of 15, Gemma thrives on the diversity and variety in her role but didn’t always plan on a career in construction.

Gemma says:

“At school I was actually really interested in art and English, but I was lucky to be made aware of the opportunities within the construction industry as my Dad was a lecturer in Construction in the built Environment.”

She continues “Through that course I got a real taste of all the possible roles in the construction industry, from bricklaying to management and surveying we got to experience the lot, which is where a lot of people miss out I think, as they are just not aware of the diversity of roles available to them”.

Although originally intending on a degree with Loughborough University, Gemma was given the opportunity to become a management trainee in quantity surveying for a construction firm, “that was something I would never have predicted, when quantity surveying was suggested my response was – ‘but I am no good at maths!’ it’s these preconceptions that we need to break down as I have honestly never looked back.”

Gemma then worked on several high profile projects before joining Willmott Dixon as commercial manager; “I really enjoyed working for here from the start, my roles have been interesting and challenging and what I really love is that every day is different. One of the most satisfying parts of working in construction is the team work aspect, everyone pulls together to build something amazing. I often drive past buildings and say ‘I built that!’ to my kids, not that I laid a brick of it, but that’s the point – there is so much more to creating a building than just laying the bricks.”

s so much more to creating a building than just laying the bricks.”

Carol has worked in construction for over 20 years, with posts ranging from designing water management and drainage systems and working in the regeneration and main contracting sectors prior to joining Bouygues UK in September.

Her role will see her build strong relationships with clients, stakeholders and professional teams to support the successful delivery of projects, that provide positive and lasting impacts for the local community, as well as those using the buildings.

Robin joined the Taylor Lewis team from Trowers & Hamlins solicitors where he worked as a Lawyer for 8 years advising Registered Providers, private individuals and companies on all aspects of residential and commercial development and construction projects as well as property and land acquisitions and disposals.

Robin’s legal background and detailed knowledge of all types of Building Contracts, Development Agreements and Statutory Agreements provides for an enhanced level of support for all Taylor Lewis clients. Robin has a vast experience of working with Registered Providers and his transferable skills from his legal background allow him to maintain these relationships and ensure that Taylor Lewis delivers an exceptional service.

Paul Read works as the Director of Sustainability and New Supply at Magna Housing; a social landlord that owns 8,500 homes to rent and 350 shared ownership homes.

Working primarily in house building, Paul has held roles within national PLCs, family-run house builder and local charitable organisations, working in business development, sales and change management roles.

Paul has more than 25 years’ experience in the South West, attracting funds into the region to deliver significant levels of new housing in both urban and rural settings, building affordable homes for social rent, shared ownership, key worker intermediate and affordable rent, as well as private sector schemes for market rent and sale.

In his current role he is leading on work with a factory based in the South West producing volumetric homes that has been prototyped for proof of concept and now progressing the client cluster to scale up production from a current capacity of 200 homes per annum to 1,000 homes.

Paul is also a member of the following Dorset LEP board and sits on the Strategic Infrastructure Committee.

Lizzy is a solicitor at Royds Withy King, based in Bath. Lizzy specialises in non-contentious construction and engineering matters, and advises a range of clients across the entire supply chain (from procurement and risk management through to delivery and life use of a development).

As a long-time supporter of Constructing Excellence, Lizzy joined the committee of the Generation 4 Change South West in 2019 because she was keen to help encourage the younger generation understand the vast range of opportunities available in the industry.

“I am thrilled to take over role of Chair of the Generation 4 Change South West. I look forward to continuing in Lisa Denby’s footsteps to represent and promote the breadth of passion in the industry across this region. Watch this space for more events and opportunities!”

Lizzy is also active in the local Bath community. She is a committee member for the CESW Bath Club (the local group for the Construction Excellence South West) and the Bath Young Professionals (a networking group who connects junior professionals across various industries and professions in Bath)

If you have an interest in the events organised by any of these committees, please contact Lizzy via email to elizabeth.painter@roydswithyking.com

Main focus is to lead and develop our teams to ensure they have all they need to deliver the best possible outcomes for our clients and prospects. We aim to add value and help clients reduce their risk exposures. Our teams look after a broad range of business sectors specialising in Corporate and Mid Corporate with unique specialisms in Transport, Heating & Ventilation, Entertainment & Live Events all backed up by our in-house Claims Technicians.

Our Charity work never ceases to amaze me whether some of my team are out regularly helping the homeless or cycling around the region and beyond .. We have strong links with a number of good causes in and around Bristol and beyond.

I’ve been in insurance since leaving school which sometimes feels about 100 years ago. It’s not quite that long. Before I started this career I’d seen Paul Weller, Rod Stewart and watched Everton and am still doing that too! I last kicked a football in anger at Goodison Park but these days try and get round a golf course or watch some local rugby both of which remain a great place to catch up and talk business.

James Beckly is a highly experienced and innovative construction professional with over 20 years’ property development and industry experience. He has worked for developers, consultants, and construction managers across a broad range of market sectors and geographical locations in the UK and overseas.

James leads the WWA Project Management Team and since becoming Managing Partner of Ward Williams Associates in 2020 his primary focus has been on the operational delivery of the business. This is in addition to supporting the continued growth of the business’ national presence.

I have been in the clean heat & power sector since 2003 when I had my peak oil moment and set up a Transition Town group where I live. Since then, I have grown various businesses for contracting, consulting, and developing heat & power projects at all levels from village hall to utility scale generation and storage.

Latterly I have been working as an independent consultant developing heat & power strategies for clients in hospitality, utilities, education, and construction. I have also been working on the Gravity team preparing and master planning the 600-acre site in Somerset for a variety of potential users.

In 2023 I moved to Hoare Lea as Business Development Director and finally found my tribe!

I’m most passionate about

Delivering projects fit for the future, projects that offer resilience, flexibility, and circular economy capacity. Upskilling clients to understand that if they are going to build something and then pay to heat & power it for the next 20 years, what they do with their money is really, really, important!

Outside of work I enjoy

Being at the beach hut (I live in Devon) going up to London (I like the buzz) and anything to do with being on or in the Sea.

Kevin is CEO of Constructing Excellence South West, and brings over 40 years of operational board experience. With a strong track record in achieving business success, he is a highly respected leader in the industry.

Kevin’s previous roles as Chairman of CE Gloucestershire Club and Chair of CESW Leadership Council highlight his commitment to Constructing Excellence.

He is also Chief Commercial Officer at Ops-Box, where he supports businesses to drive operational excellence, challenge perceptions, and empower their executives. With expertise in people development, business change, and simplifying challenges, Kevin is helping to shape a brighter future for Constructing Excellence South West.

Emma joined CESW as Membership Manager in Jan 2016 and as the Coordinator of the ‘Adopt a School Campaign’ and has now stepped into the role of ‘Digital Marketing Consultant’ from Nov 2017.

Emma is in charge of the Website, Social Media, IT support, Mail list management and Newsletter content and design for CESW.

She has a background in Events and Project Management and previous roles included Marketing, Social Media, PR and also HR. Emma has also worked as a PA in the construction industry.

Emma is a qualified Public Speaking Trainer and professional Singer and Voice Coach.

Emma’s LinkedIn Profile

Philip builds brands. His agency, Walker/Jansseune, provides marketing communications using in-house copywriting and graphic design to promote products and services in print, on screen and in three dimensions. He has been involved with CE since 2007 and his flyers, websites, brochures and logos have supported hundreds of CE events and initiatives across the entire South West region.

Outside of the built environment, Walker/Jansseune has clients in the corporate, arts, charity, publishing, travel, finance and education sectors. Former and current clients include English Heritage, Guinness, Cancer Research UK, British Energy, Chartered Institute of Marketing, Botswana Tourism Organisation and the Lighting Industry Association. An offshoot of the company also runs public art events such as the Lions of Bath and Swans of Wells animal sculpture trails.

Running a small agency with big ideas, Philip knows that a strong concept is fundamental to all creative thinking. Relevant, communicative, professional and fun ideas can be found at the heart of all his work. He believes words and pictures go hand in hand and is happy to demonstrate how he has combined the two across a wide range of projects for clients who want to be noticed.

Originally from Zimbabwe, Robyn has been in her profession for 30+ years in various sectors, Investment Banking, Legal, Real Estate and Housing Development companies.  She has recently set up her own company called Secretary Bird Ltd offering VA services ranging event organising to diary management.  Robyn has been providing support to CESW since September 2022.

Jamie has been the director of Beard Construction’s head office in Swindon since 2019.

His role seems him responsible for the operation and profitability of the 78-stong office and a series of construction projects which range from small maintenance jobs to often-complex, multi-million construction schemes.

Internally, Jamie has an inclusive management style and places great emphasis on team building and the professional development of the people who report to him. He has established the Beard Breakfast Club to create a forum to ensure that all staff’s views are heard.

Externally, Jamie has established an annual supply chain event to recognise and reward the work of the 100-plus subcontractors who support Beard’s Swindon projects.

He also encourages his team to get involved in community projects – in 2022, they helped to raise £17,000 for the Wiltshire-based Youth Adventure Trust.

Jamie’s 25-year career in construction began in 1998 as a graduate trainee with Bristol-based Cowlin Construction. After studying Construction Management at the University of the West of England, Jamie joined Cowlin – rising through the ranks to eventually became the company’s projects director.

Jamie is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building and a Chartered Environmentalist.

Away from the office, Jamie enjoys time with his family, keeping fit, is a keen DIY-er and an avid Liverpool supporter.

I am a dispute resolution lawyer working within the firms’ Construction and Engineering Contract Management and Dispute Resolution team. I have successfully acted on behalf of clients in a wide range of disputes and have experience of achieving resolution through litigation, adjudication and mediation. I regularly advise government departments, local authorities, housing associations, educational institutions, developers, professional consultants, commercial contractors and insurers on their legal position and how best to achieve their objectives.

I have experience in resolving disputes involving the major standard forms of contract, such as the JCT and NEC, as well as PFI contracts, together with pursuing and defending professional negligence cases involving construction consultants.

The past few years has seen a particular focus on fire safety issues, and I have assisted clients from all levels of the supply chain in resolving disputes arising from these issues.

I also have experience of advising on non-contentious construction issues, including advice on development agreements, agreements for leases, construction contracts, consultant appointments and collateral warranties and dealing with insolvent contractors.

Mark is a Senior Project Manager for Morgan Sindall based in Cornwall. Born and bred in Cornwall, he has nearly 30 years’ experience in the construction industry, starting out with a masonry apprenticeship and progressing to senior management level on high budget building projects. In his position at Harrington Homes, he is involved with developments from land acquisition stage right through to post-completion, bringing his expertise to each stage.

He has a wealth of knowledge across all sectors, from bespoke single houses to large scale volume building and everything in between. Throughout his career he has built strong working relationships with a multitude of clients and developers, as well as local supply chain members.

With strong technical and commercial knowledge, he is passionate about innovation, best practice, and is driven to achieve the highest standards on site in quality and health and safety, delivering within budget and programme.

See LinkedIn Profile HERE

Founding Director of Thorpe engineering Consultant Ltd

• Chartered Civil Engineer
• ICE Health and Safety Registered
• Chair of Constructing Excellence Hampshire
• Board Member of Constructing Excellence in London and the South East Steering Group

Robin is passionate about collaboration and innovation and this is reflected in his position with the Constructing Excellence movement. Robin has developed expertise in the efficient use of timber, steel and concrete for building structures. Robin has experience in major residential and commercial buildings and now specialises in the structural transformation of existing buildings.

To me engineering is all about problem solving; it is fundamentally a creative discipline and often the best solutions come from working as part of a team. There is always more than one solution to a problem and the right solution is the one that adds most value to the project.

Engineering is the application of maths and science to shape the built environment. Too often engineers focus on the maths and overlook the context within which the structural elements are being deployed. The maths is generally the easy part; it is in the application that engineers can use creative solutions to add value.

Jonathan works within Quattro’s Education and Commercial Team successfully delivering a varied range of schemes from new build to refurbishment. He has developed considerable experience in the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and is keen to promote its value and maximise its benefits to clients and developers.

Sitting on Quattro’s Senior Management Team, he is also Vice Chair of Constructing Excellence Gloucestershire, a respected platform for industry improvement which aims to deliver excellence for clients, industry and users through collaborative working.

James has a proven record of delivering commercial success throughout his 20-year career with Laing O’Rourke. James is currently the Commercial Director for the Hinkley Point C Main Civils Works being delivered by Bylor which is a Joint Venture between Bouygues Travaux Publics and Laing O’Rourke construction and is Europe’s largest Construction project.

A chartered Commercial Director with both European hub, Group, corporate level, functional and operational commercial leadership experience. James has worked across multiple sectors including Laing O’Rourke’s direct delivery businesses, Nuclear, infrastructure, healthcare, PFI, Education, data centre, scientific research facilities, manufacturing, retail and research and development.

James’ operational experience has allowed him to consistently deliver value to Laing O’Rourke’s repeat clients through the successful delivery of significant projects within the portfolio. James is passionate about delivering commercial and technical excellence through the adoption of collaborative working practices and Modern Methods of Construction and has been instrumental in leading the commercial digital and data strategies whilst optimising commercial performance across a broad portfolio with a particular focus on NEC & JCT forms of contract”

Carol has worked in construction for over 20 years, with posts ranging from designing water management and drainage systems and working in the regeneration and main contracting sectors prior to joining Bouygues UK in September.

Her role will see her build strong relationships with clients, stakeholders and professional teams to support the successful delivery of projects, that provide positive and lasting impacts for the local community, as well as those using the buildings.

Natalia is a partner in the Construction and Engineering team at Thrings LLP, specialising in non-contentious work. Natalia has a particular interest in the renewable and sustainable energy, and has experience in drafting and negotiation of construction documents for on-shore wind, biogas and solar projects in the UK as well as more recently the construction of EV and vertical farming facilities.

She has broad experience of drafting and negotiating construction contracts (including NEC, EPC, JCT, FIDIC), professional consultant appointments, collateral warranties, bonds and guarantees for developers, employers, funders, consultants and contractors. Her project experience is diverse, including retail, student accommodation, fit-out, refurbishment, new-build and renewable energy projects. Natalia also provides construction due diligence in real estate acquisition and disposals, and corporate transactions.

She advises on the construction aspects of facility agreements, framework agreements and call-off orders, agreements for lease and procurement routes and joint ventures. Natalia was Chair of the South West branch of the Association of Women in Property for 2015 to 2016. She is a member of Constructing Excellence (South West) Branch and leads the Climate Theme Group.

BSc PGCE CEng FICE CMIOSH FRSA of Safety in Design Ltd [SID]

Liz is passionate about empowering others by simplifying the complex and signposting to answers that will help practical delivery of effective health and safety.

In her professional career Liz is most proud of the following:

• Being the first Group Safety Manager for Atkins through rapid expansion and flotation where she developed safety management systems and training across the businesses and supported acquisition due diligence and project delivery across the Group;
• Leading on the establishment, with AA, RAC, the Police and the then Highways Agency, of survivegroup.co.uk which achieved a change in public behaviour on the fast road network within three years of initiation, making these roads safer and helping to reduce congestion;
• Establishing with senior colleagues from industry safetyindesign.org.uk and taking responsibility for maintenance of the free Design Guides, produced by industry leaders from an HSE led initiative to help small design practices;
• Being Interim Head of Health and safety for LOCOG, London 2012 organising committee to facilitate building the necessary capability across the Games and Paralympic Games and devising means of training a highly diverse community of staff and volunteers from nations across the globe. Working with Regulators and delivery teams to enable and empower a successful series of high-profile events and associated transport solutions across the country;
• Leading the Design for Health Task Group. A current pan industry group working on effective interventions by clients and designers to improve health outcomes for all affected by construction work for the lifetime of any asset;
• Development and delivery of a range of training courses in the UK and overseas on CDM 2015 for IStructE, ICE, APS, Synergie Training and for Safety in Design;
• Conducting or supporting various pieces of research for HSE, EPSRC, B&CE Trust

Neil has over 15 years of experience working within the Social Housing sector leading energy efficiency, technology, and innovation in the built environment sector.

As the Senior Technical Manager at LiveWest Neil is responsible for developing their approach to achieve Net Zero Carbon performance standards, identifying new and emerging technologies, and integrating MMC construction systems into the organisation.

Neil is a member of the Good Homes Alliance Pathfinder Network, Building Better’s Core Group and the Advantage South West’s Design and Innovation Group. Neil holds a MSC in Environmental Assessment and Management, and is currently the Chair of Constructing Excellence South West – Smart Construction Group.

Em has a passion for forming great business connections based on loyalty, professionalism and a ‘can do’ attitude. She takes pride in understanding current and future needs of the customer so that the correct solution is achieved, and is always prepared to go the extra mile. Em understands that the client must see ‘value for money’ and trust for long-lasting working relationships.