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This month’s South East and London appointments

Clare Hyland, Cripps LLP

Cripps LLP has elected commercial real estate specialist Clare Hyland as Senior Partner, becoming the Kent and London-based law firm’s first female senior partner.

Clare, who graduated from the University of Hull in 1990, has been with Cripps since 1997 and has headed the firm’s real estate division for the last ten years, advising on all aspects of commercial real estate to the public and private sectors.

Managing Partner, Gavin Tyler, said: “Michael’s commitment and creative leadership has been hugely instrumental in the success of our business to date. This is an exciting time in the history of Cripps and I am delighted Clare has the opportunity to bring new perspectives to help shape the firm’s future and drive its continued development.”

Clare added: “We have seen strong growth in recent years and I want to ensure we maintain our momentum and remain a progressive firm that is 100% focused on the needs of our clients.

“I also passionately believe our people are our greatest asset – it’s their expertise and dedication that mean our clients get where they need to be. And our regional and national reputation is testament to this.”

Louise Williamson, BAM Construct UK

Louise Williamson has been appointed the new Managing Director of BAM Construct UK’s Facilities Management (FM) division.

Starting her career as a civil engineer, Louise has facilities management experience working for the likes of Balfour Beatty Workplace, Birse Group and, most recently, integrated services provider Cofely.

Commenting on the new appointment, Graham Cash, Chief Executive of BAM Construct UK, said: “Louise brings a keen understanding of how a FM business can offer maximum value to clients in an integrated way with a construction business.

“She has extensive experience of integrated hard and soft FM services and developing client relationships that will be very valuable in leading BAM FM in its next stage of development.”

Louise says: “I can’t wait to start working with everyone in BAM FM to continue developing and growing its FM business. For me, the success of an FM business is grounded in great customer service and that in turn starts with top class staff engagement.

“I see huge potential to differentiate BAM’s FM business through further innovation in digital asset management and that will come from involving everyone and working collaboratively with BAM’s construction and property development businesses.”

Richard Turnill, Watson Day Chartered Surveyors

Kent-based Watson Day Chartered Surveyors have appointed Richard Turnhill, formerly of Glenny’s LLP, as a new Partner.

Richard, who is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, specialises in industrial agency and has been involved in projects ranging from land acquisition to development advice and industrial pre-let deals.

Joining the the four-strong team of Partners Nick Threlfall, Ian Gutteridge, Julian Scannell and Kevin Dempster at Watson Day, Richard will be responsible for agency development, management and professional matters.

Following his appointment, Maidstone-born Richard said: “I have known the partners for many years, both in a professional and private capacity, and in a way they have mentored me since the early days of my career.

“I’ve always been a big admirer of how the partners run the business, and how they have developed and maintained a reputation for excellent customer service.

“The partners want me to play a major role in taking the business forward and I’m determined to repay the faith they have in me. We have plans to expand but it’s going to be evolution, not revolution.”

Trish Henderson, Regal Homes

London-based residential developer Regal Homes have appointed Trish Henderson as their new Head of Sales and PR.

Trish joins from Taylor Wimpey where she served as International Sales and Marketing Director for four years, where she oversaw and implemented the branding for the housebuilder’s new Taylor Wimpey Central London division.

Commenting on Trish’s appointment, Paul Eden, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Trish will be a very valuable addition to the Regal Homes management team.

“Her impressive portfolio of experience will help to drive the Regal Homes brand identity to greater heights and help the company to consolidate its position as an industry leader in delivering high quality London homes.”

Trish Henderson added: “Regal Homes is a natural fit for me and I am looking forward to joining at this pivotal point in its growth.

“I have been impressed by the company’s achievements up to this point and I hope that I will be able to add an extra dimension to an already very talented team of individuals and help the company continue this steady growth.”

Christian Brodie, South East Local Enterprise Partnership

Current Chair of the Student Loans Company, Christian Brodie, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP).

Working with SELEP’s three vice-chairs, Graham Peters, (East Sussex), George Kieffer (Essex) and Geoff Miles (Kent), Christian will look to promote investment and growth in the SELEP area.

Following his appointment, Christian, who is also Chair of the Council of the University of Sussex, said: “The area is already a major contributor to growth and prosperity, I look forward to working with key LEP partners in the coming weeks to understand in more detail the many projects and opportunities that this area offers and how we, as the LEP, can support to see them reach their potential.”

George Kieffer, former Interim Chair of SELEP, and Vice-Chair for Essex, added: “We are delighted that Christian has accepted the position. He has the skills, talents and commitment to take SE LEP, the largest LEP outside London, to the next level to deliver economic growth and prosperity for the South East powerhouse.

“His experience of working with Government will be of immense value when making a strong evidence-based case for investment and help us persuade Ministers and Whitehall to back the businesses and communities across our area in order to secure sustainable growth.”

Louise Stewart, Federation of Small Businesses

Former BBC political journalist Louise Stewart has been appointed as the new Head of Media and Communications at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

Louise will be drawing on her experience as Political Editor of BBC South East to ensure that the views of FSB members and the UK small business community are heard in broadcast, press and online.

Her appointment comes as FSB unveils its new branding and expanded membership offer, along with a new senior leadership team consisting of new Head of External Affairs UK Craig Beaumont, and Chief Operating Officer Julie Lilley.

Mike Cherry, FSB Policy Director, said: “We are tremendously fortunate to welcome Louise to FSB at this critical time for our members. We need to make sure the small business voice is heard. To achieve this, we sought an impressive media operator to join the team - and I’m delighted we found Louise.”

Louise Stewart, commented: “I’m excited to join FSB at such a crucial time for small businesses. It’s a great opportunity to join a dynamic organisation and make sure members views are heard in broadcast, press and online on the EU referendum, living wage and pensions.

“FSB is at the forefront of representing small businesses and I look forward to helping to get its message to where it needs to be.”

Phil Hollingdale, Neyber

London-based tech firm and provider of employee financial benefits Neyber has appointed Phil Hollingdale to its Advisory Board

Phil is founder and Chief Executive Officer of employee benefits software firm Staffcare, and will bring his experience of employee benefits and e-commerce to Neyber as it plots its future growth.

Phil Hollingdale said: “Financial wellbeing is high on the agenda of most employers and Neyber’s affordable loans, deducted direct from employees salary is a compelling proposition.

“The combination of an attractive loan product and the use of cutting edge technology has great appeal and I’m pleased to be working with Neyber at this exciting stage of their journey.”

Commenting on the appointment Neyber co-founder and chief strategy officer, Monica Kalia, said: “I’m delighted that Phil has decided to join Neyber’s Advisory Board. With over 30 years of experience running technology businesses, including 25 in financial services, Phil is ideally placed to advise Neyber as it rapidly expands in 2016.

“Having grown Staffcare to a business that serves over three million employees Phil can deliver the strategic insights that will boost Neyber’s presence across the UK employment market.”

Jabra Ghandour, Bank of London and the Middle East

London-based Sharia’a compliant finance provider Bank of London and the Middle East (BLME) has announced that Jabra Ghandour is to become their new Chief Executive Officer.

Jabra, who joined BLME in late 2015, has over 30 years’ experience in private, corporate and retail banking, having managed major institutions across the Gulf, including his recent role as Managing Director at the International Bank of Qatar.

Taking over from interim CEO Michael Williams, who has held the position since May 2015, Jabra will be responsible for driving BLME’s growing Wealth Management arm alongside its revitalised Corporate Banking offering.

Adel Al Majed, Chairman of BLME, said: “Jabra Ghandour brings a wealth of experience building market-leading banks. Combined with the role he has played in developing ournew strategic approach, he is ideally positioned to leverage BLME’s UK expertise and existing business to create new product and investment opportunities for our Gulf investors.”

Speaking following his appointment, Jabra added: “I’m thrilled to be taking this role at such an important time for BLME. 2015 was a year of positive change for the bank, as it more closely aligned its objectives to ensure that it is best placed to facilitate business and investment activity between the UK and the Gulf.

“We will be growing our wealth management products and services substantially in order to serve better our clients in the Gulf alongside our established and expert Corporate Banking offering to the UK mid-market.”

Jim Beattie, Time Out Group

Jim Beattie has joined Time Out Group as the global brand’s first Senior Vice President of Engineering.

He joins from online food ordering company JUST EAT where he has held a number of technology leadership roles in the last five and half years.

Drawing on his engineering and technology background at the likes of Ultimedia, Leaseplan and Portfolio Europe, Jim assist in charting the London-based group’s international expansion plans.

Noel Penzer, Chief Executive Officer, commented: “Jim joins Time Out at a strategically important time in our continual development as a digital and transactional business.

“Our users are not only highly engaged with our compelling content, they want to purchase and book events, venues, restaurants and experiences. We are the authority of the city and we want to inspire our audience to make Time Out part of their social journey.

“Time Out is a global operation which requires forward thinking technical expertise to reach our ambitions. Jim’s prior international experience in this field will be fundamental and will propel the business into the future.”

On his appointment, Jim Beattie added: “Time Out is an ever evolving global digital brand and I’m excited at the prospect of being part of the next chapter of its development.

“With years specialising in technology roles, I plan to advance the brand for a digital and social environment, harnessing the business’ strategy of discovery and enablement.”

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