People: Vantage Building Consultancy; Ball & Berry; Castles & Coasts HA; Orchard Care Homes; Luma Marketing

Vantage Building Consultancy’s five-year growth plan continues at pace with the appointment Steffen Backer-Rowley to its Manchester team.

Backer-Rowley has joined as a senior surveyor and project manager.

He joins from Paragon BC, having previously worked as a project manager for Bond Davidson and Links.

Paul Wood, director and founder of Vantage Building Consultancy, said: “We have been searching for the right people to join our experienced team – Steffen fits the bill perfectly. With a wealth of experience he will be a credit to the team.

“Despite the backdrop of COVID-19, we have committed to invest heavily in the business and our people are a big part of that.

“Client satisfaction is key at Vantage and our plan has always been to match our needs with those of our clients.

“Along with new staff we are developing an improved IT system, new website, along with a clear sustainability commitment. 2021 will be a busy year for the business.”

With offices across the UK, Vantage specialises in office, retail and warehouse dilapidations, project management, measured surveys, CDM and TDD.

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Respected Approved Inspector, Ball & Berry, has expanded its Manchester office with the appointment of a new assistant building control surveyor.

Charlie Huteson will support the Ball & Berry team in the North West as it services growing demand across all sectors.

With a background in residential building control gained predominantly at East Lindsey District Council, Charlie brings with him a wealth of knowledge, enthusiasm, and ambition.

Despite the shrinking economy, the construction industry is bucking the trend with continued growth. Charlie’s appointment will see him assist the team as it handles new projects in the region, from projects in education, healthcare and industry, to domestic projects in which homeowners are extending and adapting their homes to suit their new circumstances.

Charlie Huteson

Charlie said: “I’m looking forward to working at pace and learning from the expertise within the company. The pandemic continues but there is real dedication here to delivering top quality projects, in the best possible way for both customers and Ball & Berry employees. I know that I’ll be able to put my skills to use and continue to develop my career here.

“With a background in residential development, this move will see me get involved in commercial and industrial projects, under the guidance of true experts. I’ve been interested in construction from an early age and have been encouraged and mentored by my dad and uncle – both professionals in the industry – to this position. Ultimately, I hope to rise through the ranks at Ball & Berry.”

Director, Paul McNeill, said: “Charlie is a talented individual with strong experience and an instinctive understanding of construction. His expertise and enthusiasm will be invaluable to us as we continue to grow the company.

“We are busier than this time last year, and we have recruited and even opened a new London base since the pandemic began. New projects land in double figures every day and we are looking ahead with positivity and proactivity.”

Currently in his third year of higher education, Charlie will continue towards the completion of his BA Hons Level 6 Building Control Degree, supported by Ball & Berry.

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Castles & Coasts Housing Association (CCHA) has strengthened its board with four new appointments.

The organisation, which owns and manages more than 7,000 homes across Cumbria and the North of England, has welcomed Helen Forsyth, Amber Hill, Erica Morriss and David Williams to its board.

The new additions will work alongside the current experienced board members to help drive an exciting new vision for the organisation, as it nears the end of its current corporate strategy.

Helen Forsyth has worked in the third, public and housing sector for more than 40 years. She recently retired as the chief executive of a rural housing association in Scotland, where she worked for 13 years. As well as her role with Castles & Coasts, she is chair of the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations and vice chair of the South of Scotland Enterprise Agency. She has worked in both rural and urban settings.

From left: Erica Morris, Amber Hill, David Williams and Helen Forsyth

Amber Hill is a qualified chartered accountant, and currently provides audit and accounting services to the North East SME market, advising clients on utilising technology to achieve efficiencies and to help establish a strong control environment. Amber is also a trustee of Newcastle Carers and Groundwork North East.

Erica Morriss had a corporate banking career of more than 30 years which provided valuable experience across many areas such as commercial strategy, change management, enhancing customer service, and talent development. She also has a solid understanding of financial oversight and risk. She is an existing board member of Healthwatch Cheshire, Vivo Care Choices, a trustee of Citizens Advice Cheshire and partner governor of Mid Cheshire Foundation Trust.

David Williams takes up his role with Castles & Coasts having held a number of senior executive posts in the housing sector over the past 25 years. He is a highly experienced property professional and member of the RICS, who has delivered major development programmes and managed strategic asset management and property compliance portfolios. He also has extensive experience of mergers, acquisitions, regeneration and setting up maintenance teams.

Stephanie Murphy, CCHA chief executive, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Helen, Amber, Erica and David to Castles & Coasts’ non-executive team.

“Our search to bolster the skills on our board, following the retirement of some highly experienced members, was national in scope, and attracted a lot of interest from exceptional candidates. We’re thrilled to have appointed four fantastic new members who will each bring a wealth of knowledge, diversity of thought and a fresh perspective.”

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Thornton Hall & Lodge Care Home in Cosby, Liverpool, is under new management.

Part of Orchard Care Homes’ portfolio of specialist care homes, Anthony Byrne takes up the role of home manager at Thornton Hall, bringing with him 20 years of experience in the care sector.

Starting out at Bupa as activities co-ordinator, Anthony soon worked his way up to be general manager of a large 150 bed multi-site care home.

After many years working in the health and social care sector and gaining a wealth of knowledge, Anthony has built an excellent reputation working alongside local authorities and CQC partners.

Anthony Byrne

He said: “Being able to interact and deliver high levels of person-centred care, that truly makes a difference to the residents’ lives, is our main focus here at Thornton Hall & Lodge Care Home. Orchard’s ethos to take a community-based approach to the running of each care home was what initially attracted me to this position, and I look forward to upholding this.”

Tracy Johnson, operations director for Orchard’s North West region, said: “We’re delighted to have Anthony on board to support residents and guide the team at Thornton Hall & Lodge. With his wealth of experience and expertise, alongside his commitment to provide the best quality of care, both residents and staff will benefit immensely.”

Orchard Care Homes operates five specialist homes in the North West region including Green Park, Langfield, Penwortham Grange & Lodge, Thornton Hall & Lodge and Three Bridges.

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Manchester marketing agency Luma Marketing has expanded its team with the appointment of two new copywriters, Jen Potter and Luke Shelbourn.

Jen Potter

Luke and Jen join recent graduate Eleanor Dailey in bringing the team to seven marketing and communications professionals. Clients include property and professional services firms Placemarque, Medlock FRB, Women into Construction and Commtech Asia.

Jen has spent 10 years working as a Chartered Town Planner at WSP – formerly Indigo Planning. Having fine-tuned her writing abilities in producing impactful planning statements and reports, she is bringing her deep knowledge of the property and construction industry to a broader audience.

With more than eight years of communications experience, Luke has honed his skills at Barclays Bank, young people’s charity Reach Out and working freelance. He specialises in sharp copy that improves SEO and provokes a call to action.

Luke Shelbourn

Lucy Lomas, founding director, said: “Powerful writing is more important now than ever in looking after the public face of our clients, particularly online.

“We are just as careful in choosing our team members as we are in taking on great clients and doing good work. We couldn’t be more pleased with the combined approach of Jen and Luke. Their appointment is a significant moment for Luma as we grow and evolve.”