People: AHR; AI Simulator
Architecture and building consultancy practice AHR has promoted three senior team members to director roles as it looks to strengthen its presence in the Midlands.
Gareth Banks, Clive Breese and Simon Lamprell have all stepped into their new positions, bringing a wide range of experience across sectors including healthcare, education, residential and workplace design.
Managing director Anthony Langan said: “Gareth, Clive and Simon have been instrumental in delivering outstanding projects at AHR, demonstrating expertise across a full spectrum of sectors. I’m thrilled to see them take the next step in their careers and look forward to working with them as we continue to shape the future of our practice and drive sustainable growth across the region.”
Banks leads the healthcare sector at AHR and has worked on projects across health, education, universities and life sciences.
Breese brings experience in civic and residential schemes, while Lamprell focuses on design-led projects in offices, schools and housing.
All three will now help lead AHR’s operations and project delivery across the region.
Jof Walters, founder of Greater Things and FinTech co-lead for SuperTech West Midlands, has joined the advisory board of AI Simulator – the world’s first platform that simulates the private investment market for investors and founders.
He joins alongside Margaret Bacheler, Educational Initiatives Director at ACA (the largest angel investor association in the U.S.), forming an international team to guide the platform’s next phase of growth.
AI Simulator, which launched in 2024, is designed to make early-stage investment more accessible and less risky.
It allows users to simulate real investment scenarios, helping founders refine their pitches and giving investors insights into market dynamics.
The platform has already partnered with organisations like Creative UK, Evelyn Partners, the Founder Institute, SuperTech, and ACA.
Walters said: “AI Simulator is tackling one of the biggest challenges in early-stage investing—how to make the process more accessible and risk-free for both founders and investors. Too often, incredibly talented entrepreneurs, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, struggle to secure investment because they lack access to networks, resources, or the opportunity to refine their pitch in a real-world setting.
AI Simulator is changing that by creating an environment where founders can test and refine their approach, while investors gain valuable insights into market dynamics. I’m thrilled to join the advisory board to support this mission and help more founders turn their ideas into investable ventures.”
Ali Kazmi, co-founder of AI Simulator said: “From day one, AI Simulator has been about breaking down barriers in the investment landscape. We know that talent is everywhere, but opportunities are not. Many underrepresented founders face systemic challenges in accessing capital, and our goal is to change that by providing a space where they can confidently develop investor-ready businesses.
As an alum of the SuperTech Pre-Seed Programme, I’ve had the privilege of working with Jof before and seeing firsthand his dedication to supporting startups. His deep experience in banking innovation and startup acceleration will be instrumental in helping us expand our reach and impact. We’re incredibly excited to have him on board as we continue working towards a more inclusive and effective investment ecosystem.”
