Property Appointments: Crown Group; LCP; GVA

Construction and landscaping provider, Crown Group, is increasing its investment in apprenticeships as part of its strategic expansion.

The Shropshire company said the investment would see an additional 12 apprentices join its workforce over the next three years.

The group said it was experiencing significant growth in its facilities management and environmental management divisions as well as its core business and the investment in the new trainees was an attempt to future-proof the business.

The group, which has doubled in size in the past year and employs more than 60 people, counts firms such as Bowmer & Kirkland and Galliford Try as its regular clients. The firm also works with a number of local authorities.

It is currently working on a high profile landscaping project at the 150-acre Warner Bros studios in Hertfordshire.

Managing director Gareth Emberton said: “We know the success of our business is down to our people and, given the growth we are enjoying, we need to future proof the business and create a workforce that is ready to meet the demands of a growing organisation.”

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Jo Kinsella, centre manager, The Arcadian

Property group LCP has appointed a new centre manager to its leisure facility in Birmingham’s Southside, The Arcadian.

Jo Kinsella will take charge of the day-to-day running of the entertainment and dining venue.

She has not had to move far for her new appointment, having served as facilities manager at South and City College for the past 11 years.

With an early career as a licensee and then as a contract catering manager, her new role will enable her to draw on her wide range of management experience.

The Arcadian includes 10 restaurants, seven bars, two coffee shops, two hotels, the Glee comedy club and 15 retail outlets.

She said: “I’m very excited to be the new centre manager. Improvement work is already underway to the centre and the car park, which will update and refresh The Arcadian’s brand, and this will complement the exciting plans to transform Southside.”

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Cannock Shopping Centre’s new centre manager, Susan McCarthy (left), alongside new centre administrator, Terri Wall

Cannock Shopping Centre, one of GVA’s retail sites, has made two new appointments to its management team.

Susan McCarthy has been appointed centre manager after moving from the Roebuck Shopping Centre in Newcastle under Lyme.

With a background in tourism and town centre management, she has also spent time as a nurse in South Africa.

“Being manager of a shopping centre means coming up with ideas all the time; you need to have a creative flair, as well as a vision of how you fit in with the rest of the town. This is absolutely my focus for the coming months,” she said.

Also joining the management team is Terri Wall, the new centre administrator. Originally from Birmingham, her previous roles include community liaison for a charity in Walsall, business support manager for a local authority, and marketing for Birmingham Airport.

Cannock Shopping Centre comprises more than 30 stores, with retail tenants including Argos, Bright House, Costa, New Look and Specsavers. It is also home to some of the town’s most celebrated independents, including Crazy Daisy, Fashion Factory, and Trendy Tanya.