Property People: Developer recruits planning director; Trio of hires for Barton Willmore; and more

Stoford Developments has appointed a planning director as it looks to strengthen its senior management team.

Jo Russell joins the Birmingham-based property developer from planning and development consultancy Turley, where she was director, working with key clients to deliver sites from early promotion to planning permission.

In her new board-level role she will provide in-house planning advice and will manage strategic projects for the business, from land promotion through to securing planning permission, as well as advising on new opportunities.  The business currently has more than 1,000 acres of strategic land under control in the UK and it is looking to significantly expand this over the next two to three years.

She said: “I have been fortunate to be involved in a number of projects with Stoford, including project successes at Worcester Six and Enfield, over the past few years and therefore know the team really well. Stoford has an excellent regional and national reputation as a developer and has won a number of awards in the sector, so I am delighted to have the opportunity to join the business and look forward to identifying new locations and directions for growth.”

Director Gerard Ludlow said: “Stoford continues to go from strength to strength and as we grow the business, we rely on having the very best team in place. We’re very pleased to welcome Jo to the team after working with her on a number of projects over the past few years.”
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Barton Willmore has boosted its design offering with the appointment of three staff to bring the total number of people working in the design and planning consultancy’s Birmingham office to 24.

Natalie Oates, who is a qualified urban designer and town planner, joins Barton Willmore as a senior urban designer having delivered several transformational projects such as the regeneration of Northampton Waterside. She also played a key design role in the overarching concept design, masterplanning and regeneration of the London Wembley Stadium area.

Transport and masterplanning specialist Aliis Kodis has been appointed as a senior urban designer. She has previously supported projects managed by Transport for West Midlands, Midlands Metro and various local authorities, from SYSTRA.

Asli Sever joins as a CAD technician having achieved an MA in Urban Design from the University of Lincoln and worked in a number of international planning and design consultancies.

Kathryn Ventham, partner at Barton Willmore in Birmingham, said: “Having had a presence in the region for the last 15 years, we have a strong track record of delivering landmark projects across the Midlands. I am delighted that our team of dedicated designers will allow us to continue in this vein alongside our planning services.”

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Ben Embrey, who has taken on the newly created role of practice associate at Base Architecture & Design

An architectural practice has undergone a restructure to support its long-term strategy for growth.

Base Architecture & Design, which has offices in Shrewsbury and Chester, has promoted Shrewsbury-based associate Ben Embrey to the new position of practice associate with a brief to oversee projects being carried out at each office.

Chelsea Wilkes has been hired as Base’s practice co-ordinator and will be responsible for administrative support for both teams, reporting to senior associate Bryn Jones, and will be based in Shrewsbury.

Adam Turnell has moved from architect to junior associate and will manage a team of four within the Shrewsbury office while Dan James has joined the Chester team as a technologist.

Director Harry Reece said: “With the opening of the Chester office last year and a growing profile in Shropshire, the Midlands and beyond, we are experiencing an unprecedented demand for our services in the householder, residential and commercial sectors.

“Under the new structure Ben will lead the associate board to ensure our projects develop efficiently and are still achieving the high level of design and detail that we have based our reputation on. He will also support the directors on a day-to-day basis on lead design and practice management.

“As practice co-ordinator Chelsea will have an overarching brief across all sectors of the business and give the additional support we need to ensure we operate effectively as we grow.”

The firm was founded by director Carl Huntley in 2003 and now employs 16 people across both offices.

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adi Building & Refurbishment has hired Adrian Adams as construction director.

A key arm of Birmingham-based firm, adi Group, adi Building & Refurbishment has enjoyed significant growth over recent years, providing construction, refurbishment and fit-out projects for leading companies and brands across the UK.

Adams has 30 years’ experience and brings with him a wealth of expertise in delivering national frameworks and special projects. His remit at adi is to head up the major projects division, focusing on projects over £500,000 in value.

David Beebee, managing director of adi Building & Refurbishment, said: “I want to continue to use relationships to generate opportunities, win them and then deliver projects profitably and to a very high standard. Working with our talented existing team, Adrian will ensure our growth is sustainable for the long-term and that our levels of client satisfaction remain extremely high.

“There are exciting times ahead at adi Building & Refurbishment and I am proud of what we have achieved so far on our growth journey. We have recruited some of the best people in the local construction industry and that has helped us get where we are today. Adrian’s appointment continues that pattern and will only accelerate our move to the next level.”

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Great Western Arcade, the Grade II listed retail venue on Colmore Row in Birmingham city centre, has appointed Shaun Mountain as centre manager.

With more than 16 years of retail experience, he joins the historic arcade after leaving his previous role as sales and operations area manager for The Perfume Shop, where he managed one of the largest flagship stores in Bullring Birmingham.

Mountain said: “I am delighted to join the team at Great Western Arcade and continue the great work that has already been done to ensure the hidden gems within the arcade are uncovered. We have a number of independent retailers who all bring something a little bit different to our city, and I’m looking forward to raising their profile alongside the Arcade to ensure our customers have an enjoyable experience.”

Beverly Parker, senior associate of Global Mutual, retail asset manager of Great Western Arcade, adds: “We are really pleased to welcome Shaun to the team – he brings with him a wealth of experience which will help grow the arcade and give our independent retailers the opportunity to evolve.”