People: Warwick Science Park; Cogent; BECG Group

A science park has made four key appointments as it continues to thrive.

The University of Warwick Science Park (UWSP) has hired John Roberts as buildings and facilities manager, Andy Foster as facilities compliance officer, Christine Masih as tenant services administrator and Claire Calagan as receptionist.

Roberts, who has more than 30 years of building and facilities management experience across the private sector, will be responsible for overseeing the building and facility operations of UWSP’s 14 properties – including ongoing liaison with key partners and suppliers.

Foster has joined UWSP, which has locations on the main university campus as well as the Business Innovation Centre in Binley, Warwick Innovation Centre, Blythe Valley Innovation Centre and Wellesbourne Innovation Campus, with more than 23 years of experience working in UK shopping centres – 12 years of which were spent at Bullring & Grand Central in Birmingham.

Foster’s new role will see him based at UWSP’s Venture Centre on Sir William Lyons Road where he will be ensuring tenants are complying with building regulations, while overseeing building maintenance activity.

Masih will also be supporting tenants at The Venture Centre with a wide variety of daily operational tasks, whilst also providing cover on the main reception desk; while Calagan joins with a wealth of public sector experience after time spent working in social services, schools and as a care worker.

Mark Tock, COO at University of Warwick Science Park, said: “These roles are crucial to daily operations of the Science Park and delivery of the professional service our current and tenants rightly expect.

“We are home to incredible businesses who are doing amazing things on a daily basis so it’s vitally important that we have the right people in place to support them and their growth.
“John, Andy, Christine and Claire each brings significant commercial experience to the Science Park that will make them valued members of the team that will deliver our vision for the park.”

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Cogent, the integrated marketing group has announced of Ian Gathard as its new CEO.

Formerly Cogent’s managing director, Gathard has held a number of senior positions across the creative and production industry at leading agencies including Junction 11, OLIVER, Bloomberg LP and Tag.

He replaces Bruce Hutton, who has left Cogent after more than six years to embark on new ventures.

The business has also named Marcus Husselby as its non-executive chairman and Penny Buckley as deputy chair.

Husselby said: “Ian is an experienced, visionary leader who is the perfect choice to drive forward the overall strategic direction and development of the Group, in what is set to be an eventful year.”

Gathard said: “The last four years have been full of challenges that have not just impacted our industry, but the entire world. As we navigated these, I could not have wished for a better group of colleagues and clients by my side.

“From the heart of our group: Cogent Creative Agency, to our award-winning Creative studios: Junction Eleven, the passion, creativity and sense of community is palpable.  This year, we will see our community grow further, as we are joined by Made by Sonder, The Fold and SAE. It is a privilege to be asked to lead the group forward into such an exciting future.”

Cogent’s clients include Bacofoil, Virgin, Volvo, Stellantis, Wolseley, Aldo and Mitchells & Butlers.
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Built environment communications consultancy, BECG Group, which has offices based on Colmore Row in Birmingham, has appointed George Mayhew and Hannah David as senior strategic advisers to its advisory board.

The two industry experts, with backgrounds in utilities and property respectively, will provide additional heavyweight experience, expertise, and insight across planning, housing, infrastructure, energy and renewables. They join the eight-strong board of specialist senior counsel members who provide expertise to BECG Group’s clients and consultants across the built environment
sectors.

Mayhew is the former director of corporate affairs and sustainability at Thames Water. He has also held directorate roles at National Grid and BAE Systems where he was chief of staff.

David, director of thinktank Planning Futures, is a qualified planning/property solicitor with over 30 years experience in planning and politics. Prior to Planning Futures, she practised as a solicitor and partner in a London based property firm. She was also an elected member of Hertsmere Borough Council where she chaired various committees and was the Cabinet member for Housing and Planning. David has stood for Parliament, as the Conservative Candidate for Harrow West.

Stephen Pomeroy, founder and chair of the advisory board, said: “George and Hannah are invaluable additions that bolster the already strong offering provided by BECG Group’s Advisory Board which brings together some of the best advisors in the industry.

“The wealth of experience they hold across the group’s key areas of focus and growth is unrivalled and we are thrilled to have them on board advising our team of consultants and clients who will in no doubt benefit greatly from their counsel and guidance.”