People: Stone Junction; Arc Building Consultancy; Burns & McDonnell

Midlands-based agency Stone Junction has welcomed four new hires to its team of PR professionals.

The new team members bring diverse academic and professional backgrounds, improving Stone Junction’s ability to deliver tailored PR strategies across STEM sectors.

Isabelle Clowes has a BSc in Biomedical Science and an MRes in Cancer Studies and will strengthen the agency’s work in scientific research.

Having worked in the NHS, she will support campaigns for clients like emissions treatment specialist Krajete, Geobear and Lab Innovations.

Isobel Walford is a recent graduate in Biochemistry and Human Biology and will focus on the chemical engineering and scientific research sectors.

Her international experience studying at San Diego State University complements Stone Junction’s global reach.

Walford will support campaigns for Broughton, a research lab focused on innovation to improve quality of life.

Jessica Turner, a French-speaking arts graduate, boosts the agency’s international communications capabilities.

With a background in English and French literature and experience in editing and proofreading, Turner will assist with storytelling for Stone Junction’s European and global clients.

Isabelle Hickman is a strategic communications graduate with experience in the charitable sector and adds expertise in international geopolitics and PR.

Richard Stone, managing director of Stone Junction, said: “Our latest hires bring something special to Stone Junction. Their unique backgrounds and fresh perspectives are exactly what we need to continue pushing boundaries in the world of STEM communications.

“It’s not just about adding talent — it’s about adding people who can think differently, challenge the status quo and bring new energy to our growing team. This is how we continue to create standout campaigns that resonate with both our clients and global audiences.”

Midlands-based building surveyors Arc Building Consultancy has appointed Steve Burnell (MRICS) to lead its Birmingham office.

Steve Burnell

As a chartered project manager, Burnell joins Arc after a 27-year career working at chartered surveying firms throughout the UK.

He previously worked with Arc’s founder and managing director, Stephen Dobinson at both EC Harris and Watts, working on projects across the UK.

He joins Arc Building Consultancy to lead the Birmingham office, and in his role, he will develop and grow the business across the region across all service lines but has a specific focus on remedial, refurbishment and new build projects.

Stephen Dobinson, founder of Arc, said: “We have exciting plans to grow our business nationally as we continue to win more work with major clients across the hospitality and retail sectors.”

“Steve has a pedigree in working on multiple new build schemes such as retail refurbishment, academies, hotels and airport operators and more recently with Housing Associations and his appointment will allow us to expand our services across the UK as we take on more projects and clients.”

Global engineering and construction firm Burns and McDonnell has hired Ben Olney as a senior project manager within its Transmission and Distribution (T and D) Group in the U.K.

Olney has 30 years of industry experience in delivery across all aspects of procurement, construction, and project and contract management.

Ben Olney

This includes 18 years working for National Grid, delivering more than 30 projects, including the connection of the London Array — the world’s largest offshore wind farm at the time.

Olney was also an instrumental part of the team which developed and implemented National Grid’s Electricity Transmission Alliance model, with a long-term procurement and programme delivery approach designed to tackle the significant volume of work required at that time.

At Burns and McDonnell, Olney will be leading projects across the business’ T and D portfolio, including substation grid connections and extension projects.

Ben Olney, senior project manager for Burns and McDonnell, said: “I’m delighted to join the Burns and McDonnell team as a senior project manager. Joining an established company with a growing presence in the U.K., I look forward to the challenge and personal development which the new role will bring.

“It’s a great time to be involved in this industry as we strive to meet the Government’s green energy targets and undertake the biggest upgrade of the National Grid since it was formed.”