People: Richborough Commercial; McCann Birmingham; Sanderson Weatherall

Matt Dugdale

Town planner Matt Dugdale BA (Hons) MCD MRTPI FRGS has been promoted to planning director at specialist commercial land promotion company Richborough Commercial.

The senior position sees Dugdale solely focused on Richborough Commercial’s planning strategies, applications and appeals while supporting the firm’s rapid growth in the industrial and logistics sector.

He also has key roles on various industry committees and bodies. Having just completed his tenure as 2024 Chair of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) North West, he has been elected to the RTPI General Assembly for 2025/26.

He also represents Richborough Commercial on the British Property Federation’s (BPF) Industrial Committee.

Richborough Commercial Group Director Nick Jones said: “I’m thrilled Matt will be a dedicated member of Richborough Commercial at a fascinating time for us. Matt has been integral in developing our strategy and will now lead on all our planning matters. He brings excellent pedigree, not only as an expert in complex planning situations but also as an industry champion.”

Dugdale said: “Richborough Commercial has transformed the commercial land industry by introducing a better, fairer approach to unlocking land for development that will deliver much-needed jobs and investment as well as the best possible returns for landowners and local communities.

“I’m delighted to have been promoted to Planning Director and I’m looking forward to working with Nick and the team to grow the company further while securing planning permission for exciting commercial schemes.”

 

McCann Birmingham has appointed Sam Gavin as managing partner, where he will play a key role in driving growth and elevating creative output in the Agency’s PR practice.

Gavin brings with him eleven years of industry experience, having worked across a wide range of sectors in both B2B and B2C, with a strong focus on technology.

His career has spanned agencies including Hotwire, Grayling and Little Red Rooster, where he has collaborated with high-profile clients such as eharmony, Marks & Spencer, HSBC, Visa and Huawei Global.

Sam Gavin

Gavin said: “I was struck by the huge potential at McCann, where there is a depth of PR talent and a wide range of capabilities all under one roof. And being backed by one of the world’s best creative and effective agencies makes it a powerful and exciting proposition.

“The way we engage audiences and consult our clients continues to evolve to keep pace with a dynamic information landscape. McCann is uniquely placed to lead in a move beyond the traditional. With a truly full-service offering, I’m looking forward to tapping into a broad range of expertise to meet audiences where they are; developing rich, integrated campaigns that take a creative approach to not just delivering earned media but helping our clients earn their place in culture.”

Sophie Hewitt, PR managing director at McCann Birmingham said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Sam to the team. His experience, particularly in technology-focused consultancy, brings a fresh perspective that will be invaluable as we continue to navigate an ever-changing media landscape. Additionally, his strategic insight, combined with his track record of delivering exceptional results for high-profile clients, will help to strengthen our team and enhance our ability to help our clients earn a meaningful role.

“We’re excited to see the impact he will make as we strive to elevate our creative offering and strengthen our position as a leading PR practice in our own right servicing both standalone clients as well as Agency integrated clients.”

 

Property Consultancy Sanderson Weatherall has appointed Phil Austin-Hall as partner and head of building consultancy in Birmingham.

Austin-Hall brings over 30 years of experience as a chartered building surveyor to Sanderson Weatherall, having previously held senior roles at firms such as Savills and Colliers.

He returns to private practice following a successful period working client-side to remediate a large residential development.

Phil Austin-Hall

He said: “I am delighted to be joining Sanderson Weatherall. I will be leading the development and growth of Sanderson Weatherall’s Building Consultancy services in the Midlands region and providing strategic building consultancy advice to clients across a range of sectors.

“I’m also looking forward to collaborating with my new colleagues across the firm and contributing to the overall success of the firm’s national Building Consultancy team.”

Andrew Mazin, National head of building consultancy at Sanderson Weatherall said: “This appointment is one of three recent senior additions to the Building Consultancy team at Sanderson Weatherall, which is expanding both the range and ability of the team to deliver both building surveying and architectural services and we welcome enquiries from both new and existing clients.”

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