People: Building and maintenance firm appoints operations director; Building society foundation welcomes two new board advisors; and more

United Living, the national building and maintenance contractor, has appointed former Wates Business Director Michael Holling into a new role as Operations Director; covering both the North and Midlands regions.

Holling brings with him 30 years of construction and maintenance knowledge, having previously worked at Wates since 1995.

Throughout his career he has delivered a range of complex housing projects for local authorities and housing associations, including joint ventures and private development schemes.

Holling will be based in United Living’s Sheffield office, providing leadership across all operational areas as part of the United Living North Leadership Team.    

The business is currently strengthening its presence in the North and Midlands, having promoted employee Shaun Pickin to the role of Operations Manager for the Midlands, and last year appointing former Kier and Keepmoat Director Helen Francis as Business Development Director for the North.

Holling said: “This is an exciting time for United Living’s growth strategy across these regions and I look forward to leading on the next stage of development. United Living Group has a great reputation across the housing sector and it’s a pleasure to bring my experience to the business.  I’m looking forward to working with the team.”

Jo Jamieson, Managing Director for United Living, added: “Michael has built an enviable reputation for delivering large scale construction and residential projects with a keen emphasis on operational excellence and truly understanding customer’s aspirations. I look forward to working with him to drive forward our growth plans across the North and Midlands, and to maximise the opportunities in our pipeline.”

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Leeds Building Society Foundation has recruited two new trustees and created two new board advisor positions.

Tim Steere and Deb Walker, who are both Leeds Building Society colleagues, join four external trustees on the Board. They will be responsible for reviewing charity applications received by the Foundation and supporting the Foundation’s long-term strategy.

Steere and Walker bring with them third sector experience, with Steere currently holding a trustee position with a mid-sized charity and Walker spending six years in a procurement role for the Canadian Cancer Society.

Daniel Thirlaway and Will Smithson have been appointed to newly-created roles as advisors to the board of trustees.

Gary Hetherington, Chairman of the trustees, said: “Both Tim and Deb have prior experience of the charity sector. Their skills will help the Foundation continue its work supporting charities that are improving the lives of people who are disadvantaged, facing difficulty or in vulnerable circumstances.

“We have also appointed Daniel and Will as advisors to the board. We felt the Foundation should reflect the society it supports and the passion and hands-on local charity experience Daniel and Will have will contribute to the decision-making process.”

Leeds Building Society Foundation, which is independently run, is funded by Leeds Building Society and its members*, and since 1999 has donated more than £1.9m to over 2,600 local projects and good causes.

In 2018, the Foundation donated more than £134,000 to 147 charities around the UK to help people in need.

Luke Wellock, Leeds Building Society’s Corporate Responsibility Manager and Foundation Secretary, said: “I’m delighted Tim and Deb are joining us as new trustees of the Foundation. Their personal knowledge of the charity sector will further enhance the knowledge and expertise of the Board.

“It’s also great to be welcoming Daniel and Will to the newly-created advisor positions. We’re confident their enthusiasm and first-hand experiences of working with charities will mean they make a valuable contribution to the Foundation’s work.”

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Integrated agency ilk has announced the appointment of new Head of Production, Lucy Forrester.

Forrester joins the ilk team with a wealth of production experience behind her. For the last three years, Forrester has worked freelance as Proud Fox Creative, specialising in film, photography and multimedia management, with clients ranging from the Guardian to Doc Martens.

She said: “Having worked solo for some time now, I’m so pleased to become part of a team in such a fantastic integrated agency.

“I can’t wait to get stuck in and get working across the agency’s diverse client roster!”

Nev Ridley, ilk Managing Director, added: “We are so delighted to have Lucy join our collective. With a broad video, photography and project management background, I have no doubt that Lucy will make a great addition to the team!”