The scorching hot summer might now be behind us – but the season of record temperatures didn’t stop the East of England construction world from enjoying a bit of moving and shaking.
In the latest instalment of our Movers and Shakers series, we look back at Q3 of 2026 and all the big personnel news from the East of England construction sector.
Ben completes journey from trainee to director
A quantity surveyor who joined a Suffolk firm as a trainee has risen his way up the ranks to director level following his September promotion.
Ben Olive first joined Toppesfield as a Trainee Quantity Surveyor in 2015 as an 18-year-old and has played an integral role in the firm’s growth.
He has now been promoted to Contracts Director as he continues his studies for a Master of Business Administration.
Bill Pryor, Managing Director, said: “Ben’s journey from a Trainee Quantity Surveyor to Contracts Director is a fantastic achievement and one that reflects his hard work, dedication and ambition over the past decade.
“He has developed into a highly respected leader who understands our business, our customers and our people, making a significant contribution to our success.
“We are delighted to welcome Ben to the board, and I have no doubt he will continue to make a positive impact in his new role.”
Aaron looks to power industries with new firm
An experienced high voltage engineer has set up his own business as he looks to help power businesses across the East of England.
Aaron Sallows has launched Powerbridge Technical Services, helping businesses with their high voltage networks up to voltages of 132kv.
Aaron said he wants the business to reshape contractor-client relationships and provide helpful, ongoing support to companies across the region.
He said: “We can look at their needs holistically, advise on upgrading older substations for energy efficiency, or look into renewable generation. It’s about building long-lasting relationships.
“I’d like to make my company the go-to high-voltage, low-voltage electrical power engineering company in the East of England, particularly in Suffolk.
“I want to grow the business so people know Powerbridge as high-voltage experts, and eventually bring in local apprentices from Suffolk to train and develop them through the industry, like I did.”
Joy for Roy after director promotion
A carpenter turned site manager has been promoted to Associate Director at a family-run Suffolk firm.
Roy Hands joined the team at Fox Construction as Senior Contracts Manager in 2023 and has impressed on numerous projects, including the Fairfield Road site for Orwell Housing in Saxmundham.
He will now take on a more strategic role in the business, helping shape its future direction while working on new projects like an upcoming Flagship Homes development in Bradwell.
Paul Fox, Director of Fox Construction, said: “We are proud to promote Roy to his new position. His work ethic is fantastic.
“Over the past three years he’s helped us grow the business and move us forward, something which he will continue on in his new role.”
Jasmine earns national promotion
A recruitment specialist helping a plant fire firm find new operators to work on Sizewell C has earned a promotion to National Recruitment Manager.
Jasmine Simpson joined the team at L Lynch Plant Hire and Haulage in 2018 and has played an integral role in servicing the firm’s work at Sizewell C and other projects across the East of England.
Ruairi Coffey, Head of Skills and Sustainability at Lynch, said: “Over the last 18 months Jasmine has been our Lead Recruiter for the Sizewell C and Suffolk region and she has enabled us to have a peak of 116 operators working on Sizewell C while also servicing other regional projects.
“Coming into winter she’s now engaging with our site operators via her wider team, ensuring all our key operators are getting an opportunity to be unskilled in our regional training centres.
“Spend five minutes with Jas and you will see her friendly and approachable nature. She’s cool, calm and collected even during peak season which resonates across her team.”
Former national director sets up new Essex firm
A former director of a national housebuilding firm has set up a new procurement buying group based in Essex, providing national housebuilder support to SMEs and regional housebuilders through pooled volume.
David Newell officially joined Amplified Commercial Services as a founding director in July after leaving his role as Group Commercial Director at untypical.
Fellow Director Chris Whitelock joined him in September, bolstering the business’ board.
Together they said: “ACS successfully delivers collaboration across an industry that doesn’t do well at talking to each other.
“There are some parts of the PLC world that would have no place in SME/regional businesses, but we felt that a group procurement function would be one that works perfectly.
“Our expertise has been derived from coordinating and implementing supply chain agreements across large national housebuilders with multiple regions.
“ACS is now doing exactly that, except it’s for individual companies who by and large are buying the same material and components as each other, just from different places.”
Firm welcomes 100th management trainee
A regional contractor has reached a major milestone after welcoming its 100th management trainee.
The arrivals of new starters Jake Parker and Connor Stewart saw Barnes Construction cross the 100 mark as it celebrates the 47th anniversary of the scheme.
Both were joined by the firm’s first three management trainees, Chris Bruce, Stephen Rose and Mark Bailey, for a photo opportunity to mark the special day.
Simon Severwright, Divisional Surveying Director at Barnes Construction and himself a former management trainee, said: “Reaching our 100th management trainee is a proud moment for everyone at Barnes Construction.
“What makes the milestone even more special is being able to bring together some of the people who started the journey with us nearly five decades ago and those who are just beginning their careers today.
“We are delighted to welcome Jake and Connor to the team and look forward to supporting them as they develop their skills, gain experience across the business and build rewarding careers in the construction industry.”
Four new arrivals bolster Castons’ team
An Ipswich chartered surveying firm has welcomed four new members to its team as it looks to ramp up the support it provides to large-scale projects across the UK.
Castons has welcomed two new apprentice quantity surveyors in Theo Roblin and Oscar Taylor, while Katrina Harris and Emma Downey have joined as Senior Quantity Surveyor and Senior Project Manager respectively.
Matthew Norman, Director of Castons, said: “We are delighted to welcome Katrina, Emma, Theo and Oscar to the Castons team.
“In Katrina and Emma we have brought proven talent to the team who can help us continue to provide the highest standards of service.
“With Theo and Oscar we are continuing our traditions of nurturing up-and-coming talent and bringing through the next generation of expert surveyors.
“I wish all four the very best.”
Ambitious housebuilder appoints new Head of Sales
A Suffolk housebuilder has appointed a new Head of Sales as it targets further growth.
Experienced estate agent Emma Green has joined Hartog Hutton and will oversee the sales on all projects while providing vital insight into the unique market landscape of each development.
Emma said she will be focused on “making the customer experience as straightforward and enjoyable as possible”.
George Wells, Director of Hartog Hutton, added: “We are a small, family business and aim to stand out in terms of quality in everything we do.
“Having Emma in the role of Head of Sales will provide a highly personal, yet professional service to our customers and a consistent point of contact throughout the buying process.”
Steve hangs up his hard hat
An experienced Contracts Manager has hung up his hard hat and hi-vis for the final time as he looks to enjoy his well-earned retirement.
Steve Ward has spent more than 50 years working in the industry, including 23 at Essex-based Rose Builders.
Sam Brown, Managing Director of Rose Builders, said: “Steve has been a valued member of our team, and his knowledge, commitment and good humour have made a lasting difference to the people and projects he has worked with.
“We’re grateful for everything he has given to Rose over the years and will miss having him around.
“On behalf of everyone at Rose, I’d like to wish Steve a very happy retirement. We hope this next chapter brings plenty of time to relax and enjoy everything he’s earned.”
Movers and Shakers is a feature series brought to you by Construction Anglia every quarter. If you have a story you would like to share for our next instalment, send in your submissions to news@constructionanglia.com.
