Coventry & Warwickshire in business
Movers & Shakers
Finance expert swaps motorsport industry for life in the property fast-lane Ben loved his time with the business but is now looking forward to getting his teeth into another challenge, as Holt Commercial continues to grow. The company – which offers agency, property management, investment and valuation services to clients – has added three more property professionals to the team over the past year and is looking to recruit further. Ben said: “I am really pleased to join Holt Commercial. I really enjoyed my time at Tolman and then took a short period out to take care of my three children. “I was looking for a new opportunity and a new challenge and I was introduced to Holt Commercial by a contact, and it was a perfect fit.
A finance expert has swapped the motorsport industry for life in the property fast-lane. Ben Spencer has joined commercial property specialist Holt Commercial, which has offices in Coventry and Birmingham and works across the Midlands region, as the company’s new finance controller. Ben, who worked and trained in accountancy straight from when he left school in 1993, had spent a short
period out of industry to take care of his three children. That was after five years working for Rugby-based Tolman Motorsport, which is a pioneering engineering company that restores, rebuilds and recreates classic vehicles. It hit the headlines in 2022 when its Tolman Edition Peugeot 205 GTI was driven by Freddie Flintoff on Top Gear and he later named it his car of the year.
“The company has grown in the past 12 months, and it is a great to be joining at an exciting moment in the business’s history.” Nick Holt, director of Holt Commercial, said: “We can’t offer the fast cars that Ben would have seen in his previous job, but things are definitely moving at pace here at Holt Commercial. “The team is growing; our services are more and more in demand and there are further opportunities to develop the business moving forward. “It’s great to have Ben on board.”
Julie White is the new Chair of Build UK One of UK construction’s leading female voices has become the chair of a major organisation which represents and supports the industry. Julie White, Managing Director of D-Drill & Sawing – which is based just outside Coventry and has offices across the country, specialising in diamond drilling and concrete sawing services – is the new Chair of Build UK, succeeding Paul Cossell from ISG Ltd. Over the past decade-and-a-half, Julie has become one of the most recognised faces and voices in the sector, speaking up on issues such as skills, apprenticeships and the profile of the industry. She is already Chair of the Drilling and Sawing Association and has been a regular in Downing Street, representing construction on the former Prime Minister’s Business Council. Julie took over D-Drill & Sawing in 2008 when she completed a management buyout of the family firm and has grown the business over the last 15 years. She was an inaugural board member of Build UK when it was established in 2015
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
to help bring specialist sub-contractors and main contractors together within the industry.
Vantage 365, a prominent Microsoft consultancy and Microsoft Partner headquartered in the West Midlands, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Rachel Wood as the company’s new Project Manager. Rachel Wood brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Vantage 365 team. With a track record of successfully leading and managing complex IT projects, Rachel’s appointment is set to enhance the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional solutions and services to its clients. Her extensive knowledge of Microsoft technologies, coupled with her exceptional leadership skills, makes her a valuable addition to the Vantage 365 family. “We are excited to welcome Rachel Wood to our team as the Project Manager. Her experience and passion for driving successful projects align perfectly with our mission to provide the highest quality Microsoft solutions and services to our clients,” said Leighton Gill, Operations Manager at Vantage 365.
Now, the organisation consists of businesses across the whole construction supply chain – including clients, main contractors, specialist contractors, other trade associations and professional services – helping the sector to speak with one voice. Julie, who was appointed at the organisation’s AGM and will serve as Chair for two years, said: “I’ve grown up in the industry and continue to live and breathe it every single day.
Vantage 365 welcomes Rachel Wood as new Project Manager
“That is why I’m absolutely delighted to be appointed as Chair of Build UK for the next two years. Having been on the board since its inception in 2015, I truly believe in the value of having the whole supply chain around the table to develop solutions and provide a strong collective voice for the sector.
Build UK Chief Executive Suzannah Nichol MBE said: “I would like to thank Paul Cossell for his leadership and support as Chair during a challenging two years for our industry. We will continue our drive to transform the sector, working collaboratively to improve business performance, increase productivity, and recruit, train and retain talent.
“I want to ensure that we ‘talk-up’ construction. It is a massive driver of economic growth and brings huge social value to the UK and it’s important that the industry is valued from that point of view.”
“I’m delighted to welcome Julie White as our new Chair and look forward to working with her to capitalise on the depth and breadth of our membership and provide a strong collective voice for construction.”
As a Microsoft Partner, Vantage 365 is dedicated to helping businesses leverage Microsoft technologies to optimise, enhance and automate their operations and achieve their goals. With Rachel Wood on board, the company aims to further enhance its project management capabilities and bring even more innovative solutions to its clients. Rachel’s appointment reflects Vantage 365’s ongoing commitment to excellence and the continuous expansion of its talented team. Her expertise will play a pivotal role in ensuring the successful delivery of projects, strengthening client relationships, and contributing to the company’s commitment to excellence.
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