Regeneration specialist Compendium Living has appointed Lisa Johnson as its new project manager to support large-scale housing schemes across the UK, including major developments in Yorkshire and the East Midlands.

Johnson brings more than 25 years of housing industry experience to the role, having transitioned from repairs and housing management into development and long-term placemaking.

A joint venture between Lovell Partnerships and the Riverside Group, Compendium Living is currently delivering The Leeway in the Ings area of east Hull—a project bringing over 700 new homes to the Yorkshire region. The developer is also regenerating the Castleward area of Derby, providing a further 700 homes alongside nearly 35,000 square feet of retail space.

Speaking on her appointment, Johnson said: “I was attracted to the role as it brings together project delivery, partnership working and community engagement. Compendium Living’s focus on quality homes and the wider regeneration of local areas closely reflects my professional interests and experience. I’m really excited to have joined a company with a clear focus on regeneration, partnerships and long-term placemaking.”

Johnson’s arrival follows the recent appointment of Simon Medler as managing director, who joins the business after a 19-year tenure at Lovell.



The Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) North East has appointed Kevin Fenley, Commercial Director at Absolute Civil Engineering as its vice chair. Kevin will support Dan Hutton, group commercial director at MGL Group, who is chair. Having joined the board in 2018, Kevin will act as a representative voice for regional contractors.

CECA North East was established in 1996 and represents 80 regional and national civil engineering contractors. The organisation advocates for its members, supports skills development and works to ensure the sector remains a key driver of economic growth across the North East.

Stuart Miller, director and company secretary at CECA North East, said: “Kevin is a valued board member and we are delighted he has accepted the position of vice chair. Having Kevin as vice chair will provide a ‘boots-on-the-ground’ perspective, adding a realistic view when it comes to representing the supply chain within the infrastructure sector.”

Kevin Fenley, said: “My focus is on ensuring our regional SME subcontractors have a strong voice while working to secure robust, long-term public and private investment across our pipeline of work. Equally, we must show the next generation that civil engineering is an exciting, highly rewarding career path, opening doors to attract fresh talent and build a resilient workforce for our region.”



Law firm Pannone Corporate has promoted eight people across its Manchester-based team.

Stephen Mutch has been promoted to Associate Partner in the firm’s employment team. Stephen joined Pannone in 2003 as a trainee solicitor and supports HR professionals across all aspects of employment law, including disciplinary and grievance matters, contractual disputes and Employment Tribunal claims.

Alongside Stephen, Gemma O’Brien and James Brandwood have been made Directors in the dispute resolution and real estate teams respectively.

Catherine Ossai (corporate), Bradley Davies (dispute resolution), and Emily Lockwood, who is also in the firm’s dispute resolution team, have all been promoted to Associates.

They are joined by Marlie Collette and Yulia Livesey, who have been made Foreign Lawyer (Associates) in the corporate and real estate teams.

Paul Jonson, senior partner at Pannone, commented: “The latest round of promotions are thoroughly deserved, with each lawyer demonstrating passion, collaboration, and a commitment to delivering a client-focused service in each of their roles.

“Our team sits at the heart of the firm, helping to bring our commercially minded and entrepreneurial approach into everything we do. We recruit based on technical excellence and emotional intelligence. As a result, we have a group of highly talented people who enjoy working together and with our broad range of clients.”

The promotions follow the appointment of five lawyers across employment and real estate earlier this year. Naomi Goldsmith, Julie Sabba, Frances Smith and Holly Spokes, all joined the employment team, alongside Zoe Tempest in real estate.

Nicola Clarke has also recently joined the employment team as a senior associate from Glaisyers.



Accountancy and business advisory firm BDO has recruited three new apprentices in Liverpool, marking the third year of its IT apprenticeship programme: Leila Foong, Cameron Spruce, and Gabriella Bleasdale.

Delivered in partnership with LeepTalent, the 18-month programme provides candidates with a Level-3 IT qualification. Most participants subsequently secure permanent roles within BDO’s 500-strong national IT team.

BDO currently employs more than 450 people across its two Liverpool city centre offices, including 25 staff members in its local IT department.

Former IT apprentice Abdirahman Ali said: “I joined BDO after working as a retail manager so it was a complete change of sector. I’ve really enjoyed learning and developing my skills on the job through the apprenticeship programme. The wider team at BDO has been incredibly supportive, and I learned a great deal from my colleagues from day one.

“I was delighted to accept a permanent position once I qualified and have since been promoted to a Senior Service Desk Analyst, continuing to support our 8,500 people with their technology requirements.”

Angela Cross, Head of BDO in the North West, added: “It is great to see the firm continue to invest in talent in our region and widen access to the professional services sector.”