Warden has appointed Ian Powell as head of group development, marking a significant step forward in the company’s regional growth strategy.

Ian brings over thirty years of experience in the construction industry, most recently serving as head of development at Lowbury Construction Ltd, where he worked for eight years.

Ian will work closely with teams across the company to develop lasting client relationships and drive long-term, strategic growth.

He will lead business development efforts by strengthening our presence across Lancashire and Greater Manchester, while accelerating our expansion into Cheshire.

He will also be responsible for ensuring that growth initiatives align with our core values and strategic direction, while elevating our profile across public and private sector markets.

Ian Williams, managing director, said: “Welcoming Ian to the team marks another important milestone in Warden’s journey. In recent years, we’ve expanded both our operations and the sectors we support, and it was important to find someone with the experience and industry relationships to help us build on that momentum.

“His appointment ensures we remain focused on delivering sustainable, long-term growth across the North West and we’re confident that his leadership will play a key role in the next chapter of Warden’s success.”

Ian’s career is defined by his leadership in construction innovation. He recently developed the Carbon Reduction Initiative, a data analysis tool designed to help companies minimise their carbon footprint during site surveys. It won “Innovation of the Year” at the 2024 Constructing Excellence Awards.

Ian Powell added: “This is a fantastic opportunity to help shape and expand Warden’s already strong client base. I’m excited to be supporting the company’s growth into new markets while building on the work already being done in Lancashire and Greater Manchester.

“Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to build a strong network within the construction industry. My focus now is on raising awareness of Warden’s capabilities and making sure we continue to deliver exceptional service to some of the most respected names in the sector.”

We are pleased to announce the appointment of a new social value lead, reinforcing our commitment to delivering lasting benefits to the communities we operate in.

Heather Thompson has joined as a social value co-ordinator, ensuring that meaningful social value continues to be embedded at the highest level in every project we deliver.

Drawing on 18 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Heather brings a strong background in stakeholder engagement, community outreach, and project coordination, with proven expertise in managing community-focused initiatives.

She will lead our corporate social responsibility efforts, oversee events and develop strategies to boost the positive impact of its projects by working closely with community groups and suppliers to support workforce development and training.

This involves building strong relationships with clients and developing communications with the site teams to achieve social value targets. She will also support with apprenticeship recruitment and preconstruction bids.

Ian Williams, managing director at Warden, said: “At Warden, our philosophy of building something greater goes beyond constructing buildings, it’s about improving lives and enriching communities.

“Heather’s background is a perfect match for our commitment to social responsibility. She will help to ensure our projects create real, measurable benefits within our communities while driving sustainable growth and lasting success.

“We’re excited to see the fresh ideas she brings to the team and trust her approach will set a new standard for community-focused business practices across all our projects.”

Heather adds: “I was really impressed with Warden’s dedication to social value. The whole team has bought into the ethos of benefiting people, communities and the environment, as well as creating a more inclusive, responsible industry.

“I’m excited to step into my new role and make a meaningful difference, building on the great work Warden has achieved over the years.”