Concept appoints new head of PFI

Midlands-based project management firm Concept has snapped up two senior staff members, including a new head for its PFI division.

The pair of new appointments is part of the firm’s ambitious three-year plan to add more than 100 new staff to its 30-strong workforce.

Chris Devereaux-Little, 54, joins as head of the firm’s PFI division and will be based at Concept’s Nottingham office, while James Brough joins the firm’s project management team in Birmingham.

Devereaux-Little’s experience includes time as director of projects at electronics firm Marconi, as well as stints at Cable & Wireless, Railtrack and industry firms such as Mowlem and Balfour Beatty.

His aim is to grow the firm’s market share in the education, transport and local government sector. “Our strategy is to strengthen our already close relationship with existing clients such as [PFI backer] Equion while expanding our client base and develop strong links with new customers,” he explains.

Devereaux-Little has a strong track record in blue chip client development

Tim Wood, MD, Concept

Tim Wood, recently appointed managing director after a move from Tube consortium Metronet, said Devereaux-Little had more than 30 years experience in major civil engineering projects.

“He has a strong track record in blue chip client development, retention and strategic business growth,” Wood added.

James Brough, 28, joins Concept from Midlands-based QS and project management firm Francis Graves. He will work on the redevelopment of the former Sun print works in Watford and the Blue Circle Cement quarry in Cambridge, as well as a new entrance facility at Birmingham’s Heartlands Hospital.