Former Sweett directors launch new firm

Two former directors at Sweett Group and a former Buro Four director are to lead a new development and construction firm.

The joint venture business, Leadership and Management Ltd (L+M), will lead and manage construction and property projects, and is run by former Sweett directors Paul Daniels and Nigel Clarke along with Geoff Heppell, formerly a director of Buro Four, who will be the non-executive chairman.

The group has been launched by Hamilton Bradshaw Real Estate (HBRE), a venture capital firm which invests in property related entrepreneurs and is led by Faisal Butt and former Dragons Den dragon James Caan.

In a statement, L+M said its construction, fit out, refurbishment and development services would include “development consultancy, project management, project planning, cost leadership, building surveying, health and safety consulting and asset management” across the whole capital expenditure period of a project.

Daniels, the founder and managing director at L+M, said:  “With the skillsets and experience in our team, we will build upon our established reputation for being ‘project-makers’. 

“L+M’s services will shaped by the things our clients value so even when they’re not sure of exactly how to achieve their business goals, they trust us to create a solution that fits their requirements.

“We’ve already started work on a number of high profile retail schemes and expect this to continue to be a strong sector for us. Many retail schemes were put on hold during the recession and now there’s a shortage of good stock that meets retailers requirements.

“Building upon our presence in the retail sector, we will enter a number of other markets including luxury private and multi-unit residential, commercial offices, and hotels and leisure. We will achieve this by attracting the very highest talent and rewarding them well.

“We’re looking for the best senior figures who are top in their field as well as bright young professionals who can truly bring something new to our business, with the aim of creating a multi-disciplinary, multi-sector brand.”

Caan, HBRE chairman, said: “L+M fits our strategy of investing in exciting new property businesses that complement each other and bring something new to the platform. In Paul, Nigel and Geoff we have backed a vastly experienced team with a proven track record so I have every confidence that they will hit the ground running. With outstanding technical competence in their ranks, L+M will bring inspirational leadership and intelligent management to projects that far exceed client expectations.”