Property specialist Centrick has invested significantly to grow its highly experienced building safety and compliance team with the appointment of four new team members.
James Capper, who has been promoted to group director for building safety and compliance, has been joined by four new recruits as the company builds on its solid foundations in the sector.
The business, which has a nationwide presence and expertise in managing large and diverse residential portfolios, has expanded its team in response to the ever-changing building safety landscape. Birmingham-based Centrick, which has offices across the UK including London, Manchester, Sheffield, Southampton and Gerrards Cross, delivers a range of property services in sectors including estate and building management, new homes and investment, build-to-rent, student accommodation, valuation, professional services, asset management and insolvency.
James said: “We’ve always been at the forefront of building safety and compliance. Expanding our team forms a key part of our long-term strategy to provide even greater support for our clients and their residents and I would like to welcome each of them to the company.”
With more than a decade of experience in property and the built environment, James holds member status at both the Institute of Fire Safety Managers and Institute of Residential Property Managers among other governing bodies.
Having been instrumental in growing Centrick’s building safety team in a changing landscape, James now oversees the building safety division across the group to include VICI BTR Portfolio Management, PRS Portfolio Management and Building & Estate management, supporting clients and customers in navigating the new and existing building safety regimes. He holds a number of level six qualifications in the built environment and ensures Centrick operates within the PAS8673 framework for management of higher-risk residential buildings.
Connor Scherer has joined as associate director in building and safety compliance. Prior to joining, Connor worked as part of the Cortland Group under its LIV brand as head of building safety before becoming portfolio director for a large freeholder.
He has worked on over £60 million of cladding remediation projects from start to finish, as well as the delivery of on-site compliance for live schemes. His extensive experience has kept him well-versed in the intricacies of building safety and compliance which enables him to navigate the complexities of this sector.
Bettina Winger has been appointed building compliance manager. Bettina has over seven years’ experience working in asset management for a large and prestigious freeholder. Specialising in health and safety, compliance, fire safety and risk management as well as buildings insurance, her experience enables her to efficiently manage large portfolios and ensure they adhere to building safety regulations and legislations. Her appointment strengthens the administrative governance of Centrick’s broader teams.
Centrick has also created a ground-breaking role for managing agents by appointing Elaine Birkley as resident engagement manager. Elaine’s appointment will not only fulfil a new requirement from the Building Safety Regulator but also bolster Centrick’s building safety offering to higher risk buildings with a specific focus on the PAP requirements of BSA 2022 and safety cases.
Elaine returns to Centrick after a number of years, bringing her background in hospitality audits and site standards back to the growing team. Elaine’s appointment as dedicated resident engagement manager, usually a tool only at the disposal of social housing providers with neighbourhood housing, reflects Centrick’s commitment to Building Safety and Compliance.
This takes Centrick’s offering beyond property management and deeper into the communities and homes it is responsible for. With a robust background spanning over seven years in the property industry, Elaine brings a wealth of experience and understanding of the sector’s intricacies.
Louise Rillie has also joined the team as building remediation manager. Having worked in property for over eight years, Louise has extensive experience across the industry and understands the complexities of the sector. She is highly skilled in project management and major works and understands the importance of projects being delivered on time and with regular communication updates throughout.
Phil Johns, group managing director at Centrick, said: “Our ambition as a group has always been to deliver a truly exceptional service, building a team of highly skilled property professionals that genuinely care about our clients and the residents we support. The arrival of these four experienced and talented individuals clearly demonstrates that commitment is stronger than ever.”
