Multi-disciplinary construction consultancy EDGE has announced a significant senior appointment, bringing in highly respected and experienced cost management director John Lucas to help drive forward the company’s ambitious growth plans in London.
John brings global insight into EDGE’s growing London base, with unique expertise that will enhance the firm’s nationwide project delivery. He joins the team after nearly four decades at Gleeds, where he held the position of senior director since 2010.
Throughout his career, John has amassed an extensive portfolio of project experience that ranges from delivering both strategic and project cost management to strategic business development and key client account management.
John has successfully managed key accounts for household name clients working within the commercial office and retail, high-rise residential and sports and leisure sectors.
Experienced in delivering sustainable and net-zero projects, his work also includes notable mixed-use projects in London including 105 Victoria Street in the West End and a build-to-rent scheme in Croydon.
Looking for a fresh challenge after almost four decades at the same company, John said: “EDGE is an exciting and dynamic consultancy that has been making enormous strides in London over the past year through talent acquisition and expanding its portfolio of high-quality client and framework projects. This made the role an exciting proposition at a time when I was looking to commence my next chapter in the industry.
“The scale of ambition from the senior team is evident to see, and the opportunity to help steer EDGE’s London office to new heights particularly appealed to me at this stage of my career. Since joining I have been really impressed by the professionalism, culture and shared enthusiasm across the team. This strongly aligns with my personal approach – and like so many other things at EDGE, has made me feel at home, straight away.
“It will enable me to build from a strong foundation to further develop our client profile through new and existing relationships. As a director in London, the value and experience I bring to EDGE will not be focused solely on London and the south of England, but cascaded across the wider business and our national client relationships.
“I can draw parallels in my working approach with my passion of sailing, for which I’m a committee member of the Little Britain Challenge Cup – the property and construction industry’s popular sailing regatta. To make a yacht sail fast, everyone must play to their strengths and do their part, and I similarly take this approach in my work to ensure collective success – and make sure the team can have a little fun during the process.”
John also cites EDGE’s clear commitment to providing a quality service and creating a real positive impact as a reason for opening his next chapter with the consultancy. The approach to social value is not limited to project delivery, with the team continually involved in a variety of local and national initiatives to leave a lasting impact wherever possible.
Lee Simmonite, director at EDGE, said: “John’s appointment is a significant milestone towards scaling up our operations in the capital to the levels of our more established bases in Birmingham, Leeds, Nottingham and Sheffield – with several prospective major projects in the pipeline.
“We know that John will be a brilliant addition to the diverse mix of staff that contribute to our success, playing a vital role in evolving our processes and strategies. With momentum building and a pipeline of growth in London, we look forward to what will be a bright and successful future together.”
