Identity Consult (IC) has announced a comprehensive regional restructure alongside several senior director-level promotions. This strategic move includes significant appointments in both the North East and North West, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to growth and excellence.
Key Promotions and Regional Leadership
Andrew Milnes has been promoted to Senior Director, overseeing the North East business operations from the Sunderland office, which houses a 37-person strong team. Andrew, who joined IC over a decade ago and played a pivotal role in the 2018 management buyout, has transitioned from leading the Project Management team to focusing on expanding IC’s portfolio and regional presence. An advocate for the construction sector, Andrew also serves on the RICS North East Regional Board.
Andrew expressed his enthusiasm for his new role, saying, “I have been part of the North East Construction industry since I graduated, and I’ve long been a part of the IC story. I am delighted to start this new chapter and look forward to collaborating with my colleagues, our clients, and the wider North East industry.”
Alex Atkinson, a University of Salford graduate, has been promoted to Senior Director in the North West, overseeing operations from the Preston office and the recently established Salford office. Since joining IC in 2017, Alex has been instrumental in growing the North West team to over £2m turnover.
Alex commented on her promotion, stating, “I am delighted to further my career at Identity Consult, taking forward new opportunities as we seek to grow our portfolio and support clients across the North West. We are fortunate to support pioneering clients across the region and I look forward to partnering with more of them as we support their delivery of sustainable new developments.”
Additional Appointments and Promotions
The promotions extend beyond Andrew and Alex. Michelle Merry has been promoted to Director of HR and Social Value, ensuring a continued focus on people and community impact. In the North West, Liz Sidgwick joins as Associate Director, bringing extensive experience from her previous role at RPS and active membership in Women in Property.
Other notable promotions include Chris Allsop to Associate Director, supporting the QS team, and Heather Fitton and Gary Pinch to Associates in the QS team. In the North East office, Greg Humphreyson, Kayleigh Fuller, Amy Shepherdson, and Adam Derbyshire have also earned promotions.
Commitment to Developing Talent
In line with IC’s commitment to nurturing new talent, Holly Hunting has been offered a role as Trainee QS following a successful work placement, while Jade Yarwood joins as an Apprentice QS. Additionally, Joe Pollitt and Tom Lawson have been appointed as Assistant QS and Assistant PM, respectively. Further recruitment is anticipated in the PM team this Spring.
Continued Growth and Success
IC managing director Mark Doherty emphasised the importance of investing in people: “Our IC people are the cornerstone of our success, and we are committed to fostering their growth within the company. These changes will allow continued growth across the company, with the right leadership team in place. Colleagues like Andrew and Alex, immersed in their regions, are now empowered to make the best decisions around local issues, supporting more clients in the delivery of projects across the North of England.”
This news follows a period of significant growth for Identity Consult, with an increase in turnover to £6.575m from £5.79m and a rise in headcount with five new colleagues joining the team across offices in Salford, Preston, Sunderland, and York.
