Brian McArdle, Gleeds

Following the news that it is to relocate its global headquarters next year, international property and construction consultancy Gleeds has announced that it will convert from a general partnership to a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) structure in January 2025. The switch is part of an ongoing action to simplify the group as it gears up for future growth.

As part of this simplification, Gleeds will be reducing the large number of legal entities that it currently has registered in the UK to streamline its accounting and operational processes. In preparation, around 70 people in offices nationwide are being asked to resign their statutory directorships on a voluntary basis. This is an administrative realignment, and the changes will have no discernible impact on the individuals involved, who remain in their current roles.

Talking about the decision to review Gleeds’ corporate structure, Salar Farzad, Chief Operating Officer, said, “Gleeds has evolved beyond all recognition since its foundation almost 140 years’ ago. Becoming an LLP is the latest positive step forward, delivering clear benefits in terms of greater transparency and simplified accounting. In tandem with updating our governance arrangements and investing in a new global HQ, we are developing a platform from which we can continue to thrive and grow as an independent business in a rapidly evolving landscape.”

In addition to the simplification exercise, Gleeds’ UK business also sees new leadership come into post, with Brian McArdle taking up the role of UK Managing Director. Brian has been with Gleeds for 17 years, joining as a senior project manager in 2007 and most recently heading up activity in the North. He takes over from Anthony Cork, who is leaving to pursue a new opportunity at the end of this year, following 27 successful years with the organisation.

Brian will join the Operations Board, headed up by Salar Farzad, sitting alongside colleagues Michael Rowley, Jon Enever, Ben Huskisson, Louise Ellis, Paul Baston and David Johnson. The Group Board, headed up by worldwide chair and senior partner Richard Steer remains unchanged and Graham Harle continues in his role as Chief Executive Officer.

Last month, Gleeds announced it is set to relocate to a new 13,000 ft² space at 60 Berners Street, having spent over 20 years in its current New Cavendish Street HQ. Worldwide, the business employs around 2,800 people and works on a range of sector-defining schemes, including some of London’s most recognisable buildings.