Ibstock, a manufacturer of building products and solutions, has appointed Richard Akers as a non-executive director and chair designate.

Jonathan Nicholls will step down as chair and retire from the board on 15 May 2025. Jonathan joined Ibstock’s board as a non-executive director in 2015 and was appointed as chair in 2018.

Richard brings a wealth of leadership experience and sector insight to the role having spent his career in the property, house building and land transaction industries, including twenty years with Land Securities Group PLC where he was a senior executive, member of the board, and managing director of the retail portfolio.

He recently joined Miller Homes Limited as chair in January 2025, prior to which he was the chair of Redrow PLC until its merger with Barratt Developments PLC completed in October 2024. Richard spent nine years in non-executive director roles with Barratt Developments PLC and is currently the senior independent director at Shaftesbury Capital PLC.

He has also held non-executive roles at Unite Group PLC, EMAAR Malls in Dubai and the Battersea Power Station Development Company and was a fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Jonathan Nicholls said: “It has been a pleasure to be part of Ibstock’s board since its IPO in October 2015 and a privilege to have been chair since 2018. I would like to thank my non-executive colleagues on the board for their support, commitment and enthusiasm during my tenure.

“I look forward to working with Richard to ensure a smooth transition when he joins us in May. Finally, the success that Ibstock has achieved over the last few years is down to the excellent leadership of Joe Hudson our Chief Executive Officer ably supported by Chris McLeish, our Chief Financial Officer and I wish the business well for the future.”

Richard Akers said: “I am delighted to be joining a company with strong growth ambitions at such an important time for the building industry. I look forward to working with the board as well as Joe and the executive team as Ibstock continues to deliver on its current operational strategy.”

Joe Hudson, Group Chief Executive, said: “I would like to thank Jonathan for all his leadership and support over the last 9 years. His wisdom and counsel have helped Ibstock to navigate through challenging market conditions, as well as a significant investment programme. He has also been a real support to me personally.

“We are delighted to welcome Richard to Ibstock. He has strong experience as a chair and with our customer base which will be helpful as we capitalise on future recovery in our markets.”

Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, has expanded its social value team with the addition of Shelley Williamson as social value manager and Emma Morley as performance framework controller. As G F Tomlinson continues to strengthen its social value approach, both Shelley and Emma will play integral roles in shaping the future of the company’s community engagement and sustainability strategies. Their combined expertise will drive forward initiatives that align with evolving industry trends, including sustainable procurement, digital technologies, and skills development. Bringing 15 years of industry experience, Shelley takes on the role of social value manager, leading on all social value commitments, stakeholder engagement, and community-focused initiatives. Shelley’s expertise in developing and delivering social value strategies will further embed G F Tomlinson’s role as a responsible and community-driven contractor. Shelley said: “I am passionate about creating and delivering initiatives that leave a lasting legacy. From supporting career programmes with education providers to engaging with social enterprises, my focus is on ensuring we positively impact communities, employees, and stakeholders alike. Construction is a diverse and inclusive industry, and my goal is to inspire the next generation and break down barriers to employment.” With seven years of experience in the construction sector, Emma takes on the role of performance framework controller and will be responsible for tracking, analysing, and reporting on key performance indicators and social value initiatives across all projects. Her expertise in data analysis and attention to detail will ensure that the company continues to meet and exceed its social value targets, including local labour engagement and local spend. Emma said: “Working closely with the Framework team to refine performance metrics and drive data-driven decision-making is incredibly motivating. I am eager to contribute to the company’s ongoing success in delivering impactful social value outcomes.” Adrian Grocock, Group Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “We are delighted to welcome Emma and Shelley to the team. Their expertise, passion, and dedication to social value will be instrumental in driving our initiatives forward. At G F Tomlinson, we are committed to creating positive, lasting change in the communities we serve, and strengthening our social value team is a significant step in cementing that commitment.”

Access Insurance has acquired Ladbrook Insurance, a Derbyshire-based specialist charity broker, strengthening its position in the UK charity insurance market. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The acquisition marks Access Insurance’s fourth in its ongoing expansion strategy. Now part of the Benefact Group, Access serves 18,000 clients, including charities, social enterprises, and voluntary organisations. The deal provides Access with a new base in Derbyshire, enhancing support for clients in the North.

Ladbrook CEO Tim Larden joins Access as sales and marketing director, bringing over 20 years of industry experience. The move is expected to support Access’s long-term growth strategy and its focus on risk management solutions for the third sector.