DJD targets sports development with new hire

Drivers Jonas Deloitte has recruited specialist project manager Duncan Firth from Buro Four to its Manchester office as a director.

DJD plans to double the project management and building consultancy business in the city within three years. Firth spent five years at Buro Four, latterly as associate director, and has worked on some of the city's most iconic sport and leisure developments including the City of Manchester Stadium, the Manchester Aquatics Centre and the Velodrome.

He also worked in a management capacity on the 2002 Commonwealth Games, initially on the design and construction of Sportcity including the stadium before going on to perform the role of stadium operations manager during the Games.

Drivers Jonas Deloitte says his appointment will help its PMBC team to establish a strong sports project management group in the north of England. DJD said 'overlay' services for clients will cover the management of ticket sales, accommodation for athletes, and temporary structures during the events themselves. In addition to sport, Drivers Jonas Deloitte plans to expand other areas of the business over the next three years and this is set to include a cost consultancy team of around 20 – 25 people in Manchester.

Peter Wilkinson, partner, and head of the PMBC team at Drivers Jonas Deloitte Manchester said: "There is room for significant growth in northern sport and leisure developments. Duncan's range of expertise in the sector makes us ideally placed to develop this area of our business."