FBE restructures committee

The Forum for the Built Environment has made a number of changes to its committee in the North West.

Geoff Woods, who is a partner at management and construction consultants Gleeds, has taken over as the chairman of the Manchester branch of the FBE and replaces Mike Birchall of construction firm BEA, who is now focussing his efforts on the Lancashire and Cumbria branch.

Woods, a committee member for four years, was instrumental in organising several events in recent years.

The FBE said its North West membership continues to increase and this year the region will organise over 30 networking events for the FBE members from breakfasts, dinners, golf days and a sailing day in June.

Meanwhile, Neil Griffiths of construction cost consultants Baker Mallett and the regional director for the North West, was appointed as national chairman of the FBE where he takes over from Phil Laycock of Laycock Williams, who was appointed as national president.

Both were responsible for the formation of the North West region in 2005 and the subsequent development of the Manchester, Liverpool and Lancashire branches.