GVA names new head of Liverpool office

Stephen Cowperthwaite has been promoted to regional senior director of the 30-strong Bilfinger GVA Liverpool office, with effect from the start of September.

Cowperthwaite replaces Patrick Whitby who has handed over the office leadership to concentrate on GVA’s major new contract win with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority to advise on 17 sites around the country.

Cowperthwaite has more than 25 years’ experience in property, specialising in the retail sector, advising major food retailers, high street retailers and landlords. He joined from GL Hearn at the start of this year, as part of a wave of hires in Liverpool. David Harrison, associate in property management consultancy, joined from Liverpool University where he helped managed the university’s estate. Claire Robinson, senior surveyor, land and development, moved from the firm’s Manchester office. Olivia Harker, an assurance manager in health and safety, joined at senior surveyor level. A further senior surveyor and a graduate are set to join imminently.

Patrick Whitby, senior director at Bilfinger GVA, said: “These more recent senior and middle management appointments herald our next phase of growth here in Liverpool. Our rapid growth since 2012 set in motion our ambition to establish a new force in Liverpool and the wider North West market.

“These strategic appointments come at a hugely exciting period for us. These experienced hires strengthen our desire to compete with our leading regional peers, and demonstrate our continued investment in the growing office and wider business. Bilfinger GVA has big ambitions in the North West and we look forward to delivering longer terms growth. The most recent hires don’t stop there. We will continue to look to further bolster our existing ranks.”

Malcolm Whetstone, managing director of Bilfinger GVA, said: “These changes will strengthen our business both with the NDA, a key national client, and also within the Merseyside region with Stephen taking on the role of office head. He is well-known locally and his proven leadership skills will enable further development and growth of the office.”

Cowperthwaite said: “There are exciting times ahead for the Liverpool office and the wider Liverpool City Region. I am very much looking forward to guiding the team forward and further developing the profile of Bilfinger GVA.”

Meanwhile, it has emerged that Francis Appleton, director of building surveying, has been made redundant in the Liverpool office. Appleton joined through the acquisition of Dixon Webb by GVA Grimley in March 2012. Bilfinger GVA declined to comment on his departure.

Bilfinger GVA is based in St Paul’s Square, Liverpool.