Manchester & Cheshire Construction hires from Deloitte

The Salford-based construction firm has appointed Michelle Richardson to the newly-created role of operations director.

Richardson joins from Deloitte Real Estate where she worked for nine years, latterly as a technical director. During her time at the firm she managed various multi-million pound projects for clients in the public and private sectors, including a £18m campus redevelopment project over two years for the University of Manchester.

David Lowe, managing director of Manchester & Cheshire, said: “We have created the role of operations director to strengthen our structure as the business grows. Michelle brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the client and consultant side, and she shares our passion for construction and our drive. Her experience will enable us to deliver an increased number of larger projects as we continue our growth strategy with a goal to become a £20m turnover business by 2018.”

Richardson said she knew from an early age she wanted a career in construction: “I’m a builder’s daughter and as a little girl I was always more interested in playing with Lego than Barbie.” As the first female on the company’s board, Richardson said it wasn’t something she thought about often, even though she acknowledged she was a rarity in the construction industry. She said: “It doesn’t matter if you’re a man or a women, as long as you’re good at your job.”

Manchester & Cheshire Construction undertakes building projects throughout the North West with a focus on the commercial, education, retail, industrial, residential and conservation sector. Founded in 1971, the family-owned business is based in Salford, and employs more than 50 people.