Construction consultants Ward Williams Associates has announced a new senior partner ahead of a company rebrand next year.
James Beckly takes over the job from Andy Snapes, the last of the firm’s founding partners to hold the role.
Snapes will assume an external ambassadorial role as Ward Williams’ new chairman.
The team said it is also in the process of a major rebranding project, due to launch in January 2024.
Beckly joined the company in 2017 and was promoted to managing partner in 2021. Today, he also leads the firm’s project management teams.
Senior management has overseen the restructuring of the chartered surveying business into a custodianship model, attainment of B Corp certification, and doubling company turnover.
Ward Williams was also recently reappointed to the NHS SBS framework agreement.
“It’s a challenging yet exciting time for our industry, and I’m proud to be taking the lead of the next stage of Ward Williams’ evolution at a time of great transformation,” said Beckly.
“My focus will be on ensuring we’re fit for the future through continued improvements to our infrastructure in readiness for AI integration and improving our service delivery through the formation of strategic partnerships with other industry leaders.
“I am excited to build on Ward Williams’ track record in sustainability and delivering a positive impact in our communities and for the people we work with.
“Through steadfast custodianship, it is our mission to consistently deliver professional and innovative advice while positively impacting people, places and planet to ensure a sustainable future.”
Snapes added: “It has been an absolute privilege to lead Ward Williams over the past ten years. I am hugely proud of the legacy of sustainable growth and the many other notable achievements that we have been able to deliver as a team working together. The development of Ward Williams is a tribute to the sum of the many parts that it now encompasses.”
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