Lincolnshire Construction & Property Summit 2024

Mark Johnston

Mark found the right blend of management, using intuition and experience originally as a project and site manager. His construction DNA is on the operation and delivery side, driving projects to successful completion. He has worked on a wide range of projects over a 25-year career in the construction industry, progressing from site manager into operations management, and onto independent consultancy providing valuable strategic support. Mark has been a member of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) since 2002. He is currently an active board member and vice- chair of the Institute for the East Midlands.

Nicola Slater

Nicola has worked with remarkable people on inspirational, innovative, groundbreaking construction and fit-out projects. Her background is in sales, marketing, and client relationship management. An ability to see opportunities and create extraordinary connections, building genuine relationships based on trust, has secured her reputation.  Originally working in regional press, Nicola began her career in property and construction working for national housebuilders, before moving over to work with public and private sector clients on large-scale construction projects.

Claire Lea, Sustainability Manager – University of Lincoln

Claire Lea is the Sustainability Manager at the University of Lincoln, contributing the delivery of the University’s Sustainability Strategy and Net Zero 2040 target.  After completing her BSc. and MSc. degrees, she worked for IEMA (Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment) for over a decade, including over five years as Director of Membership Strategy and Development. 

Claire went on to establish her own consultancy business specialising in sustainability, supporting a wide range of organisations to deliver their sustainability goals.  During this time, she project managed a 4-year European funded circular economy research project.  Claire joined the University in May 2023.  Claire is a Full Member of IEMA (MIEMA) and a Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv).   

Helen Bedford, Social Value Manager – Bowmer & Kirkland

Helen has worked in both private and public sector for over 16 years, specialising in Social Value, Strategic Partnerships, Bid Writing and Project Management.

Currently works at Bowmer & Kirkland and has been there for two years as their North Midlands & Yorkshire Social Value Manager working on project ranging from £10 – £120 million pounds in Leeds, Lincoln, Sheffield, Nottingham and Derby.

Lee Marshall , Managing Director – Viridis 

Lee is our leader, guru and pragmatic problem solver. He’s on a constant mission to seek out innovative solutions that challenge the status quo, technically, commercially and environmentally. He’s passionate about demystifying our work and helping clients move to Net Zero with maximum efficiency and minimum stress. 

Lee has over 20 years of experience in sustainable energy and has worked across many sectors. He particularly enjoys faith and heritage projects and loves seeing beautiful but chilly buildings become welcoming places of warmth and comfort. Lee has been with Viridis since 2021 and continues to educate, motivate and inspire team members and clients alike. 

Simon Kirk – Assistant Director for Development and Growth at the City of Lincoln Council 

Simon Kirk is the Assistant Director for Development and Growth at the City of Lincoln Council with a remit covering Major Developments, Growth and Funding, Climate Change, city investment , and small business support. Originally, Simon cut his teeth in the world of manufacturing before moving into Economic Development, going onto lead international inward investment campaigns in Europe, the Far East, and North America.

Simon is a member of the Institute of Place Management, the international professional body that supports people committed to developing, managing, and making places better.

John Simons, Procurement Director, SCAPE Group

John has over 35 years’ experience within the public sector, working for borough, district and city councils as well as in the housing sector. He has a background in finance and considerable experience in both facilities management and construction procurement.

John leads the development and implementation of SCAPE’s procurement strategies, supporting the Executive Leadership Team to deliver best practice, improve performance and create value for clients. He is the current Chair of the National Association of Construction Frameworks (NACF) and is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply.