Macdonald & Company’s Post

Bovis Lend Lease was my first post university construction industry employer. I can say without hesitation, the most enjoyable and formative of all of my past roles. The older and more experienced managers and team members, took real personal interest and satisfaction in lifting the new and learning team members up. There was a culture of trust and reliability that I haven't seen to the same degree anywhere else. So many mentors and encouraging colleagues along the way, and professionals of the highest order and most exacting standards. I could recognise so many, but my regards to @johnquayle Tim Cole Norman Smith Iain Roden Dave Parr Iain Read Claudia Kaminski BSc (Hons) @davidmontgomery @paultoyne Nick Clarke Sam Hall Gia Kroeff Anthony Philpott Julian Daniel Neil Freeman Andrew Kinsey All...whether you knew it or not...helped me in my own journey in some way at BLL. Plus the heaps of other colleagues I'll kick myself for not remembering off the bat. It's early, and I'm older 🙂

I was proud to play a part in this commitment to the training of the future leaders for our industry which predated the involvement of Lendlease from 1999 and was soundly embedded in Bovis before then.

An excellent point that will often get overlooked. I was talking to a neighbour's son recently who had just completed 6th form, wanted to work in development but didn't want to go to university and it wasn't obvious where he might start.

I’ve always admired Lendlease’s commitment to professional development. Whether among its managers or within the communities where they are building. Look at the major projects around the UK now, you’ll find people from Lendlease in many of them.

A fantastic business, with some of the most talented and smartest people in the industry working there - the time I spent there was demanding, educational but also great fun. So many former colleagues now hold senior roles across the UK property industry, the proof is in the pudding!

Well said.....they will be a big loss to our industry. Unless of course a buyer comes forward who wishes to continue their good work.

Great words Nick, will be a big loss.

I joined Lendlease as a temp in 1994, the second LL person on the payroll in its earliest days and stayed for 23 years. What opportunities I had working on the most fantastic game changing projects, working with even more brilliant and inspiring people. I’m really sorry to see Lendlease leave the UK. Thanks for the experience, I absolutely loved it and learned so much.

The ‘big picture’ should also be noted when discussing the impact of departure by such a large organisation so good at partnering with local authorities. We should consider the local communities who stand to benefit from the schemes Lendlease is working on and how those communities will suffer as a result. Whether through delays, disruption, or simply the lower standards targeted by competitors; the economic and social losses are saddening.