LINEAR GROUP - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Construction Director
- Construction Director England
- Key Member of the Dynamic North of England
Joining Linear Design & Construct as Construction Director in 2021, Alistair is a key member of the dynamic North of England team which was established in mid 2020. He is responsible for ensuring that the team are focused on identifying the right projects and are committed
to building a strong reputation collaborative working and exceptional delivery. A firm advocate of maximising the pre-construction process Alistair believes this is the period in which the extent of project success is dictated.
With an unwavering commitment to building high performing teams, Alistair takes pride in nurturing and developing talent and striving to create the right environment for those teams to thrive. Loyal and honest, he takes pride in creating high quality relationships with all project stakeholders and is passionate about driving the highest standard of health and safety in every aspect of a project
Joining Linear Design & Construct as Construction Director in 2021, Alistair is key member of
the dynamic North of England team which was established in mid 2020. He is responsible
After starting his career in the QS field, Andrew made a major change in 2014. Moving into the subcontracting world saw him acquire new skills in drylining, partitions and ceilings, and also relocate to the North West of England.
Joining Linear Projects in 2019, Andrew returned to Scotland to become part of a team he had worked with on two major projects whilst at Laing O'Rourke. This homecoming saw him take up the post of Senior Quantity Surveyor responsible for the commercial management of three flag ship projects in and around the greater Glasgow namely University of Glasgow Research Hub, Cameron House at Loch Lomond and Project Grant at Buchanan Wharf, Glasgow.
A passionate and enthusiastic operator, Andrew's contribution to the business saw him promoted to Commercial Manager after just a year's service. In this role he oversees the smooth operation of the commercial function within Linear Projects and ensures clients receive value for money as well as the highest quality outcome. In 2024, Andrew's commitment and expertise was once again recognised as he was appointed Commercial Lead. Now a key senior member of the team, he is focused on driving growth and excellent delivery, as well as the ongoing fulfilment of client needs.
Job Titles:
- Commercial Lead & Director
Following the successful completion of a BSc in Quantity Surveying, Andrew went on to become a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. This was followed by his fulfilment of the ICE ECC Accredited Project Management qualification.
Working previously for both Laing O'Rourke and Morgan Sindall, Andrew has a strong depth of understanding and experience of the principal contracting landscape and large scale, often complex, projects.
Andrew joined Linear Design & Construct in December 2018 as one of its founding employees. His immediate role saw him overseeing front end contractual governance, cost planning, market testing and procurement. Having played a major part in the evolution of LDC, Andrew was promoted to Commercial Lead and Director in late 2021.
Andrew Shankland is an experienced and qualified professional who was appointed as the Managing Director of Linear Fire Safety in 2022. He has over 30 years of experience in the construction industry, working with both main contractors and sub-contractors on various projects across different sectors.
Andrew has a proven track record of delivery and ensures that he meets the needs and expectations of clients. He is also known for his honest and transparent approach to working with clients, ensuring that they are fully informed and involved.
Andrew's role at Linear Fire Safety is to develop the business by building on the foundations of the group vision and values.
With a diverse construction career spanning over 31 years, Andrew worked for drylining and main contractors delivering large scale projects across a range of sectors in the UK, prior to joining Linear as Project Director.
Following his promotion to Managing Director of Linear Building Compliance (LBC) in 2020, he is now tasked with developing the business, leading and managing the team to drive forward the quality, safety and delivery reputation of LBC.
Job Titles:
- Group Operations Manager
- Operations Manager
Since joining in 2013, Claire has been pivotal in all areas of compliance across the business, including the continuing re-certification of ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 to latest standards across all UK offices and operations.
As Group Operations Manager, Claire is responsible for ensuring the development and smooth running of all business functions within Linear Group. In carrying out her varied and overarching role Claire now oversees the Compliance Team as well as engaging with Business Unit leaders, Group Directors, Linear HSE function, HR, Business Governance and Office Management.
Claire's commitment to excellence has fostered a culture of continuous improvement and has been vital to the business as it strives to attain the highest level of customer satisfaction. It has also meant a strong focus on all aspects of compliance across the business, ensuring it is fundamental to, and highly valued by, every team in the Group
Job Titles:
- Regional Managing Director ( Manchester )
Progressing through the ranks of the construction industry, Dale moved from the sub-contracting arena to main contracting with Laing O'Rourke in 1996 and then went onto work for Styles & Wood, combining his trade experience with project management.
Dale then joined Linear Projects to establish the sub-contract business in Manchester in 2008. Dale continues to oversee the growth and development of the sub-contract business on a day to day basis, whilst adding his experience and support to our principal contractor offering, LDC. He does this with a consistently transparent and proactive approach in every aspect of the business and its delivery. His commitment is rooted in a highly motivated, decisive, and positive outlook which has enabled a clear focus on fulfilling the business ambitions in the North West of England and beyond.
Job Titles:
- Head of Services, Linear Design & Construct ( Scotland )
With an impressive array of qualifications, Derek Robinson has a strong mix of academic, technical and practical experience across the full spectrum of construction and business giving him a strong grounding in the fundamentals of success in terms of project management and delivery. During his 35 year career he has worked for some of the most well-known names in the sector including Morgan Sindall, Miller Construction and Bovis Lend Lease and acquired experience of all key sectors.
Joining Linear Design & Construct from T-squared in summer 2021, Derek brings a robust track record of developing positive client relationships and building trust, demonstrating consistent success in delivering projects both on time and budget, showing capability in ensuring optimal supplier and partner relationships as well as the achievement of BREEAM and EPC accreditations, alongside high quality delivery of MEP installations and commissioned to meet client expectations
In his role as Head of Services for LDC, he plays a strong contributory role in the preparation of bid packages including the analysis of subcontractor input and oversees cost assessment for all active preconstruction projects. A key part of his focus is in proactively identifying and resolving problems to minimise risk Initiate and maintain liaison with client and M&E contacts to facilitate a successful preconstruction process.
He is also tasked with managing and maintaining relationships on site, as well as with designers and sub-contractors to keep projects on track and delivery standards at their highest. This sees him overseeing stakeholder engagement, reviewing quality procedures and providing assistance with the management of commissioning works in a sequenced and structured phasing from pre-commissioning checks to live performance testing and the design process at all stages for each project.
Throughout his career, Gareth has played a very hands-on role in the delivery of projects and contracts. Working from the Glasgow office, on a day to day basis he oversees all aspects of live contracts, liaising with staff and clients at each and every stage of the construction, from tender to completion.
His unwavering commitment to the people and the best outcomes demonstrates his highly considerate and collaborative style. This is regularly seen in his drive for the optimum approach to HSE matters and also the wellbeing of the team.
Having worked at Linear Group for 25 years, Gareth has played an integral part in the growth and development of the business and he prides himself on the strength of his commitment and a consistently honest approach.
Job Titles:
- Group Health, Safety & Sustainability Lead
With over 35 years of experience in the construction, energy and utilities sectors, Garry Willis brings exceptional expertise and knowledge to Linear Group A systems thinking practitioner, innovator and leader in his field, Garry holds an impressive range of qualifications, including the NEBOSH Diploma, City & Guilds in Education and Training, IOSH Leading Safely, Lead Auditor, Mental Health Instructor, NLP Practitioner, and is an Executive MBA candidate in Sustainable Energy Futures at the University of Strathclyde. Garry has successfully developed award-winning transformational change, leadership and coaching programs while effectively implementing and maintaining integrated management systems. At Linear Group, his role is to nurture, develop, and achieve excellence through a high-performance team culture, achieved by coaching leadership teams and colleagues, to ensure sustainable solutions are implemented every time. Garry has overseen the development and implementation of safety and environmental management systems externally accredited to ISO 45001 and 14001 and leads the group's transformational sustainability strategy. He continues to provide his experience and knowledge to help steer the continual development of Linear Group's culture, ensuring we are a sustainable, future ready business.
Following the completion of an HND at Adam Smith College, in Glasgow. Gary began his construction career with Robertson Group in 2010 as a Junior QS/Estimator. Within his first year, he was promoted and went on to spend six successful years acquiring knowledge and developing his skills.
Making a major life change in 2016, Gary moved to Australia to expand his career horizons and personal experiences. After three years, he returned to the UK with a new perspective on the diversity and scope of two different approaches to construction on two different continents.
With extensive experience of estimating on a national scale and managing multiple tenders across all industry sectors, Gary joined LDC in 2021 as a Senior Estimator. In this role, he is responsible for producing high-quality tenders delivered on time and within budget, as well as showing a strong commitment to ensuring optimal engagement with sub-contractors and suppliers to find the best value for clients.
With over 13 years' experience in the construction industry, Graeme has acquired a diverse range of project experience.
With a keen eye for coordination and detail, he has been instrumental in the success of multiple high profile projects. Beginning his career with Blyth and Blyth as a Structural & Civil Engineer, which included 3 years a resident Engineer, Graeme moved into design management with Sir Robert McAlpine followed by Kier.
Graeme's wealth of experience in industrial/distilleries, leisure, commercial and most recently heritage/historic building refurbishment has seen him work extensively throughout the lifecycle of many projects, from inception through to handover.
This breadth of practical knowledge enables Graeme to bring a comprehensive approach to the LDC team. As Head of Design, Graeme leads all project preconstruction and design stages. He is also instrumental in supporting all of our projects at construction stage and handover to ensure that the quality of design feeds through into the construction stages.
Job Titles:
- CSR & Project Support Manager
With a career spanning different sectors, Gwen joined the world of construction in 2008 and found a passion for CSR whilst working for Kier Construction in Glasgow.
Her 13 years in construction have given Gwen great insight into the industry and the workings of a major contractor. In joining Linear Design & Construct in 2021, she has been able to apply this experience to her role as CSR & Project Support Manager. With a wealth of social value and KPI experience across a range of projects, Gwen understands the need to achieve targets for clients, both at framework and project level.
In her role, Gwen is pivotal to the management of the CSR function by collaborating with clients and stakeholders to help improve the social wellbeing of the geographical areas where LDC has active projects. She is also involved in contract tenders in providing input on the specialist areas of community benefit and social impact as well as providing valuable support to the delivery teams on live projects including set up, health and safety, quality and handover.
Reliable and hardworking, Gwen thrives on being part of a team and is passionate about maximising the impact of LDC projects within their communities. She strives to create a holistic ethos within the project, including stakeholders and organisations to gain the advantages that construction can offer and provide that added social value to the areas we work in.
Jason Stott began his career in construction at 19 years old working for CCG (Scotland) as a customer care consultant, moving into the buying team a year later.
Over the next four years he gained invaluable experience, as well as successfully completing a degree in Construction Management. In 2017, Jason sought to broaden his knowledge and made the move into fit-out contracting with Thomas Johnstone.
Joining the Linear Projects team in 2018, Jason has risen from Buyer to Procurement Manager in just three years, demonstrating his instrumental role in advancing the business's supply chain and the implementation of processes to maximise efficiency.
In this role, Jason oversees the entire Procurement and Purchase Ledger function for all companies across Linear Group. Whilst controlling all live material and plant requirements across the UK, he works collaboratively with the Estimating and Surveying departments to provide assistance in crucial areas of key tenders and manages the supply chain alongside developing supplier and sub-contractor relationships.
Jim is an experienced Health, Safety & Fire professional with considerable experience in a diverse range of areas. His knowledge and experience provide tangible benefits across the Group and its clients, offering specialist technical advice on risk assessments and fire strategies as well as sharing his knowledge of fire, safety and building regulations to ensure compliance.
Working with Linear Fire Safety as a Fire Consultant & Fire Risk Assessor, he ensures the client's requirements are compiled to a very high standard. Jim comes with an impressive range of strategic/specialist qualifications including a MBA (Masters in Business), BSc (Degree in H&S), Risk Management, NEBOSH, IOSH, Accident Investigation, Fire Safety qualification's, Incident Command & Control and Fire Investigation.
Job Titles:
- Operational Lead & Director
With 15 years' experience in the construction industry, John has been involved in the successful delivery of a key projects to the highest standards of quality and safety
During his career, John has worked on diverse range of projects including education, hotel and office developments and has managed both site delivery and design teams.
Following 9 years working for principal contractors Kier, John joined Linear Design & Construct in January 2019 as Contracts Manager. Promoted to Operational Lead and Director in late 2021, John is responsible for the strategic delivery of projects, ensuring excellent programme execution alongside overseeing delivery teams and client relationships.
A finalist in the MCIOB Construction Manager of the Year Awards on two occasions, John is a huge asset to the LDC team - delivering projects on time and to the highest quality, as well as managing successful, long term client relationships.
Kate joined the team at Linear Projects in 2011, progressing from estimating onto bid and project management. She has hands-on experience of the foundations of the business and its specialist trades offering.
In her current role of Estimating Director, Kate's focus is on leading high value, complex bids that encompass multiple packages and which require extensive pre-construction work. This sees her working across a variety of specialist areas and a diverse range of clients.
A key highlight for Kate was the end-to-end delivery, from tender to practical completion, of the FIS Gold Award-winning new Macallan Distillery and Visitor Experience fit out with Robertson and leading architects, RSHP.
Joining the team at Linear Design & Construct in September 2020, Lisa took up the position Assistant Bid Manager and was recently promoted to Bid Manager In this diverse and varied role she puts her strong written and technical skills to good use, as well driving effective communications and engagement across all relevant parties to optimise the process and outcome.
Dependable and proactive, Lisa's strong organisational skills and understanding of the complexities of the bid process are vital to the efficient workings of the team.
Having worked in local authority fire and rescue service for 24 years, Mark has experience across a broad spectrum having held roles including Fire Safety Enforcement Officer, Tactical Liaison Officer at COP 26 and Fire Safety Officer at The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Together with his 14 years' experience in construction and civil engineering.
Mark has developed his overall experience of Fire Safety. Joining Linear Fire Safety in 2022 as a Fire Consultant & Fire Risk Assessor, be continues to add considerable value in utilising his knowledge and experience to assist clients in maintaining a compliant building through thorough fire risk assessment.
A certified Fire Door Inspector, with extensive qualifications and experience in the specialist area of fire doors, Martin confidently ensures that detailed specifications are fully compliant and optimised for fire resistance.
Martin supports the specialist LBC team, focusing on existing properties, as well as driving awareness amongst clients. His far-reaching role ensures that existing projects and clients benefit from the very highest standards of installation.
Prior to working with Linear Fire Safety, Paul worked with Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, followed by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) totalling 26 years.
Throughout his tenure, he has been closely involved with fire safety legislation at a range of levels and expertise. Having spent nine years as a Fire Safety Enforcement Officer (FSEO); working within the legislative perimeters from Fire Precautions Act 1971 (As amended), The Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997 and The Fire (Scotland) Act 2005, the depth of his knowledge and insight is second to none, offering real value across Linear Group and its clients.
Job Titles:
- Group Operational Lead
- Managing Director Scotland
With over 26 years' practical construction management experience, Ryan has acquired far reaching skills and expertise in driving client and contractor success through working for large contractors across a range of sectors and major projects.
In 2018, Ryan joined Linear to head up the newly formed Linear Design & Construct, in this role he is responsible for establishing and developing this new offer of intelligent design and construction solutions through collaboration from project inception to aftercare. It is a particular passion of Ryan's to understand each client and project need, to ensure that each one is delivered intelligently, creatively, and properly. This centres around our culture of always delivering on ‘doing what we said we would do and more'.
Over the past three years, Ryan has led LDC to work with many key clients including South West hub, West hub , KPMG and Clyde Gateway. Prior to this Ryan worked with Kier Scotland, driving a number of its key Frameworks including South West Hub and North Hub. He led the development and delivery of Kier Scotland's largest projects, assisting Kier's turnover to double during his time there, whilst improving both Safety and Quality standards.
Job Titles:
- Commercial Director
- Group Commercial Lead
Scott has worked for some of the UK's leading principal contractors, focusing very much on the commercial aspects of project development and delivery.
In 2017, Scott was appointed Commercial Director of Linear Group to oversee the commercial strategy for the group. In this role, his focus is varied and touches on all aspects of the operation. From managing risk, compliance and budgeting, to optimising bid offers and leading negotiations, Scott calls on his commitment to collaboration and honesty to ensure the right values and behaviours are embedded into the organisation.
Scott works closely with all the Project Managers to ensure he has visibility and insight into the numerous projects ongoing at any one time. This enables him to adopt a value adding and diligent perspective, focused on quality and efficient client delivery.
Sean has an extensive and diverse background in the construction industry, which has led to his current role as Commercial Manager at Linear Living.
He began his career with Dawn Construction Ltd in 2007 as a Trainee Quantity Surveyor, where he quickly advanced to a lead commercial role, managing all commercial aspects of projects while completing his part-time studies. Sean earned his 2:1 Honours Degree in Quantity Surveying in 2012.
Following his graduation, Sean further honed his expertise by contributing to the commercial teams of Taylor And Fraser Ltd and CBC Ltd. His experience spans multiple sectors, including education, healthcare, office spaces, fit-out projects, and residential developments. This breadth of experience, particularly in the residential sector, is a significant asset to Linear Living, where Sean applies his deep understanding of the principal contracting landscape. His progression to Senior Quantity Surveyor at LDC in May 2020, followed by his promotion to Commercial Manager, underscores his valued role within the company.
Job Titles:
- Chartered Quantity Surveyor
- Group Commercial Lead ( South )
Shaun is a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with more than 17 years of experience across commercial, residential, and education projects.
As the Group Commercial Director (South), he plays a pivotal role in overseeing the commercial operations of the business. His responsibilities span the entire construction process, from the initial client concept through to delivery and handover. Shaun is a strong advocate of teamwork, believing that "team is everything," and he takes great satisfaction in working collaboratively to address the challenges that inevitably arise in the construction industry.
Beginning his career in construction within his family's business, Stephen has remained at the heart of this business and now operates as CEO. His commitment to an honest and thoughtful approach is reflected in all aspects of the business today.
With over 35 years' experience, Stephen was appointed Managing Director of Linear Projects with a clear vision to develop the business into a full supply and fit out company working directly with leading main contractors across the UK.
Appointed CEO of Linear UK Group in 2018, Stephen oversees all of the group businesses with a clear focus on both short and long-term planning and decision making. Working with the senior management team, Stephen helps drive the evolution of the business, its people and its projects to the very highest standards he sets for the Group