MEET THE NEWBIES

Harris Lamb has been on the recruitment trail in recent weeks, having welcomed a host of new faces to the team – and one familiar one.

Since launching its Environmental Department in February this year, the business has been inundated with projects, and Dr Holly Smith has strengthened her team with the appointment of a Principal Ecologist, Rob Harrison, and a Graduate Ecologist, Miles Haslam.

Rob, whose ecological expertise lies in freshwater ecology, brings extensive project management experience having completed contracts for conservation bodies such as Natural England, Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales and extensive experience working on flood defence schemes. He has also developed strong relationships with clients in the private sector providing a pragmatic and robust approach to ecology whilst striking the balance with the need for sustainable development.

His colleague Miles initially joined the business having enquired about a work placement post-graduation from Hull University, and having proved himself an enthusiastic addition to the team with his interest and passion for the environmental sector, he was the perfect fit for the department’s expansion.

The Environmental department works closely with the business’ Planning team, who welcomed back a familiar face this month in the form of Sean Rooney – a former HL employee who was lured away from the business in 2016 to work in Canada.

Having worked within the environmental remediation sector and as a Planner at the City of Toronto, Sean has now returned to Birmingham as a senior planner, and said he was particularly pleased to see the changes that have taken place at the business during his absence.

“It’s been really exciting to see how much progress has been made within the eco-sector with the establishment of the business’ Environmental department, and I’m looking forward to working closely with the team. Having previously worked on environmental planning projects including flood alleviation schemes for the Environment Agency; nuclear and renewable energy schemes for various local authorities, in addition to major transport schemes like HS2; I think there is a huge amount of insight we can share to further extend our service to clients.”

Finally, the business has welcomed a new Associate Director to its Building Consultancy team. Hsu-Chiu Lau brings more than 12 years’ post qualification experience of providing a wide range of building surveying services and advice for various owners, occupiers, institutions and investors in the commercial sector to the team.

Hsu-Chiu joins Harris Lamb from Colliers International, where he spent 11 years, and his extensive experience in dilapidations for landlords and tenants, due diligence, building surveys, project management, Fund Monitoring and reinstatement insurance cost valuations will prove a valuable asset to the six-strong team.