Stephen Holmes

CEO

Gareth Holmes

Director

Scott Paterson

Commercial Director, MRICS

Dale Zahra

Regional Managing Director (Manchester)

Kate Robinson

Estimating Director

Claire McKenna

Operations Manager

Garry Willis

Group Health, Safety & Environmental Manager

Neville Wood

Finance Director

Thomas Steele

Director, MCIOB

Graeme Bell

Head of Design

Jason Stott

Procurement Manager

Lorraine Hand

Business Support Co-ordinator

Andrew Holmes

Commercial Lead

Isobel Wallington

HR Director
Stephen Holmes
CEO
profile

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 30 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.

Gareth Holmes
Director
profile

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.

Scott Paterson
Commercial Director, MRICS
profile

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.

Dale Zahra
Regional Managing Director (Manchester)
profile

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.

Kate Robinson
Estimating Director
profile

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.

Claire McKenna
Operations Manager
profile

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

Garry Willis
Group Health, Safety & Environmental Manager
profile

With over 20 years’ experience of health and safety, Garry Willis brings exceptional expertise and hands-on knowledge to Linear Group.

 A proven innovator and leader in his field, Garry has an impressive range of qualifications including NEBOSH Diploma, Lead Auditor, Mental Health Instructor, IOSH Fire Risk Assessor and NLP Practitioner. He has successfully developed award winning training and coaching programmes, alongside the effective implementation of integrated safety management systems.

At Linear Group, his role is to nurture, develop and promote compliance, achieve excellence through a strong health and safety culture and coach colleagues to ensure the right solution every time. As part of this, Garry has overseen the development and implementation of our safety management systems externally accredited to ISO 450001:2018, as well as providing his experience and knowledge to steer the continual development of the Linear Group Health & Safety culture.

Neville Wood
Finance Director
profile

Upon leaving University in 1995, Neville began his career with Falkirk Royal Infirmary as a Management Accountant.  Over the next two decades he acquired a diverse range of  experience and skills working across a range of industries for the likes of Polaroid, Arthur Andersen, Sodexo, Nuffield Health and Tesco Bank. 

After spending 8 years as Financial Controller at City Facilities Management, Neville made the move to Linear Group in 2021.   In this role he has been pivotal to reviewing and re-engineering all aspects of Linear’s finances from cashflow to reporting after the company trebled its turnover between 2019 and 2021.  As Finance Director he oversees the team responsible for Statutory and Management Accounts, Purchase Ledger, Payroll and Cash Management and provides support to the Managing Directors of each business and their Leadership Teams, as well as relationship management with the Bank and our external Accountant / Auditors. 

Throughout his career, Neville has strived to build, develop and lead strong finance teams whose goal is to become a valued business partner to those leading and directing an organisation. This collaborative commitment successfully encourages an environment of open and honest communication at all levels and is fundamental to the approach Neville consistently adopts and adheres to.

A member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants after qualifying in 2002, Neville is a diligent and hardworking professional who shows a strong vision for continual improvement to the benefit of both colleagues and the business as a whole.

Thomas Steele
Director, MCIOB
profile

In 2002, Tommy joined Linear Projects and has been integral in driving successful fit out contracts specifically across major PFI and Design Build Construction projects.

 The focus of his expertise is very much in the areas of strategic client development, multi-disciplinary team management and project delivery. Through his composed and creative approach, Tommy effectively builds and facilitates cohesive teams and forges positive interfacing with public agencies and key stakeholders.

A commitment to accountability sees Tommy play a vital role in managing all strategic aspects of large projects, particularly focusing on mitigating risk. He successfully combines a range of skills and knowledge to ensure first-class client management alongside a drive for continual improvement and positive change.

Graeme Bell
Head of Design
profile

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.

Jason Stott
Procurement Manager
profile

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.

Lorraine Hand
Business Support Co-ordinator
profile

Having worked in the construction industry for nearly 20 years, Lorraine has acquired diverse and extensive experience from 15 years with Laing O’Rourke and latterly Linear Group. 

At Laing O’Rourke she began as an on-site receptionist and then moved to office manager.  Following this she relocated to their Head Office and became a PA for Director of Laing O’Rourke Scotland.

Joining Linear Group in 2019 as Business Support Coordinator, Lorraine is responsible for a range of pivotal support activities including tender submissions, training and HR administration, marketing and business development, alongside administrative support to the Senior Management team.

Lorraine is the driving force of the Group’s marketing efforts and oversees the creation of content for the website, events, PR and internal communications.  She works closely with the heads of each of the Linear businesses to ensure regular exposure of key developments and achievements.

A diligent and dedicated team player, Lorraine is always on hand to provide support to colleagues, adding real value to ensure the optimal delivery of key projects.

Andrew Holmes
Commercial Lead
profile

Beginning his career in the construction industry in 2005 as an apprentice Quantity Surveyor with ISG, Andrew went on to join Laing O’Rourke where he continued his training and development. 

Over the next seven years, he acquired strong first-hand experience of main contracting, whilst studying part time which saw him successfully complete an Honours Degree in Quantity Surveying in 2012.

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.

Isobel Wallington
HR Director
profile

With over 20 years’ experience in HR, Isobel has acquired extensive insight and knowledge across the full spectrum of personnel and related functions. 

With a solid track record in manufacturing, she worked for Cummins Inc for nine years where she developed novel strategies and functionality across HR to drive unprecedented organisational productivity and growth along with leading three successful HR start-up programmes across UK, USA and Canada.  

During this time Isobel refined her skills as a strong communicator establishing robust relationships with both staff and senior managers.  With a hands-on approach she has long been committed to ensuring enhance professional development through execution of recruitment and selection process as well as demonstrated expertise across complex negotiations.

Joining Linear Group as HR Manager in early 2021 and promoted to HR Director later in the year, Isobel is responsible for the proactive operational management of all aspects of HR across the business.  In this role she is focused on effective organisational development, training, employee engagement, performance management and employment law matters.

CIPD Qualified and a trained negotiator, Isobel brings a vital array of skills and expertise in support of the wider business ambitions, as well as supporting senior managers in HR related matters.

 

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