Think of us as property developers with a difference. Whether we’re renovating a building, looking for projects in the community, or helping to regenerate an entire town, we keep sustainable building and a low carbon agenda front of mind. That’s our ‘Golden Thread’ and it runs through everything we do.
We combine our knowledge in the arena of sustainable development with a responsible business approach and a drive to build extraordinary communities and deliver valuable local regeneration.
By working in partnership with local and national stakeholders to support projects that will bring sustained transformation, we are often able to take on undervalued sites that require strategic and creative thinking to turn them into viable developments.
Crucially, we’re not just about construction. We also own and operate business parks and commercial premises across Cumbria, creating spaces that inspire people in their working day and drive growth in organisations from start-ups to major international companies.
BEC is owned by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Copeland and Allerdale Borough Council and Cumbria County Council, and we work closely with several local partners including Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership. And while we’re proud of our Cumbrian roots, we’re always looking for opportunities where we can bring positive change further afield.
Chief Executive Officer
Our CEO is responsible for both the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of BEC – not to mention the welfare of the team and making sure that we make a meaningful contribution to our communities. Michael became BEC’s CEO in 2015 and has previously implemented and initiated major projects for the National Trust and National Car Parks, among others.
Executive Assistant
Paula looks after the team, the everyday running of our head office and most of the HR functions within the company. She likes being part of an organisation that puts high precedence on its values internally and externally. With over 30 years retail experience, Paula worked along side the store’s team as HR Manager and covered the day to day running of anything people related from recruitment, training and all development opportunities.
Director of Finance and Support Services
With responsibility for our support functions including Finance, HR, ICT and Marketing, Gemma and her team support our Chief Executive, Heads of Service and the wider business in the deliver of our strategy and with day to day business administration and support. Gemma has previously worked in both the private and public sector, most recently as Treasury and Capital Manager for Dumfries and Galloway Council.
Head of Programmes
Joe is responsible for helping to deliver BEC’s low carbon goals across property development and estate management, as well as our support for community projects. Or to put it another way: he looks after our Golden Thread. Before joining us, Joe was self-employed as a consultant, and brings experience in the fields of strategic economic development, climate change & low carbon energy, and grant fund management.
Head of Investments
A commercial property specialist, Bill joined BEC from the Edinburgh-based Embark Group and is responsible for the efficient management of our properties. Bill has successfully managed mixed-use portfolios in excess of £500m throughout the UK and is skilled in developing offerings that both attract new tenants and put a clear focus on ongoing customer service.
Head of Developments
As part of our executive team, Stephen identifies, evaluates, drives and delivers all the property development aspects of the business. Stephen joined BEC in February 2020, has a passion for using the development and regeneration of property to create better environments and drive economic growth for communities . He has over 35 years’ experience across all aspects of development, and before joining BEC worked with Allerdale BC where he was a key architect of their successful Future High Street, Historic Action Zone and Lillyhall growth bids.
