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 has been at the helm of BEC for nearly three years and has previously implemented and initiated major projects for the National Trust and National Car Parks, among others.
Executive Assistant
Having joined BEC over five years ago, 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.
Director of Finance and Investment
As part of our executive team, Derek looks after financial reporting, governance and internal control procedures. He has been with BEC for over two years and enjoys helping to shape a wide variety of projects, especially regeneration schemes. Before joining us, Derek was a Finance Manager for the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.
Head of Energy and Funding
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.
Head of Finance
Gemma is responsible for the day-to-day management and development of the finance team and provides financial information, guidance and support to our Heads of Service and the Chief Executive. She particularly enjoys how every day at BEC brings with it a variety of challenges and interactions with interesting people. Gemma previously worked as Treasury and Capital Manager for Dumfries and Galloway Council.
Head of Estates
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.
