NATIONAL real estate and construction consultancy Naismiths has bolstered its team with three new appointments, including a chief technology officer, as a continuation of its strategic growth plans in relation to digital analytics.
Gareth Parker joins as chief technology officer, tasked with progressing Naismiths’ technology agenda as the consultancy continues to focus on data and digital tools to enhance its analytics offering. Gareth has 16 years of commercial experience within the technology sector, with his most recent role being the head of front-end development at a fintech start up.
On his ambitions at Naismiths, Gareth said: “There are so many possibilities with digital analytics within the construction and property sector. I’m excited to utilise this opportunity to truly make Naismiths a technology-forward consultancy. The team has already been doing amazing work with its new platform, Naismiths Analytics, and taking advantage of the incredible amount of data available within the sector and their own 60-year-old history.
“I intend to build on those results and introduce strategies that will not only streamline our processes but also push our analytics offering further. There are interesting things happening within the digital space, especially with AI, and Naismiths is happy to harness those possibilities quickly and strategically for its clients. I look forward to working with the team and realising Naismiths Analytics’ potential.”
Gareth initially started within aerospace as a technical lead developer after being headhunted while still in college. He then became the head of front-end development within the UK defence sector, working with clients such as Vodafone, Google, Apple and Amazon as a senior consultant on design systems and modern UI development.
On Gareth’s appointment, chief executive at Naismiths, Ben Harwood, said: “I met Gareth when he was still working within the aerospace industry, and he has the same passion for technology as he did sixteen years ago. His expertise and drive within the field are rare to find, but it’s his innovative thinking that makes him stand out. He wants to push technology as far as it can go, which within our typically traditional sector there is plenty of scope for.
“When we first talked about creating a platform that digitalised data we have collated over 60 years, we knew it could be something that could truly push the industry forward. We know there is a lag within construction and the built environment when it comes to digital competency and technological advances. This appointment and our continual commitment to be a tech-led consultancy should signal that we are not only narrowing this gap but striving to be ahead of the curve.”
Also joining Gareth at Naismiths will be Philippe Hornsby as a building surveyor and Harry Stothard as a project manager. Philippe has over seven years of experience in building surveying and looks forward to working within Naismith’s specialism of distressed developments to expand his expertise. Harry has worked as a project manager for the past two years and is working towards his CIOB chartership while working at Naismiths.
Ben added: “We’re continuing to attract fantastic talent at Naismiths, and these three latest appointments are proof of that. They have hit the ground running and I have no doubt that they will bolster our expertise and excel within their roles.”