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Meet the committee

Our committee members are dedicated individuals who come from a range of construction backgrounds. Our committee play a vital role in making Constructing Excellence Kent a success. They encourage and demonstrate collaborative working and inspire many others at speaking events and networking sessions to do the same.

Ellie Farlow

Chair

Woodley Coles

Ellie heads up the Project Management division of Woodley Coles, having previously spent time as a
Chartered Project Manager at AtkinsRéalis, delivering projects across the public education and healthcare sectors for one of the world’s leading project and programme management consultancies. Ellie was named G4C South East Future Leader of the Year in 2022, having previously been shortlisted as a Finalist in the CIOB Rising Star Awards in 2021.

As a non-cognate, Ellie has a passion for promoting the diverse range of opportunities within the construction industry, on a mission to inspire the next generation of project professionals from different backgrounds. Ellie works with colleges, universities, and professional bodies to give career-focussed talks, mentor students considering a career in construction, and provide insight into her unconventional career journey.

Ellie is an advocate for the Early Careers community, sitting on the Early Careers Leadership Team for her business region, being the Chair of Constructing Excellence Kent Group, and the founding Chair of G4C Kent.

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Ella Sandall

Vice Chair

Jenner Group

Ella is the Head of Communications and Business Development at Jenner Group, bringing more than 20 years experience across the Kent construction sector. She has co-chaired the Kent Construction Focus Group for the past thirteen years, supporting the largest industry support network in the county through the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.

Ella plays an active role in shaping the local built environment community and contributes to a number of regional committees, including the East Kent Economic Development Group and Kent Women in Construction.

She is passionate about strengthening collaboration across the industry and championing opportunities for businesses and professionals throughout the region.

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Paul Hooker

Treasurer

ECO MEP

Paul is the Managing Director of ECO MEP and is well regarded across the Kent construction sector for his leadership, technical expertise and commitment to quality.

With a strong background in mechanical and electrical delivery, he has built a reputation for accurate design, robust estimation and a forward thinking approach to project delivery.

His values sit at the heart of ECO MEP’s growth, driving a culture of precision, collaboration and high standards across every scheme. Paul is a familiar and respected face within Kent Construction and continues to play an active role in supporting the region’s built environment community.

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Matthew Barker

Secretary

Baxall Construction

Matthew is the Technical Manager at Baxall Construction and leads the business in all areas of technical delivery, design management, BIM and technology integration. As part of the senior management team, he also oversees IT management and plays a key role in Baxall’s carbon reduction and innovation working groups.

Matthew has an exceptional track record of guiding both internal and external teams through every stage of the project lifecycle from concept through delivery, handover and operation. His technical leadership ensures projects are robust, efficient and fully aligned with Baxall’s quality standards.

Collaboration is central to his approach. Matthew works closely with clients, stakeholders and the supply chain to embed best practice, drive innovation and develop lean, well considered solutions that achieve strong outcomes for all parties.

He is committed to pushing technical excellence across the business and supporting the wider industry through continual improvement and forward thinking practice.

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Connor Styche

Marketing and Communications Manager

The Digital Lookout

Connor is the Managing Director of The Digital Lookout, a marketing agency dedicated to supporting the construction industry through digital expertise, strategic communication and sector focused innovation. With a strong technical background, he has developed apps, built numerous websites and created bespoke system integrations and software solutions that help construction businesses work smarter.

Connor is the Chair of Kent’s Generation for Change, supporting professionals with less than ten years in the industry and championing the next wave of construction talent. He also sits on the steering committee for the Kent Construction EXPO, helping to shape the county’s largest industry event and ensuring it delivers value across the entire supply chain.

He is committed to strengthening collaboration, promoting digital adoption and driving positive change across the construction community in Kent and the South East.

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Stuart Bonnage

Topic and Speaker Manager

Clague Architects

Stuart is a Partner at Clague, recognised for his forward thinking approach and commitment to raising standards across education projects in Kent and beyond. With a strong focus on sustainability, Stuart leads the drive for net zero carbon in use from day one, ensuring that environmental performance is embedded at the heart of every scheme.

He is a passionate advocate for collaboration and uses the latest data sharing and digital tools to bring teams together, streamline delivery and create buildings that work effortlessly with their sites. His work consistently aims to exceed baseline requirements and set new benchmarks for quality in the education sector.

He is an active contributor to the local construction community and is proud to support the shared ambition of driving better outcomes across Kent’s built environment.

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David Smith

Topic and Speaker Manager

South East Consortium

David has spent 13 years in the social housing construction sector, leading new business teams across both an SME facades contractor and a national Tier 1 before joining SEC. Over the past three years he has headed SEC’s partnership programmes, shaping initiatives that influence the future of the sector and strengthen collaboration across members and partners.

David leads the team responsible for SEC’s PROSPECTs training and development work, as well as a wide programme of industry events. Last year SEC trained more than 600 public sector staff, and this year his focus is on expanding support for the supply chain to develop skills, capability and sector knowledge.

He is committed to driving improvement across social housing and creating meaningful impact through partnership, learning and shared best practice.

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Elouise Mitchell

Topic and Speaker Manager

Lee Evans Partnership

Elouise joined LEP in 2019 from a Local Authority background. Following a subsequent hiatus at the practice, during which time she worked for a prominent local housing developer, Elouise re-joined the Partnership as a Senior Planning Consultant in March 2023.

Elouise is a Chartered member of the RTPI. She is passionate about the environment and enjoys findings creative ways for development to integrate new and existing habitats. In addition, she also harbours a love for historic settings, motivating her to find innovative ways to preserve and enhance heritage assets.

Elouise was awarded the RTPI South East Young Planner of the Year 2024, and was a finalist in the SECBE Future Leader Awards 2024.

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Charlotte Longman

Topic and Speaker Manager

University of Kent

Charlotte is a Senior Project Manager at the University of Kent and brings valuable client side insight to the construction community.

Her experience within the higher education sector provides a strong understanding of the needs, pressures and priorities of educational institutions, allowing her to offer clear and considered perspective across project discussions.

Charlotte is highly regarded for her analytical approach, collaborative mindset and ability to bridge the gap between client objectives and project delivery. She continues to be an asset in shaping conversations around education projects and supporting a more informed and connected industry.

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Matt Samways

Membership Manager

AIMIS

Matt has extensive expertise in digital technology for the construction industry and works closely with building owners, estate managers and supply chain partners to help them understand their business needs and align with industry standards for a digitally built Britain.

He is known for translating complex digital requirements into practical, achievable strategies that support smarter decision making, improved asset management and better long term outcomes.

Matt continues to play an important role in driving digital transformation across the built environment and helping organisations move confidently toward a more connected future.

Email Matt

Stuart Beardwell

Membership Manager

Evans Langford

Stuart is a Director of Structural Engineering at Evans Langford, bringing extensive experience from across the construction industry.

He has delivered multidisciplinary projects spanning commercial, residential, infrastructure and public-sector development, giving him a strong understanding of how structures, civils and wider design disciplines integrate to achieve successful outcomes.

With significant experience in industrial, public-sector and rail environments, Stuart uses his technical insight to drive improved coordination, enhance buildability and support efficient delivery across complex schemes. He is known for his collaborative approach, clear communication and commitment to raising standards across the industry.

Stuart continues to champion high-quality engineering and integrated project delivery across the construction sector.

Email Stuart

Cheryl Causebrook

Past Chair

Construction Consultant

Cheryl works across the full construction supply chain, supporting and developing businesses from main contractors through to manufacturers.

She is a long standing champion for the industry, recognised for her commitment to raising standards, sharing best practice and strengthening collaboration across all sectors and disciplines.

Cheryl partners with a wide range of organisations to drive positive change and help the industry grow. A passionate advocate for future talent, she plays an active role in initiatives that promote construction as a dynamic and rewarding career path for the next generation.

Her work continues to influence improvement across the built environment and support a more skilled, connected and forward thinking industry.

Email Cheryl

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