Oliver
Director
I joined Ridgeback: September 2009
Number of years’ experience in the industry and brief background:
With 20 years of experience in Property & Construction (15 as a Chartered Surveyor), I started Ridgeback in 2009 and in 2024 we celebrate 15 years of successfully delivering projects for a vast range of Clients. I’ve worked across sectors advising, developing and building as both Professional and Main Contractor, furnishing me with a thorough understanding of the industry.
What I do for Ridgeback:
It’s a pleasure to lead Ridgeback as it continues to grow and evolve with the wealth of talent we employ. Primarily focusing on high-quality residential Design & Build Projects in Surrey my role, at every stage, from inception through design and ultimately to construction and completion is to oversee the delivery of our projects.
Outside of work, you’ll find me:
Walking our gorgeous girl Dudley (a Ridgeback of course) across the Surrey Hills and winging it as proud dad of two boys.
Helen
Design Director
I joined Ridgeback: January 2022
Number of years’ experience in the industry and brief background:
With over 15 years experience, I’ve been fortunate enough to work on some truly amazing commercial and residential projects across London and the south, from large new builds to smaller extensions, offices and hospitality. For me the biggest thrill has always been working with people who are creating their dream homes.
What I do for Ridgeback:
My role is as much about people as it is about building. I get to work closely with our clients, suppliers and the onsite build team. Each day is different, from sourcing finishes to the technical side of specification, onsite delivery and designing feature spaces which really stand out. I’m involved in projects from the concept planning stages right through until the final paintbrushes are put down, furniture is fitted and our clients move in!
Outside of work, you’ll find me:
With a penchant for a good pub lunch and a pint, lots of our free weekends are spent rambling in the countryside with our lovely (girl) hound, Dudley. Things have taken a more hectic turn now that she has two small human sidekicks though!
Glen
Commercial Director
I joined Ridgeback: September 2016
Number of years’ experience in the industry and brief background:
33 years’ experience in the building and construction industry. From 1989-1995 headed up procurement for a large independent builders merchant in London from which I gained an invaluable understanding of supply chains, materials and costs. From 1995-2013 I ran a successful building company before an unfortunate ankle injury forced me to take some time out to recuperate. Since 2016 I’ve been at it again for Ridgeback putting all my skills to good use for this growing company.
What I do for Ridgeback:
Primarily Estimating and Procurement. I’m responsible for optimising Ridgeback’s supply chain from procurement of materials to logistics, estimating tenders and providing quotes together with in project delivery and client liaison.
Outside of work, you’ll find me:
Spending as much time as possible with my lovely wife Keeley. Competitive Match fishing when I can. And DJing on an internet radio station or at events.
Gareth
Operations Manager
I joined Ridgeback: June 2020
Number of years’ experience in the industry and brief background:
Approaching 25 years in the industry, in South Africa before moving to the UK. Started in the Western Cape working on additions and alterations and then moved on to new builds. After moving back to Kwa Zulu Natal, I had the opportunity to build a small housing development, whilst simultaneously running a maintenance division which I successfully grew to a company managing 94 apartments.
What I do for Ridgeback:
As Operations Manager I oversee the day to day running of the sites and staff. Communicating with the site managers, sub-contractors, and clients. I keep the Ridgeback machine working across our sites.
Outside of work, you’ll find me:
With my wife and 2 kids, either relaxing at home or out and about exploring all that Surrey has to offer. As a keen rugby supporter, I often go to Twickenham or the Stoop to watch live matches or meet up with friends for a few cold pints at a pub. We love a bit of camping and of course any excuse for a big braai!
Nathan
Technical Manager
I joined Ridgeback: 1st October 2022
Number of years’ experience in the industry and brief background:
With 25 years in the industry, I started as a plasterer by trade. I ran my own company for 8 years as a self-employed professional. My journey also includes roles as a foreman for 2 years, a site manager for another 2 years, and 7-8 years as a projects manager, primarily working around the Wandsworth, Chelsea, and Fulham areas.
What I do for Ridgeback:
As a Senior Site Manager, I am the go-to person for technical information. My role involves keeping a vigilant eye on all building-related aspects, ensuring that every detail is accounted for and every process runs smoothly.
Outside of work, you’ll find me:
Coaching my son’s football team, enjoying walks with my family and walking the dog. I’m also an avid player of 5-a-side football. In my leisure time, I enjoy building with Lego Technics and engaging in building and driving radio-controlled cars with my son.
Dave
Site Manager
I joined Ridgeback: April 2024
Number of years’ experience in the industry and brief background:
Starting in the industry as a 16-year-old trainee, I now have almost 30 yrs experience in every aspect of general building. I set up and ran my own company from 2008 until earlier this year when I joined the Ridgeback team as a site manager.
What I do for Ridgeback:
As a site manager my main responsibilities include running a project from start to finish, managing the team on site and dealing with logistics + issues as they arise each day. I liaise with the client so they are always up to speed on developments, working alongside various trades and contacts as necessary.
Outside of work, you’ll find me:
Doing up my own house!!! Other than that, I can be found spending time with my wife + daughter or on the golf course.
Adam
Site Manager
I joined Ridgeback: November 2020
Number of years’ experience in the industry and brief background:
I bring 15 years of experience as a painter and decorator, starting from the age of 25. I am City and Guilds qualified, and also a qualified carpenter. For the past 10 years, I’ve been self-employed, and more recently, I’ve been working with Ridgeback as a site manager for the last 2 years.
What I do for Ridgeback:
As a site manager, my role involves ensuring that plans are meticulously followed and coordinating various trades to guarantee timely execution of each project. I’m deeply involved in problem-solving on a daily basis to ensure efficient, cost-effective, and precise implementation of plans and ongoing work. My role also includes liaising with a diverse range of people, trades, and suppliers to ensure the site operates as smoothly as possible.
Outside of work, you’ll find me:
Spending quality time with my family and engaging in my own house improvement projects.
Amy
Projects Co-Ordinator
I joined Ridgeback: Autumn 2023
Number of years’ experience in the industry and brief background:
Project and bid manager within the remediation sector on construction sites during groundworks phase, permanent industrial sites and inhouse waste treatment facilities. I have previously worked in the remediation of domestic properties giving me a broad understanding of project management in the construction sector.
What I do for Ridgeback:
The clue is in the role name for me. As Project Co-Ordinator I help the site supervisors progress their projects as efficiently as possible and work throughout the business to streamline all of our efforts towards our common goal; beautiful houses.
Outside of work, you’ll find me:
Gratefully enjoying the great and wet outdoors of North Devon. Often out on the water, regularly trying to tame the project that I undertook with the two small destroyers I call my kids… and frequently staving off total sobriety in the local which was considerately built just over the road, 400 years ago.