Gateley Vinden, the specialist built environment consultancy arm of professional services group, Gateley, has announced a key leadership addition with the appointment of Chris Heathcote as director within its Manchester-based project management and quantity surveying team.
This strategic hire marks a significant step in expanding Gateley Vinden’s capabilities across the North of England.
Mr Heathcote, a chartered quantity surveyor, brings 18 years of experience gained from leading roles at Turner & Townsend and CBRE UK. Over his career, he has built a strong reputation in delivering strategic construction consultancy services across commercial, residential, and public sector projects. His expertise spans quantity surveying, project management, employer’s agent, development monitoring and quantum expert witness services.
In his new role, Mr Heathcote will focus on strengthening Gateley Vinden’s project management and quantity surveying operations in Manchester and beyond. His appointment underlines the firm’s commitment to delivering expert, integrated advice to clients across education, commercial, residential, and public sector developments.
Speaking on his appointment, Mr Heathcote said: “Gateley Vinden has a strong reputation across the North, and I’m excited to be part of a team that’s continuing to grow and develop its presence in the industry.
“The seamless combination of construction consultancy guidance with legal expertise from across the wider Group creates a unique and valuable proposition for clients navigating today’s complex market conditions.”
Gary Allen, director and head of project management and quantity surveying at Gateley Vinden, welcomed Heathcote to the firm, commenting:
“Chris brings extensive experience, both as a contractor and consultant, to bolster our already excellent team in the North, which services clients from our office bases in Manchester and Leeds.
“His appointment will continue to strengthen and support our growing presence in the market, delivering a wide range of projects across the public and private sectors. We’re really excited about his appointment, and I look forward to seeing him settle in and begin to make his mark.”
This appointment reflects the wider growth strategy of the professional services group, Gateley. As part of this multi-disciplinary organisation, Gateley Vinden operates alongside complementary business services, combining technical, commercial, and legal expertise to deliver comprehensive support to clients across the built environment. Its teams advise developers, investors, landlords, and occupiers nationwide—helping them manage cost, reduce risk, and deliver value.
With offices in Manchester, Leeds, London, Birmingham, and Nottingham, the firm continues to strengthen its regional footprint while aligning with the broader Gateley Group’s ethos of integrated, client-focused service.
Founded in Birmingham in 1808, Gateley has grown into a leading professional services group employing over 1,500 people across 27 UK locations, with additional operations in Dubai. Its strategy focuses on differentiation through diversification—bringing together legal, consultancy, and advisory expertise to meet the evolving needs of clients.
Through its various specialist subsidiaries, including Gateley Capitus, Gateley Hamer, Gateley RJA, and Gateley Smithers Purslow, the group provides expertise across taxation, property consultancy, project management, surveying, and engineering. This multi-faceted approach enables clients to benefit from coordinated advice across complex projects and transactions.
As Gateley Vinden continues to expand its influence across the North, Mr Heathcote’s expertise and leadership will play a central role in driving the next phase of development for the consultancy.
