We’re delighted to welcome Paul Heron to Ridge as he joins us to lead our Newcastle office, expanding our presence in the North East. A chartered building surveyor with over 25 years of experience, Paul will head up our efforts in the region, starting with the growth of our building surveying team.

Paul began his career at just 17, working for an architectural practice that supported him through his studies. Since 2014, he’s been at Gleeds, rising from Executive Surveyor to Senior Director. His focus has been on delivery of capital works  programmes in the public sector – including health, education, and blue light. But it’s building and nurturing teams, and helping others grow their careers, that he cites as the most fulfilling aspects of his work. 

“What drew me to Ridge was the reputation – I’ve only ever heard great things,” says Paul. “The ambition and positivity around growing our presence in the North East is really exciting, and I’m looking forward to building a team that shares that energy. It’s also clear Ridge is genuinely a great place to work, and that really matters.” 

Paul joins at a time of significant growth for Ridge as we continue to expand nationally, offering our services to more clients. His appointment is a key part of our strategy to develop our capabilities in the North East, a region where we’re already delivering excellent outcomes and see great potential. 

“Paul brings a depth of public sector experience and in particular expertise within healthcare aligning well with our growth aspirations. We are excited by Paul’s experience in developing high quality teams and his track record of building sustainable long lasting partnerships across the region,” says Matt Summerill, Partner at Ridge. “It’s an exciting time for us and we’re thrilled to have him on board.” 

Paul sees one of the industry’s biggest challenges as the skills shortage – particularly as ambitious growth plans across the sector increase demand. 

“We need to do more to attract young people into our professions,” he says. “They really value equality, diversity and inclusion, social value, and work-life balance – and we need to show that our industry can offer all that and more.” 

Outside work, Paul is a  father to two young children aged 5 and 7. He’s a keen skier and is looking forward to taking them on their first ski trip next year. 

We’re excited for what’s ahead in Newcastle and the North East – and we’re confident Paul will play a key role in helping us shape it.