irm commercial services was established in December 2009 by Ian Mitchell.

 

Having completed a BSc (Hons) Degree in Building at Nottingham in 1987 Ian started work in central London working initially for John Laing Construction and then Alfred McAlpine as a trainee Quantity Surveyor before moving to Leeds in 1990 and joining Shepherd Construction where he completed his training and qualified as a member of the RICS. Working initially as a site surveyor Ian progressed through the company to Managing Surveyor, leaving in 2000 to take up a similar position with Totty Construction (now part of ISG Regions).

 

Looking for a new challenge with broader and more inclusive involvement in the whole construction process, Ian left Totty Construction in 2007 to join CALA Finance Limited, a company that provided funding for residential development. Working as a Senior Commercial Manager, Ian was involved in approximately 10 to 12 projects at any one time (all at varying stages of development) with, at peak capacity, a GDV of approximately £35M. Reporting directly to the Managing Director and Funding Bank on all projects on a monthly basis, Ian’s key responsibilities were:

 

1. To carry out due diligence on all construction aspects of schemes prior to approval for funding being granted. Matters covered included budget costs, programme, proposed construction methods and details, efficiency and cost effectiveness of design, pre-start requirements and approvals, procurement route and appointment of the professional team and/or contractor.

2. Following approval to provide funding, to monitor the schemes on behalf of CALA Finance/the bank and agree monthly draw downs (valuations) from the bank facility. Where required/necessary provided support and/or assistance to the developer on any cost, construction or legal issues that arose during the build period. Liaised with sales advisors regarding completion of the scheme and sale of the individual units.

3. Where due to the prevailing economic difficulties at that time developers went into administration, took over control of the schemes on behalf of CALA Finance/the bank and procured the completion of the project either by appointing a site manager, subcontractors and suppliers directly or engaging another contractor.

 

Ian is married, lives in Leeds and has a married daughter who is a vet practising in Northumberland. He spends the majority of his spare time running a local Cub Scout pack but, when he can, prefers to escape to the countryside in his campervan. His other interests include cycling, fell walking and reading.