The Team

With over 30 years of construction industry experience, Lee Upson has been a vital part of Ensigna for more than a decade. He is qualified with SMSTS, CDM Regulations, CSCS Gold and Platinum Cards, and Asbestos Awareness. Lee has managed significant educational projects, including Clapton Girls School and Nightingale Primary refurbishments. Lee’s extensive knowledge in site and contract management ensures high-quality project delivery across the education sector. As the Key Account Manager for Ensigna’s London Borough of Hackney education clients, Lee specialises in delivering tailored solutions for educational projects, ensuring that each one meets the high standards expected in this sector.

Lee’s dedication to client satisfaction extends beyond project delivery. He works closely with Hackney Council and education stakeholders to build long-term relationships, providing consistent support and proactive solutions. His ability to align Ensigna’s capabilities with the needs of Hackney schools ensures the success of every project, strengthening Ensigna’s reputation as a trusted partner in education construction.

Charlie Hine is Ensigna’s specialist in managing education sector projects, bringing extensive expertise in contract management and strategic program development. Currently in his second year of MCIOB accreditation, Charlie holds a portfolio of construction based accreditations.

Charlie has led multiple high-profile education projects, his experience encompasses managing live environments, ensuring safeguarding measures are rigorously applied, and delivering decarbonisation initiatives tailored to educational settings.

With a focus on creating safe, efficient, and inspiring learning environments, Charlie works closely with clients, subcontractors, and stakeholders to ensure timely and high-quality project delivery. His leadership and in-depth understanding of the education sector make him a key figure in maintaining Ensigna’s reputation for excellence in this field.

Neil Barber has been with Ensigna since 2014, leveraging over 35 years of experience in quality assurance and compliance. A former Ministry of Defence Mechanical Engineer, Neil holds an HNC in Production Engineering, Autocad certification, and extensive auditing qualifications. He oversees Ensigna’s ISO certifications (9001, 14001, and 45001) and accreditations such as Constructionline Gold and CHAS Advanced. Neil ensures compliance with BREEAM standards, Health Technical Memoranda, and CDM regulations, supporting the delivery of high-quality projects across healthcare, education, and heritage sectors.

Perry Gardiner has been with the company since 2006. A member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Perry holds a CITB Indentured Apprenticeship in Carpentry & Joinery, CSCS Gold and Platinum Cards, and a Level 6 NVQ Diploma in Construction Management. With expertise in cost management, procurement, and tendering, Perry has been pivotal in delivering key education and healthcare projects. His detailed approach ensures projects remain within budget and align with client requirements.

Dominic Quinn, a Chartered Architect (RIBA, ARB), joined Ensigna in 2024. He holds a degree from UCL Bartlett School of Architecture and is certified in sustainable design and interior lighting. With over 18 years of experience, Dominic specialises in leading design teams for education, healthcare, and leisure projects. His ability to coordinate architectural and engineering disciplines ensures seamless integration of designs that meet client and regulatory standards. Dominic’s leadership is central to Ensigna’s innovative and sustainable approach to design-and-build contracts.

Stuart Tate brings a wealth of hands-on construction experience to his role as Ensigna Construction’s Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality (SHEQ) Manager. Stuart’s journey began on the ground as a Site Manager, progressing through the ranks to Contracts Manager before taking on his current position, where he oversees SHEQ systems and standards across all Ensigna projects. His practical knowledge from years of site-based roles equips him with a unique perspective, enabling him to implement safety and quality processes that are both effective and grounded in real-world application.

As SHEQ Manager, Stuart is responsible for maintaining Ensigna’s ISO accreditations (9001, 14001, and 45001) and ensuring compliance with health, safety, environmental, and quality regulations. He conducts regular audits, reviews site procedures, and provides guidance to project teams, drawing on his first-hand experience to identify risks and implement actionable solutions. His ability to connect with site teams and communicate SHEQ priorities effectively bridges the gap between operational demands and compliance requirements.

Notable projects Stuart has contributed to include high-profile refurbishments and new-builds in the healthcare, education, and leisure sectors. He has a proven track record of delivering results in live environments, where his expertise in managing safety protocols, environmental considerations, and quality assurance has been invaluable.

Stuart’s progression through Ensigna exemplifies his commitment to continuous improvement, not only for himself but for the company. His leadership ensures that every project is delivered to the highest standards, safeguarding workers, clients, and the surrounding community.

Andrew Cooper joined Ensigna Construction in 2022 as Building Services Manager, bringing a wealth of technical expertise and hands-on experience. A qualified plumber, electrician, and oil boiler technician, Andrew is also certified in air source heat pump installation and competent in data and communication systems. His diverse skill set ensures seamless management of complex MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) systems across Ensigna’s projects.

Andrew has led numerous high-profile projects throughout his career, oversees the MEP systems for a private chain of more than 50 schools across the South East, ensuring reliable, energy-efficient systems tailored to each institution’s needs, demonstrating exceptional leadership and problem-solving skills. Andrew’s technical qualifications and project management expertise make him an invaluable asset to the Ensigna team. His meticulous attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality building services ensure the success of every project he manages.

Laura French brings over a decade of experience in resource management and document control to Ensigna. A qualified professional in Business Administration, Laura excels in managing resources, maintaining compliance records, and coordinating with site teams. Her expertise has been instrumental in delivering successful education projects for the London Borough of Hackney, including Queensbridge Primary, Our Lady’s School, and Haggerston School. Laura’s meticulous attention to detail ensures efficient project delivery and exceptional client satisfaction.

Jamie Lottrie joined Ensigna in 2020 from a Tier 1 contractor, bringing expertise in civil engineering and construction management. He holds an HNC in Civil Engineering, NVQ Level 6 in Construction Operations and SMSTS. Jamie has managed critical projects such as leading The Children’s Trust at Tadworth House project. His focus on quality assurance and effective project planning ensures successful outcomes for high-profile developments.

Jack Sullivan joined Ensigna Construction in 2018, bringing a strong background in site management and an in-depth understanding of on-the-ground construction operations. Progressing through the ranks to Contracts Manager, Jack has seamlessly transitioned from fieldwork to project management, leveraging his practical experience to enhance Ensigna’s operations, he specialises in healthcare and education settings, overseeing all aspects of reactive repairs and refurbishments in these sectors. His recent notable projects include the London Excel Nightingale Hospital fit-out and Chelsea & Westminster Hospital refurbishment.

Jack’s wealth of site-level knowledge enables him to bridge the gap between on-site teams and the project management office, ensuring effective communication and practical solutions throughout all project phases. His hands-on perspective has influenced Ensigna’s Quality Management System (QMS), incorporating real-world insights to improve processes, compliance, and efficiency.

With over 20 years of administrative experience, Gemma Saisi ensures seamless office operations and management at Ensigna. Qualified in Technology Stage One and Core Text Processing, Gemma is also certified in First Aid and Fire Safety. Her exceptional organisational skills support Ensigna’s project and financial teams, ensuring efficient operations and client satisfaction.

Joanne Shrubb serves as Ensigna’s Supply Chain Manager, leveraging over 15 years of experience in the industry. Joanne is a critical figure in maintaining the efficiency and reliability of Ensigna’s supply chain operations.

Joanne oversees the vetting and management of subcontractors and suppliers, ensuring compliance with health, safety, and quality standards. She coordinates procurement processes, monitors supplier performance, and manages inventory to guarantee timely delivery of materials and services. Her role also includes maintaining Ensigna’s preferred supplier lists and fostering strong relationships with key partners to support seamless project delivery. Joanne plays an essential role in Ensigna’s success, ensuring that all supply chain elements align with project goals and client expectations. Her dedication to excellence ensures that every project is supported with the highest-quality resources.

Savannah Howell is an organised and diligent Document Controller at Ensigna Construction, bringing expertise in managing and maintaining accurate project records. Holding NVQ Level 2 in Business Administration and NVQ Level 3 in Information Management, Savannah has quickly developed a strong understanding of document control systems and processes, making her an essential part of the project delivery team.

Savannah’s key strengths include precise document management, ensuring that all records are up-to-date, compliant, and easily accessible. Her attention to detail and efficiency support smooth project workflows, enabling the seamless exchange of information across teams.

As Savannah continues to grow in her role, her commitment to enhancing document control procedures and supporting project timelines makes her an invaluable asset to Ensigna’s operations.

Michelle Wells serves as Ensigna Construction’s HR Associate, playing a key role in supporting the company’s workforce and fostering a positive work environment. With a strong background in human resources, Michelle is dedicated to ensuring that Ensigna’s HR policies and procedures align with best practices while meeting the needs of employees across all levels of the organisation.

Gemma is Ensigna Construction’s Social Value & Bid Manager, bringing over 10 years of experience in the construction industry. With a robust background in project and business management, Gemma leverages her expertise to deliver compelling bids and impactful social value initiatives.

In her social value role, Gemma designs and implements initiatives that leave a lasting positive impact on local communities. This includes fostering partnerships with educational institutions, supporting apprenticeship programmes, and creating employment opportunities. Her strategic approach to social value ensures that Ensigna not only meets contractual obligations but also exceeds expectations in delivering meaningful outcomes.

Gemma’s combination of industry knowledge, project experience, and dedication to social value enhances Ensigna’s reputation as a responsible and community-focused contractor.