The Peel Ports Group, the UK’s second largest port operator, has appointed construction expert Gary Clements as its new South East Sales Director, as it seeks to develop partnerships with those in the construction sector to improve sustainability practices across both industries.
With over 30 years’ experience in manufacturing, heavy plant, and equipment, Gary joins Peel Ports from EODev, a French hydrogen fuel cell manufacturer, where he introduced clean energy solutions to companies across Europe, the Far East, and the Americas.
Based at the ports of Sheerness and Great Yarmouth Gary will work with construction businesses to develop tailored port-centric services offerings which will support the sector to streamline their operations and enhance supply chain sustainability.
His appointment follows the Government’s announcement to reform the Planning and Infrastructure Bill in a bid to speed up construction projects, with the latest forecasts from the Construction Products Association predicting the UK’s construction outputs will grow by 2.1% in 2025 and 4.0% in 2026.
With the sector facing challenges around the availability of vital materials, demands for it to decarbonise and a growing need to digitalise, greater collaboration between ports and the construction industry will be key to supporting its growth.
Gary’s immediate priorities include engaging with construction firms to better understand their logistical needs, and demonstrate how Peel Ports’ services can deliver sustainable solutions across their operations.
Peel Ports’ South East Cluster has seen ongoing investment in infrastructure and services to support the construction sector, most recently seeing a £30 million investment into a new berth at the Port of Sheerness to increase capacity for vessels carrying building materials, construction machinery, and project cargo.
