As HLG Associates enters its 15th year of delivering high-quality construction and development services for clients in Jersey, Guernsey, and the UK they are delighted to announce the internal promotion of Chris Bester to Managing Director.

Chris is a Chartered Environmentalist, a Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry, a Trustee of the Jersey Ecology Trust Fund, and a Member of the Jersey Chamber of Commerce Building Housing and Environment Committee. Chris holds both BSc (Hons) and MSc (Euro) in Chemistry as well as qualifications in Environmental Management. Chris is also an active member of the Jersey Round Table and enjoys socialising and fundraising activities in his spare time.

Chris joined HLG in September 2020. Since that time, he has worked to establish HLG as the leading provider of sustainable development advisory services in the Island, creating a new revenue stream and developing a significant market presence.

He has also developed a strong understanding of the local building and development sectors, and the services that HLG provide. Over the past nine months whilst acting ‘up’ as a Director, Chris has proven himself to be a perfect fit in helping to manage and lead on the development of the business.

Following an absence through ill health and recuperation Jerry Willis has stood down from his role as Group Managing Director. However, HLG are pleased to announce that Jerry has returned to the business, initially on a part-time basis, to fulfil a new position of Business Development Lead.

This new role will focus on supporting business growth, generating new leads, nurturing existing relationships, and exploring new income streams for the company.

Commenting on these changes, the Board of Directors said:

Chris Bester’s promotion to managing director is warmly welcomed and the Board are particularly pleased to note that Chris has been promoted from within the company demonstrating a real return on HLG’s investment in our people. The Board thank Jerry for his service as initially Director and latterly Managing Director and are delighted that he has agreed to stay connected with the business to support Chris with ensuring the continued success of HLG in the future”.

Having come through a challenging period in the Construction Sector the prospects for HLG are positive.

The Island is seeing the ‘green shoots’ of a resurgence in construction activity through 2025 and beyond, as the Government of Jersey progress plans for spending on major capital commitments and private-sector clients start to plan for business opportunities supporting the Island’s growth.

There is also confidence of a return in activity levels across residential homeowners, as interest rates start to fall and house price indices start to rise again.

HLG’s services; quantity surveying, project management, sustainability and complimentary projects remain very suited to the local marketplace. As the business looks forward to the next 15 years building places to remember across the Channel Islands the team would like to thank their customers for their continued support of the business.