About us
The Building Heroes team
Our story
Established in 2014, Building Heroes is dedicated to service leavers, veterans, reservists, military families and bereaved military family members. We provide training and employment support into a new career in construction by equipping individuals with a broad range of trade skills and then connecting them with a network of employers.
Our mission
We join forces together - Armed Forces leavers, the education sector and the construction industry - benefiting all concerned. We are the gateway to second careers in construction for service leavers, veterans and their families. We remove the barriers of time, and money and provide welfare support and training leading to national job opportunities.
Our values
Collaboration
Excellence
Respect
Commitment
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Award-winning work
We are proud to be recognised for the exceptionally hard work that the Building Heroes team put in every day, helping to recruit, re-skill and redeploy those who have kept us safe. We have been honoured with a number of Accreditations with the sector partners we work with to provide that support and delighted to have achieved Award recognition for our impact.
Our trustees
Richard H Tucker MBE is a respected business leader, veteran advocate, and public appointee with a long-standing commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community, vulnerable individuals, and charitable organisations across the North East of England. Awarded an MBE in the 2016 New Year Honours for services to business and charity, Richard has dedicated much of his professional life to creating opportunities for veterans and those facing disadvantage.
A former member of the Royal Air Force, Richard served for 20 years between 1976 and 1996. His military experience shaped a deep and enduring commitment to supporting service leavers, reservists, and veterans in their transition to civilian life. Following his RAF career, he founded a successful property management and maintenance company with a strong social ethos, placing particular emphasis on employing ex-service personnel and helping vulnerable individuals rebuild their futures through meaningful employment and support.
Richard works extensively with private sector, public sector, and charitable organisations to increase awareness, understanding, and employment opportunities for veterans and reservists. He currently serves as Regional Co-Chair of the Ministry of Defence Employers Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Association, where he supports and engages employers and Reserve Forces on issues relating to the employment and wellbeing of veterans and reservists.
Since 2022, Richard has held a public appointment on the Ministry of Defence Veterans Advisory Committee, having been appointed by the Secretary of State for Defence. In this role, he contributes to national discussions and policy advice surrounding veteran employment, housing, and wider welfare issues.
Richard also served as a Trustee of the charity Building Heroes from 2020 to 2024, supporting military personnel transitioning into civilian employment through accredited training and vocational opportunities.
Mick fulfils the role of Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees for Building Heroes
Mick joined the Royal Marines in 1985 and served for 23 years. Mick had a very successful career between 1989 – 2008 and saw operational deployments globally including Gulf War 1 and Sierra Leone. He was awarded the Queens Gallantry Medal in 1995 and made an MBE in 2000. Mick retired from the Royal Marines in 2008.
Noel qualified in the Royal Navy as: Watchkeeping Officer, Navigation Officer, Torpedo and Anti-Submarine Officer, Diving Instructor Officer, Communications Officer, Gunnery Officer, NBCD (Nuclear Biological Chemical and Damage Control) Warfare Officer.
Noel continues his association with the Royal Navy as chairman of the Worthing Royal Naval Association looking after the welfare of local veterans and widows.
Noel is pleased to serve as a trustee of Building Heroes both the Education Foundation and Property Services.
Jan Dale brings extensive experience in residential property and land development, offering a fresh perspective to collaborations with clients and partners in the development and design industries.
Her career includes senior roles at Bellway Homes, and as Director for the North East region at national house builders Bryant Homes and Taylor Woodrow. In 2005, she founded Urban Base, which has become a leading residential estate agency in the North East, with offices in historic Durham City and on Newcastle's fashionable Quayside.
Jan manages operations from Urban Base's North East headquarters, serving clients across the UK and Europe. She is supported by a team of dynamic property experts. Her services range from market research and land appraisals to new launch management and strategic consulting, often acting as an extension of her clients' businesses. Her commitment to excellence and adaptability has earned Urban Base a high level of repeat business.
Jan is also an active board member of The Dunelm Foundation, supporting local charities in County Durham, and served on the board of Lumiere in Durham with Artichoke Art in 2023. She is deeply passionate about community engagement at all levels.
After completing 24 years of regular service in the British Army followed by 20 years in reserve service, Frank made a successful transition into the private security industry. Frank has held senior security roles providing security services in Oil & Gas; construction services and assistance to the FCDO in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.
After attaining an MSc in Security Management with the University of Leicester and meeting the standard as a chartered security professional, Frank transitioned into the construction Industry by complementing existing electrical trade training skills learned in the Army with multi skills training at both Aldershot & Trowbridge; street works at Blaydon and a Retrofit Assessors course at New College Durham. Frank is now a qualified Domestic Energy Assessor& Retrofit Assessor in the East Neuk of Fife in Scotland.
Derek is Managing Director of Mynott Bowers a quantity surveying business that provides bills of quantities support to contractors in the UK, The Middle East, Australia and New Zealand. Offices being located in the UK, Sri Lanka and Australia.
Derek is proud to worked in construction all his career having trained at Bovis Construction (LendLease). Appointed as Commercial Director at Willmott Dixon after an acquisition of a contractor in Yorkshire. He later worked as a director at the London office of a consultancy Driver Group before establishing his own business. Also previously served on the executive committee for The Builders Conference before acquistion.
Byron Miller is a business man, management consultant that has advised a wide range of high profile organisations, and currently a Director (with responsibility for tenders and business development) at one of the largest mental health care firms in the UK.
He has also held a number of senior positions at organisations in the public and voluntary sectors.
With degrees from Cranfield University (Shrivenham Defence Academy Campus), and the University of East Anglia, and he is ex-RAF (VR - ATC).
Byron is a former professional sports man, with an active interest in the arts, and has lived and worked in the USA and Caribbean.
Having begun my career in 1983 on the management trainee scheme with David Wilson Homes, I developed a broad understanding of the housebuilding industry before specialising in site management. Progressing through roles I became Construction Director and then Managing Director, responsible for regional performance and significant growth.
Since 2007, I have been Operations Director at Davidsons, helping grow the business into a successful housebuilder delivering around 800 homes annually. I am also a member of the Chartered Institute of Building.
Outside of work, I enjoy cycling and rugby, and am married with two children.
Our team
After 25 years of Brendan working at leading Global Investment Banks, working in Operations and Technology and as a Chief Operating Officer, it was time to give something else a go. Born into a long line of specialist master bricklayers, the opportunity to help start Building Heroes was too difficult to pass up. Being Chief Executive draws on all his cross disciplinary experience and brings more rewards than banking ever could. You only have to be told once that you have changed a life for the better to know all the hard work is worthwhile.
Chris brings a wealth of experience from his distinguished career in secondary education and executive leadership. Prior to joining Building Heroes, Chris held significant roles leading various schools to become high-performing institutions, demonstrating his ability to inspire and manage effectively. His track record showcases a series of successes in enhancing institutional performance and driving strategic initiatives.
Chris holds a deep passion for vocational training and development, with a particular focus on empowering former military personnel and their families. His leadership at Building Heroes is marked by a commitment to extending educational and career opportunities to service leavers and the military community, ensuring they receive the support necessary to thrive in the civilian workforce.
As Chief Executive, Chris is dedicated to steering Building Heroes towards new heights, leveraging his strategic insight and unwavering dedication to the charity’s mission.
Prior to joining Building Heroes, Harri worked in Business Management roles with both BT plc and Canon UK and his role with Building Heroes encompasses Finance, HR and IT.
The Royal British Legion also benefits from Harri’s skills as he combines being Secretary of the Legion in Hayes with his work at Building Heroes.
Harri is also Chairman of Hayes (Kent) Cricket Club, a keen golfer and passionate Manchester City fan.
Nicola now serves as Deputy CEO at Building Heroes, supporting the strategic and operational leadership of the charity alongside the CEO. In addition to this broader remit, she continues to lead on Corporate Partnerships—driving engagement with industry and enhancing the charity’s national profile.
Nicola brings a strong background in communications, stakeholder engagement, and brand development, having previously worked with Lovell Partnerships on Service Family Accommodation and legacy community projects. At Building Heroes, she harnesses this experience to cultivate meaningful relationships across the construction sector and beyond, helping partners meet their Social Value commitments while supporting the transition of Tri-Service military community members into civilian careers.
As a proud military veteran, Rachel served with the WRAC in Germany, Northern Ireland, and Aldershot, bringing resilience and leadership to her role. Rachel joined Building Heroes as Director of Education and Training in September 2025, bringing nearly 30 years of experience across the education sector. In addition to this, she is also the Designated Safeguarding Lead for the charity.
Rachel began her career in Early Years and has since held a wide range of roles, including Teaching Assistant, Lecturer, Assessor, Area IQA, and Programme Coordinator, giving her a strong and well-rounded understanding of teaching, learning, and quality assurance.
Rachel holds qualifications in Adult Teaching, Assessing and Lead IQA, alongside a BA (Hons) and a Master’s in Education. She is passionate about supporting learners to achieve meaningful outcomes.
Rachel is a military spouse who brings a wealth of experience to Building Heroes. She spent eight years in IT training, travelling across the UK and working with the Ministry of Defence, government organisations, and the security, aerospace and NHS sectors.
A university graduate, Rachel began her career as a Recruitment Consultant, specialising in the placement of teachers and support staff within the education sector. She now plays a key role within Building Heroes, leading on learner recruitment and awareness, ensuring members of the Armed Forces community can access our programmes. Alongside this, she applies her strong analytical skills to manage data and measure the impact of the charity on its beneficiaries and supporters.
Finlay has a quiet, thoughtful personality and focuses on making sure that any task he is put to work on is completed quickly but to a high standard. Currently he is working as a Business Administration Assistant to improve his office skills and assist the charity in maintaining their standards of service delivery.
Clare has been a military wife for almost 20 years now, experiencing the highs and the lows that come with military life. She previously worked for a military charity within their Health and Wellbeing Team.
Prior to this, she has 22 years experience in customer focused roles. As a member of the military community she has experience to help tackle unemployment and support to transition into a new career.
Clare leads our Skills Academy in partnership with Vistry Group in Coggeshall, Essex
Helen has a wealth of construction, recruitment and IAG experience. She worked for 10 years with a large training provider offering construction skills and qualifications to unemployed 16-18 year olds and 19+. Previous to joining Building Heroes Helen worked for a large building company dealing with customers, employees and subcontractors.
Helen is the Centre Coordinator for our Groundworks & Street Works course and our Green Retrofit Skills course in the North East.
Steve is currently the Sherford Skills & Training Coordinator in Plymouth at the biggest onsite training centre in the country where he has been part of two successful CITB bid submissions that have secured 6 years of funding for training at the Skills Centre.
Steve studied at The University of Plymouth, completing his undergraduate and postgraduate degree at Plymouth University. During this period, he was elected as President of the Student Union, and became actively involved in politics. In 2006 he was successfully elected to Plymouth City Council holding various Cabinet posts such as Transport & Housing Delivery.
Steve has worked in ‘Welfare to Work’ for many years and in Plymouth‘s Drug and Rehab Centre. He also worked on the Erasmus programme helping EU students find high quality work placements in Plymouth while serving as an Army Reservist with Six Rifles. Apart from a short spell in East London, working in one of the most deprived areas in the UK, helping long-term unemployed people into work he has lived in Plymouth ever since.
Steve leads our Plymouth Centre in the South West.
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Shamila has a background in education working for various organisations. She has a wide range of experience working with different client groups, employment, and recruitment. She is a committed individual who is always looking for positive outcome with those she works with.
Shamila is the Centre Coordinator for our Darlington College training programme.
Jason joined Building Heroes at the beginning of September 2022. Prior to taking up this appointment he had a very successful career within the British Army between 1985 – 2022 (Private soldier to Major). During his 37 years’ service he has deployed on multiple operational tours including Iraq and Afghanistan and has a wealth of experience in Facilities Management, Logistics and Human Resources.
Jason completed the construction multi-skills course in July 2022 as part of his transition from the military into the civilian sector. As such, he has first-hand experience of what the course offers and the benefit of equipping individuals with a broad range of trade skills and then connecting them with a network of employers.
Jason is the Centre Coordinator for our Reaseheath College training programme.
Phil joined the Building Heroes Team on 22 May 23 after serving over 38 years in the British Army. He joined the Royal Corps of Signals at the age of 16 as a Junior Soldier in 1984 serving around the world before retiring from regular service in Oct 22 as a Lieutenant Colonel after working in Army Headquarters in a Capability and Acquisition role.
A very experienced logistician with a wealth of knowledge in Facilities, Transport and Project Management. Prior to retirement and during transition form the Army to the civilian sector he attended the Construction Multi-Skills course in Jul 22 at Reaseheath College.
Phil leads our Skills Academy in partnership with Davidsons Homes in Ibstock, Leicestershire.
Lin is a Councillor in Mid Sussex District Council representing High Weald Ward. She is currently a member of the scrutiny committees for Audit, Leader & Service Delivery and Planning & Economic Development. She also represents the District Council as Champion for the Armed Forces Covenant. Before retiring in 2012 Lin worked for Lloyds Banking Group, initially as a Customer Service Manager, then in Credit Risk Finance as an analyst and business support manager.
I left the Army in 2020 during the start of the COVID pandemic. I had served with the Royal Engineers for over 38 years and was ready for a new challenge in life. Building Heroes - Property Maintenance Course was an ideal fit for my resettlement, my background in construction engineering had given mea basis to start my own handyman services and this course was an ideal foot on the ladder.
I was really impressed with the professionalism of the trade instructors - given the diversity, individuals skill levels on the course, their knowledge of their trade shone through. On completion of my training, I had the confidence and skills to refit my bathroom. I dipped my toe into the handyman business but due to family commitments this is now on the back burner.
I was so impressed with the Building Heroes ethos and commitment to helping ex-servicemen and women that I am now a volunteer working alongside the area co-ordinate, assisting with presentations and fund raising for this great charity.
Our Patrons
Our Patrons supports the charity to progress its purpose. Lending their time, contacts, influence, and ideas to enable us to achieve our goal and help the military community as much as we can.
Our expertise
Recruit, Reskill, Redeploy with fully-funded training and full support during and post course.
Our team draws on a wealth of experience to support individuals and companies looking for exceptional talent.
- Supporting military service leavers, veterans, reservists and their families
- Working with under-represented groups
- Support throughout and after your course
- Teaching employability and essential digital skills
- Personalised support to fit your needs
- Construction training with expert instructors
- Employment after your course
- Self Employment after your course
- Further Training after your course
