Senior leadership team

Jackson’s team brings a wealth of experience from across the industry

The Board

Richard

Group CEO

Richard Neall

I joined Jackson in 1997 having just arrived from Sydney, Australia. I was Managing Director for around 20 years and now look after One Group Construction, the parent company.

At home, I have been married to Pippa ‘forever’ (her words) and we have two fantastic children in Will and Chloe. As an Aussie, sport is always a priority, so my spare time is generally spent with racket or club in hand, racing about or sliding down mountains. I also love building things and have just finished my second vintage race car build.

Brian

Managing Director

Brian Crofton

I joined from South Africa 25 years ago, as a Project Manager, and progressed through the business to become MD in 2019 – a really proud moment.

As a qualified Civil Engineer, I am a fellow of ICE and a member of CIHT. I am also a board member and past Chairman of CECA Southern.

Outside of work, my wife and I love sailing. We’re lucky to be able to spend our vacations exploring the beauty of the Mediterranean and its many islands.

Trevor

Financial Director

Trevor Dixon

I joined Jackson in June 1999 as a management accountant, worked hard, and was delighted to be become Finance Director in 2010.

I am a Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant, FCCA, completing my accountancy qualification in 2003.

I am a Spurs fan (some of us still are) with a passion for running after a Couch-to-5k during Covid. A few marathons later, and the enjoyment from running is still very much alive.

Paul

Pre contracts Director

Paul Stanhope

I joined as the Managing QS for our Northern Region in 2006. In 2011, I was promoted to Commercial Manager for all regions and relocated to Suffolk as Commercial Director in 2012.

I joined the board in 2019 as Pre-Contracts Director. After 38 years in commercial management, it was a daunting and exciting change.

Outside of work, my wife and I love travelling. We are members of our local golf club, and we take every opportunity to combine our holidays abroad with our love of the game.

Rupert

Contracts Director

Rupert Chitty

I joined in 1997 as a Quantity Surveyor on the Bluewater scheme, and became the Contracts Director in 2019.

I’m a qualified Quantity Surveyor (BSC Hons) and I’m also a member and supporter of the CIHT.

Outside of work, I enjoy time with my family in Kent. I had a long rugby career as a player, latterly as coach for my eldest son’s team. After rugby, I took up golf and although it can drive you mad, it’s still something I love. That’s me on the Island Green par three.

Leadership Team

Claire

HR & Training Director

Claire Finbow

I joined the QHSE team in 2003 and via training and HR roles became HR and Training Director in 2022. I lead a team managing HR, training, recruitment, payroll, and pensions.

I have a business degree, a Level 7 in Strategic People Management, and I’m currently working towards Chartered membership of the CIPD.

I love spending time outdoors with my family (including Ralph, the dog), whether we are walking, running, climbing mountains or camping.

Darren

Commercial Director

Darren Hutchings

I joined Jackson Civil Engineering in June 2025 with over 20 years’ experience in construction.  I hold a BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering and started in 2001 as a trainee with a local surfacing contractor, progressing through pre-contract and commercial roles in estimating and quantity surveying, working for blue-chip companies on major frameworks.

Away from work, I enjoy family life, travel, paddle boarding, youth cricket coaching and cycling. One of my proudest moments was completing a 10-day, 1,000-mile Land’s End to John O’Groats ride.

Richard

Strategic Client Director

Richard Barnes

I joined as a Section Foreman in 1997, and quickly took on-site and project management roles. Getting involved in framework management I followed a new path away from project delivery into wider business roles most recently as Strategic Client Director.

Family life with my wife, two sons and a Labrador keeps me busy, but I love rugby and I manage the Under 18’s section of my local club. We also enjoy water skiing in Norfolk, and I help in running the ski club.

Sarah

QHSE & Business Improvement Director

Sarah Rose

I joined Jackson in 2015 as Business Improvement Manager and became QHSE and Business Improvement Director in 2024.

I’m a member of both IOSH and the CQI as well as being a lean practitioner.

I love spending time outside of work with my husband, son and extended family… but when I have some time for myself, my real passion is horse riding.

Ravi

Northern Regional Director

Ravi Darigala

I became Northern Regional Director in 2020, after spending most of my career in the water industry in the UK and South America.

As a Chartered Civil Engineer I am a Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers and a Council Member of CECA Midlands.

I’m very much a family man and we have three grown up children. I love travel, Nottingham Forest FC (really), and playing sports. Odd, but as the years march on the ball seems to be getting smaller.

Paul

Highways Director

Paul Watson

I joined Jackson in 2000 as a Structures Agent and over the years I have progressed through the business, taking on a variety of roles to now being Highways Director.

Construction appealed to me as a boy. I studied Civil Engineering at the Polytechnic of Wales and I still enjoy being involved, working with some great people and seeing projects completed.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family and travelling to remote destinations…there are so many to explore.

Nigel

Eastern Region Director

Nigel Aves

I started as a Trainee Site Engineer in 2000, and in a rewarding career rose to become Eastern Region Director in 2025.

I have an HND in Civil Engineering, I’m an Incorporated Engineer and member of the Institute of Civil Engineers.

I like to keep fit and active, playing squash regularly and competing in a local squash league.

Steve

Southern Regional Director

Steve Horton

I joined in 2018 as Southern Regional Director. I am a Chartered Civil Engineer and also a member of CIHT.

I am a keen sports fan and aim to see as many live events as possible. I used to play football, hockey and cricket but these days I have enough to do concentrating on my golf game.