A former director at Colliers International UK and co-founder of Kerr Baxter Associates, Mr Kerr joins from Sedgwick International where he held the position of technical director.

He brings with him 30 years’ experience as a chartered building surveyor, having been involved in all aspects of commercial property for a variety of both private and public sector clients.

Based in Cumbernauld with UK-wide client base, Diamond & Company (Scotland) provides full building consultancy services across various sectors throughout the built environment, specialising in surveys and certification, external cladding, design and remediation.

It also offers a turnkey solution for surveying and fire engineering through its fire engineering consultancy Brooker Diamond Fire Engineering Ltd, which was formed with the acquisition of Linlithgow firm S. Brooker & Associates in February 2022.

As part of a wide-ranging remit in the newly-created position, Mr Kerr will focus on expanding the delivery of the core services, with his arrival the first part of a significant growth plan for the company.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Kerr said: “The work that Phil has been doing in the industry over the years has been tremendous and I’m looking forward to further enhancing what the company offers.

“These kinds of roles don’t come along too often. I’m fortunate to be joining at such an important time for the sector, especially with the cladding crisis such a huge issue at the moment.

“I’m looking forward to helping continue to grow the team and expand the delivery of core services in building surveying, architectural, project management and principal designer services. I’ll also be assisting in the delivery of current core workstream projects including contract administration.”

Phil Diamond, managing director of Diamond & Co. (Scotland), added: “Our management team of chartered surveyors has a wealth of experience operating in the construction industry and the built environment and Jim’s arrival serves to strengthen that even further.

“This is a significant appointment for us as a business. He will be a great asset, bringing a wealth of knowledge from his 30 years as a chartered building surveyor. During that time, he has built up extensive experience in all aspects of commercial property for a variety of private and public sector clients.

“It’s great to have him as part of our senior team and he will play a key part in the company’s future growth.

“As part of the Diamond Group, Diamond & Co. alongside Brooker Diamond, has already created a unique, market leading position in fire engineering and remediation reporting and design solutions. We are now well positioned to further expand the full range of services for clients. This will see us utilise our expertise in sectors such as retail, development, commercial, industrial, logistics, residential and leisure for clients across the UK.”