Associated British Ports appoints new Lead Estates Manager and Head of Commercial

Associated British Ports (ABP), one of the UK’s largest commercial landowners, has appointed Philip Holmes as the Lead Estates Manager at the Port of Southampton.

In his new role, Philip Holmes will oversee the management of leased spaces at the UK port, Town Quay, ABP Solent Gateway, Marchwood Industrial Park, and Eling Wharf Industrial Estate.

Holmes brings extensive experience from his previous roles in the Estates Team at QinetiQ and as a partner at Vail Williams, Property Consultants. His background in estate management, strategy development, stakeholder engagement, best practices, and development makes him a valuable asset to ABP.

“We are expanding our property team within the ABP Group. For each region, we are establishing property teams focused on three key pillars – Property Asset Management, Estate Management, and Site Development, supported by a Central team comprising of a Data Analytics, Master Planning and Building Surveying. Each of these functions will strengthen ABP’s approach to managing the vast portfolio. Many people are unaware that ABP owns a significant amount of land in the UK, and ensuring the best and most effective use is key to the ABP strategy,” stated Ian Henderson, head of Property for ABP.

Based in ABP’s Southampton office, Philip Holmes will ensure the company effectively meets and manages tenant needs. Additionally, he will seek new leasing opportunities, attract new tenants, and maintain positive relationships with existing tenants. His efforts aim to uphold ABP’s reputation as a reliable and supportive landlord.

“I am excited about working with the team to support our tenants strategically and cohesively. I will strive for consistency and excellent customer service across the ABP group. I began my career in Southampton, and it is great to be back in the City at the Port,” added Philip Holmes, Lead Estates Manager.

Additionally, Associated British Ports (ABP) in the Humber has appointed Laura Wood as the new Head of Commercial.

In this role, Wood will lead the team responsible for managing ABP’s extensive customer relationships, which are crucial to the company’s mission of Keeping Britain Trading across its four Humber ports: Grimsby, Immingham, Goole, and Hull.

Also, she brings valuable experience from her previous role as Business Development Manager within ABP’s portfolio, where she focused on opportunities related to the energy transition, future fuels, and innovative products. Her responsibilities included collaborating closely with senior stakeholders from both business and government sectors to build partnerships and advance complex projects in areas such as alternative fuels and carbon capture.

“I’m delighted to be working in the Humber and coming back to the type of role looking at how ABP can enable customers to deliver on their targets. It’s exciting to be heading up the dynamic Humber Commercial team who are experienced across multiple sectors and focused on delivering customer solution,” stated Laura Wood.

She is familiar with the Humber region, having previously worked at the Port of Immingham where she introduced the hydrogen-fueled Terberg terminal tractor project to the container terminal. This collaborative pilot initiative secured funding from ORE Catapult under Innovate UK’s Hydrogen Innovation Initiative (HII), following initial feasibility funding from the Department for Transport’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition.

Laura Wood further added, “ABP has shown a real commitment to supporting me in developing my career including through maternity leave. My experience is that they have broken the mould when it comes to supporting women in their careers.”