The Peel Ports Group, the UK’s second largest port operator, has appointed construction expert Gary Clements as its new South East sales director as it seeks to develop partnerships with those in the construction sector to improve sustainability practices across both industries.
With over 30 years’ experience in manufacturing, heavy plant and equipment, Gary joins Peel Ports from EODev, a French hydrogen fuel cell manufacturer, where he introduced clean energy solutions to companies across Europe, the Far East and the Americas.
Starting his career in 1992 as a hire desk controller for Hewden, an equipment provider to construction businesses, Gary has progressed his career to hold numerous leadership positions and has held roles at Charles Wilson Engineers Ltd and Adlington Group.
Based at the ports of Sheerness and Great Yarmouth, he will work with construction businesses to develop tailored port-centric service offerings, which will support the sector in streamlining operations and enhancing supply chain sustainability.
Gary’s appointment follows the government’s announcement to reform the Planning and Infrastructure Bill in a bid to speed up construction projects, with the latest forecasts from the Construction Products Association predicting the UK’s construction outputs will grow by 2.1% in 2025 and 4.0% in 2026.
With the sector facing challenges around the availability of vital materials, demands for it to decarbonise and a growing need to digitalise, greater collaboration between ports and the construction industry will be key to supporting its growth.
Gary’s immediate priorities include engaging with construction firms to better understand their logistical needs, and demonstrate how Peel Ports’ services can deliver sustainable solutions across their operations.
Gary said: “I’ve always had an ambition to work at Peel Ports so I’m thrilled to be joining, particularly in a role where I can use my experience to bring solutions to the construction sector, which is facing challenges in decarbonisation.
“As well as offering greater efficiencies during transport, ports can help drive the completion of projects, being facilities for processing, manufacturing and storage of materials, and becoming a point of consolidation for construction schemes by centralising offsite activity.
“By working together, port operators and construction businesses can navigate supply chain issues, share greener best practice, and form a partnership which will lead to effective logistics planning.”
Richard Goffin, port director for Peel Ports South East Cluster, added: “Gary’s extensive experience and relationship-building skills make him the perfect fit for this role. His vision and passion align perfectly with our commitment to supporting the construction sector. We look forward to seeing the impact he will make.”
Peel Ports’ South East Cluster has seen ongoing investment in infrastructure and services to support the construction sector, most recently seeing a £30 million investment into a new berth at the Port of Sheerness to increase capacity for vessels carrying building materials, construction machinery and project cargo.
