We build lasting value on every project

A seasoned professional with over three decades in property consultancy, Ellis co-founded the cost-management consultancy Abacus in 2007. His expertise lies in cost planning and effective development strategies, particularly during inception/feasibility. Ellis is an expert in benchmarking projects for cost and function, ensuring optimal value and minimising risk. Committed to enhancing Abacus’s offerings, Ellis collaborates closely with the team to maintain high-quality service standards while guiding them towards success. This ‘people first’ approach, underpinned by trust and fairness, are values that reflect and align with the Contollo Group. Ellis enjoys walking (with and without golf clubs), loves chocolate, and is partial to a slice of lemon drizzle cake with a ‘thin’ cup of tea!

Mike Perry co-founded the cost-management consultancy Abacus in 2007. Mike’s expertise lies in the ‘multi-room’ sector, having delivered in excess of 25,000 student bed spaces and 3,500 build-to-rent apartments. Building strong working relationships with clients, consultants and key members of the supply chain, Mike has an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the volume handover product. Outside work, Mike has a single-figure golf handicap and has caught the padel tennis bug, recently representing Cheshire (over 50s!!!). When not undertaking sporting pursuits, Mike enjoys spending quality time with his family.

Paul has been with Abacus since its inception, and became a director in 2014. He leads the sport and leisure sector, overseeing projects from early concept through to completion. His hands-on approach ensures consistent delivery of schemes from £500,000 up to £100 million. Paul is the framework manager for the Abacus Sport England Design and Technical Assurance frameworks, and has unrivalled sector experience. He is a team-oriented leader who believes in building strong working relations with clients, consultants, contractors and key members of the supply chain. Paul enjoys most sports and spends his weekends watching his son play cricket or football, or running the hills of Saddleworth with his daughter.

Andy has over 40 years’ experience in the construction industry, and prior to joining Abacus in 2018, was responsible for managing a national practice's cost/project management services from the Manchester and Sheffield offices. Andy has substantial knowledge of all elements of cost planning, and in recent years, has been responsible for the cost planning and cost management of major schemes for blue-chip clients in various sectors. Andy is a people person with strong leadership qualities and a commitment to providing a quality service. Outside work, he enjoys watching most sports (though rugby league and cricket are his passions), visiting garden centres, and holidaying abroad with his family. You don’t receive a nickname like ‘Tenerife Andy’ for nothing!

Luke is one of the Directors of Cost Management, responsible for overseeing project costs from inception through to completion. With over 20 years of experience in both medium and large-scale consultancy environments, Luke brings deep expertise in cost planning, project delivery, and team leadership. He has worked on a range of high-profile projects, including Logistics North in Bolton—one of the UK’s largest planning applications at the time—Islington Wharf in Manchester, Kirkstall Road in Leeds, and key industrial developments at Manchester Airport such as Building 401 and Box 4. Luke is also passionate about developing the next generation of talent, supporting younger team members through APC training and mentoring. Outside of work, he’s a dedicated Manchester City supporter, an enthusiastic (recent) novice padel player, and enjoys a good night out with friends. Most importantly, Luke is a proud father of two and loves spending quality time with his children.

Joe has worked as a consultant project manager and employer’s agent for over 35 years, having initially qualified as a Chartered Quantity Surveyor. Joe has experience in both public and private sectors, delivering new build, refurbishment and fit-out projects ranging in value from £50k to £330m with particular experience in the education sector on further and higher education projects. In addition to his role as a consultant, Joe has also worked within client organisations, both public and private sector, through which he has developed a detailed understanding of clients' needs and objectives on projects. Joe is an honorary Mancunian having moved to Manchester when the Haçienda was still a club and not an apartment block. Joe loves sport and music, and is adamant that Paul Weller is one of greatest British songwriters of all time. He loves travelling and is committed to properly learning Italian at college so that he can go back to Italy and not embarrass his mum.

Steve has spent more than 25 years in the North West property and construction industry, and brings a wealth of expertise across a range of property types including industrial and logistics, higher/further education, and the office and residential sectors. Originally qualifying as a Chartered Building Surveyor, he is also a full member of the Association for Project Management. Throughout his career, he has consistently delivered high-quality, sustainable developments while leading high-performing teams to successful outcomes for clients.   Away from work, Steve is a committed family man with two children who keep life lively and rewarding. He’s an enthusiastic – if admittedly terrible – golfer, approaching the game with more good humour than skill. When not on the course, he’s often planning his next family holiday adventure.