Our success is built on the strength of our people

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.

Rob has over 35 years’ experience in the construction industry working as a cost manager across all sectors. Originally specialising in hotels and attractions, Rob was resident Client QS on the Magna Centre millennium project, going on to work for a national practice delivering employers agent and cost management services for major international and national hotel groups. Since joining Abacus in 2015, Rob has used his past experience to transfer into the sports and leisure sector. He has worked with several national governing bodies in a technical advisory role in the development of new facilities across a wide range of sporting disciplines, as well as delivering numerous leisure developments as project and cost manager. Outside of work, Rob enjoys both codes of rugby and road cycling (albeit limited to a spectator level these days). Another passion is touring European cities , especially the ones with a good selection of tapas and wine!

David is a respected project director with a proven track record in successfully delivering a range of complex award-winning projects in higher education, health and the public sector. His experience includes commercial office development and fit-out, hotels, sport and leisure vnues. Highly motivated and articulate with excellent interpersonal, communication and administrative skills, David has a particular interest in environmentally sound solutions, and is driven to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the clients’ business needs and project objectives. He is a hands-on, diligent and tenacious client representative. At home, David has held a number of positions with the Round Table and has been a driving force in delivering large-scale community events for thousands of people, raising significant sums for local and national charities – a role which led to the honour of a Civic Award. Once a keen skier and cyclist, David is now more comfortable with the pace of a 5k jog and plenty of walking with his two rescue dogs.

David is a highly-experienced project director with over 40 years of expertise spanning consultancy, contracting and development. Throughout his extensive career, he has been involved in the full project life cycle – from site acquisition and feasibility through to design, construction, and final handover to the end user. His portfolio includes a wide range of sectors, with significant experience in medical, education, industrial and residential developments. His hands-on experience across multiple areas of the industry gives him a well-rounded perspective that adds value at every stage of a project. Outside of work, David has two 'grown up' daughters nearly off the payroll, and enjoys making the most of his downtime – whether it’s heading out for a long walk, cycling through the countryside, or picking up his guitar.

With over 17 years’ experience in the construction industry, Richard initially started his career in quantity surveying before moving into project management from 2011. In recent years he has specialised in the residential sector, working as project manager/employer's agent on private rented sector and student accommodation schemes ranging from £10m to over £100m in value. Richard also has a great deal of experience in the higher education sector, including a mix of new build and refurbishment projects, on schemes ranging from £1.5m to £20m project value. In 2013 he took a four-month sabbatical which was spent travelling through India, Nepal and South East Asia. These days, in his spare time, Richard enjoys spending time with family and friends, trail running, and undertaking DIY tasks (poorly) around the house.

Oliver has been involved as a quantity surveyor and employer’s agent on a variety of project types in both pre- and post-contract capacities, and has worked for Abacus since its inception. Oliver has worked on project procurement routes ranging from design and build, management contracts, PFI and traditional, and with a number of client types including private developers, schools, higher education institutions and local authorities, and is experienced in the delivery of challenging projects. Oliver works well with other consultants and clients within a design team, and is a good communicator. Acting as employer’s agent and quantity surveyor, Oliver has delivered in excess of 10,000 student accommodation bedrooms including both new build, conversions and refurbishment projects.

With over 25 years’ experience working for professional consultancies, Graham is a versatile Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a proven track record of successful delivery of projects and a regular repeat client base. Graham joined Abacus in 2023, bringing with him a wealth of experience in employer’s agent, contract administration and cost management roles on numerous high value and challenging projects across sectors including residential, industrial, commercial and leisure. Outside of work, Graham enjoys cycling, walking and playing cricket with his twin boys, Oliver and George. He can also be found behind his decks mixing vinyl and digital music.

Fergus has been with Abacus for 10 years having previously worked for a number of contractors. He is a highly-experienced quantity surveyor, having been responsible for the commercial management and delivery of projects across the range of commercial, retail, educational, office and fit-out sectors. At Abacus, Fergus has been involved as both a quantity surveyor and employer’s agent on a variety of project types, including new build and refurbishment in both pre- and post-contract capacities, using various procurement methods. He is a good communicator who builds strong client and design team relationships. Outside of work, Fergus has a very keen interest in almost every sport, particularly rugby, regularly playing until only a few years ago! He also enjoys ‘trying’ to produce culinary masterpieces, following the mantra of try, try and try again!

Cameron brings extensive expertise in cost management and project delivery, with comprehensive experience across both pre- and post-contract roles. He has worked on a broad range of projects spanning a variety of sectors, with a particular focus on industrial and logistics, and multi-room. Known for his dedication to delivering exceptional service, Cameron consistently aims to exceed client expectations. Cameron is highly regarded for his passion, commitment and attention to detail, continuously building strong relationships with clients. Outside of work, Cameron enjoys city centre living and making the most of sunny days by spending time with friends and family. He’s partial to a cold beer and a good night out, but also values time away from the hustle and bustle, often escaping on long walks or hikes.