We’re building more than communities at SH Partnerships; we’re creating the kind of relationships and processes that define great places. Continuing our commitment to quality, transparency, and innovation, we’re delighted to welcome Alex Jones as our new Technical Director: a people-first problem solver ready to help shape the next chapter for SHP and everyone we work with.
Built on Breadth and Depth
Alex’s journey to technical leadership has been anything but linear, bringing together consultative beginnings, architectural design work, and hands-on engineering experience in the heart of Birmingham city centre and London. His decade-long progression from consultant to developer saw him lead engineering and drafting teams, deliver challenging urban residential and student accommodation projects, and navigate the intricacies of partnership-led housing with Technical Director roles at respected firms such as Living Space.
With experience spanning both small and large schemes, Alex understands the practical realities at every stage of the development journey. For him, the move to SH Partnerships represents an opportunity not just to apply sector knowledge, but to influence every touchpoint of a young, agile business: “It’s a blank piece of paper. I’m involved across all aspects at SHP, and I’ve got a real steer on how we shape our department and projects from day one.”
From the Ground Up
Managing Director, Chris Timmins, first approached Alex based on reputation – another testament to the industry’s reliance on trusted relationships. From their initial conversations, it was clear that collaboration, openness, and a shared sense of purpose were at the heart of SH Partnerships: “It goes beyond just work,” Alex notes. “There’s a genuine friendship and respect between Chris and his wider network. If you can translate that kind of culture into the business, real success follows.”
Joining at this formative stage appeals to Alex’s drive to be involved, hands-on, and influential from the start. “Instead of walking into a business with rigid protocols, I’m here as SHP grows – it’s a real chance to contribute my perspective, refine the way we work, and make sure solutions are tailored for each project. It’s exciting to know you’ll have a say in everything from office design to early project meetings as the business matures.”
Honesty, Clarity, and Enjoyment
Alex’s professional philosophy is refreshingly simple: honest discussion, tackling problems head-on, and never hiding from tough conversations. “If there’s an issue, pick up the phone and talk. Being honest with everyone—client, consultant, subcontractor—just makes things better and faster. I want meetings to feel as enjoyable as sharing a pint with colleagues: transparent, friendly, and focused on shared objectives. It’s about building relationships where everyone is pulling for the same family-friendly, people-driven results.”
Transparency isn’t just a word; it’s a working style. Alex strives to spend time with the details, ensure every party is on the same page, and avoid rushing. The goal, always: “To build homes and communities – that’s the objective for everyone involved.”
Embracing Challenge, Simplifying Complexity
Ask Alex about the biggest challenges in the sector, and no surprise for some of you, planning permissions is a never-ending source of challenge – but he’s adamant that solutions come from conversation and collaboration. “You can send emails back and forth all day, but face-to-face is best. Sitting with consultees, hearing their concerns, and resolving issues directly makes the planning process clearer and more productive.” For Alex, building trust means showing up, listening, and making sure every stakeholder gets a voice in the solution.
He thrives on challenge, relishing technically complex sites over easy wins. “Give me the constrained sites with issues to solve, that’s where you make a difference. Simplify complexity, and see progress from start to finish,” he says. That drive also spills into his adrenaline-inducing passions outside of work, whether it’s marathon running, Hyrox events, hiking, or spending time with his two active children. “The tougher the challenge, the more you learn, the more you enjoy the outcome.”
A Future of Technical Excellence
Alex is clear-eyed about the sector’s evolution, particularly on sustainability, updated building regulations, and the cost considerations these bring. Staying up-to-date means constant dialogue with consultants, leveraging social media like LinkedIn for technical updates, and seeking ongoing peer feedback.
For SH Partnerships, the future is bright: “It’s about winning work, pushing it through planning, and growing the team. With the right sites, successful relationships, and a business plan that’s strong at its core, we’ll be welcoming new members and designing our own office before long. We’re laying the foundations for something meaningful; places where people genuinely want to live and grow.”
Alex’s appointment is more than a new hire, it’s a statement of intent. SH Partnerships is doubling down on its ethos of open collaboration, technical rigour, and lasting partnerships. With Alex on board, all that’s left to do is deliver projects the SHP way – with human focus, transparency, collaboration and technical excellence.
Want to speak to Alex or the wider team? We’d love to hear from you. Get in touch today to see how we can work together to help realise partnership opportunities.
