Eric Livingston, a partner and construction solicitor at regional law firm Thrings, which has its largest office in Swindon, has become chairman of the Forum for the Built Environment’s (fbe) Great Western branch.
Eric, pictured, a specialist in construction procurement, contract preparation and negotiation and resolving construction disputes, assumes the role after serving as regional vice chairman of the fbe, the networking organisation for the property, development and construction industries in the UK. 
Eric, who is based in Thrings’ Bristol office, will be responsible for a programme of events for the fbe’s 150 regional members, who are drawn from multi-national construction companies, cost consultants, architects and designers, property developers, engineers, planners and legal and financial specialists.
He will be supported by new vice chairman Clive Woodford of Ridge & Partners, the national property consultants with an office in Bristol, and a committee of 13 other professionals.
Highlights over the next 12 months will include a series of formal dinners – each for more than 400 members and guests – regular members’ lunches and evening networking sessions, site visits at local projects, and members’ golf days and barbecues. Further events next year to mark the 70th anniversary of the fbe are also planned.
Eric will also aim to broaden the scope and spread of fbe events across the Great Western area through increased consultation with members as well as highlighting activities undertaken by the branch through social media – including the LinkedIn Western fbe sub-group.
Eric said: “The fbe is a volunteer organisation, and in addition to carrying out their day jobs, committee members work hard every year to make events happen and raise £10,000 for local charities. It’s my intention to build on the great work of my predecessor Peter Harris and help members continue developing contacts, form effective relationships and benefit from business opportunities.”
News of Eric’s appointment follows the recent election of fellow Thrings construction law specialist Natalia Sokolov as chair of the Association of Women in Property (WiP) in the South West.
Thrings head of commercial property Warren Reid said: “Since 2008 Eric has been a committed member of the Great Western branch of the fbe, one of the UK’s most respected industry organisations. During this time, he has used his experience and understanding of the construction sector to support the branch in delivering the high standard of events that its members expect, before now taking the lead role himself.
“Every year Thrings sees its construction and commercial property lawyers benefit as a result of their association with independent professional bodies. With construction in the South West forecast to rise at an average rate of 3.5% per year until 2018 – ahead of the national average of 2.2% – Eric and Natalia are well-placed to stay close to industry issues so they can provide informed specialist legal advice to their clients across the region.”
As well as its office in Swindon, Thrings also has bases in London, Bath and Bristol.
