Carnell Board of Directors

Darren Nelson, Chief Executive, Founder

Darren founded Carnell in 1992.  The business was at first involved in the installation of high voltage electricity cables, diversifying into the provision of communication services for the Highways sector.

Darren has led the business' development through innovation and customer focused service. With his entrepreneurial spirit, and willingness to invest in technology he has developed a range of specialist products and services, which include the patented StoneMaster and StableDrain processes.

The business' commitment to Health and Safety excellence is driven by Darren's hands on approach and passionate commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.

Darren continues to be the driving force behind the Carnell brand.

Aidan Clarke, Managing Director

Aidan joined Carnell in 1995, and his drive and commitment has been fundamental to the significant growth of the business since then. He has held various management positions within Carnell and he continues to lead the business to further growth as MD and Main Board Director.

Aidan has a wealth of experience within highways, especially the Technology and Infrastructure sectors and is committed to delivering value to our Customers through innovation and best practice

"At Carnell we strive to improve service delivery on a daily basis through our rigorous H&S culture and constantly review costs to demonstrate best value to our customers."

Liz Bell, Operations Director

Liz joined Carnell in July 2008 and became Divisional Director for Technology & Infrastructure in December 2008, before being appointed as Operations Director across all business units.

She has previously worked for Allott & Lomax and Birse Construction, though more recently held a variety of management positions with Alfred McAlpine, including Operations Manager for HA Technology Framework and Head of Design for their Civil Engineering Business.

Liz is a Chartered Civil Engineer and has won a number of awards culminating in the ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers) Civil Engineering Manager of the Year in 2003.

Her skills include programming, cost management and design management and she also has a track record of successful scheme delivery and customer satisfaction.

"I was keen to be a key member of a dynamic, growing organization with a strong team ethos and which is committed to delivering high levels of customer satisfaction."

James Tyson, Commercial Director

Joining Carnell as Commercial Manager in January 2010, James has since been promoted to the position of Commercial Director, responsible for our team of Quantity Surveyors, Estimators and the Procurement function.

The bulk of his career has been spent in the Utilities sector, and James has fitted in well with the team, implementing more rigorous processes and procedures which will assist with the future development of the business.

James commented:  My objective is to help Carnell in our aim of becoming leaner, by maximising customer value whilst minimising waste.

Conal Neafcy, Finance Director

Conal joined Carnell in July 2011 and as Finance Director is responsible for the accountancy team and IT systems.

Conal graduated with a Law degree from Liverpool University before stints in commercial management and accountancy.  During the last 15 years, Conal has risen through the ranks at Enterprise as they have grown from £30m to £1bn turnover, his most recent position being Finance Director, responsible for Highways & Rail contracts.

David Rhodes, Director of Health and Safety

David joined Carnell in November 2008 as Director of Health and Safety. David has had a successful 16 years as a safety professional in the highways industry having been involved in the development and implementation of some fairly major changes in the way the industry works.

David has predominantly worked in the highway maintenance sector for Tarmac, Carillion and Amey but has spent some time on major improvement schemes with Carillion and Costain.

In 1999 David became the first chairman of the National Term Maintenance Contractors Safety Forum (NTMCSF), now known as the Highways Term Maintenance Association (Safety Forum). Whilst chairman he represented the group on the Road Workers Safety Forum (RoWSaF) becoming involved the development and implementation of both good working practice documents that are now included in Chapter 8 : 2006. David has been involved with other industry related HSE working groups such as Respiratory Disease and Manual Handling as well as being a key player in the introduction of crash cushions into the industry.

Prior to becoming a safety professional, David spent 23 years in the Royal Engineers constructing roads and bridges in various parts of the world.