Our Leadership

At The LK Group, our leadership team brings a wealth of experience, strategic thinking, and a commitment to sustainability. United by a shared goal for delivering excellence, our leaders drive the company forward, fostering a culture of collaboration, integrity, and client-focused solutions. 

Patrick ‘PJ’ Leyden

Co-Founder and Chairman

PJ brings extensive experience in the engineering, construction, and land remediation sectors, driven by a passion for enhancing land value. Since founding The LK Group in 1997, PJ has transformed it into a highly respected multidisciplinary engineering and environmental firm, supporting developers, main contractors, and the public sector in optimising their land and property assets.

His dedication to solving complex technical challenges has not only shaped our operations but also instilled a strong 'can-do' attitude across our team.

Conor Leyden

Conor Leyden

Managing Director

With over two decades of experience in the project and construction management industry, Conor has built a reputation as a highly skilled Building Surveyor and Project Manager. His career started with a decade at a leading construction consultancy in the UK, where he honed his expertise in managing large-scale projects.

Conor has been at the forefront of transformative public realm projects, notably the award-winning Altrincham Town Centre Regeneration. Today, he continues to shape urban landscapes as the Project Manager for the levelling-up schemes in Ashton-Under-Lyne and Stretford Town Centre. His work combines strategic oversight with a passion for revitalising communities, leaving a lasting impact on the cities and towns he helps to renew.

Colin Crompton

Head of Section

With over 25 years of expertise in the investigation, assessment, and management of contaminated land, Colin has made a lasting impact in both consultancy and regulatory sectors. Since joining The LK Group in 2005, Colin has been a key figure in shaping our Ground Investigation Division. Before that, he honed his skills as a Senior Environmental Protection Officer at Bury MBC, where he spent five years tackling complex land contamination issues.

His deep understanding of environmental challenges and regulatory frameworks continues to drive our innovative solutions.

Dr Paul Quimby

Dr. Paul Quimby

Technical Director

Paul, a former Contaminated Land Officer for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, joined The LK Group in 2007, bringing over 15 years of expertise in the investigation, assessment, and management of contaminated land. Known for his passion for delivering high-quality consultancy.

Paul specialises in advanced modelling and detailed qualitative risk assessments to de-risk complex projects. His commitment to excellence extends beyond the industry—he is a respected academic, lecturing on an MSc course at The University of Manchester, where he shares his knowledge and shapes the next generation of environmental professionals.

Nick Riding

Director

Dave Anderson

Director

Dave is a dynamic Environmental Scientist with a unique background in mechanical engineering, bringing a hands-on approach to the regeneration of brownfield land.

With extensive on-site experience, he specialises in delivering cost-effective, sustainable reuse solutions for a wide range of clients. From ground investigations and land remediation to geotechnical engineering and project management, Dave has led both small and large-scale projects with precision and innovation.

As a leader at The LK Group, Dave oversees contracts management, health and safety, and operational systems, ensuring every project runs smoothly and meets the highest standards. His portfolio spans residential, commercial, industrial, and landscape developments, making him a key player in transforming complex challenges into valuable opportunities for our clients.

Catherine Baranek

Associate Director

With over 20 years of expertise in the investigation, assessment, and management of contaminated land, Catherine is a driving force in the environmental sector. Since joining The LK Group in 2011, she has risen to the role of Associate Director at our Manchester office, where she leads a team of talented geo-environmental consultants and engineers. Catherine’s leadership is defined by her hands-on approach and deep technical knowledge, ensuring that every project is executed with precision and innovation.

Her ability to manage complex environmental challenges while fostering a culture of excellence makes her an invaluable asset to both the team and our clients.

Matt Bell

Associate Director

Simon Johnson

Simon Johnson

Associate Director

With over 23 years of expertise in assessing, remediating, and managing contaminated land, Simon is a seasoned expert in supporting regeneration and infrastructure projects. Before joining The LK Group, Simon honed his skills at two major consultancies and a multi-national aerospace company, bringing a wealth of diverse experience to our team.

His knack for de-risking complex sites and refining risk assessments has helped countless clients avoid unnecessary remediation, unlocking development potential and driving projects forward. Simon's strategic approach and deep technical insight make him an invaluable asset in transforming challenging sites into valuable opportunities.

Sam Neden

Samantha Neden

Business Development & Marketing Manager

Sam joined The LK Group in 2019, bringing with her over 15 years of expertise as a Business Development and Marketing Manager in the construction industry. As the driving force behind our business development and marketing efforts, Sam spearheads strategy leads high-impact campaigns, and manages the bid process with precision. Her talent for building new partnerships and nurturing existing client relationships has been instrumental in expanding our network.

With a sharp eye for opportunity and a passion for results, Sam oversees all marketing initiatives, ensuring that our brand continues to grow and thrive in a competitive market.

Helen Finch

Helen Finch

Group Operations and Compliance Manager

Helen is a seasoned Operations and Compliance Manager with a decade of experience at The LK Group, where she plays a pivotal role in streamlining operations and driving excellence across the board. Her expertise spans process optimisation, compliance monitoring, and leading dynamic cross-functional teams to achieve top-tier results. A master of detail, Helen is responsible for developing and implementing operational policies and procedures, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and in full compliance with relevant legislation, including ISO standards and health and safety regulations.

Her commitment to quality and efficiency has become the backbone of our operational success, making Helen an indispensable leader in our pursuit of continual improvement.