Offsite timber housing specialist TALO has appointed Jonathan Riley as Head of Commercial, strengthening its leadership team as it expands across UK residential construction markets.
The appointment will support the company’s growth in public and private housing delivery, including social and affordable housing and build-to-rent schemes, alongside its development of ultra-low energy housing systems.
In his new position, Riley will lead TALO’s design and project management teams, with responsibility for commercial performance across all contracts.
He will oversee pre-construction and delivery operations, managing projects from initial enquiry through to completion, with a focus on programme delivery, cost control and specification compliance.
The role also includes supporting the company’s board on wider commercial strategy and developing partnerships with housing developers, registered providers and build-to-rent operators across the UK.
Riley joined TALO in 2022 as Chief Commercial Officer for Scotland and brings more than 20 years’ experience in the residential property sector.
Offsite timber housing system central to growth
TALO specialises in timber-based offsite housing systems designed for ultra-low energy performance, combining factory-built structural components with integrated housing solutions.
The company is also developing a UK manufacturing base as part of its long-term expansion plans.
Bengt Magnussen, Founding Director of TALO, said: “Jonathan’s wide-ranging experience gives him a deep understanding of the evolving needs of the housing market and the growing demand for higher quality, more energy-efficient homes.
“He has brought considerable commercial expertise, leadership experience and operational strength to TALO at a really exciting time in our growth as we work towards our first UK offsite manufacturing centre.
“His experience across multiple housing tenures is invaluable as we continue to expand our service offering and support a wider range of housing providers and developers to help meet the demand for new housing.”
Focus on energy efficiency, build quality and delivery speed
Riley said the role reflects growing demand for improved housing performance standards and more efficient delivery models across the UK construction sector.
He said: “What attracted me to TALO is the genuine social impact of what the business is trying to achieve. The UK urgently needs to rethink how we build new homes. Too many people are living in properties with poor thermal performance and high energy bills.
“TALO’s approach offers a credible and proven solution to many of the challenges facing the housebuilding sector today – from fuel poverty and rising energy costs to low productivity and inconsistent quality. Our timber offsite superstructure system delivers millimetre precision, vastly improved air tightness and acoustics, shorter build programmes, and a healthier internal living environment for occupants.
“The potential for TALO in the UK market is enormous. Our solutions give developers unrestricted design flexibility for low-rise housing whilst building homes that perform far beyond current building standards – and with a package of services that extend way beyond an energy efficient superstructure. It is incredibly exciting to be part of a business with that level of innovation, vision and ambition.”
Integrated offsite housing solution combining multiple construction stages
Alongside its timber superstructure system, TALO’s offering includes foundation design, energy strategy and building performance analysis, with cladding systems pre-installed in factory conditions.
The company says this integrated approach is designed to improve energy efficiency, reduce build programmes and improve consistency of construction quality across residential schemes.
