Meet the Team

Phillip is a Chartered Quantity Surveyor and the joint founder of Diafora. With over 25 years of experience working in commercial management, claims and project management roles Phillip has accumulated significant experience supporting Client’s in the United Kingdom, Europe and the Middle East.

Phillip is from a Contracting background gaining experience on a wide range of projects, including civil engineering, infrastructure, mixed use developments, power, renewable energy and marine schemes.

He also sits on the East Midlands Regional Board of the RICS as a non executive board member having been appointed in early 2023, with the aim to support the RICS and its members within the region.

Phillip has always been passionate about making the difference on any project he is involved with, as a graduate QS he took great pride in learning and understanding the technical aspects of any construction project, whether that be how cement stabilisation works or particular remediation techniques. Phillip always found that to understand the technical aspect of any project always stood in him in good stead when it came to managing the commercials, this approach to wider learning continues to this day in his role as Managing Director. Making the difference is what motivates and drives Phillip forward.

Away from the office he is a keen Liverpool Football Club supporter, and would like to go to the match more often. Phillip also enjoys watching live music and is embracing having teenagers which has widened his experience of different artists and concerts.

Jodie jointly founded Diafora in 2016.

Graduating from University of Derby with a BA Honours, Jodie spent her formative years in a managerial role before taking a career break whilst Phillip was working in the Middle East. Jodie’s role within the company is largely based upon the marketing of Diafora, business administration, accountancy and strategic direction.

Jodie has played an integral role behind the scenes helping to drive the direction of the company. Phil will be the first to admit that Jodie provides a good sounding board for some of his ambitious plans helping to keep him grounded and focused.

Jodie is also a keen runner; she took up running over 10 years ago and has completed many half marathons and 10k races, but her greatest achievements was completing the London Marathon in 2019.

Robert took on the role of Associate Director in 2022 supporting Phillip and Jodie in all aspects of the companys growth, development and strategic direction. Rob joined the management team before his appointment as associate director, and it was soon clear that with Rob’s wealth of knowledge and his commitment to Diafora his natural progression was to Associate Director.

Rob has over 25 years of experience, gaining a BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying in 1996 from Leeds University. During this time, Rob had gained significant experience and skills working on projects for private clients and public authorities across a variety of sectors, including remediation, large scale earthworks, highways, infrastructure, civil engineering, M&E, residential and renewable energy.

Robert has demonstrated loyalty and resilience throughout his time at Diafora showing his Commitment, hardworking ethics and enthusiasm for his role as Associate Director. Rob takes great pride in inspiring others; he often goes above and beyond to help our junior Quantity Surveyors to enable them to become the very best in the industry.

Rob thrives on personal and collective successes of delivering projects, supporting clients and helping to improve companywide performance, development and growth.

Outside of work Rob is a keen cyclist and enjoys exploring the hills of Yorkshire on his bike. The extra calories burnt enables Rob to take pleasure from his other passion without too much guilt – cheese and biscuits!

Ian joined Diafora in 2023 with the task of growing the Planning and Programming Department with the aim of establishing Diafora as the go to consultants for specialist programming services with a particular emphasis on NEC Forms of Contract.

Ian is responsible for all Planning and Programming related services offered by the Company and specialises in Pre-Construction, Construction, and Post Construction Planning including Forensic and Delay analysis and planning.

He is an experienced planning manager having delivered planning services on a diverse range construction projects over a period of 20 years.

Ian is experienced having worked with a number of Tier 1 Contractors during his career and excels at working as an integral part of a project team from feasibility through to completion. He is practiced in JCT & NEC forms of contract and adept with various planning software packages and is an excellent communicator and motivator.

Ian is an approachable character and team player specialising in collaborative working and lean planning techniques. He is passionate about the use of innovation and technology within the Construction Industry and leads our charge to implement such technologies wherever possible.

Laura Johnston is our Senior Commercial Contracts Consultant / Business Unit Lead – Aberdeen.

Laura brings over 25 years of commercial and contracts experience, gained predominantly within the offshore sector. Combined with a strong academic background, including a Degree in Law and a Master’s Degree in International Commercial Law, Laura offers a wealth of expertise and insight that will further strengthen our service offering.

Based in Aberdeen, Laura will play a key role in continuing the growth of Diafora’s presence across the Northeast of Scotland, supporting clients with commercial, contractual and strategic advice across a range of projects and sectors.

Laura’s extensive industry knowledge, leadership experience and client-focused approach make her an excellent addition to the team, and we are excited to have her on board as we continue to expand our operations in the region.

Tom gained a first-class honours degree in Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management from Nottingham Trent University in 2019 and joined Diafora during this time.

As one of Diafora’s longest serving team members, Tom has on many occasions demonstrated his commitment to his role as Commercial Consultant and Diafora team member. We have seen Tom grow in confidence as his experience has taken him across many sectors supporting many Clients.

Tom is always professional and instinctively knows when to be tactful and assertive, in what can be a challenging industry. He has a keen eye for detail that brings valuable commercial and contract support to all projects assigned to him.

Tom has experience in Civil Engineering, Rail, Power and Building related Projects and is experienced in working for subcontractors as well as main contractors supporting firms of varying sizes, including sole traders through to Tier 1 contractors.

More recently Tom has supported a number of clients within the Power Transmission and Distribution Sector and has gained valuable knowledge and experience supporting a major Interconnector Project Between UK an Ireland.

After leaving Sixth Form, David served in the Royal Navy before entering the world of construction. David graduated from university in 1995 with a degree in Quantity Surveying and has forged a career in construction spanning over 30 years.

David’s interest in the legal side of construction led him to a Master’s degree in Construction Law and Arbitration and membership of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. More recently David was awarded a Post Graduate Certificate in Construction Law and Practice. Over recent months, David has also been working towards MRICS status and with Diafora support hopes to achieve this later this year.

Since joining Diafora, David has been given the opportunity to apply his legal skills to some of the most complex and interesting projects within Europe, currently supporting one of our clients on a project in Luxembourg.

In his free time David finds pleasure golfing with friends or family and is trying to lower his handicap, with limited success!

Dan Rodgers brings over 25 years of experience in Quantity Surveying to the team.

Dan started his career in a site-based QS role after graduating from Sheffield Hallam University. As Dan’s career has progressed he has built a strong reputation, offering his knowledge and expert advice to clients.

More specifically he has a strong understanding of a range of contract methods and has extensive experience in construction related disputes. Dan also believes it’s important to build a strong relationship with the people he works with as well as working collaboratively.

Dan enjoys being outdoors walking and hiking and has recently found a passion for mountain biking. Dan also enjoys live music and attending gigs and festivals!

Lisa Winter is Diafora’s Office Manager and the welcoming smile that greets you at the Mansfield Office.

She has vast experience in administration and ensures the smooth running of the company. Day to day Lisa is responsible for a range of functions, including the organisation of transport and travel, supporting finance tracking, and managing internal communication. Lisa also monitors the growth of Diafora, tracking the teams progress towards internal targets.

Being a key member of the management team, Lisa also supports the directors in decision making, ensuring the growth of the company is as efficient as possible.

In her free time, Lisa loves going on holiday, especially cruising with her husband of 32 years, affectionately known as Big Trev! Lisa is a proud mum to her two grown up sons, Harvey & Charles, and spends much of her free time with her adorable rescue dog Leo!

Josh brings five years of industry experience to the team after graduating from Leeds Beckett University with an Honours degree in Quantity Surveying. His strong client facing skills and adaptability make him versatile, and equally effective as part of a team or individually.

Josh’s central role is to support Diafora’s clients in the renewables sector, particularly within offshore wind development. His competence with Bluebeam software makes Josh perfect for the role.

Josh’s strong communicating skills, can be seen in the office where he mentors other members of staff in person and over teams, sharing his knowledge with others.

Outside of Diafora, Josh has a passion for football and enjoys supporting Nottingham Forest Football Club as well as playing as part of a team. He also enjoys live music and often attends concerts.

Haroon Graduated from Nottingham Trent University in 2023 and has since taken on his role as a Commercial Contracts Consultant.

Haroon upholds a strong academic background with over 5 years of study, including a BSc Quantity surveying degree. He also has strong social skills from previous job positions, including communication. This is useful within the construction industry as language barriers can be overcome on international projects.

Haroon’s outgoing personality, confidence and approachability set him up well for the role. These traits are important in successfully delivering work for our clients.

Based in the Mansfield Diafora office, Haroon has acquired key knowledge by actively learning important skills within the industry. Within his role as a Commercial Consultant Haroon is responsible for supporting Clients and other team members and works alongside Senior members of staff to ensure his work is completed to the highest standard.

Haroon enjoys spending time with family and friends and looks forward to relaxing on holidays with those closest to him. Haroon sometimes explores his adventurous side with rock climbing.

Marta is currently studying for an undergraduate degree in Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management at Nottingham Trent University.

Having previously gained experience with Mansfield District Council and Tilbury Douglas, Marta is delighted to continue her professional journey with us. She is committed to developing her technical knowledge and practical experience as she progresses towards a career in the construction industry.

Marta has a particular interest in the role of technology and digital innovation within construction and is keen to explore how emerging solutions can improve efficiency and project delivery. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, attending live music events, and most importantly, spending quality time with her family and friends.

Edward took on his role as Marketing and Media Coordinator after one week of work experience with Diafora. Edward is responsible for website updates including staff photographs, the news feed and careers page. As part of his role, Edward also publishes the LinkedIn and Instagram social media content, increasing Diafora’s online presence.

Currently, Edward studies A level Law, Maths and Geography at West Nottinghamshire Sixth Form and aspires to a career in law. Edward has strong self-motivation and is able to complete work independently to a high standard, setting him up well for the role.

In his free time, Edward enjoys athletics and runs for Mansfield Harriers. He has represented Nottinghamshire and East Midlands on several occasions. As part of his training, he runs 6 days a week in order to improve his 800 metre time.