Get to Know Balfour Burrell, Surveying and Projects Manager at Innovus

Balfour brings over 25 years of experience, a hands-on understanding of construction, and a passion for problem-solving to his role as Surveying and Projects Manager at Innovus.

With a career spanning multiple sectors, regions and industries, his remarkable journey in property and construction uniquely positions him to guide clients through the challenges of building surveying and project management.

Growing up around construction as a family trade, Balfour is no stranger to hands-on labouring at construction sites. Working around his first on-site jobs, he undertook his first part-time NVQ qualification in 2000, providing him with a wide range of foundational trade skills such as carpentry, roofing, plumbing and electrics. His technical knowledge combined with a drive to continuously improve saw him pursue further qualifications throughout his career. As well as holding Level 6 Diploma in Construction Contracting Operations Management and a Level 7 Diploma in Construction Senior Management, Balfour is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB) and holds certifications in PRINCE2, Facilities Management, Site Management Safety Training (SMSTS) and a HNC in building surveying.

Utilising the hands-on trade skills, early career highlights of Balfour’s include building schools and training centres through a government-backed initiative in Jamaica as well as working in social housing in the United Kingdom as a multi-trade operative. His big break in construction came in London in 2007, when he worked with a team who bult a 14-floor skyscraper six months ahead of practical completion, working for Canary Wharf Contractors.

“I grew up around construction and always had a passion for building. When I was young, I had big ambitions to one day build a skyscraper. That dream came true in 2007 when I was part of the team that built the BP2 tower in Canary Wharf as an Assistant Construction Manager.”

Following his remarkable achievement in East London, Balfour went on to oversee large-scale construction projects for TFL, building services for the NHS and manage public sector buildings for Lewisham Council. Prior to joining Innovus, Balfour spent nine years at IMTECH Inviron (EDF) as a Lead Construction Project Manager for London, the South East and South West. Key among his achievements in this role, he delivered high-level projects for the Sizewell, Bradwell and Dungeness Nuclear stations and grew his team’s portfolio of projects from 3 to over 15 major CapEx works each year.

At Innovus, Balfour saw an opportunity to channel his extensive experience into a role that enabled him to combine technical expertise with investigative problem-solving – a strong passion of his. Since joining Innovus in 2023, Balfour has led large-scale projects including a serious fire damage remediation case and a mechanical and electrical overhaul, both spanning multiple years. Day-to-day, he leads a regional team of surveyors, carries out building surveying assignments and conducts business development for the newly enhanced Building Surveying Business at Innovus.

“I enjoy the whole process of diagnosing building issues, finding the root cause and delivering practical solutions. When I was approached about the opportunity at Innovus, I knew it would be an ideal fit. I greatly enjoy the work as well as collaborating with my colleagues who are all experienced and down to earth.”

Beyond the office, Balfour’s work is informed not just by his technical expertise but also by his personal experience as a multi-national property portfolio owner, residential landlord and renovator. His hands-on approach to tenant relationships and building management keeps him connected to the realities of property ownership and the challenges faced by his clients.

“To me, this isn’t just a job – it’s a lifestyle. I understand firsthand what it means to construct, own and manage buildings, the maintenance they require and the value of preserving strong resident relationships.”

Balfour Burrell’s wealth of experience in construction, project management and building surveying makes him an invaluable part of the Innovus team. His hands-on practical experience and foundational knowledge of construction ensure that clients receive high-quality solutions tailored to the unique needs of their properties and residents.

“The work we do is about creating spaces where people can thrive. That’s what drives me and is what Innovus is all about.”