Our People

  • Richie Dryden

    Founder: GRD Group (UK) Ltd

    Projects Director: GRD:EDI / GRD:CDM

    Read more about Richie here.

    Get in touch.

  • Sam Yates

    Associate Access Consultant: GRD:EDI

    Sam supports GRD:EDI in delivering inclusive design and access consultancy across a wide range of projects. He is a qualified NRAC Auditor and brings a well-rounded mix of professional expertise and lived experience to his role.

    With a background in commercial property law and education, Sam previously worked as a solicitor and taught History and Law. As a parent and carer, he also has personal insight into the access challenges faced by wheelchair users and people with physical impairments. He has first-hand experience of funding and managing home adaptations, as well as advocating for reasonable adjustments within educational settings.

    Sam is a volunteer at Leeds Civic Trust, where he provides access and inclusion advice on the Planning Committee and the Heritage Open Days group. He has completed the NRAC Inclusive Design Training Course for Built Environment Professionals and the Centre for Accessible Environments (CAE) course on Access to Historic Buildings and Environments. He is also an active member of the Access Association.

    Sam’s combination of technical knowledge, advocacy experience, and inclusive values make him a thoughtful and practical consultant on all matters of access and inclusive design.

  • Paul Smith

    Projects Director: GRD:CDM

    Paul has been employed as a Health and Safety professional since 2008 and achieved Chartered Status with the Institute of Safety and Health (IOSH) in June 2012.  

    Paul has an excellent knowledge of statutory regulations and has vast experience working in office and site environments for clients across numerous sectors.

     Having both hands-on and management experience enables Paul to identify the needs and requirements of individuals and those at a commercial level. 

    This approach helps him to fulfil our clients' H&S obligations, whilst building the respect that these roles require.

    Paul’s experience covers the full range of the construction lifecycle, from design through to the handover of the completed asset and demolition considerations.  

    Paul utilises his experience to take an active role in all project stages, assisting with ensuring consideration and compliance with current CDM and Health & Safety legislation.

     Across a broad range of sectors, including utilities, local authorities and the public & private sectors, Paul has carried out CDM and Health & Safety roles across construction, refurbishment, planned maintenance and demolition projects.

  • Leanne Clayman

    Projects Administrator: GRD Group (UK) Ltd

    Leanne manages all administrative functions at GRD Group, including finance, invoicing, and document control across both GRD:CDM and GRD:EDI.

    With a background in law and social care, she brings a strong understanding of both regulatory detail and people-focused support to her role.

    Outside of work, Leanne is a qualified yoga teacher, a mum, and a carer. She also gives her time to voluntary work supporting vulnerable adults and their families.

    Her calm, organised approach and commitment to helping others make her a valuable part of the GRD team.