About The CDS Group

Justin, HND (Dist), is a qualified agronomist and has over 30 years’ experience in plant soil and water management. Having formed Cemetery Development Services Ltd in 2004, Justin has been instrumental in the growth of the company in the cemetery and crematoria market, before re branding in 2019 to The CDS Group. Justin liaises closely clients across the UK who are seeking to develop new cemeteries, cemetery extension and specialises in need assessment and feasibility assessments for new crematorium development.

Becky undertakes all of the cemetery and crematorium planning applications on behalf of our clients, with over a 95% success rate achieved on applications managed by CDS. Becky also undertakes all co-ordination of the in-house delivery teams and external consultants to ensure a seamless delivery process, whereby all parties are in total connection to each other’s needs through a centrally co-ordinated system managed by Becky.

Lucio is an ARB registered chartered architect. Having first read architecture at Edinburgh College of Art, University of Edinburgh, graduating with First Class Honours, Lucio then completed his Architectural studies at the Faculty of Architecture, University of Cambridge. In recent years. Lucio’s interests in contemporary designs that consider and respond to their surrounding context and interests in sustainable construction and the use of natural materials complements The CDS Group’s Green Agenda

Callum has recently joined CDS as a Senior Engineer with over 10 years experience in the Site Investigation industry, undertaking a wide range of contaminated land and geotechnical assessments on various sites including residential developments, commercial properties, and brownfield land. Callum has a vast array of experience in the organisation of both small- and large-scale site investigation works and has a background in waste classification work. Callum's experience will expand the service offering to our clients.

Joao qualified with a Master's Degree in Landscape Architecture from the Instituto Superior de Agronomia in Portugal in 2019 and strives to deliver a better world via creative, responsible, ethical and professional approaches to landscape design. Joao's experience and commitment to environmental improvement fits perfectly with our green agenda enabling us to provide our clients with high quality designs with strong environmental benefits.

Paul, Dip Des DIT, is experienced in producing 2D and 3D AutoCAD drawings for various disciplines of the company. He works closely with the Landscape Architect and environment team to produce master plans for planning, site layouts and drainage management schemes.

Ben, having graduated with a 1st Class BSc (Hons) Degree from Coventry University, has over 2 years of experience with CDS. Ben has completed many Feasibility and Need Assessments for successful crematorium & cemetery applications. Ben is affiliated with the Royal Town Planning Institute, he has a critical understanding of the planning process. One of Ben's main responsibilities is CDS’s 'Green Agenda', he was the author of "A comparison of gas and electric cremator emissions in the UK", being used by key decision makers in the industry.

Emma joined CDS as Office Manager in 2021. Emma is responsible for the day to day running of the office, including managing diaries, arranging meetings, issuing invoices and monitoring IT systems. More importantly Emma is our main point of contact between our clients and the teams working on the projects and strives to ensure all clients are managed effectively and promptly.

Leanne joined CDS as Finance Manager in February 2022 following five years at a well known regional accounting practice. Leanne is AAT registered and is currently working towards her ACCA qualification. Leanne plays a key role within CDS, efficiently and accurately overseeing the financial management of the business as well as having a hands on approach to the day to day business operations.

Adam graduated from Coventry University with a 2:1 Ba (Hons) in Geography. Adam joined CDS after 18 months in the public sector where he worked with partners to deliver a review of the Safer Lincolnshire Partnership and focussed on improving sustainability in the sector for years to come. Adam has joined the growing Planning Team at CDS and will be assisting with feasibility and planning including the refurbishment of existing crematoria and the green alternatives to traditional methods of cremation.

Dave has recently joined the CDS team as a Technical Engineer, although new to the field of ES work with only 2 years’ experience he brings with him a wide knowledge of hands-on technical machinery and geotechnical assessments on various sites including residential developments, commercial properties, and brownfield land. Dave comes from a military background and brings with him the ability to organise sites and workers to obtain their best results- ensuring a high standard of work is maintained. He is a very practical and hands on individual.

Eliot, BSc (Hons), graduated from Loughborough University with an BSc in Geography in 2013. He joined CDS in 2023 following four years as a planner at two well-known fast-food brands where he identified target areas for new openings and put together cases for new stores in both the UK and ROI. He also supported change of use planning applications where required. Prior to this Eliot worked at a Town Planning Consultancy as a GIS Analyst for 4 years. It was here where he developed his passion for planning.

Gina, CMLI, has been a Chartered Member of the Landscape Institute since 2004 having completed a Biology & Geography Degree at Exeter University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Landscape Architecture. With over 25 years’ experience working for private practice, local large-scale contractors and a local planning authority Gina has a wide range of experience. Design work has included hard and soft landscaping, new schools, play areas, sports pitches, urban developments, roof gardens, large scale housing developments, cemeteries and LVIA’s.

Arlene, RIBA Chartered Architect, BA(Hons), MArch, Adv.Dip ARB RIBA MRIAI, has 9 years’ experience; 7 years post part II with qualification experience in the UK and Ireland; 2 years’ experience as ARB chartered project architect (post part III). Arlene has had experience working on many projects that are of heritage and conservation importance, being located within constrained and sloping sites surrounding the Peak District National Park. Arlene has had expertise in the residential sector.

Lettie joined CDS as head of HR to keep all staff in-line, provide encouragement and to ensure all staff ate the correct food and enjoyed a daily walk whatever the weather.