LRG promotes Daniel Gale as auction business expands nationwide
LRG has promoted Daniel Gale to national auctions director at First for Auctions as the business continues to expand across the UK.
Gale moves up from head of auctions and will retain responsibility for the strategy and performance of the operation.
His expanded role will include growing First for Auctions’ network of independent estate agency partners. He will also oversee the auction offering across LRG’s residential sales businesses.
The appointment follows a period of growth for the auction operation.
First for Auctions held its largest auction to date in October 2025, with a catalogue of 70 lots.
It has since been expanding its partnership model for independent estate agents.
The service allows agencies to offer a managed auction service under their own brand.
Gale began his property career in 2005 and joined Romans, now part of LRG, two years later.
He moved into the Auctions and Commercial team in 2010 before becoming Head of Auctions in 2022.
His appointment coincided with LRG bringing its existing auction services together under the First for Auctions brand.
Since then, Gale has overseen its development into a nationwide online auction operation and the expansion of its independent agent partner network.
Kevin Shaw, national sales managing director at LRG, commented: “Daniel’s promotion reflects both what he has achieved at First for Auctions and the scale of the opportunity ahead. He has developed the business into a modern, national and increasingly partnership-led operation, delivering strong results for sellers while giving estate agents a valuable additional route to market.
“Daniel combines considerable auction expertise with commercial focus and an ability to build trusted, long-term relationships. He thoroughly deserves this recognition and will play a central role as we continue to expand our auction services across LRG and through our growing network of independent partners.”
Gale added: “The auction market has changed significantly during my career and is increasingly being chosen as a first-choice route by sellers who value certainty, transparency and a defined timeframe. We have built a service that allows agents to offer those benefits while retaining their relationship with the client, supported by our specialist team throughout the process.
“My focus will be on taking that model to more agents across the country, investing in our people and service, and continuing to demonstrate the breadth of properties that can achieve successful outcomes through auction.
Cala appoints new MD to lead East of Scotland business
Cala Homes has promoted Neil Riddell to managing director of its East of Scotland operation.
Riddell will oversee the housebuilder’s activities across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Perth and Kinross, Fife and the Scottish Borders.
He moves into the role after serving as construction director and a board member of Cala’s West of Scotland business.
Riddell joined Cala in August 2025 following more than two decades at Taylor Wimpey.
He spent 22 years with the housebuilder, working across several operational roles before becoming production director.
His new role will include overseeing Cala East’s existing developments and future pipeline, with several developments in its East of Scotland pipeline.
Riddell will focus on the operational performance of the division and delivery of its existing and future development programme.
Neil Riddell, managing director at Cala Homes (East), said: “Having experienced first-hand the strength of Cala’s people, culture and commitment to quality since joining the business, I’m excited to work alongside the talented East team to build on its remarkable track record.
“There is a fantastic opportunity to continue providing exceptional homes and places that our customers and local communities can be proud of, while ensuring Cala East remains well placed for sustainable, long-term delivery across the region.”
Tom Nicholson, Chief Executive at Cala, commented: “Neil has made a significant contribution since joining Cala and has earned the respect of colleagues across the business through his leadership, expertise and commitment to delivering excellence. His appointment reflects the depth of talent we have within Cala and our commitment to developing our people.
