Lord Harrington joins Intelligent FS as Chairman and Director. He was construction minister from June 2017 to March 2019.

Intelligent FS was set-up in 2016 but is expanding rapidly after winning a £31m government contract to help tackle the post-Grenfell cladding crisis.

The business has major re-cladding contracts underway in Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds.

Lord Harrington will “advise Intelligent FS on its growth plan, governance arrangements and provide strategic counsel on its priority to tackle unsafe cladding on buildings across the nation.”

He said: “Intelligent FS has already contributed significantly to the removal of dangerous cladding on buildings. There is an incredible amount of work still to be done and the team at Intelligent are at the forefront of making buildings across the country safer for communities.

“It is an important area of work which needs to be tackled in the coming years and I’m proud to be able to help the company deliver that.

“As a former construction minister and my background in business, I believe my experience will serve the company well as it expands its cladding work across the UK. I am glad to accept this position and I am looking forward to supporting the team.”

Intelligent FS co-founders, Rob Williams and Adam Gallagher, said: “We are on a mission to solve Britain’s cladding crisis. We have an extensive and thorough plan in place to help safeguard residents.

“Intelligent FS take a meticulous approach to every project, ensuring the very highest standards of quality and safety.

“We are pleased to welcome Richard to the team. He brings notable business and ministerial experience to the table, and shares a real commitment to protecting lives across the country.

“His work will be vital as we grow over the next couple of years not only across the North of England but the wider UK.”