This week’s North West appointments

Berg, Maria Jones

Independent Manchester law firm Berg has appointed Maria Jones as commercial director.

Maria joins from Pannone, where she was the client service manager implementing and managing new client service strategy. Prior to this, she worked for large corporate businesses including General Dynamics, Telefonica O2, and GE Money in a variety of senior positions.

Maria said: “Berg is a fantastic business and one I have always held in high-esteem. I’m excited to be part of a great team and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead.”

Reuben Berg, senior partner at Berg, added: “As we continue to grow and expand, appointing a talented and experienced professional like Maria is key. I am looking forward to working closely with Maria as we continue to develop the business in 2014.”

The appointment comes at a time when Berg is currently fighting a number of high-profile campaigns associated with mis-sold interest rate swaps and wider banking issues.

“The firm currently represents more than 200 businesses across the UK which have been affected by these issues.

theEword, Liane Grimshaw and Kleon West

Manchester digital marketing agency, theEword, has appointed Liane Grimshaw to its board in the role of non-executive director.

The former managing partner and board director of Amaze Plc joins theEword with a remit to support and advise the agency as it moves through a pivotal period in its growth, under the stewardship of managing director Daniel Nolan.

24-year-old business development director, Kleon West, has also been promoted to sit on theEword’s board. Kleon has worked for the agency since 2010.

Speaking of the board appointments, managing director Daniel Nolan, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Liane.

“With her knowledge of the digital sector and understanding of our unique business model, she’s an ideal asset to advise and assist us moving forward.

“This is a key moment in our growth plan and with Liane and Kleon, plus our brilliant management team and staff, we feel we’ve got really solid foundations on which we can build even more success.”

Bibby Financial Services, Mike Calvert

Liverpool based specialist funder; Bibby Financial Services (BFS) has appointed proven deal maker Mike Calvert as its head of sales for the North West, in the hope of increasing its funding support to businesses in the region.

Mike – who has 10 years’ corporate and commercial banking experience – took up his new role at the start of the month and is responsible for heading up the funder’s SME lending teams in Merseyside, North Wales, Staffordshire, Lancashire and Cumbria.

Mike said: “The North West contributes massively to the UK economy and we’re currently providing upwards of £63million in funding to support local businesses.

“I’m delighted with the new role. Bibby Financial Services is the UK’s largest independent invoice finance provider and not only do we have an appetite to lend to businesses; we also have knowledge and expertise to help them to succeed.”

Mike will report into Stephen Johnson who was appointed as Regional Sales Director for the North at the start of the year. Johnson said:

“As a business, we’re growing but the one thing that isn’t changing is our support for SMEs. I’m really pleased with Mike’s appointment. His enthusiasm, work ethic and commitment are a real asset to our team.

“Furthermore, his experience in commercial and corporate banking is invaluable to the team’s efforts in the North west.”

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