Member Article

This week’s North West appointments

Law firm Freeman Fisher has expanded its commercial litigation team with the appointment of Louise Goodwin as an associate.

Louise has joined from DAC Beachcroft, where she was a senior solicitor and previously worked with Alex Megaw, managing partner at Freeman Fisher.

Meanwhile, James Brown has moved from Addleshaw Goddard to become Freeman Fisher’s first trainee solicitor.

He was a paralegal at Addleshaw Goddard, where he worked with Krista Powell before she left to launch Freeman Fisher’s real estate department in January.

James and Louise are based at Freeman Fisher’s offices in Spinningfields, Manchester.

Mr Megaw co-founded Freeman Fisher last year with Gary Black. The practice advises on insolvency, corporate and commercial matters as well as commercial litigation and real estate.

Mr Megaw said: “We are continually looking to expand our offering by recruiting quality personnel into key positions.

“Louise fits the requirements of the demanding role of associate in our busy commercial litigation practice, and I am delighted to welcome her to the Freeman Fisher team.

“James already had good experience before accepting our offer of a training contract, and his appointment is an example of our commitment to developing young talent.”

Philip Hargreaves, The Business Growth Hub

The Business Growth Hub has appointed former Nat West Capital Investment Executive, Philip Hargreaves to head up its growing Access to Finance (A2F) service, which offers free and impartial advice and investment readiness support to businesses across the region that need to raise finance.

Philip has spent over 35 years working in the commercial and corporate banking sector, including 27 years with NatWest.

More recently Philip also supported the development of The North West Fund and previously worked for FW Capital, working with SMEs who were seeking funding opportunities in the North West.

Philip said: “One of the major issues affecting SMEs today is securing funding to support growth and many fall at the first hurdle, simply because they’re not properly prepared.

“A2F offers a real lifeline to guide businesses through the entire process, from making sure business plans are robust to preparing them to pitch to potential investors; all of which really can mean the difference between a company’s success or failure.

“I want to ensure that the A2F Service continues to meet the needs and aspirations of growing SMEs within the region and to develop new services which deliver proactive support in an ever changing business environment.”

David Sharrock, WRG

WRG, a Live Communications agencies, today confirmed David Sharrock as the company’s new Chief Executive.

David, formerly Chief Operating Officer at WRG, joined the company in 2012 from Trinity Mirror, where he was Managing Director of MEN Media.

He has been leading the WRG team since the departure of Barry Day in December 2013, and begins his new role with immediate effect.

The appointment was made as the company looks to expand its clients, employee base and international footprint.

WRG Chairman Jim Faulds said: “David is a hugely respected and experienced leader within WRG and the industry at large. Under his guidance, WRG has seen great success over the last 12 months, and I am delighted to announce his appointment as the company’s new Chief Executive.”

WRG CEO David Sharrock, added: “Having managed the business throughout 2014, I’m now very much looking forward to taking WRG to even greater success as we expand, employ and engage in more ways than ever before throughout 2015 and beyond.”

David Jones, Innov8

North West construction industry firm Innov8 is announcing a new appointment following growth in its Site Safety Services division.

The firm has named David Jones as the new director of Site Safety Services.

The former Royal Marine and Royal Air Force professional, has close to 10 years’ experience in the health and safety sector including roles at Travis Perkins, Firstark and consultancy work with Marshside, Lilly and Innospec.

Innov8 managing director Alan Robson said “Innov8 has experienced strong growth in the last 12 months.

“We have worked hard to build our profile and presence around the UK.

“This has resulted in new contracts across commercial developments, health-care, maritime and education sectors. Further sales have been secured in repair and refurbishments projects.

“The new appointment of David Jones will help us to further penetrate the Site Safety Services market.

“He brings strong experience and leadership qualities to the team. Dave has broad knowledge and key skills in risk management, planning and control procedures.

“We believe demand is growing due to the calibre of work we deliver. Our Site Safety Service goes way beyond straight-forward audits.

“We penetrate the detail of each project and provide in-depth assessments with recommendations and actions. We provide gap-analysis, staff training and long-term safety plans.

“Critically, this helps our clients to drive greater efficiency and cost savings across the site safety management process.

“This hands on approach means we become an integral part of the overall project team. We take a proactive attitude communicating quickly with key people in a clear and concise way.

“Our aim is to tighten health and safety practices and pinpoint areas for improvement.”

John Dady, International Procurement Ltd

Valve and process technology business International Procurement Ltd has appointed John Dady, 49, from Accrington, in Lancashire, as its new Sales Manager.

He will report to IPL Sales Director Dave Speight, and is targeting a substantial increase in sales in the UK valve sector.

No stranger to the valve industry, Mr. Dady spent the past 12 years as sales manager at Rotork Valve Kits, part of the Rotork Group of companies.

Prior to Rotork, he was an area sales manager for RGS Electro Pneumatics Ltd, which manufactures pneumatic valves and operating systems.

Mr Dady joins an expanding sales team, of seven, which has now increased still further, with the recent addition of a modern apprentice Holly McLean.

Mr Dady said: “I’m currently visiting potential customers of IPL across the UK, and talking with them about their plans for the future.

“The next year looks like it could be a very good one for IPL’s UK business, as many potential customers are drawing up their own growth plans.”

Sian Pitt, Linden Homes

Linden Homes has strengthened its workforce in the North West with the appointment of a new regional sales manager.

Sian Pitt joined Linden Homes, the residential arm of leading construction company Galliford Try, in October.

She is responsible for the company’s sales and marketing activity across current and future developments in the North West, primarily the New Brunswick scheme in Manchester.

Sian has considerable experience in the residential development sector having previously worked for eight years at Bellway Homes and three years at Hollinwood Homes as head of sales and marketing at both companies.

Darren Leary, development director for Galliford Try, said: “We are delighted to welcome Sian to the Linden Homes team. Sian’s vast experience and knowledge of the North West market will be a major asset not only on New Brunswick but also in helping to shape our future house building offer in the region, as Galliford Try moves into the next phase of growth for its residential business in the North West.

Jim McCain, Tatton Estate Management (TEM)

Tatton Estate Management Ltd. (TEM) is delighted to announce the promotion of Jim McCain to full time property manager.

The role will see him supervising a wide range of briefs on a full time basis, including investments, lettings, refurbishments, landlord matters and working with tenants across commercial property at Bostock Green, Tabley Court and longstanding Tatton Estate holdings.

Jim has been part-time with TEM since April 2013, and has over 20 years of experience as a property director having previously been Group Property Director at City Sites Estates plc.

Over the years he has gained expertise in property development and management across commercial and residential real estate that directly related to this new, full time role.

Jim McCain, full time property manager at Tatton Estate Management Ltd: “I’m thrilled to extend my role and look forward to working with clients, tenants and the wider community.

“Cheshire East is a hugely vibrant area and I believe Tatton Estate Management is well placed to provide the Tatton Estate with high quality property services, and contribute to seeing Knutsford’s town centre thrive along with the other villages and surrounding areas.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sophia Taha .