Member Article

This week’s North West appointments

The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has announced that it has appointed Steve Ford as Director of RBS Corporate Banking.

Previously a commercial manager within the bank, Steve has been promoted to the role which will see him head up a team of 13 relationship managers across Preston, Blackburn and Burnley.

Steve Ford, Director RBS Corporate Banking, Preston, Blackburn and Burnleysaid: “I am delighted to be leading the RBS brand across Preston and East Lancashire. The region has a hard earned reputation as one of the most vibrant and dynamic sectors of the North West economy and it is a real privilege to be able to work with businesses in the area.

“We have an excellent team of easily accessible Relationship Managers in the region, who work alongside customers to offer tailor-made financial solutions. It is my ambition to build on this already very successful platform to ensure we continue to deliver exceptional customer service, and support local businesses to achieve their goals, increase employment and enhance the economic prosperity of the region.

“The local economic outlook is very positive and we are currently seeing a lot of activity in the housing, professionals, leisure and manufacturing sectors, providing real evidence of a return to growth in the local economy and for our customers as they look to expand.”

Richard Hodkinson, Converge Technology Specialists

Richard Hodkinson, has joined Cheshire-based Converge Technology Specialists (ConvergeTS), the dedicated cloud computing provider for law firms, as its first non-executive director.

Richard, who joins ConvergeTS in a part-time role and remains at DWF, is a regular presenter at the Law Society’s IT Directors Forum, which is sponsored by ConvergeTS.

Converge’s founder and managing director, Nigel Wright, said: “Richard has an entrepreneurial, can-do attitude that mirrors our approach. We are thrilled to have Richard on board. His operational and strategic insights will be invaluable, ultimately helping us to win bigger deals.”

Andrew Farrah, CBRE

The Manchester office of CBRE has expanded its Industrial Agency team with the appointment of Andrew Farrah as Associate Director.

Paul Cook, Director at CBRE Manchester, said; “The North West industrial market is rapidly picking up pace and we have several high profile instructions on both existing stock and opportunity sites on which we are handling high levels of interest as occupier confidence continues to grow.

“We are delighted to be further strengthening the team with Andrew’s appointment and look forward to a busy year ahead.”

Paul Jolley, Lambert Smith Hampton

A senior figure in property asset management is to join the Manchester office of national commercial property consultancy, Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) to lead an eight strong team of Property & Asset Managers and Facilities Managers.

Paul Jolley has resigned as a director from CBRE and will work his notice until April when he will join LSH as Head of Property Management for the North West.

Abid Jaffry, Head of Office for Manchester at Lambert Smith Hampton said: “This is another senior appointment for LSH which reflects the high calibre and level of experience we seek to maintain our ambitious growth plans”.

“Our Property and Asset Management team already have an enviable client list. We place their needs at the top of our recruitment strategy so we can continue to offer the best in class service. Paul will be instrumental in continuing to expand the team and portfolio book as well as identify new business opportunities.”

Tracy Archer, The Write Angle

Lancashire’s leading marketing communications agency, The Write Angle, has overhauled its brand and appointed a new director to grow its full-service integrated offering.

New director, Tracy Archer, has come on board to oversee the rollout of The Write Angle’s new brand both externally and behind the scenes, with a particular focus on growing the agency’s digital offering.

She said: “The fundamental marketing discipline of targeting the right people at the right time in the right place still applies, but PR is now only one among a wide range of channels with which to do that. Our fresh new look reflects this shift towards becoming more of an integrated agency that offers the complete mix of brand, content, PR and social rather than just traditional PR.

“The Write Angle has always been skilled at using a combination of insight, experience and creativity to find the right angle in any story, but now we help clients to package that brand story by creating relevant and results-focused content and sharing it with consumers using the most impactful channels and through the most appropriate medium.

Phil Mayall, Chester Renaissance board

Phil Mayall, development director at Muse has joined the board of Chester Renaissance to help promote economic growth within Chester.

Chester Renaissance was set up by Cheshire West & Chester Council (CWaC) to drive the momentum and accelerate the economic growth of the city. They work closely with private sector investors and public funding bodies to deliver improvements in Chester as part of the One City Plan.

Eric Langton, chairman of Chester Renaissance, said: “Phil’s experience in delivering large scale developmentswill be a huge asset for Renaissance. Anyone who has met him will have been impressed by his detailed understanding of the issues facing Chester and his enthusiasm for projects supported by Renaissance that will bring prosperity and jobs to the city.

“He joins the board during an important year for Chester with work busy on the business quarter, new theatre and library, and finalising plans for the Northgate development including a new market, multi screen cinema, improved car parking, shops, restaurants and open spaces.”

Lianne Tracey, Jessica Smith, Calum Macdonald-Ball and Sarah Pyatt, Weber Shandwick

Weber Shandwick Manchester has appointed four new PR ‘Great Minds’ to the team as part of the agency’s drive to recruit the best talent from a range of specialisms.

Lianne Tracey, Jessica Smith, Calum Macdonald-Ball and Sarah Pyatt have joined the city-centre based agency this month.

Senior account manager, Lianne Tracey, is an engagement specialist with 11 years’ media relations and PR experience and has joined from national law firm Stephensons Solicitors LLP where she was PR manager. She will manage several corporate client accounts.

Joining Lianne in the agency’s corporate team is account executive, Jessica Smith. Jessica was a communications advisor with the New Charter Housing Association and will provide essential PR support on a range of client accounts.

Calum Macdonald-Ball and Sarah Pyatt have both joined as account executives. Calum, formerly at Pelican Communications, joins Weber Shandwick’s worldwide team of creative technologists, and is responsible for content creation, online community management and blogger relations.

Sarah, who spent 18 months at The Market Creative, brings branding and advertising expertise to the team. Sarah also has her own fashion blog.

Jo Leah, managing director of Weber Shandwick Manchester, said: “Last year was our most successful to date. We’re building an agency for the future with an innovation culture and an unwavering commitment to creativity and so we are recruiting the very best talent, from writers, designers and strategists to planners, conversation-starters and storytellers for our team.

“We’re also arming our staff with the skills they need to stay ahead by running one of the best training schemes in the industry. So, as long as people have a great open mind, the right behaviour, mentality, energy and jump out of bed every morning loving what they do, then we will train the rest.”

Ruth Clare, Sam Grange, Garry King, Alison Howarth, Shoosmiths

National law firm Shoosmiths has expanded its real estate offering with the hire of four senior lawyers in Manchester.

Joining Shoosmiths from Eversheds is Ruth Clare, a senior associate in core real estate work with 14 years’ post-qualified experience (PQE). Ruth has expertise in advising on a wide range of issues facing occupier, investor and corporate clients across the range of their property interests. Sam Grange, a senior associate in planning also joins from Eversheds with 10 years’ PQE. Sam advises on all aspects of planning and highways law, and the law relating to compulsory acquisition and compensation.

Senior associate, Garry King, and associate, Alison Howarth, will also specialise in core real estate work. Garry, joins Shoosmiths from DWF with 12 years PQE and advises on landlord/tenant issues, estate management and sales and purchases. Alison joins the firm from Mills & Reeves in Leeds, with 7 years’ PQE, and is experienced in advising on a range of issues, from initial site assembly and complex acquisition/development work, through to lettings, site sales/leaseback and the full remit of asset management and investment.

Vaqas Farooq, head of real estate in Manchester, said: ‘It is a pleasure to welcome Ruth, Sam, Garry and Alison in to the fold here at Shoosmiths. The national real estate team has been going from strength to strength and it has certainly shown here in Manchester, where we have been carrying out work that has been fundamentally reshaping the city and region. As a result, we are becoming renowned as a market leader in the region not only for our expertise but our client service.’

He added: ‘Ruth, Sam, Garry and Alison are all experienced professionals who share the values that make Shoosmiths a stand-out firm. We wish them every success here.’

Peter Staniland, NES Global Talent

NES Global Talent in Greater Manchester is expanding its IT division with the appointment of sector specialist Peter Staniland.

Peter, who has joined the global talent solutions provider as a Senior Consultant at its Altrincham office in the UK, will focus on supplying IT experts within the oil and gas and engineering sectors.

Peter Howarth, Divisional Director – UK at NES Global Talent, said: “Peter has a discipline specific background within IT and brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge of technical IT roles, which will help us drive our technology division forward.

“We are focused on providing our clients with access to the very best in talent, whatever the discipline, while providing the best package for our candidates.”

Steven Lloyd, Optionis

The former chief legal officer of Phones 4U has joined the board of business and freelancer services group Optionis.

Steven Lloyd spent eight years on the Phones 4U board, overseeing several major acquisitions and disposals between 2006 and 2014. Prior to that, the qualified solicitor served as legal director for the Caudwell Group.

Lloyd’s new role on the Optionis executive team will initially see him assume responsibility for the group’s sales and marketing functions. He will then move across to operations, with a focus on service improvement and innovation.

Optionis managing director Derek Kelly said: “Steven has a huge amount of relevant experience, and has held senior management positions in the corporate world.

“His knowledge and expertise mean he will be a tremendous asset as we look to grow the business over the coming years. We are delighted to welcome him aboard.”

Gemma Edney, Nic Whelan, Event Marketing Solutions

Success has led to the appointment of Nic Whelan to the EMS Board of Directors, who will lead the company’s business development strategy. He has been with EMS for 13 years, playing a pivotal role in developing new income streams including roadshows with Barclays, Warner Bros and Allianz. In his new role as Business Development Director he will oversee the sales and marketing division and provide strategic support to further grow the business globally.

In other areas of the business, EMS has promoted Gemma Edney from Account Director to Head of Client Services. Gemma has been with the company for 10 years and will now lead the Client Services team, overseeing project delivery worldwide. Subsequently, Laura Nash will step into Gemma’s role as Account Director – marking a promotion from Senior Account Manager.

Keith Austin, CEO at Event Marketing Solutions said: “As we start the year with our strongest financial performance in our history, I’m delighted to welcome Nic to our Board. He has contributed significantly to our success over the years. His knowledge of the industry and strategic approach to new business will be vital in us achieving our demanding targets as we move forward. Nic’s appointment means that I will be able to devote more time to developing our global network.”

Rob Boogaard, Interface EMEA

Acting president of Interface EMEA, Rob Boogaard, has been appointed as the organisation’s EMEA President & CEO. Rob has been presiding over the organisation since the medical leave of Lindsey Parnell in July 2013 and will take up this permanent role effective immediately.

Boogaard joined Interface in 2011 as Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing, responsible for setting and leading the growth strategy for Interface throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa. He has since taken up a number of roles within the organisation. Boogaard’s new appointment comes as the global modular flooring organisation, prepares for the next phase in its EMEA growth strategy.

Rob Boogaard, CEO Interface, said of his appointment “Interface has a unique, sustainable, approach to manufacturing modular flooring and my goal is to ensure our ongoing growth stays true to the principles, set out by our founder Ray Anderson, whilst contributing to the market. Interface has a global market share of 35 per cent and is unrivalled for sustainability and design with innovation. Few, if any, companies have embraced sustainability longer, or accomplished more. Driving our business and sustainability goal for zero environmental impact by 2020, known as Mission Zero, and ambitious financial targets provide a clear direction to guide the organisation.”

John Leggett, Simon Peake, WYG

Global Programme, project management and technical consultancy WYG has again announced additional appointments to the Manchester Planning team. Workload continues to increase, principally from the North West, as a result of both the region’s continued growth and from WYG’s national multi-disciplinary framework successes. John Leggett, formerly of AMEC, joins the team as an Associate Planner, and brings with him thirteen years of experience, notably in the Nuclear/Energy sector and delivery of complex EIA projects, including Hinkley Point C for EDF Energy, Sellafield and Capenhurst for Urenco UK and CNS. Additionally, Simon Peake joins WYG from IBI Group as an Associate Planner. With extensive residential and regeneration experience linked to transforming parts of East Manchester for the HCA, he brings with him 15 years of planning practice. The total number of fee earners in the Manchester Planning team now reaches 16. Paul Shuker, Director of Planning at WYG in Manchester, said: ‘I’m delighted to welcome John and Simon to the team to build on our existing client base and to explore new infrastructure and regeneration opportunities that are currently being presented to WYG through our partners.’

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