This week’s North West appointments

Helen Darbyshire, Harrison Drury

Harrison Drury, the North West commercial law firm, has strengthened its employment law offering by appointing its first HR adviser.

Helen Darbyshire brings 15 years of HR experience to the role, having previously worked for insurance firm Aegon and multinational corporation Babcock.

In the newly created position, Helen will advise North West companies on aspects of human resource management such as employee training and development, as well as staff retention and performance management.

Harrison Drury director Roger Spence said: “We know from our experience of dealing with local businesses that there is a real desire to have practical, pro-active HR support.

“With many employment disputes ending up in the courts we’ve identified that early intervention and advice on process management can have a really beneficial impact.”

He continued: “Harrison Drury has broadened its service to go beyond addressing the legal issues, helping provide managers with the tools they need to improve their people management skills across the board.

“Helen has a wealth of experience in all aspects of HR, so is well-placed to deliver this new HR service to our clients.”

Helen, who obtained a degree in management with law at the University of Central Lancashire in 1996, is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

Emma Allison, Mapway

Mapway, the Manchester-based app development firm, has appointed Emma Allison to the role of marketing manager.

Emma has joined the company’s consumer team from recruitment and technology business Brookfield Rose, where she led a content marketing team covering 13 brands.

Mapway’s CEO, David James, said: “It’s an exciting time for the business as we expand our focus on consumer apps so it’s great to have Emma on board.

“Her experience in marketing and PR will help drive us forward in creating greater brand awareness and increasing on our current 9 million users worldwide.”

In her new role, Emma will develop Mapway’s marketing strategy for the 23 cities its apps cover, including Paris, New York and Beijing.

Commenting on her appointment, Emma said: “It’s an exciting opportunity for me to join a company with such big plans for 2016 and beyond.

“Mapway’s recent accolade by Google, being named as a ‘Top Developer’ earlier this year, shows such commitment to launching high-quality and innovative apps – it will be an invaluable advantage in building upon the strong position Mapway already holds within the industry.”

Alison Loveday and Philip Pinder, berg

The managing partner of law firm berg, Alison Loveday, has taken on the role of chief executive officer.

Alison, who has been with berg for 25 years, became managing partner in 2007 and has been credited as a driving force behind the company’s growth.

This week also also Philip Pinder, a former banker, taking on the role of banking consultant at berg.

Philip, who has more than 40 years’ experience in the sector, has previously held senior roles at HSBC and The Co-operative Bank.

Richard Clark, berg’s recently appointed MD, said: “We have strong plans for organic growth in the coming months and this includes key new hires and changes.

“Alison is an absolute ambassador for the firm, committed to developing our position as a leading professional services firm and, as such, this is an incredibly important move for us.”

He added: “We are delighted also to welcome Philip to the firm and know his expertise will be invaluable as we look to grow the business even further.”

Dominic Timmons, Your Legal Friend

Your Legal Friend (YLF), the Birkenhead-based civil litigation business, has appointed a new head of compliance.

Dominic Timmons, who has more than 20 years’ legal experience, has joined YLF from debt management provider One Advice Group, where he served as head of legal services.

The company’s CEO, Colin Gibson, said: “Dominic has a strong track record and his appointment demonstrates our commitment to securing the best talent for the benefit of clients.

“We’ve invested significantly in creating efficient internal processes that provide clients with quick and cost-effective access to justice.”

He added: “Dominic’s expertise will ensure we continue to deliver the highest standards of professionalism and client service as we further develop our specialist services.”

At Your Legal Friend, Dominic will work to refine its regulatory, operational and commercial processes to help maintain growth and client satisfaction levels.

Dominic said of his appointment: “Your Legal Friend’s status as one of the UK’s most trusted and successful claimant law firms is down to the high standards it has maintained over three decades.

“I’m looking forward to working with a highly experienced senior team and helping the firm further develop and expand into specialist fields.”

Paul Blackaby, James Briggs

Aerosol and consumer chemicals manufacturer James Briggs Ltd has chosen Paul Blackaby as its new chief financial officer.

With over 25 years’ experience, Paul has held similar roles with various European chemical manufacturing firms, including Laporte Hygiene and Ecolab.

James Briggs’ CEO, Tim Pugh, said: “Paul’s international experience and operational understanding of chemicals manufacturing, along with his specific knowledge of the Hygiene sector and M&A expertise, will bring a wealth of new experience to the business.”

Simon Firth, UD Group

Energy sector software developer UD Group has appointed Simon Firth to the role of sales manager.

Simon brings with him 25 years of experience in the energy sector and joins from energy provider Vayu Ltd, prior to which he worked with Norwegian broker Bergen Energi and RWE npower.

Steve Armitage, the CEO of UD Group, said of Simon’s appointment: “UD Group’s transformational software is being recognised in the UK as market leading technology, and we’re keen to bring our expertise to new markets globally.

“Simon’s exceptional experience makes him the perfect addition to our team in that respect and we’re excited to welcome him on board.”

Alasdair Outhwaite, DWF

Law firm DWF has appointed partner Alasdair Outhwaite to its national corporate practice.

Alasdair, who has joined DWF from Eversheds, has experience in advising public and private companies on acquisitions, disposals, fundraisings and joint ventures, with a focus on advising on private equity transactions.

Commenting on his new role with DWF, Alasdair said: “DWF’s corporate capability is underpinned by specialist sector knowledge that is allowing it to advise on increasingly high value transactions with both legal expertise and commercial insight.

“The calibre of deals that the team is working on reflects the firm’s impressive reputation for corporate work both in the North West and nationally, and I look forward to helping continue developing its strengths in key areas.”

DWF’s national head of corporate, Frank Shephard, commented: “The appointments of leading individuals such as Alasdair and our other recent key hires will allow us to accelerate the momentum of the last 12 months as we continue to target more cross-border and international opportunities for our clients in technology, financial services, retail our other target sectors.”

James Lappin, Fieldfisher

Fieldfisher, the European law firm, has hired a new dispute resolution partner at its Manchester office.

Joining from DWF, where he was an associate partner, James Lappin has experience in alternative dispute resolution and advises on various issues, including professional negligence disputes.

James commented: “Fieldfisher’s relatively recent move into the north west legal market provides a unique opportunity to promote the firm, and its values, to clients both new and existing.

“The strength of the firm’s brand across the UK means it has been able to make a strong initial footprint in Manchester and the surrounding area and I’m looking forward to building on that.”

With 16 years’ experience working at corporate law firms, James’ recent experience includes advising a Dubai-based company in an international fraud case.

The head of dispute resolution at Fieldfisher, Colin Gibson, said: “The firm’s dispute resolution practice is growing fast and attracting really high quality work. James, with his wide range of clients and contacts across the north west, is a great addition to the Manchester team.”

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