This week’s North West appointments

Debbie Robinson, Napthens

Napthens solicitors has announced a new appointment at its office in Southport.

The North West law firm has taken on Debbie Robinson in the role of residential conveyancing executive, which will see her advising clients on buying, selling and investing in residential property.

Debbie’s appointment follows Napthens’ acquisition of Southport law firm Richard Jacklin & Co of Hoghton Street, which has since rebranded.

Bringing 18 years’ experience with her, Debbie said: “Napthens is a well-recognised and respected legal brand in the region and I’m proud that I’ll be part of a team that is helping to deliver an unrivalled legal service from the firm’s newest office in Southport.”

The head of the firm’s private client division, Simon Ainsworth, commented: “The acquisition of our Southport office is a key milestone in our plans to grow our presence in Sefton and West Lancashire.

“An essential part of this is building an experienced team who will provide the highest level of support and expertise to the many clients we have locally.”

He continued: “Demand for our services in the area is high and we’ll be looking to add more experts to the Southport office. We’re looking forward to welcoming more people to the team in the coming weeks and months.”

George Potts (pictured) and James Marshall, NorthEdge

Private equity firm NorthEdge Capital has promoted George Potts and James Marshall to the role of investment manager.

George has been with NorthEdge since 2011 and formed part of the team that closed the company’s maiden fund at £225m the year following. Since then, he has been closely involved in various transactions, including investments into data management firm Utiligroup and door manufacturer Solidor.

James (above), who joined NorthEdge two years ago, is primarily responsible for the origination and execution of new investments across Yorkshire and the North East. He also represents NorthEdge on the boards of cavity insulation firm Miller Pattison and central heating provider Help-Link.

NorthEdge managing partner Grant Berry said: “George and James are both outstanding talents and have offered a great deal to the company in their time here.

“Their promotions are a reflection of our confidence in their ability to take greater responsibility for the future of investment at NorthEdge and I am confident that they will rise to the challenge.”

He continued: “The current market presents a host of opportunities and, with the support of our new funds, I am very enthusiastic about the team’s ability to back quality businesses in the region to drive growth at NorthEdge.”

Guy Thomas, DTM Legal

Law firm DTM Legal has bolstered its construction team with the appointment of Guy Thomas as its newest associate.

Guy, whose background lies in construction and engineering law, has joined DTM from the Liverpool office of DWF and brings with him 12 years of legal sector experience.

He commented: “I’m delighted to be joining DTM Legal and excited about this new chapter in my career.

“The firm has a growing reputation for its experience in the construction sector and I look forward to working with the team to help build on this success.”

Guy is qualified both as a solicitor and as a chartered civil engineer.

Jim Morris, a partner at DTM Legal, said of the appointment: “It’s a pleasure to welcome Guy to the team. Guy’s years in the construction sector bring an extra insight into the work he undertakes.

“This key appointment will strengthen DTM’s construction arm and allow us to further develop our growing client base within the sector.”

Jim added: “Guy will make a significant contribution to the team and we are looking forward to welcoming him on board.”

Emma Stoddart, Grant Thornton

Business advisory firm Grant Thornton has announced the promotion of a new partner.

Emma Stoddart, who has 20 years’ experience in audit and accounts, will continue to head up Grant Thornton’s North West audit operations.

Having joined the company as a trainee in 1998, today Emma leads a team of more than 100 from the firm’s Liverpool office.

Emma, who specialises in helping owner-managed firms, private limited companies and entrepreneurs, said: “I’m delighted with the promotion to partner and thankful to the firm for the support and opportunities presented to me since joining as a trainee.

“I look forward to continuing to lead our audit and accountancy offering in the North West.”

She added: “The investment and development in the region presents a great opportunity for businesses. At Grant Thornton we’re committed to helping our clients benefit from this vibrant economy.”

Grant Thornton’s North West-based managing partner, Carl Williams, said the appointment is in keeping with the company’s “ideology of developing, retaining and rewarding talent”.

He continued: “Her promotion to partner is apt recognition of both her contribution to the firm and the professional expertise she offers Grant Thornton’s clients.”

Bill Chambers, Asons Solicitors

Bolton firm Asons Solicitors has appointed a new head of costs.

Bill Chambers has more than four decades of experience in legal costs drafting, negotiating and attending assessment hearings across the UK.

Previously, he was the managing director of his own company, Chambers Costs Drafting Services, and also served as a costs draftsman and negotiator with Manchester law firm Ozon Solicitors.

Bill started his legal sector career on the law enforcement side, having held the position of special constable with the City of London Police while training to be a solicitor in the mid ’70s.

Commenting on his appointment, he said: “I am delighted in joining a progressive and prestigious firm like Asons Solicitors and look forward to building a strong and efficient costs department, working closely with my directors in order to progress the firm’s multi-award winning law practice to a new horizon.”

Jamielee Johnson, Mitchell Charlesworth

North West accountancy firm Mitchell Charlesworth has taken on a new audit and accounts assistant manager at its office in Manchester.

Jamielee Johnson, who has expertise with owner-managed firms and preparing statutory accounts for SMEs, will manage a portfolio of around 100 clients at Mitchell Charlesworth.

Alison Buckley, a partner with the firm, said: “Jamielee’s appointment comes at an excellent time for Mitchell Charlesworth.

“We have felt real momentum in 2016 and this latest appointment following a series of other new placements in our Widnes office.”

She continued: “These new appointments form part of our strategic vision to train and develop high quality staff who perform in a range of disciplines across all offices.

“As a result, we can offer greater value for money in terms of range and depth of services compared to any other regional based accountancy practice.”

Having studied mathematics with finance at the University of Liverpool, Jamielee went on to qualify in 2012 after beginning her career with Aberdeen-based Williamson & Dunn in 2008 in the role of personal tax assistant.

Most recently, Jamielee was assistant manager with Manchester-based accountants Jack Ross.

Commenting on her appointment, she said: “I am thrilled to be joining Mitchell Charlesworth, an accountancy firm with a clear identity in the SME market with a focus on client service. The firm has a strong reputation and is able to offer me the support I need to progress in my career.

“One aspect which attracted me to Mitchell Charlesworth is the range of specialists in all fields. I have real confidence in the brand because we can offer clients expert tailor-made advice.”

Dan Monaghan, James Brodie and Chris Longbottom, Shoosmiths

The Manchester office of law firm Shoosmiths has announced three promotions as part of a nationwide string of senior-level appointments.

Dan Monaghan, from Shoosmiths’ real estate team, is now a partner in the firm, while lawyers James Brodie and Chris Longbottom – who work in real estate and family law respectively – have become senior associates.

The firm’s latest round of promotions brings its total number of partners to 146 and senior associates to 18.

Shoosmiths’ chief executive, Claire Rowe, said: “Promotions serve as an opportunity to recognise the experience and commitment our people bring to Shoosmiths.

“Partners and senior associates earn their promotions by taking on additional responsibilities and building relationships with our clients, which is integral to the firm’s success.”

She added: “It is always a pleasure for us to reward our lawyers for the contributions they make through means of promotion.”

Colin Callow and Lindsay Hallworth, Business Growth Hub

Two life science business advisors have been appointed in Business Growth Hub’s new sectors programme.

With Business Growth Hub, Colin Callow and Lindsay Hallworth will support SMEs across Greater Manchester as they look to secure work with the NHS and other healthcare organisations.

Following their appointment, the two newcomers will also work with Business Growth Hub partner TRUSTECH to help SMEs as they create new products and services.

Colin, a trained nurse, previously worked as the head of the NHS’ National Innovation Centre and also served as the programme director at the NHS Technology Adoption Centre.

Lindsay, meanwhile, has more than 20 years’ experience in the fields of neuromodulation and cardiovascular treatment, with companies such as Medtronic and Johnson & Johnson Medical

Richard Jeffery, the director of Business Growth Hub, which forms part of the Manchester Growth Company, said: “The life sciences sector is thriving in Greater Manchester and is one of the fastest growing sectors in the wider economy.

“It’s fantastic to welcome Lindsay and Colin to the team, with their specialist expertise we can help SMEs to grow in this innovative and exciting marketplace.”

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