This week’s North West appointments

Arman Hemani, Daniel Rodgerson and Emma Jones, Freeman Fisher

Manchester law firm Freeman Fisher has announced the appointment of two new paralegals, Emma Jones and Arman Hemani, and promoted Daniel Rodgerson to the role of associate.

In her new post Emma, who has joined the company from Berwin Leighton Paisner, will assist partner Krista Powell as she heads up the firm’s real estate department

Arman, meanwhile, has been hired from corporate law firm Addleshaw Goddard and will work with Freeman Fisher’s head of corporate and commercial, Gary Black.

Having joined Freeman Fisher in April last year, Daniel has been promoted to the post of associate in the company’s corporate and commercial department.

Partner Gary said of the appointments: “It gives me great pleasure to welcome Arman and Emma, and to congratulate Daniel on his promotion.

“The past 12 months have been our busiest to date, having secured a record number of clients, and I am particularly keen to bring in junior fee earners who I am sure will play a big part in our future growth.”

Nicky Collins, Slater Heelis

Slater Heelis LLP, the law firm with offices in Manchester and Cheshire, has appointed Nicky Collins as its new corporate and commercial partner.

Prior to joining Slater Heelis, Nicky spent almost 10 years at George Davies Solicitors LLP and a further three with Browne Jacobson LLP.

Nicky has experience in advising on acquisitions, mergers, disposals and commercial arrangements, with a particular focus on the healthcare and education sectors.

Nicky, who joins Katharine Mellor, Sunil Mohindra and Simon Wallwork in heading up Slater Heelis’ corporate team, said: “I’m delighted to be joining Slater Heelis at such an exciting time for the corporate and commercial team.”

The firm’s managing partner, Chris Bishop, commented: “I’m thrilled to welcome Nicky to the team.

“With more than twenty years’ experience and an impressive number of referrals and recommendations, I know Nicky will be a valuable member of the corporate team.”

David Steele, SMD Group

Preston-based textiles company SMD Group has strengthened its senior management team with the appointment of David Steele.

In his new role as a senior key account manager, David will manage the firm’s UK-wide iLiv Contract Fabrics portfolio, which supplies fire retardant fabrics and wallcoverings for use in commercial environments.

Before joining SMD Group, David worked for eight years as the national sales manager of Bancroft Soft Furnishings Ltd.

Jason Kenworthy, SMD Group’s managing director, said: “David shares the same enthusiasm, values and ambition as we do, which makes him a perfect match.

“With 14 years’ experience working in this field, his knowledge is invaluable and will help support us as we look to increase our market presence within the contract sector.”

Commenting on his appointment, David said: “SMD Group is a brand I’ve been familiar with for many years and it has always been seen as a leader, particularly in the care home sector market.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the team at such an important time as we make significant changes to enhance our offer for the hotel sector too.”

Andrew Evans, Bluecoat

Bluecoat, the Liverpool-based centre for the contemporary arts, has chosen Andrew Evans as its new head of development.

The organisation’s chief exec, Mary Cloake, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Andrew into our team, and look forward to working with him as he introduces supporters old and new to both our vibrant contemporary arts offering and to the city centre’s oldest building.

“His role will be of particular importance over the next 18 months, as we head into Bluecoat’s 300th anniversary year, and enjoy all the celebrations that that will bring.”

In his new role, Andrew will work on securing funding from a number of sources, allowing Bluecoat to remain free for visitors.

He said of his appointment: “I’m passionate about working with Bluecoat, an independent local charity, as they continue to develop their own distinctive cultural voice.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the incredibly talented team at this artistically vibrant centre in the heart of the city, and am looking forward to helping ensure that Liverpool’s contemporary arts get the resources and facilities they need to thrive.”

Richard Papworth, gunnercooke

Richard Papworth, a banking and finance lawyer, has been taken on as a senior ambassador to support the growth of law firm gunnercooke’s banking relationships.

At gunnercooke, Richard will predominantly focus on client development and relationships management.

Richard retired last year from Addleshaw Goddard, where he served as the law firm’s client relationship partner.

He said: “I have been keenly following gunnercooke’s expansion and decided that the opportunity to work alongside the banking team, a number of whom I have worked with previously and have great respect for, was too good to pass up on.

“Throughout my career I’ve focused on strong client relationships and it’s fantastic to join a model that has this same core value. I am genuinely excited by the prospect.”

Gunnercooke CEO Anna Beaumont commented: “We are delighted to welcome Richard to our team. He highlights what gunnercooke is all about – a senior trusted advisor with a passion for client service.

“The fact that we have been able to attract him is testament to the growing strength of both our firm-wide and banking brand.”

She continued: “Our banking practice has more than doubled in size over the last 12 months, and we believe it to be one of the strongest offerings in the UK market.”

Following his appointment, Richard will work at gunnercooke’s offices in Manchester and London.

Gareth Roberts, Keepmoat

Housing and community regeneration company Keepmoat, has appointed Gareth Roberts as the new regional managing director in its North West Homes division.

Having joined the business 15 months ago in the role of operations director, Gareth will now succeed Sandy McBride, who is moving on to lead Keepmoat’s new Scotland Homes business.

Gareth previously served as a finance director with housebuilder Taylor Wimpey.

He said: “If we are to keep growing at this impressive rate, we need to tackle the housing and skills shortage head on.

“Britain doesn’t have enough homes and has too few homeowners. If we are to get building and training, then the councils need to be in a position to progress with planning and cut through the red tape; but the cuts to spending are a threat to that.”

He added: “We have an incredibly strong and progressive growth plan, which centres on maintaining established and developing new relationships with local authorities and housing associations.”

Jill Morris (pictured with Chris Johnson), PM+M

Blackburn-based accountancy and business advisory firm PM+M has announced a raft of new promotions and the appointment of Jill Morris.

In her new role as a director in PM+M’s Run My Business division, Jill will focus on helping owner-managed firms unlock growth and improve efficiency through technology and innovation.

Jill, who joined PM+M from accountants CLB Coopers, said: “I’m really excited about taking up this new role as I’ve admired PM+M for many years.

“I was attracted to the firm because of its strong vision for the future, its modern approach and clear commitment to technology and software.”

She added: “I’m now looking forward to working with my clients and adding real value to the business.”

Elsewhere, the firm has promoted former corporate services director Chris Johnson to the role of partner in its corporate services team, Claire Furnival and Ben Thornley as managers and Jonathan Cunningham as an assistant manager within PM+M’s tax team.

The company’s managing partner and tax partner, Jane Parry, commented: “The last few months have been strong so it’s an exciting time for Jill to be joining us.

“She has some fantastic experience and I’m sure she will be a great addition to the team.”

Jane added: “Chris Johnson started his career at PM+M and his promotion is hugely deserved. He does an amazing job for his clients and has become a key member of our senior team. We are delighted that he is now a partner as it is a clear reflection of his talent.”

Dave Hedges and Robin Chattaway, Holchem

Hygiene technology firm Holchem has expanded its Bury-based team with appointment of Dave Hedges in the role of national account manager for the UK and Ireland, and Robin Chattaway as technical sales consultant.

Dave has worked in the hygiene industry for the past 16 years, with previous roles including engineering project manager, account manager and business development manager.

At Holchem, Dave will manage relationships between Holchem and some of the firm’s biggest clients, which will include liaising with customer support teams to ensure all clients’ requirements are met.

Robin, meanwhile, has worked in the food industry for 30 years. Following his appointment, he will cover clients in central England, working to a structured support plan and serving as a main contact for customer support.

Holchem’s sales director, Nick Edwards, said: “2015 was a very successful year for Holchem and, as a result, we’ve seen increased demand for our services from new and existing clients.

“We have now expanded two important parts of the business and welcomed Dave and Robin on board.”

He added: “Both bring with them a wealth of experience in the hygiene and cleaning sector which is set to further enhance our position as UK and Ireland’s leading provider of hygiene technology solutions.”

Jackie Shipperbottom, Love Energy Savings

Business energy price comparison firm Love Energy Savings has taken on a new compliance officer.

Jackie brings with her more than nine years’ experience in the energy regulation and compliance sector, six of which were spent with energy procurement firm Inenco in the roles of engineering administrator, compliance officer, renewable energy analyst and, finally, project manager.

Jackie, who has worked closely with organisations such as government regulator Ofgem and The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), said: “It is very refreshing to see a company so keen to comply with industry rules and regulations, and I am already looking forward to helping set an example for others in the sector.

“Phil and his team are unique in their approach to the energy market; trialling innovative new technology and showing a continuous dedication to excellent customer service.”

She added: “Hearing about Love Energy Savings in the press, and learning more about their ambitious growth plans, made me even more enthusiastic about taking on the role.”

In her new role, Jackie will work alongside Love Energy Savings’ heads of department to make sure new industry rules are adhered to.

The company’s managing director, Phil Foster, commented: “We are thrilled that Jackie chose to join us at such an exciting time for the business.

“We are growing rapidly and we are keen to take our place as market leaders in the energy price comparison industry.”

Phil continued: “I am confident that, by bringing Jackie on board, we will continue to provide the best possible experience for our customers and stay ahead of the curve when it comes to industry compliance.”

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