This week’s North West appointments

Vanessa Carey, Helen Johnson and Katy Littler, Equilibrium Asset Management

Wilmslow-based Equilibrium Asset Management has announced the appointment of three new client managers.

Katy Littler, Vanessa Carey and Helen Johnson strengthen the £5m-turnover firm’s team by bringing with them more than 23 years of combined experience in the financial planning sector.

Katy has expertise in tax calculations, investments, pensions and client relations, having previously worked on projects for Deutsche Bank, Swiss financial services firm UBS and Barclays.

Joining her is Helen, who has 15 years of corporate experience in pensions and investments, while Vanessa has experience in equities.

Equilibrium’s managing partner, Colin Lawson, said: “Looking back on the past 21 years, it is clear to see how far the company has come, and with our trio of new recruits, we can continue to further personalise our service while planning for future growth.’’

Katy commented: ’’Equilibrium is a dynamic, forward thinking company and is quick to evolve within the ever-changing financial services industry which came across instantly in my interview, so I knew immediately that I wanted to work for them.

’‘The whole team works incredibly hard for clients whilst adopting a very friendly, personal and collaborative approach so I am thrilled to have joined the company.’’

Chris Perrin, Irwin Mitchell

Law firm Irwin Mitchell has named Chris Perrin, a Manchester-based real estate lawyer, as the new national head of its property litigation offer.

Having joined Irwin Mitchell in 2013 from law firm DLA Piper, Chris became a partner in 2014 and works with landlords, tenants, investors, banks and developers on all areas of property litigation.

At the end of 2015, Irwin Mitchell merged with legal advice firm Thomas Eggar.

Discussing his promotion, Chris said: “Our merger with Thomas Eggar presents some exciting opportunities for Irwin Mitchell’s property litigation offering in terms of growing our UK footprint, adding strength in depth and building expertise in a number of new sectors.

“It is a great honour to be promoted to this new role and I am looking forward to working with a very strong and talented national team.”

L-R: Edward Moss, Anita Shepherd, Kirsty Morbey and Jennifer Smith

Anita Shepherd, Davis Blank Furniss

Davis Blank Furniss, a law firm with offices in Manchester and Glossop, has promoted Anita Shepherd to the the post of partner in its family team.

Anita, who joined the company four years ago, splits her time across Davis Blank Furniss’ two offices and is responsible for all aspects of family law.

Anita, a Resolution Advanced Accredited Specialist, commented: “The last four years have been a period of growth for me as Kate and the partnership have allowed me to grow my work in my own way.

“That level of autonomy has really inspired me. Becoming a partner is - of course - a milestone in my career, but my focus is now on adding more value to the business and our clients.”

Davis Blank Furniss’ managing partner, Kate Oldfield, said: “Since arriving at Davis Blank Furniss, Anita has made a huge impact; her drive, enthusiasm, rapport and knowledge of the law have all helped to grow the team so her promotion is much deserved and is a clear reflection of her talent.”

Elsewhere, the company has promoted Jennifer Smith to the role of associate in its property team and Kirsty Morbey to associate in its family team.

Further, Edward Moss has taken on the role of professional negligence solicitor after successfully completing his training contract.

Dan Matkin, NorthEdge Capital

Private equity firm NorthEdge Capital has appointed Dan Matkin as investment manager.

Dan has joined NorthEdge after working in the corporate finance and assurance divisions of professional services giant PwC for eight years.

In his new role, Dan will work with NorthEdge partner Ray Stenton to drive new business efforts after the firm recently closed its £300m Fund II.

Ray, NorthEdge’s head of new business, said: “We are delighted to have Dan on board as we explore new investment opportunities across the North.

“It has been a fantastic 12 months for NorthEdge, where we have raised our second fund and recruited some top talent across our Manchester and Leeds offices.”

He added: “Dan has been involved in a number of stand-out deals during his time at PwC and I am certain his M&A expertise will add tremendous value to the entrepreneurs that we work with.”

Dan, who studied at Newcastle University and is qualified as a chartered accountant, commented: “It is a very exciting time to be joining the firm. The North of England continues to be a great place to do business and there are a lot of ambitious management teams out there that have huge potential for growth.

“The level of knowledge and expertise at NorthEdge is second to none and I am proud to be part of such a quality team.”

Colin Kersley, Together

Cheshire-based lender Together has strengthened its retail board with the appointment of Colin Kersley.

Colin, who has become an independent non-executive director, previously worked as the CEO of M&S Bank plc, a subsidiary of HSBC. In his new role with Together, he will also chair the firm’s retail audit committee.

With a financial services career spanning more than 40 years, Colin first joined Midland Bank in 1975 and moved on to HSBC in 1995.

He commented: “I’m looking forward to sitting on the retail board at Together at this exciting time.

“The business is growing rapidly and the alternative finance sector as a whole is really changing the landscape of the financial services industry.”

Colin continued: “My prior experience will enable me to provide valuable insight and to support and challenge the business in the right way and I’m very pleased to have the opportunity to help shape the direction of the retail division.”

From its base in Cheadle, Together is currently working with loan book worth in excess of £1.7bn.

Group chairman Mike McTighe commented: “We’re really pleased to welcome Colin as an independent non-executive director.

“His proven ability to deliver results throughout his career and his understanding in terms of sales, quality and regulatory demands will be invaluable in helping us to develop our retail division in line with our growth strategy.”

Gareth Robinson, Manchester & Cheshire Construction

Building firm Manchester & Cheshire Construction has taken on another contracts manager as it continues to expand and secure new work across the North West.

Gareth Robinson joined the Salford-based firm from Preston construction company Carefoot, where he worked in a similar position.

Eugene O’Callaghan, the construction director at Manchester & Cheshire, said: “Gareth has extensive experience of site and operational management and running projects from start to finish.

“He has an excellent track record and is a welcome addition to our expanding team.”

Gareth, a married father of three, formerly served as the chairman of the Bolton Wanderers Supporters Association.

Manchester & Cheshire, which is on course to hit a £12m turnover for the year to September, is currently working on a £6m project to revamp the Samuel Alexander Building at the University of Manchester – the biggest contract in the firm’s 45-year history.

Paula Warnock and Michael Wright, Hill Dickinson

Hill Dickinson, the international law firm, has strengthened its Manchester-based pensions and employment team by appointing both Paula Warnock and Michael Wright to the role of partner.

Paula has previously helped clients with historical drafting issues and problems preparing rule amendments. Michael, meanwhile, has expertise in issues related to the training of medical professionals.

Both new partners have been with Hill Dickinson for over three years.

Led by Barry Gibb, the firm’s five-strong pensions team provides services for clients based all over the country and is aiming to achieve a £2m turnover by 2018.

Barry commented: “Hill Dickinson is committed to investing in quality talent to support its growth and Paula is a prime example of this. The team has grown significantly over the past couple of years and Paula has played an integral role. I’m delighted to announce her promotion.”

Andrew Gibson, who leads the Manchester arm of Hill Dickinson’s 12-strong NHS employment team, commented: “Michael’s promotion to partner in the NHS Employment team is testament to the continued importance the firm places on its expertise in this area, and Michael’s extraordinary success.

“The team can be confident of continued growth and exceptional client quality led by Michael’s example.”

Kevin Duffy, ICAEW Chartered Accountants

Kevin Duffy has been announced as the new president of ICAEW Chartered Accountants North West (CANW).

Taking over from former president Richard Crowther, who held the reins from 2015 to 2016, Kevin will work to support CANW’s 1,760 members across South Cumbria and Lancashire.

His primary role with the organisation, which is part of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), will involve overseeing the delivery of various member services.

The organisation’s deputy president, Gillian Bardin of Preston-based financial planning firm Taylor Patterson, will support Kevin in his new post.

Kevin said: “It is a real honour to able to represent ICAEW Chartered Accountants North West.

“As president I want to carry on the great work done by Richard in terms of supporting our members in Lancashire and South Cumbria and being a voice for business in the region and beyond.”

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