This week’s North West appointments

Alan Simpson, Viva

Manchester PR agency Viva has bolstered its team with the appointment of Alan Simpson, the former deputy editor of the Lancashire Telegraph.

Having begun his career with the Accrington Observer, Alan went on to spend over 35 years working for the Lancashire Telegraph.

In his new role with Viva, Alan will help develop media relations strategies and new business opportunities.

Viva MD Tony Garner said: “Alan and I worked together at the Lancashire Telegraph and I know at first hand that he is extremely professional, knowledgeable and well-connected.

“I am genuinely excited to have someone of his calibre on board. There’s no doubt he will be a very valuable asset for Viva.”

He continued: “He will be working with existing clients and helping to attract new ones as we look to grow the business over the coming 12 months.

“The strength of our business is down to the abilities of the people who work in it. He joins an experienced media-savvy team — between us we’ve written a book on Bolton Wanderers, researched the questions on University Challenge and worked as a script developer in Hollywood — it’s undoubtedly a team of many talents.”

Discussing his appointment, Alan commented: “This is an exciting time to be joining Viva. Tony has outlined big plans for the business and the chance to help turn those into a reality was a major attraction.

“Viva is an award winning agency, that’s bursting with great creative ideas, and one that has always had a good reputation among journalists.”

Lindsey Britland, Rochdale Law Association

Rochdale Law Association (RLA) has elected family law and personal injury specialist Lindsey Britland as its new vice-president.

Lindsey is a partner at Heywood-based law firm Waldron & Schofield.

She commented: “The Rochdale Law Association has important links to The Law Society of England and Wales and is a group of solicitors who live or work in the Rochdale area.

“It provides a voice for members on important legal issues and a forum to discuss common issues.”

In her new role, Lindsey will work to help Rochdale Law Association continue to bolster ties with the local community and schools.

She continued: “We have a working partnership with the Rochdale Sixth Form College, where we are providing work experience this summer for six students.

“I will assist the president to further our initiatives, organise events, voice members’ concerns with government and other legal bodies, attend legal forums and chair meetings.”

Lindsey will take over from the RLA’s existing president, Richard Mason of Rochdale-based Molesworths Bright Clegg, in 2017.

Jon Fisher, Grant Thornton

Grant Thornton, the business and financial advisory firm, has strengthened its Manchester-based wealth advisory team with the appointment of Jon Fisher.

Jon, who has over 10 years’ experience in financial planning, has joined Grant Thornton after working with wealth management business WH Ireland for the last three years.

As a member of the Society of Trust Estate Practitioners, Jon has experience advising trustees and estate management, supported by his knowledge of the full range of pensions, investment and savings options available to his clients.

In his new role as a senior manager within the wealth advisory team, Jon will provide advice to Grant Thornton’s high net worth private clients.

Jon said: “The decision to join Grant Thornton was an easy one. The firm has a reputation for providing first-class financial advice to its clients and the holistic approach – with input from specialists in other areas of the firm – offers our clients an unparalleled level of expertise.”

Grant Thornton’s managing partner for the North West, Carl Williams, said: “Jon’s appointment builds on the significant expertise in our wealth management team.

“He brings notable experience in estate management and I look forward to seeing him progress in the firm.”

Daniel Edwards, CBRE

Real estate advisory firm CBRE has welcomed Daniel Edwards to its UK asset services team as an associate director, where he will serve as the lead property manager for the Arndale shopping complex in Manchester.

Daniel has experience as a property manager, having previously worked for property services firms JLL and Workman across Manchester and London.

With CBRE, Daniel’s role will include providing advice on centre management processes, service charge management and retail initiatives.

CBRE’s head of retail asset management, John Prestwich, said: “We are delighted that Daniel has joined our team.

“His solid industry experience will be a real asset to the team as we continue to grow our mandates.”

Melanie Ince, Bibby Financial Services

Independent SME funder Bibby Financial Services (BFS) has announced the appointment of Melanie Ince as head of sales for Manchester.

Melanie, who previously served as the firm’s head of operations for Manchester, has 25 years’ experience working in invoice finance.

Prior to joining BFS, Melanie worked for 18 years as a client manager with Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance.

Commenting on her new role, Melanie said: “Since joining Bibby Financial Services as head of operations in Manchester, I have gained a wide range of experience working with SMEs in a variety of industry sectors.

“In my new role as head of sales, I will be using this experience to help SMEs in the region, fostering their growth plans and positioning themselves for the future.”

She continued: “For businesses in Manchester and across the North West, confidence is on the up and the region is well placed for future growth. Despite some uncertainty on the run-up to the EU Referendum, businesses have continued to invest and are in a strong position to take advantage of regional opportunities.”

Bibby Financial Services’ Northern regional sales director, Stephen Johnson, commented: “Melanie’s extensive experience is a huge asset to the business and she is very committed to our ethos and values.

“As part of the Northern Powerhouse, Manchester is a particularly important city for BFS. In our experience, startups, manufacturing and engineering businesses throughout the region are seeing strong growth.”

He added: “Investment desires are coupled with a growing awareness of alternative forms of finance and demand for our invoice finance facilities is increasing.”

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