This week’s North West appointments

Anthony Watson and Craig Sackfield, Knight Frank

Estate agency Knight Frank Manchester has recruited two key names for its property management team.

Anthony Watson and Craig Sackfield have both joined the business as partners from property management company Capital Properties.

Knight Frank partner Elaine Duffy said: “It’s a strategic move on both sides that will combine the flair of Anthony and Craig with the national support and reputation offered by Knight Frank. We are very excited to have them on board.”

At Capital Properties, Anthony was a member of the leadership team and worked on the estates of First Street, Spinningfields, New Bailey and City Place.

Craig, meanwhile, worked with Capital Properties since 2013 and became managing director in 2015.

Speaking further, Elaine said: “The Property Asset Management team at Knight Frank is growing and we see real scope in what Craig and Anthony can offer current and potential clients.

“They will help us deliver a tailored and specific approach to property and asset management - exactly what I feel client’s require.”

Emma Sheldon, Institute of Directors

Emma Sheldon, the group marketing director of Bolton waste management firm Vernacare, has been appointed to the Institute of Directors’ (IoD) council.

Manchester-based Emma is the sole North West appointee of seven new directors from across the country chosen for the IoD council,

Discussing her appointment, Emma said: “I am delighted to be appointed to the IoD Council and look forward to being involved in high level decisions which will benefit those in business – especially those in the North West who I will represent.”

The new council members were selected through an open recruitment process that took place after a review of the IoD’s constitution last year.

IoD chairman Lady Barbara Judge CBE commented: “I am very pleased to be able to welcome such a broad range of talented individuals like Emma to the IoD’s council.

“These are challenging times for the business community and it is the IoD’s duty to support its members to provide the steady business leadership that will get us through the uncertain months and years ahead.”

Steve Carter, Construction Linx

Crewe-based building firm Construction Linx has appointed Steve Carter to the role of contracts manager.

Steve has over 25 years’ construction sector experience and brings a knowledge of working on large construction and building maintenance projects to the role.

Construction Linx’s managing director, Gareth Williams, said: “With the growth of the company in the last few years we have been able to expand our workforce and it is great to recruit from the local area.

“Steve is joining Construction Linx at a crucial time when we are expanding our services and the sectors in which we operate.”

He continued: “We have been working on much larger contracts in the last 12 months and Steve will further strengthen our offer across the whole of the UK, complementing the existing construction and premises maintenance work we do and providing more scope for us to grow our larger construction projects for the commercial market across the UK.”

Steve said of his new role: “Making the move to Construction Linx feels incredibly natural to me. I have known the company for many years.

“It is fantastic to work for such an exciting company with so much growth potential.”

Steve Stuart, Knight Corporate Finance

Knight Corporate Finance, which has offices in Warrington and London, has welcomed entrepreneurial corporate finance advisor Steve Stuart to its team.

Bringing 30 years of experience in financing and business strategy to the role, Steve will focus on tapping into business development opportunities and reviewing fundraising opportunities for Knight CF’s sister firm, Knight Ventures.

Steve, who formerly worked as a partner with Brabners Stuart Corporate Finance and Ernst & Young, has experience in funding in the media and tech sectors, both in the UK and across Europe.

He said: “In the past year I reassessed where I wanted to be in my working life and decided to embark on new projects and ventures where I could provide input and insight as part of a team.

“Importantly, I realised I wanted to work with like-minded entrepreneurial businesses from within, rather than as an advisor.”

Steve continued: “When I came across Knight I was impressed with their entrepreneurial spirit and felt I could offer them another perspective and help them broaden their offering and create opportunities.

“Alongside my recent fellowship and board roles, Knight is the completing piece of the jigsaw for me.”

Knight CF director Paul Billingham commented: “In the past eight years, Knight has established itself as a trusted partner to many businesses aiming for acquisition and funding.

“We now wish to further develop as a business and broaden our offering geographically and across industries. Steve, with his wealth of experience and extensive network, is extremely well placed to help us do that.”

Paul added: “The whole team is very excited about his appointment.”

David Carr, Napthens

North West law firm Napthens’ East Lancashire corporate department has expanded with the appointment of David Carr.

David has joined the company as a senior associate solicitor within its office in Blackburn.

Following his appointment, David will handle a range of corporate work, such as acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures and restructurings.

David qualified in 2008 went on to work for a law firm based in the Channel Islands. Prior to his appointment at Napthens, he worked in law firm Brabners’ Manchester-based corporate team.

David, who will now work closely with Napthens’ partner and head of corporate, Richard Robinson, said: “Napthens’ Corporate team has a great reputation in the region and its team and experience rivals any city law firm I’ve come across.”

Mark Bennett, AMT Group

Mark Bennett has been appointed by Leeds-headquartered vehicle rental firm AMT Group as a business development manager for its vehicle rental, contract hire and specialist car sales divisions across the North.

Mark, who will work from AMT’s Manchester Stockport rental facility, has 18 years of B2B sales experience. He has held a number of sales roles, at companies such as textile firm Vision Support Services Group and ceramic products company Keramikos Ltd.

Following his appointment, Mark will focus on developing sales and building AMT’s customer base in both the corporate and leisure markets.

AMT Group MD Neil McGawley said: “With his strong track record in business development and his in depth knowledge of the motor industry, Mark will be a real boost to the team.

“Building on our strong presence in Manchester and Birmingham, he will help us to engage with businesses and personal clients, whether renting, leasing or buying, as we continue to establish ourselves as the leading name in the prestige and specialist vehicles sector.”

Mark commented: “AMT is a great company, offering a complete automotive solution via its vehicle rental, contract hire and leasing and vehicle sales options for personals and corporate clients.

“It has built an enviable reputation for providing a bespoke service, focussing on clients’ individual needs, and the group has huge potential for further growth.”

Amy Speake, Holmes Noble

Executive search firm Holmes Noble has appointed Amy Speake as business development director across its three offices, including its site at Manchester’s Chancery Place.

Amy has been a partner in Holmes Noble since rejoining the company in 2015 from recruitment firm Berwick Partners.

In her new position, Amy will drive growth in Holmes Noble’s search business portfolio, working to increase brand awareness and expand the company’s market presence.

She will report to Holmes Noble’s CEO, Michelle Carson-Williams, who said of the appointment: “As we move into the next phase of the company’s expansion, we are keen to have a business development specialist responsible for revenue, and strategic growth across the firm.

“Amy has a fantastic track record in this area and her appointment will allow others to focus on operational areas. We are delighted she has taken on this position and are sure she can help guide us to a bright, even more successful future.

Michelle continued: “We have developed a very strong team of consultants with an excellent reputation for delivery.

“Amy’s job will now be to communicate this to new clients and to drive our move into new markets.”

Alex Hamshere and Tony Martin, Hall Liddy

Manchester-based medical accountancy practice Hall Liddy has promoted two of its staff to the post of associate director.

Alex Hamshere and Tony Martin, who advise GP practices and medical consultants, both undertook their training at Hall Liddy.

Alex was hired as a graduate in 2002, while biochemistry graduate Tony spent five years as a lab scientist before joining Hall Liddy in 2007.

In their new role, Alex and Tony will work alongside existing associate director Hilary Lowe.

Hall Liddy’s managing director, Des Liddy, said: “These promotions reflect Alex and Tony’s growing expertise and the key role they play within the firm.

“As we continue to expand the practice, we are also building the strength and depth of our team. With the changes taking place in the NHS, it is critical that accountants working with the medical profession have a specialist knowledge of the sector to ensure their clients receive the best possible service and advice.”

Jennifer Carr, Paul Crowley & Co Solicitors

Paul Crowley & Co Solicitors has added to its family law team with the appointment of a new matrimonial law specialist.

Jennifer Carr, who specialises in private client divorce and matrimonial finances, qualified as a solicitor six years ago. At Paul Crowley & Co, Jennifer will advise clients on a range of matters, such as pension sharing orders and dividing business assets.

Paul Crowley & Co has offices in central Liverpool and the Anfield and West Derby areas of the city.

The appointment comes at a time of growth for the firm, which now employs 10 in its family law team and earlier this year doubled its personal injury team.

Jennifer said: “Joining Paul Crowley & Co is a fantastic opportunity in what is an exciting time for the firm.

“The firm has a strong history in Liverpool with 25 years’ experience in the industry and so I’m really looking forward to working with the team and helping to develop the business even further.”

She added: “I’m eager now to meet with new clients and start to build strong working relationships in my new role”.

Senior partner Paul Crowley commented: “Jennifer will certainly be a valuable asset to our family law department and I am certain that she will thrive in her new team as we continue to grow as a firm.

“As we look to the future we will continue to build on our success as we focus on strengthening all departments across the firm while maintaining a high level of client care for existing and prospective clients.”

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