This week’s North West appointments

Five appointments, Harrison Drury

Harrison Drury, the Preston-based commercial law firm, has made a series of promotions in its senior management team.

The company has given directorships to its operations manager, Laura Dover, and associate Nick Booth.

As a member of the firm’s board Laura, now operations director, will be responsible for overseeing the IT, marketing, HR, estates and facilities teams.

Nick has been made a director in the commercial team. He joined the firm in 2014 and, according to Harrison Drury, was “instrumental” in growing the company’s dispute resolution offer.

Elsewhere, the firm has promoted solicitors Helen Griffin (to associate), David Edwards (senior associate) and Jennifer Larton (associate).

Harrison Drury’s managing director, John Chesworth, said: “Laura and Nick have both made their mark since joining the firm.

“Nick has grown our commercial litigation service, while Laura has put in place a high functioning administrative support service and created a business development team.”

He continued: “David, Helen and Jennifer ensure Harrison Drury’s clients’ receive the highest standard of service and advice. These promotions recognise the valued contribution they’ve all made in their specialist areas.”

Andrew Rogers and Nora Schofield, Brabners

Commercial law firm Brabners has made two new appointments.

Andrew Rogers has taken on the role of senior associate in the property litigation team, while Nora Schofield has been made head of residential property.

Bringing over nine years of experience to the team, Andrew specialises in resolving property disputes with a particular focus on retail and investment. He previously worked for DWF and advises clients ranging from landlords and occupiers to investment funds and global investors.

Nora Schofield has more than 20 years of experience and works in all areas of residential property law, including advising on transactions involving high-value or complex property.

Brabners managing partner Mark Brandwood said: “Attracting the best and brightest talent is an integral part of our business strategy and it’s because of this that we’re able to deliver a consistently outstanding service to our growing client base.

“It is a pleasure to bring Andrew and Nora on board, and with them they bring a range of specialist expertise that will enhance the legal advice we provide.”

He added: “The number and quality of individuals joining the firm demonstrates that we are continuing to attract the best talent from across the North West.”

Eight appointments, Bardsley Construction

Building firm Bardsley Construction has announced a raft of key appointments.

The Tameside-based firm has welcomed five new faces and three returning members of staff to its team.

The returning appointments are director Adrian Rooney, who first joined Bardsley in 1995; site manager Mike Banks, who was hired back in 2000; and contract manager Keith Huntington, who has 35 years’ experience in construction.

The new arrivals include senior project manager Jim Flannery, who brings 32 years’ experience to the role and is joining Bardsley from BILT Group Ltd; buyer Steve Albinson, who formerly worked for Forrest and has over 40 years’ experience; and SHEQ advisor Helene Watson, also of Forrest, who has 15 years’ experience in construction health and safety.

Bardsley has also appointed quantity surveyors Ronnie Kennedy and Curtis Huynh, of design and build firm Mason Lord and Renaker Build respectively.

Chairman Roly Bardsley said: “The influx of talent takes our total workforce to more than 200 people and is reflective of the breadth and depth of skills and expertise that Bardsley Construction can offer to its ever-growing client base.

“We start 2017 with a flurry of contract wins so it’s all hands to the pump for our new and existing colleagues as we look forward with confidence to a strong and successful year in a reviving construction sector.”

Rhian Hughes, Hello Soda

Big data and text analytics company Hello Soda has bostered its senior leadership team with the appointment of Rhian Hughes.

Joining the firm as non-executive director, Rhian has already provided legal and commercial support to Hello Soda for years.

Rhian, who works in corporate finance at law firm Hill Dickinson, will now sit on the board and officially advise the business on its commercial strategy. In particular, she will help Hello Soda expand its global presence.

Discussing her appointment, Rhian said: “Organisations are becoming more aware of the benefits of big data and its potential to change the way they interact with their customers and deliver their services.

“Hello Soda is at the forefront of innovation in this area and its unique offering is relevant to a wide range of industries looking to harness the power of big data and the digital world.”

She continued: “The potential scale of Hello Soda and its impact is vast. I’m looking forward to supporting the senior team in achieving their ambitions as the company continues on its journey to global success.”

Hello Soda’s chief exec, James Blake, said: “Rhian has played a key role in supporting the growth of the company thus far. In a short space of time we have achieved so much, and Rhian’s appointment underlines the fact that we are determined and ready to take Hello Soda to the next level, both geographically and in our product suite.

“Her wealth of expertise and knowledge of the business will be invaluable as we look to refine our global strategy and take the business forward. It’s an extremely exciting time for us.”

Glyn Thomas, The Vinco Group

Liverpool property development company the Vinco Group has a new managing director.

Prior to his appointment, Glyn Thomas worked for 10 years as the vice president of design and construction at the Amstar Group in Kyiv, Ukraine.

Glyn said: “Vinco has grown organically and it’s time for a more formalised management structure.

“As well as a number of Liverpool-based projects the business also owns and runs a factory in Lithuania which manufactures market-leading structural insulated panels and there is a major residential scheme which is coming forward in Doncaster.”

He added: “The business is becoming bigger and more complex so I’m looking forward to steering the ship on its continued growth curve.”

Chris Addison, Napthens

Law firm Napthens has appointed a new litigator in its commercial property litigation unit.

Chris Addison, who has worked with Napthens since 2012, was formerly a member of the company’s litigation and dispute resolution department.

Now, he will focus on providing day-to-day assistance to partner David Bailey in property litigation matters.

David said: “It’s still unusual to find a law firm outside the region’s larger cities offering a stand-alone commercial property litigation specialism.

“Thanks to Napthens’ reputation in this specialist area, our unit advises a growing client base on often complex property litigation matters, and Chris is a welcome addition to the team.”

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