This week's London appointments

Richard Bearman, The British Business Bank

The British Business Bank has appointed Richard Bearman as managing director and lead of its Start Up Loans programme.

Having been the head of small business at HSBC UK for 20 years, Richard brings with him experience of working with entrepreneurs and startups.

Patrick Magee, British Business Bank chief commercial officer, said: “Richard is well placed to lead the future of the Start Up Loans programme. He will be working with our nationwide network of delivery partners and our customer service team to help thousands of businesses across the UK to start and grow.

“Richard will bring great leadership experience to Start Up Loans and his skills will complement the strengths of the existing leadership team as they take the business forward.”

Commenting on his appointment, RIchard added: “I am really excited to be working for Start Up Loans, part of the British Business Bank. I have a real passion for entrepreneurs and look forward to starting the new role and continuing the great work that has been done over the past few years.”

Hannah Morley, LCP

Property and investment company LCP has appointed Hannah Morley as in-house lawyer.

Hannah joins the London office of the firm from CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP where she was a real estate associate specialising in supporting the asset management of business parks, shopping centres and industrial estates.

Commenting on her new role, Hannah explained: “LCP is enjoying a busy period of acquisition, and I’m keen to develop my commercial skills further within the busy in-house legal team.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge of being given my own portfolio of properties on which I shall focus exclusively as the point of legal contact for my new asset manager colleagues.”

Amy James, LCP legal director and head of legal (UK), added: “Hannah’s time in the City has given her a strong real estate background with excellent landlord and tenant experience.

“She will now be developing those skills in an in-house environment working for one of the largest privately owned property companies in the UK.”

Olivia O’Neill, MMX Retail

Property consultancy MMX Retail has promoted Olivia O’Neill to the role of associate partner.

Joining MMX Retail in 2015, Olivia graduated from The University of Nottingham with a degree in politics, before studying a part-time Masters degree in real estate at London South Bank University.

During her time at MMX Retail, Olivia has worked on leasing instructions for sites such as thecentre:MK; Worcester’s Crowngate Shopping Centre and The Orchard Centre in Didcot, as well as working with retailers like House and Moss Bros.

Nick Symons, partner at MMX Retail, said: “Olivia is an integral part of our business and embodies the partnership approach that MMX Retail offers clients.

“This promotion reflects not only her tenacity and commitment in a challenging market but also her wider retail experience, which provides clients with invaluable, relevant and robust commercial advice.”

Commenting on her new appointment, Olivia added: “As the retail sector is undergoing substantial change, clients seek innovation and collaboration from industry specialists in order to deliver on their business objectives.

“This is at the centre of MMX’s business model and, in my new role I will continue to focus on providing unrivalled expertise to both landlord and occupier clients.”

Cyrique Bourbon, Brown Shipley

Wealth planning and investment management firm Brown Shipley has appointed Cyrique Bourbon as asset allocation strategist.

With 15 years of investment experience, Cyrique joins this senior role from Morningstar Investment Management Europe Ltd where he was lead manager of the firm’s flagship UK discretionary multi-asset portfolios.

In his new role Cyrique will be responsible for leading the firm’s asset allocation process, working in the London office.

Brown Shipley chief investment officer Toby Vaughan commented: “I am delighted to welcome Cyrique to our investment office.

“The depth of his asset management expertise will prove instrumental as we continue to bolster our investment management proposition, which is a key part of Brown Shipley’s fully integrated wealth management service.”

Speaking about his appointment, Cyrique Bourbon added: “I am looking forward to working closely with Toby and the team as we look to further enhance the business’ investment service during an exciting period of development and growth.”

Thomas Frei, Alex Teji and David Hill, Hill Dickinson

Law firm Hill Dickinson has promoted four of its London-based legal directors to partner.

Superyachts lawyers Thomas Frei and Alex Teji, cargo lawyer Claire Messer and health lawyer David Hill have all been promoted to partner.

Thomas Frei specialises in superyacht transactional work and advises clients in a range of services including construction projects, refit contracts, sale and purchase agreements and finance of new-build and pre-owned yachts.

Alex Teji advises a diverse international client base of UHNWIs on all aspects of superyacht acquisition and ownership, with particular prominence in the Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and South East Asian markets.

Claire Messer joined the firm in 2001, initially focusing on subrogated cargo recoveries and transportation matters, before broadening her expertise in the field of charter party and commodity trade disputes.

David Hill specialises in the practice of public law, primary care, information governance and regulatory proceedings.

In addition to the four London appointments, private client lawyer Susan Sherry of the Liverpool office has also been promoted to partner.

Hill Dickinson CEO Peter Jackson said: “The announcement of partner promotions is always keenly awaited within Hill Dickinson, acknowledging the hard work and commitment of those who have reached this exciting next level in their careers.

“I wish them every success as they continue their career with us.”

Chris Horler and Robert Stokely, Sandaire

Multinational firm Sandaire has announced two senior appointments to lead its newly launched real estate business.

Chris Horler has been appointed as managing director of the new business, and Robert Stokely has been appointed as director.

With over 30 years of real estate experience, chartered surveyor Chris has previously held senior positions at REIT Asset Management and private bank Arbuthnot Latham.

A fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, Robert has over 25 years of commercial property experience. During his career he has worked at LSH Investment Management. Edward Symmons LLP as well as running his own commercial property consultancy Stokely Commercial Ltd.

James Fleming, Chief Executive of Sandaire, said: “The collective knowledge, expertise and experience that both Chris and Robert bring to the firm further strengthens our business and reinforces our position at the forefront of multi-family office providers.

“Chris and Robert will be working with clients to understand their requirements and create a bespoke plan to reflect their individual needs.”

Speaking about the new appointments, Chris Horler said: “Robert and I are delighted to join Sandaire at this time of expansion.

“Sandaire has ambitious growth plans for the next five years and Sandaire Real Estate will play a vital role in ensuring that we are responding to clients’ ever-evolving demands.”

Ben Covey, Santander UK

Retail bank Santander UK has appointed Ben Covey as head of private banking.

A chartered wealth manager with over 20 years of experience in the wealth management industry, Ben most recently held the role of divisional manager for South West and Central at Santander Private Banking, and worked at Barclays Wealth for over a decade prior to that.

Santander head of wealth Charlotte Platts commented: “I am delighted to appoint Ben as Head of Private Banking.

“His impressive track record alongside his customer-focused outlook will complement the role well and, as Santander increases its focus on its private clients, I am confident he will make a significant impact in expanding and enhancing our offering.”

Ben Covey added: “I am extremely excited by this new challenge and very much look forward to the opportunity to further develop Santander Private Banking.”

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