This week’s North West appointments

Aileen Wu & Daniela Sperber, DTZ

DTZ has bolstered its Manchester office with two new appointments.

Aileen Wu joins as a surveyor in the Valuation team whilst Daniela Sperber joins as assistant consultant in the Education and Innovation team.

Joining from CBRE’s Brisbane office, Aileen brings five years commercial valuation experience. She began her career as an assistant valuer with DTZ based in Shanghai before moving to Australia.

In her new role, Aileen, who has a degree in Civil Engineering and Masters in Property Valuation, will be undertaking commercial valuations across retail, industrial and office sectors.

Daniela Sperber joins DTZ after graduating from the University of Manchester Business School with a Masters degree in Business and Management.

In her new role, Daniela will be responsible for appraisals for student residential opportunities, market demand and due diligence analysis relating to higher education and student accommodation.

John Keyes, senior director and head of DTZ’s Manchester office said: “I am pleased to welcome both Aileen and Daniela to the Manchester office. As DTZ begins its journey as a private, independent global property services company we are adopting an ambitious growth agenda.

“The appointments are also reflective of the more favourable market conditions we are experiencing which has lead to a number of new instructions in the Valuation and Education teams.”

Rachel Hoyland, Hill Dickinson

Liverpool-based law firm Hill Dickinson LLP has announced the recruitment of Rachel Hoyland as a senior associate in its shipping team.

Rachel was the in-house Head of Legal with CMA CGM (UK) Shipping Ltd and is an experienced dry shipping lawyer.

Rachel will be based in the Liverpool office of Hill Dickinson, but will be working closely with London

Russell Gardner, UK Head of Shipping at Hill Dickinson, said: “We are delighted Rachel is joining us. She will bring valuable experience and expertise, having worked for one of the world’s leading shipping lines.”

Martin Kelly, Jonathan Copping (pictured), Sherri Day Elwick Fast Track China (UK) Ltd

Fast Track China (UK) Ltd, specialist in supporting export sales to China, has grown its UK-based team with the appointment of a new head of UK Operations and a new head of Business Development for the North West.

Martin Kelly has been appointed as head of UK Operations, while Sherri Day Elwick has joined the Tyneside-based firm as an Account Manager.

Additionally, heads of Business Development have been appointed for the North West, Central England, Scotland and the South East. Jonathan Copping takes up the role in the North West, bringing extensive commercial and operational experience from the SME sector.

Martin has more than 30 years of experience in international sales, marketing and human resources in a variety of senior roles.

His experience includes 20 years with Black & Decker, as well as having been International Commercial Director for Hardy Greys Ltd, working closely with a range of overseas partners.

Sherri has worked with a number of businesses and organisations, including Interserve, Business Link and Deutsche Bank, in a range of customer service and relationship management roles.

Richard Sice, chief executive of Fast Track China (UK) Ltd, said: “The growth of our team means we can support more businesses in their efforts to open up the Chinese market to export their products and services.

“Some of those businesses which took part in our first trade mission, in 2014, are in strong negotiations, which we expect will help them to secure significant contracts with Chinese buyers, and I am sure the upcoming second outbound visit will also prove successful.”

Susan McBain, Cassidy + Ashton

Architectural, building surveying and planning consultancy, Cassidy + Ashton, has bolstered its senior team with the appointment of Susan McBain.

Susan joins the firm’s Chester office as a senior architect after spending 12 years at a local practice, where she worked on notable projects including the remodelling of Helsby High School and Cheshire County Council’s Sure Start Programme.

Susan said: “Cassidy + Ashton ticks all the right boxes for me, with a rich history and wealth of experience delivering projects across a variety of sectors and I look forward to getting my teeth into the business development side of things and securing some prestigious contract wins.”

Alistair Baines, chairman at Cassidy + Ashton, added: “Susan has a strong track record welcoming an architect of her calibre is a major coup for the business.

“She brings a core understanding of our business and marketplace and will play a vital role as we enter the next phase of our evolution.”

Katherine Noden, CBRE

CBRE’s Manchester office has expanded its Asset Services team with the appointment of Katherine Noden as management surveyor.

Katherine obtained MRICS status in October 2014 and joins CBRE from her previous role of Estates Surveyor for investment firm, In-Site Property Solutions.

In 2014, CBRE’s North West Asset Services team secured over 25 new instructions including Chancery Place, Manchester appointed by NFU Mutual, Temple Square, Liverpool appointed by Hudson Capital Advisors, 45 Ranleigh Street, Liverpool appointed by Boudelen, Meridian Court, Bolton appointed by United Utilities to name a few.

Katherine’s appointment will take the team to 23 staff in the firm’s Manchester and Liverpool office in preparation for an equally busy year ahead.

John Lea, head of North West Property Management, said; “The increasing activity within the investment sector is leading to a host of new and prestigious appointments for our team, enabling us to manage the properties and seek ways to maximise the potential of these assets for our clients. Katherine is a valuable addition to our growing team as we prepare for a strong year of investment activity in the North West.”

Katherine said: “I am delighted to become part of CBRE’s busy Asset Management team and I look forward to working on the team’s flagship instructions across the region.”

Mark Farrell, Hilary Meredith Solicitors Ltd

Hilary Meredith Solicitors Ltd in Wilmslow has strengthened its senior management team with the arrival of Mark Farrell as operations director.

Mark will take his place as a director on an enlarged Main Board at Hilary Meredith Solicitors. Mark Farrell has extensive experience in the legal, claims management and financial services sectors.

He joins Hilary Meredith Solicitors from Nationwide Claims Solutions where he was a director.

Mark also has extensive experience in the insurance sector, having worked at Aon and Royal & Sun Alliance.

Hilary Meredith, CEO of Hilary Meredith Solicitors said: “Mark comes with a wealth of operational and corporate experience and is a welcome addition to the firm and our main board.”

Mark Farrell said: “Hilary Meredith Solicitors Ltd is a forward thinking law firm with exciting plans for the future.

“I am looking forward to playing my part in the firm’s ongoing growth and expansion - all based around delivering an outstanding service to our clients.”

Iain Reilly, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking

Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking has appointed Iain Reilly as an associate within its Manchester-based Acquisition Finance team.

Reilly will work with the team, based at Spring Gardens, to deliver senior debt and working capital facilities in support of private equity-backed acquisitions and refinancing.

Iain began his career as a graduate with RBS, where he worked with the bank’s real estate, portfolio management and structured finance transactions divisions.

In April 2013, Iain joined the Structured Finance Corporates team at the bank, initially as a manager before being promoted to assistant director within eight months.

Neil Price, head of Northern England and Scotland Origination for Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, Acquisition Finance, said: “Our Acquisition Finance team finished 2014 on a high, with a total of 17 deals completed across the North and Scotland and total debt capital deployed amounting to £322 million.

“This shows the continued importance of senior debt in private equity transactions, as well as the confidence of businesses in the region.

“Iain is skilled and ambitious, as shown by his impressive ascent through the ranks, and his appointment shows our commitment to providing timely and sustainable leverage finance solutions in the North. The growing appetite for debt finance and buoyant M&A market looks set to continue throughout 2015 and our expanded team is well-placed to respond.

Sarah Calderwood, Slater Heelis

Manchester-based law firm, Slater Heelis, has announced the promotion of Sarah Calderwood from associate solicitor to partner within the department.

During her 12 years working as a lawyer, Sarah has been involved in a broad range of employment related issues, including conducting tribunals, providing support for corporate and commercial transactions, negotiating settlements and pursuing injunctive action in respect of restrictive covenant matters.

Tracey Guest, head of employment at Slater Heelis, said: “It’s been another significant year for our team which, despite operating in a challenging and competitive market, has seen us thrive.

“We maintain that our people are the backbone of our business and individuals, like Sarah, have enjoyed fantastic career progression.”

Sarah Calderwood added: “After five years at Slater Heelis, I’m really looking forward to working as a partner in the employment team.

“As the firm continues to grow, the department is developing quickly and I’m delighted to be a part of its success. I’m confident I’ll go on to enjoy a long and happy career with the firm.”

Georgina Inson, Tracey Harris & Stephanie Clark, BCL Legal

Manchester headquartered BCL Legal has made three new appointments to its team of consultants.

BCL Legal, which also has also has offices in London, Leeds, Birmingham, Liverpool and Bristol, has appointed Georgina Inson as a senior associate .

She has worked in legal recruitment for five years including positions at Hays Legal and Osborne Clarke. She has also been an employment law solicitor at Withy King.

Tracy Harris has joined as a senior associate to handle private practice solicitor and legal executive recruitment in the West & South Midlands and the Thames Valley.

Tracy has worked in the legal recruitment profession for 17 years, including running her own consultancy – Harris Legal Recruitment – for nearly 10 years.

The final new appointment is Stephanie Clark. Stephanie has been appointed as the London office’s newest consultant. James Batt, managing director of BCL Legal, said: “2014 was a record year for us so we’re delighted to announce the arrival of these new members of staff who all further augment and solidify our market position.

“Each person brings with them a wealth of talent that will add real value, experience and knowledge to our clients, candidates and the BCL team.”