This week’s North West appointments

Felix Krause, Apple

A graduate of the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has been hired by Apple after bosses at the multinational technology company saw his final year software engineering project.

Felix Krause, from Austria, created software called ‘fastlane’ that speeds up the App Store submission process for app developers.

Felix said: “It was a massive surprise to find that Apple had contacted me directly to say the company is interested in exploring my work further.

“I have always wanted to work for Apple but never thought I would be good enough so for its developers to approach me is amazing.”

Jen Williams, Belle Vue

Former Coronation Street actress Jen Williams, who lives in Whitefield, has joined coach hire firm Belle Vue Manchester as its new travel consultant.

Jen, who has also featured in Hollyoaks and Emmerdale, presented a series of on-board safety videos for the Stockport-based company last year.

One of the company’s founders, Phil Hitchen, said: “Working with Jen on our professional safety videos was an absolute pleasure.

“She is highly professional and has a ‘can-do’ attitude. We’re delighted Jen has joined Belle Vue and we’re looking forward to accomplishing great things together for many years to come.”

Commenting on her new role, Jen said: “Having listened to Phil and seen at first-hand the Belle Vue work ethos and how well the company treats people, I thought it would be a really nice place to work. When Phil offered me a job, I jumped at the chance.

“I went into acting in my 30s, and have always looked on it as a second occupation. I’m taking a break from it to focus on my role at Belle Vue, and will be doing some stand-up comedy shows in my spare time.”

Dave Pogson, The Mothership Group

The Mothership Group has appointed Dave Pogson to a position on its board of directors, where he will work to support growth, implement strategy and cement trade contacts.

Dave, who started his career with Schweppes International Ltd in 1984 and held a marketing position with Coca-Cola & Schweppes Beverages Ltd, has joined the company as its newest non-executive director.

The Mothership Group’s CEO, Lorna Davidson, said: “The Mothership Group has achieved so much in little over a year, with all of the original start-ups still in operation today and a recent award win in June for Newcomer of the Year at the Echo Regional Business Awards 2015.

“We’re delighted to welcome someone of Dave’s calibre on board, we feel his extensive sales experience will help us to expand on our existing pool of trade contracts as well as supporting us in continued development and growth of the company strategically.”

John Leech, Ashley Business Finance

Ashley Business Finance, which specialises in providing funding options for small companies, has chosen former Manchester Withington MP John Leech as its business relationships director.

In his new role, John will liaise with regulatory and trade bodies, representing the Manchester-based company at organisations such as The Financial Conduct Authority and The Asset Based Finance Association.

John said: “Ashley Business Finance has been playing an important role in supporting small firms at a time when bank lending has been in decline. I will be working to raise the profile of the company and to develop closer links within the business community.”

John has more than 20 years of experience working in politics on a local and national level. Before he was an MP, he was a trainee manager with fast food chain McDonald’s and worked with the RAC. John was also the deputy leader of the Lib Dems in Manchester City Council for 10 years.

The chairman of Ashley Business Finance, Jonathan Cranston, said: “John’s skills and experience make him ideally suited to act as Ashley’s ambassador.

“His appointment will allow us to engage more actively with our own industry bodies and organisations representing the interests of small business.”

Leanne Murray, Adrian Rogers and Richard Hough, Brabners

North West commercial law firm Brabners has appointed three new partners, in addition to making a number of other promotions across the company.

Richard Hough (commercial), Adrian Rogers (corporate) and Leanne Murray (real estate), who has also taken on a new position as head of residential development, have all joined the partnership.

Adrian Rogers, a corporate lawyer, qualified with Brabners 11 years ago and has experience in areas such as corporate insolvency and reorganisations, acquisitions and MBOs.

Commercial and intellectual property lawyer Richard Hough, who is also qualified as a pharmacist, will lead the firm’s healthcare team. Leanne Murray, who advises on residential development acquisitions and disposals, will head a team of eight at the company.

Brabners has also promoted a number its staff to associate and senior associate positions. Iain Gamble, Jack Froggatt, Kevin Manley, Sue Mackintosh, Simon Morris and Phil Steele have all been promoted to senior associates. Additionally, Gary Duffy, Catherine Fearon, Michael Winder and Graeme Hughes are now associates.

The managing partner at Brabners, Mark Brandwood, said: “The appointments enhance the firm’s capabilities in core practice areas and growth sectors.

“These individuals have shown themselves to be excellent lawyers and strong and consistent contributors from a business development perspective.”

He added: “I am confident that they will seize the opportunity these promotions give them to have an even greater personal impact on the success of the firm, and further develop their careers in the future.”

Carly Lunt, de Winter

Chester-based PR and marketing agency de Winter has welcomed Carly Lunt as the latest addition to its expanding content team.

Carly, who has joined the company as its senior account executive as it celebrates its 26th anniversary, has experience in business-to-business and construction sector PR.

The company’s MD, Kate Cox, said: “Carly’s appointment is a fantastic way to celebrate the start of de Winter’s 27th year in business. She’ll be applying her considerable skills and knowledge to add real value to our prestigious clients.”

Commenting on her new role, Carly said: “After three years working within a well-established agency that specialised in the construction industry, it was the right time to spread my wings and gain experience in different sectors.

“It’s an exciting time to be joining the team and I look forward to contributing to its continued growth and success.”

10 new fee earners, Express Solicitors

Personal injury law firm Express Solicitors, which is based in Manchester, has appointed 10 new fee earners in a bid to meet a growing demand for its services.

The move follows a period of growth for the business, which has seen a year-on-year increase of 45% in its caseloads.

Managing partner James Maxey said: “The firm has never been so busy, especially with the acquisition of 450 personal injury and clinical negligence files from Ashfields Solicitors; it has meant we’ve had to further strengthen our teams to maintain the high levels of customer service we’re renowned for.

“While we needed more lawyers on board, we’ve taken our time to ensure we’ve chosen the most talented people out there, who also have the right experience and attitude.”

James added: “We will continue to grow organically but, if the opportunity presents, we are also open to using our RBS funding to acquire other personal injury law firms as going concerns, or just their caseloads.”

Davina McCreary and Lisa-Marie Musgrave have been appointed as assistant solicitors in the company’s clinical negligence department. Meanwhile, its liability team has welcomed Fiona Barrett and Nicola Irvine as associate solicitors, and Emma Clarke, Laura Ward and Elizabeth Poole as assistant solicitors.

Elsewhere, Steven Jewel and Catherine Lansley have joined the firm as assistant solicitors in its occupiers and public liability department, and the costs team has grown with its new senior litigation executive, Sophie Loxley.

Kim Aucott, Slater Heelis LLP

Cheshire and Manchester-based law firm Slater Heelis has boosted its family team by appointing a new senior lawyer.

Kim Aucott, who is joining the company from London-headquartered firm Mills and Reeve, has more than 25 years’ experience in family law.

Slater Heelis’ Mark Heptinstall, who is a partner and head of family with the company, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Kim to our team. It’s paramount that we have the best people in place to offer an excellent service to our clients.

“Kim is one of the region’s well-renowned family solicitors with an excellent reputation, and her appointment builds on a series of other high-profile additions to the firm.”

He added: “We are confident that our recent growth will add substantial value to our offering across the North West, the UK and abroad.”

Kim is the Manchester Medico-Legal Society’s assistant secretary and the chair of the Manchester Law Society Family Committee.

James Pyrah, Robson and Liddle

A University of Cumbria graduate has joined Penrith-based chartered surveyors Robson and Liddle as a trainee surveyor.

In his new position with the company, James will work towards becoming fully qualified will he undertakes postgraduate studies at Harper Adams University in Shropshire.

He said: “My degree was in forestry and conservation, but I did a work placement for a land agent and really enjoyed the work and met many different people. A lot of the skills I learnt in my degree, such as mapping, are valuable in surveying too.

“I realised I wanted to get into estate management and contacted the Lonsdale estate, who put me in touch with Robson and Liddle. It’s great to be able have a full-time job while studying to become qualified at the same time.”

As a trainee surveyor, James’ day-to-day responsibilities will see him assisting the team with rent reviews, land and property valuations, pylon compensation claims and mapping.

One of Robson and Liddle’s directors, Julie Liddle, commented: “I have always enjoyed training students and investing time in their development. Trainees are vital in helping us develop the business and they are also the future of it.

“We’re really pleased to have James on board and he is already a valuable member of the team.”

Martyn Chase, Capital Properties

Manchester-based property management firm Capital Properties has appointed Martyn Chase to its board as non-executive director.

Having previously served as a chairman of property consultancy Donaldsons, Martyn currently works for office space firm Stanhope Plc.

The interim MD of Capital Properties, Dave Lawson, said: “We’re delighted that Martyn will be joining us and supporting our ambitious plans for future growth. His experience with Donaldsons and Stanhope is sure to strengthen our offering further and we cannot wait to develop our best practices with his guidance.”

Martyn is also active in various professional bodies, including the Association of Town and City Management and Business in the Community.

Commenting on his appointment, Martyn said: “I am looking forward to working with the Capital Properties team during this time of growth and supporting them to become established as market leaders in the property management field.”