This week’s North West appointments

Anne Scheland, Hillyer McKeown

Hillyer McKeown, the North West law firm, has recruited corporate/commercial lawyer Anne Scheland as its newest associate.

Anne has experience working for regional law firm Pinsent Masons, as well as in-house roles with Cheshire East Council and equipment rental firm Speedy Hire PLC.

Commenting on her appointment, she said: “I was attracted to Hillyer McKeown because they can offer the quality of work I am used to.

“I have experience working with a range of businesses including PLCs, family businesses and high-growth startups.”

She added: “I have considerable experience in corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions. I particularly enjoy getting to know my clients’ businesses and helping them to realise their goals.”

In addition to her status as a qualified company secretary, Anne is also a qualified solicitor in Ireland and the Turks & Caicos Islands.

Hillyer McKeown’s managing partner, Steve Harvey, commented: “Anne is extremely commercially minded and has already hit the ground running advising a number of our clients.

“Anne will be working with clients across our four offices – Chester, Liverpool, Wirral and Deeside.”

John Henderson, Birch Green Care Home

Birch Green Care Home in Skelmersdale, Lancashire, has bolstered its senior team with the appointment of a new deputy manager.

In his new role, John Henderson with support general manager Carol Nickeas and assist in the day-to-day running of the facility, which is owned by care home operator Springhill Care Group.

Joining Birch Green Care Home from the Mersey Care NHS Trust, John has more than 21 years of experience in the care sector.

He said: “The Springhill Care Group has a reputation as a leading care provider with first class facilities and services, so I’m looking forward to bringing my experience to the role and working with the staff and residents at Birch Green.”

His appointment follows the announcement that four of the care home’s staff members are finalists in the Great British Care Awards North West.

Springhill Care Group MD Donna Briggs commented: “John has extensive experience of caring for people, meaning he will be a strong source of support to Carol and our residents, fully equipped to take on the challenges we face in the care sector.”

Niki Holt, Inprova Group

Warrington-headquartered Inprova Group has appointed its first ever group director of marketing.

Niki Holt has been hired by the procurement outsourcing services firm to help with the development of a group-wide marketing strategy.

Her previous roles include executive director for partnerships at environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, head of sales and marketing at water company United Utilities and group customer planning manager at The Co-operative Group.

Niki, who has over 20 years’ experience in delivering strategic growth and business performance improvement, said: “Joining such a customer-driven business is every marketer’s dream and I am delighted to be joining Inprova as it continues its ambitious growth agenda.

“I look forward to working with teams across the Group and to developing a brand that all employees can be proud of and that the market recognises as the ‘go to’ organisation for procurement services.”

Paul Kennedy, Inprova Group’s chief executive, said hiring Niki was a “key appointment” for the firm as it drives its growth strategy for the coming years.

He commented: “Niki brings a breadth and depth of marketing expertise drawn from many different areas, including blue chip companies.

“She will develop our new marketing function and as a member of our senior leadership team will nurture a fresh perspective on its vital role across the business.”

Paul continued: “One of the most important factors in Inprova’s success to date has been recruiting people who are in tune with our ethos.

“It was very clear during the selection process that Niki’s an ideal fit with the culture of the organisation.”

James Marinker, PHX Training

Kendal-headquartered training provider PHX Training has appointed James Marinker to the position of centre manager.

In his new role, James will oversee the day-to-day running of the firm’s Southport and Preston centres, helping learners enhance their English and maths skills and supporting employers.

Joining from training company learndirect, where he worked as a tutor, James also has experience with employment support firm Reed in Partnership.

James commented: “My immediate focus is to make PHX Training the provider of choice for functional skills in this region.

“Recent reviews have reported problems relating to key skills and I want people to know it’s never too late to learn the basics.”

From its 10 centres across Merseyside, Lancashire and Cumbria, PHX Training offers courses in English and maths that lead to a level 2 qualification, the equivalent of a GCSE grade C.

PHX Training’s development director, Shirley Williams, said: “James has the required expertise and experience in helping learners increase their prospects and improving job outcomes, as well as excellent people skills, so he is a great addition to our growing team.”

Simon John and Sanya Motorwala, Vincents Solicitors

Lancashire law firm Vincents Solicitors has hired solicitor Simon John and promoted Sanya Motorwala, a former paralegal, to trainee solicitor.

Specialising in property and construction after working as a quantity surveyor for 15 years, Simon has joined Vincents Solicitors from Burnley Borough Council, where he advised on matters such as construction contracts, framework agreements and public procurement.

He also has experience in the commercial property departments of companies such as law firm Freeth Cartwright and Cobbetts.

Sanya, meanwhile, joined Vincents Solicitors earlier this year from Blackburn-based Curtis Law.

Mark Alexander, with whom Sanya now works on property and corporate matters, said: “Both Simon and Sanya have proven records in commercial and property law, and will be valuable members of the team, providing expert advice for our clients at a time when we’re taking on more deals, sales, acquisitions and contracts than ever before.

“Having worked for three years with a local authority, Simon has also gained experience of procurement, funding bids, construction contracts and working with housing associations, all of which will be of huge benefit to our clients.”

Discussing his appointment, Simon called Vincents Solicitors a firm with “huge ambition”. Its commercial department has seen a 21% increase in turnover in the last 12 months.

Simon commented: “I’m looking forward to working with Mark and the team, who have built up a great client base with some really interesting projects.

“I hope by adding my experience and contacts to that mix we can continue to grow the business and service clients right across the property and construction sector.”

Ron Smith, EDS Group

High voltage (HV) engineering contractor EDS Group has appointed Ron Smith, a former director of multinational conglomerate Siemens, as its new executive chairman.

In new role, Ron will use his decades of experience to help EDS Group’s current directors lead the business’ strategic direction, taking responsibility for refining and growing the company’s offering for offshore wind farm customers in Europe.

During his time with Siemens, Ron was the UK director for corporate strategy and oversaw the company’s launch into the offshore wind farm sector.

Ron said of his appointment: “I’m joining EDS Group at such an exciting time, with the company firmly focused on expanding into new markets to ensure continued growth.

“The Group has a dedicated, experienced and highly competent team and is making considerable investments in developing its highly innovative portfolio of products and services. Most importantly for the offshore business, it has a flawless health and safety track record.”

He added: “Together we’ll develop a clear roadmap of where we want the business to be in the next few years and how to become an all-encompassing service provider that successfully manages and undertakes complete turnkey solutions, while still retaining our core cable terminations skills.”

Ken Ritson, director at the Lancashire-based firm, called Ron’s appointment a “coup” for EDS Group.

He said: “Ron will help us to develop our turnkey offer, developing the skills and expertise of our people and the experience within the team as well as pre and post termination support packages.

“He will bring the energy, enthusiasm and experience we need to enhance the skills and abilities of our management team, which will hopefully spur us on to further growth over the coming years.”

Andrew Palmer, North of England Excellence

Warrington-headquartered membership organisation North of England Excellence has a new chief executive.

Andrew Palmer has succeeded former chief executive David Teale, joining from the Confederation of British Industry, where he served as the Leeds-based regional director.

He said of his appointment: “I am delighted to take over as chief executive of such a great organisation with an active and growing membership.

“With the eyes of the government and the nation on the Northern Powerhouse region, and in particular Greater Manchester following the recent visit by the Chinese president, it’s more vital than ever that companies and organisations are able to deliver sustainable success.”

He continued: “Our role is to ensure they are firing on all cylinders to help them reach their potential, which in turn will have a huge positive impact on the regional economy.

Andrew Craggs, Hill Dickinson

International law firm Hill Dickinson has selected Andrew Craggs as its new new head of health.

Andrew, who has been with the firm for 18 years, will lead Hill Dickinson’s healthcare and health litigation teams in Liverpool, Manchester and London.

He commented: “I am delighted to be leading the health team at such an exciting time for Hill Dickinson.

“Significant investment means that we have the best specialists in place to handle a wide range of both commercial and litigation work.”

Elsewhere, Hill Dickinson has appointed David Hill the the position of legal director in its London-based team.

Andrew continued: “David will become an integral part of the team and he is already well known and respected by our clients who value his experience and expertise.

“The firm is perfectly positioned to benefit from the changes within the rapidly evolving health market and we will continue to grow with the expanded team and service offering.”

James Charnock, Bromleys

Bromleys, the law firm based in Ashton-under-Lyne, has appointed James Charnock as a senior associate within its private client team.

James, who has joined from Bury-headquartered law firm Butcher & Barlow, will work alongside John Longworth, the head of Bromleys’ Court of Protection and wills, probate and trusts departments.

He commented: “I was attracted to Bromleys as the firm has a strong reputation for its private client work and in particular its Court of Protection work.

“Bromleys is one of only a few firms in the region with genuine expertise in Court of Protection matters.”

James added: “This is an area of law which can make a real and meaningful difference to the quality of life of those who come under the Court’s jurisdiction.”

James’ appointment follows the arrival of Rachael Barrett and Kate Fletcher, who were recruited to Bromleys’ private client team earlier this year.

Senior partner Mark Hirst said: “James has excellent technical skills and will be a key contact for clients wishing to plan for the future.

“He has extensive knowledge of inheritance tax planning, as well as valuable experience of helping individuals and families in administering complex estates and preparing a power of attorney.”

Mark continued: “James also has an exceptional record when it comes to client care. His arrival at Bromleys complements our existing skill set and greatly strengthens our private client team.”

Six promotions, Irwin Mitchell

National law firm Irwin Mitchell has promoted six employees in its Manchester office to associate level.

Team leader Tracyanne Ayliffe, personal injury solicitors Sarah Sharples and Richard Biggs, bid manager Chris Blackburn, business development manager Anna Marro and operations manager Tahir Bashir have all been promoted.

Andrew Tucker, the firm’s group chief executive, said: “These promotions represent a major investment in our services and demonstrate our commitment to developing our staff.

“They highlight the confidence we have in the future of our business and our ambitions to grow as a Group.”

He continued: “Becoming an associate is a significant career step and signals to clients and colleagues that the person concerned is a highly regarded expert in our business.

“Developing our people and creating opportunities for staff to develop their careers is one of Irwin Mitchell’s most important objectives, and this is highlighted by the fact that many of the associates come from non-legal areas such as IT and HR.”

The six promotions form part of 38 associate-level promotions made across Irwin Mitchell’s UK-wide network of offices.

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