This week’s North West appointments

Jay Lafinhan, Janet Robinson, Abigail Lowther and Richard Bradbury, Slater Heelis LLP

North West law firm Slater Heelis LLP has made a new series of appointments across its commercial property, family and corporate teams.

Jay Lafinhan and Richard Bradbury are the newest additions to the company’s commercial property department. Joining from law firm Salehs LLP, Jay has experience advising a number of clients within the sector, including private property developers.

Richard, meanwhile, previously worked for Horwich Farrelly Solicitors. In his new role at Slater Heelis, Richard will deal with the disposal and acquisition of commercial properties and a variety of landlord and tenant matters.

Elsewhere, Janet Robinson has been welcomed to the corporate team from Manchester firm LHS Solicitors. With 12 years of experience in corporate law, Janet will use her expertise to advise on matters such as acquisitions and disposals, joint ventures, reorganisations, private equity investments and shareholder agreements.

Abigail Lowther has joined Slater Heelis from law firm Slater & Gordon LLP, where she gained experience in advising on divorces and separations, with a focus on the division of matrimonial finances.

Slater Heelis’ managing partner, Chris Bishop, said: “Bringing on board the right people is crucial to maintaining the firm’s reputation for providing top-class legal assistance via a friendly and personable service.

“We’re confident that Jay, Richard, Janet and Abigail will make wonderful additions to their teams and I’m looking forward to seeing them flourish.”

In addition to the new hires, the company has also offered training contracts to two existing members of staff. Paralegal Heena Kapadi, who works in Slater Heelis’ property department, will start her training in June next year, while James Kay will begin his training in the commercial property team in January.

Chris continued: “With both our client base and service offering growing, it’s important that we nurture the talent we have here at Slater Heelis.

“James and Heena have proven they have the skills required to uphold and enhance our proposition in the North West and I wish them the best of luck with their training contracts.”

Helen Buchan, Napthens

Napthens, the law firm with offices across Lancashire and Cumbria, has welcomed Helen Buchan to its marketing team.

Helen, who obtained a degree in business studies and marketing from the University of Central Lancashire, has more than 10 years’ experience in professional services marketing gained at Forbes Solicitors and Laytons Solicitors.

Helen said: “I am pleased to be joining Napthens at such an exciting time, there are lots of plans in the pipeline and I am looking forward to contributing towards the future success and growth of the firm.

“With my experience in professional services, I hope I will be able to bring some fresh ideas to the table.”

As Napthens’ marketing executive, Helen will work with existing marketing staff Teresa Deeney (director) and Victoria Atkinson (digital marketing assistant) to support a range of services with marketing and communications.

Teresa commented: “Helen brings with her a great deal of skill and experience. Her particular knowledge of the legal sector makes her fully equipped to take on the challenges involved in this role.”

Pictured L-R: Andy Singleton, Mike Thomas, Philip Monaghan and Simon Hardman

Philip Monaghan and Andy Singleton, Grant Thornton UK LLP

Grant Thornton UK LLP, the financial and business adviser, has chosen two new leaders for its Manchester-based Local Government Advisory team

Philip Monaghan has been appointed as the regional advisory lead and will have the support of manager Simon Hardman, while Andy Singleton has been appointed as an executive within the team.

Commenting on his appointment, Philip said: “I am excited by this opportunity, and confident that the team will be able to provide distinct added value to our clients, and to support them in the significant opportunities and challenges they face over the short to medium term, to do things better with less resource and in a new era of devolution.”

Grant Thornton’s Local Government Advisory team forms part of a wider public sector assurance practice that delivers external audit services to local authorities and NHS bodies.

The firm’s head of public sector, partner Sarah Howard, said: “Our instinct for growth really chimes with what with what public sector leaders want.

“So we are thrilled that the rapid growth of our local government advisory offering is meeting the needs of our clients.”

Grant Thornton director Mike Thomas said the appointments serve to highlight the importance the firm places on the public sector.

He said the hires come “in response to our clients request for additional support in navigating the financial, operational and strategic challenges they face.”

Emma Sheldon, UK India Business Council

The UK India Business Council (UKIBC) has appointed Emma Sheldon, the group marketing director of Bolton-based medical product company Vernacare, to its group board.

Emma has joined the leaders of a number of large companies in the UK, including construction equipment firm JCB and auto maker Rolls-Royce, in driving the UKIBC’s efforts to promote partnerships between UK and Indian companies.

Emma commented: “I am honoured to join the UKIBC board and to work with my colleagues at Vernacare alongside some of the country’s best businesses in building even stronger trading links with India.

“The UK is India’s biggest foreign investor and it is a very exciting and dynamic market. It’s a new market for Vernacare, but we are building strong relationships with urban hospitals who are eager to use proven British technologies.”

New management team, Bredbury Hall Hotel and Country Club

Stockport’s Bredbury Hall Hotel and Country Club is paving the way for a new chapter in its history with the appointment of a new management team.

Mark McMenamy, who has more than 20 years of experience in hospitality and previously worked for Whitbread PLC, the owner of the Costa Coffee and Premier Inn brands, will lead the Bredbury team as the new general manager.

Paul Whitfield, meanwhile, has been hired as Bredbury Hall’s head chef and has developed a range of new menus focusing on modern British cooking and locally sourced produce.

Onecall Hospitality operates Bredbury Hall on behalf of London-based Newco Ventures.

Mark Chambers, a director at Onecall, said: “Bredbury Hall is one of the North West’s best known venues and is now beginning a new chapter in its history.

“With its strategic location on the motorway network close to the airport, it will continue to attract a national and international clientele.”

He added: “However we also want it to be at the heart of the community, as a meeting place for local people and a leading venue for business events.”

The appointments follow last week’s unveiling of Bredbury Hall’s new look. Renovation work since the hotel was acquired by Newco Ventures in June this year has led to the creation of a new open-plan lounge and Moroccan-themed cocktail bar.

Pictured L-R: Liz Smith, Matt Allen, Carl Williams and Nick Harrop

Three new hires and four promotions, Grant Thornton LLP

Business advisory firm Grant Thornton LLP has appointed three new members of staff to its tax team in Manchester and promoted four others.

Liz Smith and Nick Harrop, both taking on the role of senior manager, have joined from professional services firm Deloitte and accountants Afford Bond respectively. Further, senior manager Brian Nolan has been transferred to the Manchester team from Grant Thornton’s office in Dublin.

Elsewhere, Caroline Hadfield has been promoted to tax director, while Matt Foddy, Alex Hall and Matthew Allen are now all senior managers.

Commenting on the changes, Grant Thornton partner Karen Campbell said: “There’s a great belief within the firm of investing in talent and these appointments and promotions are part of our growth plan.

“It’s great to welcome Liz and Brian aboard and to have Nick back in the fold, who was with us prior to his last position.”

Joanne Thompson, Penrillian

Mobile technology firm Penrillian has announced the appointment of a new chief executive as it looks to grow in the transport and technology industries.

Joanne Thompson has joined the Cumbrian company after working to drive growth at a number of technology companies. Prior to her new role, Joanne has been the managing director of the transport technology division at outsourcing firm Serco, as well as the senior vice president of telecoms company BT’s European operations.

At Penrith-based Penrillian, Joanne, who studied politics and international relations at Lancaster University, will head up the company’s three-year plan to drive growth with the development of new services and products.

Commenting on her appointment, Joanne said: “I remain passionate about enabling the advancement of the next generation of women in the transport and technology sectors.

“As a member of both Women on Board and Women in Transportation, I hope to coach and support women in the industry to find the opportunities and recognition they deserve.”

Joanne’s appointment follows Penrillian’s appearance at the Conservative Party’s Autumn Conference, where it presented a talk on the history and future of ticketing technology.

Penrillian chairman Charles Weir said: “Joanne is bringing a vast wealth of experience from the world of transport and technology to Penrillian and I am confident she is the right person to steer the organisation towards its objective of acquiring a larger share of the transport and technology markets.”

Dr Matilda Bingham and Nicholas Adams, Redx Pharma Plc

Drug development firm Redx has made two new appointments in its senior management team.

Nicholas Adams has come on board as chief business officer, while Dr Matilda ‘Tilly’ Bingham has been promoted to executive director of the firm’s oncology subsidiary, Redx Oncology Ltd.

Before his appointment, Nicholas was chief business officer at Norwegian drug firm Clavis Pharma ASA. He has experience in business development, having led on deals such as divestments, mergers and acquisitions, royalty buy-outs and in- and out-licensing.

Meanwhile, Matilda previously served as the interim managing director of Redx Oncology Ltd after joining Redx in 2012 from MSD Research Laboratories, where she headed up medicinal chemistry teams.

Redx’s chief exec, Neil Murray, said: “Nick brings extensive experience in business development roles as well as a strong clinical background.

“I am equally pleased that Tilly has been promoted to the position of executive director of Redx Oncology. She has been a valued member of the team since 2012, with a track record of delivery across the organisation.”

He continued: “These appointments are part of Redx’s growth strategy and will help to accelerate the group’s next phase of development as a commercially driven drug discovery and development company.”