Member Article

This month’s South East and London appointments

Ethan Desai, Furley Page

Kent law firm Furley Page has strengthened its specialist team with the appointment of Ethan Desai to its Agriculture and Rural Business Team as a Senior Associate.

He joins Partner Christopher Wacher, Partner and Head of Real Estate Jeremy Licence, Partner David Hall, who is Head of Property Disputes, which includes agricultural disputes and Associate Nicola Hopper, who is a private client and agriculture law specialist and a Fellow of the Agricultural Law Association.

Ethan, who graduated from University of Reading and qualified as a solicitor in 2007, said: “The strength and breadth of agricultural law and rural business expertise at Furley Page is renowned and is what attracted me.

“I mainly advise on land-related matters, but increasingly rural landowners need advice on other aspects of the law. I am pleased to be joining a firm which has wider agricultural expertise.”

Natalie O’Byrne, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking

Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking have appointed Natalie O’Byrne as their new Mid-Markets Relationship Director.

Natalie has six years’ experience in corporate banking and has previously worked in a similar role for Lloyds looking after clients in the oil and gas sector.

Commenting on the appointment, Simon Bumfrey, Area Director for Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking’s Manufacturing, Industrials and TMT team, said: “The City’s TMT sector is emerging as one the world’s leading digital hubs, and 2016 is shaping up to be another exciting year for these industries.

“But keeping up with new trends – whether it’s the development of artificial intelligence or simply paving the way for organic growth – requires liquidity and sure financial footing.

“With Natalie now on board, our growing team is better placed than ever to provide the tailored funding solutions TMT businesses need, enabling them to fulfil their aspirations and remain at the cutting edge of their field.”

Natalie said: “At Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, we offer industry experts and a relationship focussed approach. We invest time to understand our clients’ businesses and to find the right financial solutions to meet their requirements.

“This is a sector which, particularly in London, is becoming one of the UK’s economic powerhouses. It’s changed the face of the East End, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down. Being able to help these dynamic businesses grasp new opportunities, and grow, is very rewarding.”

Chris Vick, Artesian Solutions

Social selling firm Artesian Solutions has appointed Chris Vick as its new Director of Channels and Alliances.

Chris brings 27 years of experience in sales management, strategic marketing and partnership development, gained at Ipanema Technologies, BMC Software, Computacenter and 2E2, to the Berkshire-based firm.

Andrew Yates, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Artesian commented: “Our evolving channels and alliances strategy is important in helping us grow the company and expand our customer base even further. We are delighted that Chris, with his vast industry experience and channel pedigree, is now on-board and already making this strategy a reality. Our partners and users are not just buying into a SaaS subscription, but a full service offering that delivers consistent value and measurable results.”

Chris added: “I am delighted to join Artesian. They are growing rapidly, they already have an impressive and rapidly growing client list and a quality team dedicated to providing the best technology and service to their customers and partners.”

Sam Snart and Matthew Sawdon, Hobbs Parker Property Consultants

Kent-based Hobbs Parker Property Consultants have announced the appointment of Sam Snart as their new Managing Director, and the promotion of Matthew Sawdon to the position of Director.

Sam has worked for the firm since 1999 and will work along alongside Jon Rimmer, Chairman of the Hobbs Parker Group. Matthew joined the property consultants since 2003 when he joined from Harper Adams University.

Commenting on Sam’s appointment, Jon Rimmer said: “It’s the perfect time to hand the reins over to Sam who will lead the 14-strong team of land agents, surveyors and planning advisers. 2016 has already started strongly in terms of instructions, and despite concerns over the stability of the global economy we are anticipating a busy year.”

Tracey Bass and Jamie Arkell, Ogilvie Fleet

Hire, leasing and fleet management solutions firm Ogilvie Fleet has appointed Tracey Bass and Jamie Arkell as sales managers to its South of England sales team which launched last autumn.

Tracey will be responsible for South and South West sales, while James will cover London and the South East. The appointments are part of the firm’s moves to become a national brand across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Both will be working under Jo Clark, Ogilvie Fleet’s Director of Sales - South, who commented: “These are exciting times for Ogilvie Fleet which continues to see significant company car and van growth underpinned by a focus on the continual development and introduction of award-winning online technology and industry-leading customer service.”

Kirsten Hurley, Scott Logic

Software development consultancy Scott Logic has appointed a new Business Development Manager, Kirsten Hurley.

Kirsten joins the firm in a newly created role from a similar position at IT consultancy Company85, having enjoyed a 12-year career in professional services in IT that began in a boutique capital markets firm.

Kirsten explained: “I started out selling trade floor consultancy to banks, with quite a diverse portfolio, so it was Scott Logic’s involvement in providing software solutions to capital markets that was this role’s real appeal.”

Kirsten, who is a communications graduate, will spend much of her time at Scott Logic’s London office and is also due to represent the firm at next week’s Retail Banking Innovation conference at London’s Grand Connaught Rooms.

She added: “I’m keen to understand innovation in retail banking that may also be transferable to capital markets technology.”

Lewis Hulatt, Major Family Law

North East matrimonial and divorce lawyers Major Family Law are spreading South with the appointment of Lewis Hulatt as a Consultant Solicitor.

Lewis is based in Guildford, Surrey, and is an expert in cases involving matrimonial finance, including property and family business issues. He also has experience of multi-jurisdictional divorce and child relocation.

Managing Director, Joanne Major, said, “When I was introduced to Lewis by our mutual professional contact, Steve McNicol, I knew straight away that he could bring another level of service to our existing client base that will be of real value.

“Our firm enjoys a strong reputation in London and the surrounds and we regularly take instructions from clients who are based beyond the North East. For those based in the south, having Lewis on board means they are able to access direct representation for hearings and meetings under the overall umbrella of representation and/or advice from our trusted practice, Major Family Law”.

Lewis commented: “This is a very positive arrangement for all involved, and fully embraces an understanding of the way professional services should be made available in this evolving marketplace. I welcome joining a team with such a strong reputation and level of expertise which is so clearly client driven.”

Joanna Bullard, Gardner Leader

Joanna Bullard has joined Newbury, Thatcham and Maidenhead-based solicitors Gardner Leader as a Senior Associate.

Bringing 18 years of commercial property expertise, Joanna is the eighth member of the commercial team in Newbury and will look to generate new business using her network of regional clients and contacts.

Joanna said: “I have wanted to work with Gardner Leader for the last four years. They are a highly credible, fast growing firm and they’re on my doorstep, so I was delighted when the role came up. It’s very exciting as they offer great career opportunities and the team is so friendly that I feel at home all ready.”

Derek Rodgers, Managing Partner for Gardner Leader, added, “Joanna was an obvious choice not only because of the extent of her experience but also because of the way clients warm to her. Joanna brings peace of mind to clients and handles matters in a fast, efficient and professional manner. It’s good to have her on the team at a time when we are growing so quickly.”

Leyton Jeffs, Boost Capital

Boost Capital, the UK alternative lender, has announced the appointment of Leyton Jeffs as Sales Director for the North as it looks to grow its relationships with the SME community in the North of England and Scotland.

Leyton, who has a strong business development and leadership background, joins the firm from Aldermore PLC where he was Regional Director having previously worked at RBS Invoice Finance.

Alex Littner, Managing Director of Boost Capital, commented: “It’s important for us to expand our base of skilled employees driving growth and, with the northern regions being a key area, Leyton will have a huge part to play in driving our brand awareness.

“With his strong background in finance and the huge potential in the North and Scotland, this is another step towards maximising our broker-relationships and enhancing our business development strategy.”

Leyton added: “I’m attracted to working at Boost Capital in its crucial stage of growth as my skills are tuned towards growing the business through building relationships with key intermediaries and developing sales channels towards new brokers in the northern regions.

“I’m looking forward to mapping out the future progression in raising the awareness of the alternative forms of finance to help the small business community.”

Maria Balicao, Equiniti

Leading UK share registrar Equiniti has appointed Marla Balicao as Business Development Director. She will be responsible for helping to drive new business and win share registration clients.

Marla has over 14 years’ experience and has previously ran business development at the firm in conjunction with David Venus.

Paul Matthews, Executive Director for Corporate Markets at Equiniti, said: “We are delighted to have someone with Marla’s breadth of experience taking on the vital role within our Share Registration business. After an excellent 2015 it is just the type of exciting development that is in line with the further ambitions we have for the business this year.”

Rich Ricci, freemarketFX

London-based currency exchange has appointed the former Chief Executive Officer of Barclays Corporate and Investment Banking Rich Ricci as Chairman.

He brings over 30 years of business experience to freemarketFX having previously held a diverse range of senior operational, technology, and front-office executive roles at major global banks.

The new Chairman commented on his appointment and said: “I am hugely excited to be working alongside freemarketFX’s strong management team, led by Alex Hunn, and to be joining the FinTech revolution.

“Well applied technology in the financial sector is bringing significant benefits to individuals and businesses. freemarketFX has developed a robust and secure currency exchange business, allowing its technological benefits to be applied to this sector and significantly reduce transaction costs for the benefit of its customers.”