This week’s North West appointments

Katie Peate, Business Growth Hub

Business Growth Hub has announced the appointment of Katie Peate as its new head of digital, creative and technology (DCT) growth.

Katie previously worked for Manchester-based digital consultancy Reading Room, where she was the youngest person to sit on its managing board of directors. Katie has experience delivering creative strategies for a number of large regional and national organisations, including the University of Manchester, Arts Council England and Big Lottery Fund.

In her new role, she will take charge of three teams specialising in using technology to unlock business growth and will also work alongside the Business Growth Hub’s Digital Transformation project team.

Katie said: “As digital technology evolves and becomes more prevalent, the possibilities grow exponentially. Manchester is a renowned leader in technological innovation and SMEs are the lifeblood of this sector.

“The wealth of experience and talent at the Hub is incredible and I’m thrilled to join the team at this exciting time.”

The Hub’s director, Richard Jeffery, commented: “Katie is an exceptional talent with an excellent understanding of the digital landscape.

“She has achieved a great deal already and with her expertise, the Hub will continue to deliver outstanding support in the digital, creative and technology space.”

Mike Kirkham, Vincents Solicitors

Vincents Solicitors, the Lancashire-based law firm, has appointed a new agricultural law and property specialist.

Solicitor Mike Kirkham brings with him over 25 years of experience in commercial property, having previously acted for housebuilders, landlords and landowners in leases, disposals, acquisitions and disputes.

Mike, a member of the Agricultural Law Association, commented: “Vincents has a great geographic spread in Lancashire which is ideal for my expertise, with offices across rural Lancashire and the urban hubs of Preston and Blackpool.

“I will be able to provide agricultural legal services to both landowners and tenants, as well as supporting leaseholders and freeholders with new arrangements and disputes.”

He continued: “I have also been heavily involved in land acquisition and residential development, and asset and share purchases of numerous businesses.”

Following his appointment, Mike will primarily be based at Vincents’ rural branches in Garstang and Longridge, while also handling property work from Blackpool and Preston.

Mark Alexander, who heads up Vincents’ commercial department, said: “Mike is a hugely experienced practitioner with a reputation for success in handling commercial property deals, disputes and resolution, with a particular emphasis on agricultural clients and leaseholder enfranchisement.

“His expertise will provide additional support for existing clients and will, hopefully, attract new clients by offering these additional services.”

Karen Trepte, Guild Energy

Independent utility consultancy Guild Energy has appointed Karen Trepte in the role of managing director.

Karen, who has a number of years’ experience in the energy consultant sphere, spent 11 years at energy consultancy Inenco Group in various roles, including MD within the group’s Inenco Direct (SME) business.

The chairman of Liverpool-based Guild Energy, Simon Rigby, said: “Having worked with Karen previously during her time with Inenco under Spice PLC, we jumped at the chance to get her on board when she became available.

“Karen has a proven track record in growing a successful SME focused broker, so we see her appointment as a key part of our business strategy to grow Guild Energy into a successful Energy Broker.”

He added: “With Karen at the helm we will be able to build Guild Energy from new market entrant to the next level of expansion.”

During her time at Inenco Direct, which is based on Fenwick Street in Liverpool, Karen increased the firm’s staff base from 20 to 120 over a period of three years.

With Karen on board, Guild Energy now plans to employ 40 people by the close of 2016.

Stuart McHale, Galliford Try Partnerships

Galliford Try Partnerships, the £330m-turnover housing and regeneration firm, has appointed a new technical manager at its base in Warrington.

Stuart McHale has joined the company from the Manchester division of housebuilder Bellway, where he worked as a development engineer.

At Galliford Try, Stuart will oversee the management of all the technical aspects of the firm’s housing developments in the North West. As technical manager, he will report to Galliford Try’s development director.

Commenting on his appointment, Stuart said: “I am delighted to take the role as technical manager within Galliford Try Partnerships’ North West business unit.

“This is a great opportunity for me to use the experience and knowledge I have gained over the years to assist the company in achieving its goal to deliver successful and much sought after new homes across the North West.”

Phillip Birchall (pictured) and Steven Porter, Pinsent Masons

Pinsent Masons, the international law firm, has announced a raft of partner promotions across its business, two of which will take effect at its Manchester office from May 1.

Phillip Birchall is a property specialist with experience in advising public and private sector organisations on matters such as joint ventures and strategic partnering agreements, as well as development and regeneration schemes, including projects in the industrial, office, retail and leisure sectors.

The firm’s Manchester office has also promoted Steven Porter (pictured above), a tax specialist whose experience includes advising on, litigating and ultimately resolving complex disputes with HM Revenue & Customs, or matters concerning property taxes and the residency status of high net worth individuals.

Neil Welsh, PM+M

PM+M, the accountancy and business advisory firm, has strengthened its wealth management team with its latest appointment.

The Blackburn-headquartered company has welcomed Neil Welsh in the role of financial advisor at its office in Burnley.

Bringing with him 20 years’ experience in an advisory role, at PM+M Neil will help both personal and corporate clients on all aspects of financial planning, with a focus on investment, retirement and pensions.

He said of his appointment: “I am really excited to be joining PM+M. I have been aware of the firm and its growing reputation for a long time and I knew that I would be joining an experienced team with the opportunity of developing its wealth management proposition at the new Burnley office.

“Since joining, I have been hugely impressed by a great team of people who are all willing to share their knowledge in a forward thinking and dynamic environment.”

Neil’s appointment follows the launch of the company’s new 2,700 sq ft office on Finsley Gate in Burnley. The site is led by director Helen Binns.

The MD of PM+M Wealth Management, Tony Brierley, said: “We are really pleased to welcome Neil to the Wealth Management team.

“His presence at our Burnley office is a real boost to our offering and will further strengthen our presence in the town.”

Steve Fisher, Asons Solicitors

Steve Fisher has been announced as the new marketing manager at Bolton-based Asons Solicitors.

Steve has previously held a number of marketing management roles in the creative and professional services sectors. Most recently, he worked as the marketing manager with the northern arm of accreditation firm Investors in People.

Steve, whose experience covers rebranding and brand strategy, strategic marketing planning, client engagement and communications, said: “This is an exciting time to be joining Asons. Their ambition to continue to grow and to be the best has really impressed me.

“Asons have a very talented marketing team who fully understand that great communications and engagement are a vital part of the customer experience, something which has been central to the company’s rapid growth.”

He continued: “I’m delighted to be working with the firm to further develop their strategic marketing plan and to help drive the Asons brand forward. The best brands are always underpinned by great people, excellent leadership and the highest standards of customer service and these are values which play a central part in the Asons story.”

Gaurav Batra, Bibby Line Group

Shipping and maritime organisation Bibby Line Group has appointed Gaurav Batra as the chairman of Bibby Financial Services Ltd., its invoice finance and factoring business.

Gaurav, who is the group’s strategy director, currently chairs its plant hire subsidiary Garic Ltd.

He has been with Bibby Line Group since 2013, before which he worked in corporate development and strategy with multinational conglomerate Virgin Group.

The announcement of Gaurav’s new position follows the appointment, earlier this month, of Mark Lyons as Bibby Line Group’s new chief financial officer.

Leigh Child, Napthens Solicitors

North West law firm Napthens has welcomed Leigh Child, who specialises in construction and engineering, to its growing team of solicitors.

Following her appointment, Leigh will advise Napthens’ clients on various aspects of construction and engineering projects, from procurement right through to completion, offering support on matters such as the preparation of letters of intent, professional appointments, litigation, dispute resolution and building contracts.

Napthens’ head of real estate, James Allison, said: “Leigh’s appointment is a clear sign that Napthens is committed to continuing to grow our services in this specialist area.”

Leigh also has experience advising on large campus redevelopment schemes for clients in the further and higher education sectors, as well as renewable energy projects for clients based in rural areas.