This week’s North West appointments

Hannah Al-Shaghana, Phillip Rhodes and Georgina Bradshaw, Slater Heelis

North West law firm Slater Heelis LLP has announced the appointment of Hannah Al-Shaghana, Georgina Bradshaw and Phillip Rhodes to partner level.

Commercial property lawyer Hannah has experience in all aspects of commercial property, including secured lending, acquisitions, disposals and both landlord and tenant matters.

Phillip, meanwhile, is a family lawyer and mediator who specialises in addressing the issues arising from the breakdown of a relationship, such as a divorce or a civil partnership dissolution.

Slater Heelis’ third new partner, Georgina, is a private client team lawyer and focuses on mental capacity and Court of Protection work.

The company’s managing partner, Chris Bishop, said: “I’m delighted Hannah, Georgina and Phillip have all accepted the offer of partnership here at the firm.

“We’re committed to rewarding talented lawyers and this shows that we’re a firm keen to invest in the future of the practice in multiple disciplines.”

Oliver Harry, Encirc

Glass manufacturing business Encirc has appointed a former journalist to manage its internal and external communications.

Oliver Harry has joined the Cheshire-based firm in the role of communications and public relations manager. Working alongside Fiacre O’Donnell, Encirc’s head of strategic development, Oliver will work on building the firm’s relationship with external stakeholders while leading its internal employee engagement programme.

Oliver, who brings with him more than 13 years of experience, commented: “It’s a fascinating time to be joining the Encirc team - the business has really expanded its offering in recent years, with cutting-edge new services to give customers a more efficient and sustainable supply chain.

“The focus over the coming years is to further build the Encirc brand, helping to strengthen its position as a quality partner for food and beverages companies looking to boost productivity and reduce their environmental impact.”

Most recently, Oliver worked with business process management firm Capita.

Fiacre O’Donnell commented: “Oliver brings formidable expertise to Encirc that will bolster our communications programme to ensure we continue to uphold positive relationships with team members and partners, and demonstrate the benefits of our offering to customers at the same time.”

Ben Wildsmith, NorthEdge Capital

Private equity firm NorthEdge Capital has taken on Ben Wildsmith as its new portfolio director.

Following his appointment, Ben will manage Manchester-based NorthEdge’s existing portfolio while helping to deliver new deals across the North.

Ben commented: “The new role represents an excellent opportunity to work in a thriving environment at a progressive, growing firm.

“The greater scope for responsibility, opportunity, and influence in a business’ decision-making process is an exciting prospect.”

He added: “I look forward to working with the team to achieve NorthEdge’s ambitious growth strategy and am delighted to join the firm.”

Ben, who has more than 15 years’ experience working in corporate finance, has joined NorthEdge from professional services giant EY, where he held the role of corporate finance director.

NorthEdge’s head of portfolio, CEO Dan Wright, said: “With extensive experience in leveraged finance, investment banking and private equity, Ben offers the expertise we require to be a key asset to our team and our clients.

“He will play an integral role to the promising future of investment at NorthEdge, ensuring that we are able to continue to provide outstanding support to our existing clients and identify opportunities for growth.”

Jamie Grimshaw, NatWest

UK bank NatWest has appointed Jamie Grimshaw in the role of senior relationship manager at its base in Bolton.

Joining the bank’s commercial banking team from his previous role as a relationship manager covering Wigan and Greater Manchester, Jamie will now provide support and funding solutions for SMEs with a turnover ranging from £2m to £25m.

Ben Barker, Business Growth Fund

Business Growth Fund (BGF) has expanded its 10-strong northern investment team with the appointment of Ben Barker.

Ben has brought over 13 years of equity funding experience to his new role at BGF and will work across the firm’s offices in Manchester and Leeds.

Prior to his appointment, Ben was involved with various transactions as a director at private equity business Caird Capital.

BGF’s regional director for the North, Andy Gregory, said: “Throughout 2015 we continued to invest in growing businesses and completed our first exit.

“We have a strong pipeline for the next 12 months, and are delighted to have Ben on board as part of our investment team.”

Ben said of his appointment: “I have admired BGF’s evolution from startup to the most active growth capital investor in the UK, and I am looking forward to working with some of Britain’s most exciting companies and best entrepreneurs.”

Chris Ganner, Asons Solicitors

Bolton-based law firm Asons Solicitors has chosen Chris Ganner to lead the development of its case management software platform Proclaim.

With 13 years’ experience in IT programming, Chris has previously worked for a number of firms in the legal sector, including Hampson Hughes, Fletchers and, most recently, Curtis Law.

Chris, who holds a PhD in information technology, said of his new role: “Working in the Legal IT Industry in the North West for a considerable amount of time, and also working closely with the developers at Eclipse, I was familiar with the name Asons and very excited when the opportunity came up to join the team.

“The Proclaim system that Asons already has in place uses some of the most advanced functionality available within the program and - in a very IT driven environment - it is up there with the best I have ever come across.”

He added: “The chance to bring my own experience to the team and help grow the company even further is one I am very much looking forward to.”

Roxy Khokhar, Kirk Evans and Adena Romana, Cast UK

Recruitment business Cast UK has welcomed three new consultants at its Manchester HQ.

Roxy Khokhar, who has joined Cast UK from a management trainee role with car hire firm Enterprise Rent-a-Car, will form part of the company’s logistics and operations team covering the South East. She holds a business studies degree obtained at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Kirk Evans, meanwhile, previously worked in a sales management role with five-a-side football company Powerleague. At Cast UK, Kirk will be working alongside Roxy.

Cast UK’s third new appointment, Adena Romana, has been hired from DIY retailer B&Q, where she held the role of showroom manager. In her new position, Adena will recruit for transport, logistics and warehousing roles across Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

Wayne Brophy, Cast UK’s founder and MD, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Adena, Kirk and Roxy to the team.

“The appointments are testament to our business expansion, ensuring our consultants bring a solid combination of industry expertise and commercial acumen, as well as excellent interpersonal skills in line with our commitment to building rewarding relationships.”

Jennifer McPhee, Vincents Solicitors

Law firm Vincents Solicitors has welcomed conveyancing solicitor Jennifer McPhee to the residential property team at its office in Garstang, Lancashire.

Jennifer has joined the company from Ashcroft Whiteside Solicitors in Blackpool.

She commented: “I really like the close-knit team here at Garstang and hope I can make a significant contribution to growing the business, as well as supporting the existing clients, both residential and commercial.

“I’ll be helping people who are moving home, or buying or leasing commercial premises, by looking after all the legal aspects of the sale and purchase.”

Jennifer added: “My job is to make the whole process easier and run more smoothly during a notoriously stressful time, letting clients get on with packing the boxes and redirecting the mail.”

Vincents is currently expanding its residential conveyancing team, having created four new positions across the business.

The head of the company’s Garstang office, Lisa Lodge, said: “There is definitely more activity in the residential market around Garstang, and yet more to come with a number of new build developments on the horizon.

“Bringing in Jennifer will not only help to meet the demand of the current workload, but will allow us to offer additional more complex conveyancing services and she will be supporting our wills and probate clients with regards transfer of property assets.”

Speaking further, Lisa said Jennifer is a “driven, committed professional” who has already brought with her a number of ideas for developing Vincents’ offer.

Michele Steel, Select Property Group

Select Property Group has announced the appointment of a new director of strategic planning.

Michele, who previously worked as the North West-based head of real estate for professional services firm Deloitte, brings 16 years of industry experience to her new role with the Alderley Edge-headquartered developer.

With Select, Michele will oversee the planning stages of the company’s entire portfolio, which encompasses the CitySuites, Affinity Living and Vita Student property brands.

The firm’s CEO, Mark Stott, said of the decision to bring Michele on board: “Michele’s unparalleled knowledge and expertise of the planning landscape will be a huge asset to the business.

“She will be intrinsic to the future of Select’s development and it’s great to have her on board.”

Michele has worked with Select since 2012 while at Deloitte.

She commented: “Witnessing the growth of the business over the last four years, it was clear that there was a major opportunity for me to be part of a hugely successful and fiercely ambitious organisation.

“Select’s plans for future growth make this an extremely exciting time to join the business and I’m looking forward to helping to deliver the next stage in their success.”