This week’s North West appointments

Paul Devitt and Richard Thomas, EY

Professional services firm Ernst & Young (EY) has announced the appointment of two partners at its Manchester-based legal practice.

Paul Devitt and Richard Thomas, both hired from law firm Addleshaw Goddard, will strengthen EY’s UK law team and support the firm’s commitment to providing a strong M&A offer both in the North West and nationally.

Paul brings with him experience of public and private sector M&A transactions, as well as equity capital markets matters, particularly for PLCs and international companies. Prior to his appointment, Paul worked at Addleshaw Goddard for 20 years and held various roles, including managing partner.

Richard, meanwhile, is a corporate M&A lawyer and has acted primarily for blue chip clients on acquisitions, takeovers and disposals. The last seven of Richard’s 15 years at Addleshaw Goddard were spent as a partner.

EY’s North West senior partner, Simon Allport, said: “I am delighted that Paul and Richard have joined our team.

“There is a well-developed, active M&A market in the North West. As well as strong domestic activity we have also seen a big increase in foreign direct investment in the region.”

He continued: “Our latest figures show that the North West was the fastest growing region in the UK in 2015 in terms of inward investment.

“We are committed to helping our clients make the most of this burgeoning market, by providing them with access to the best people and the most experienced teams.”

Elizabeth Graham, Squire Patton Boggs

Commercial law firm Squire Patton Boggs has appointed Elizabeth Graham to the role of pensions practice partner.

Joining from law firm Brabners LLP, where she headed up the company’s pensions team and held the post of senior associate until 2012, Elizabeth has experience of pensions law and schemes in various sectors, including manufacturing, chemicals, distribution and engineering.

At Squire Patton Boggs, Elizabeth will work closely with the firm’s global pensions team and colleagues in its labor and employment, restructuring and insolvency, litigation, and corporate teams.

The company’s global pensions practice head, Catherine McKenna, said: “It is fantastic to have Liz on board.

“Her experience and versatility make her a great fit with our team, which is led by David Griffiths in Manchester.”

She added: “Liz’s technical skills and sector knowledge are reinforced by an exemplary understanding of the market in the North West and the national pensions industry.”

The managing partner at Squire Patton Boggs’ office in Manchester, Rob Elvin, commented: “Liz will undoubtedly be an asset to our already preeminent Pensions team.

“Her experience and depth of knowledge will be highly valued by our clients, while her business development skills will support the continued growth of our office.”

He added: “We are delighted to welcome Liz back to the firm’s Manchester base.”

Kenneth Lee, University of Central Lancashire

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has chosen Kenneth Lee as its new executive director of human resources.

Ken, who will take up his new role on August 15, is joining UCLan from BBC North, where he has held the post of HR director since 2008. Prior to his position with the BBC, Ken has held senior HR roles with a number of national and international firms, including British Aerospace and Halifax.

Commenting on his appointment Ken, a graduate of the University of Oxford, where he obtained a First Class Honours in Jurisprudence (Law and Philosophy), said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as the University’s new Executive Director of HR.

“This is a really exciting time to be joining a University whose ethos is clearly centred on staff engagement and shared core values.”

He continued: “I am looking forward to using my experience of working in large and dynamic organisations to lead a professional and flexible HR function. We will help the University deliver its ambitious development plans through organisational development and culture change.”

The university’s vice-chancellor, Prof. Mike Thomas, commented: “I think Ken’s appointment is a real coup for the University and I’m delighted to welcome him to our new executive team.

“The University sector is evolving faster than ever but through initiatives like our £200m Campus Masterplan development we are ready to face future challenges head on.”

Mike added: “Ken brings a wealth of experience and professional ability to the University which I am convinced will help us achieve our organisational development goals.”

Andrew Pow, Association of Independent Specialist Medical Accountants

A director at Manchester medical accountants Hall Liddy has been selected for a place on the executive committee of the Association of Independent Specialist Medical Accountants (AISMA).

In his role with the trade body, Andrew Pow will liaise with the government and head up the organisation’s lobbying efforts.

Andrew, who brings more than 20 years of experience in medical accounting to the position, specialises in appraising the performance of GP practices and offering advice on changing structures.

Last year, Andrew’s role in working to highlight the problems facing small isolated GP practices in rural areas led to a government review of fund allocation.

Andrew commented: “Funding is central to the future of the NHS and, as medical accountants, we are well placed to contribute to the debate.

“I was delighted that my previous efforts in lobbying on behalf of small rural practices has led to a government review and we are currently awaiting the outcome.”

He added: “I look forward to taking up the role with AISMA and speaking up on future issues, as a spokesman for the organisation.”

AISMA chairman Bob Senior said of the appointment: “Andrew brings considerable knowledge and expertise to the AISMA committee and his contribution to the work of the Association will be highly valued.”

Lisa Wood, Toast PR

Toast PR has announced the appointment of Lisa Wood to the role of associate director.

Lisa has joined the Manchester-based public relations agency from MediaCityUK, where she worked as the development’s communications manager for the last eight years.

With Toast, Lisa will handle PR accounts within the business, property and media sectors, both in the North West and nationally. Further, Lisa will work alongside managing director Julia Mitchell in supporting the company’s new business drive and expansion plans.

MD Julia commented: “I am personally delighted to have Lisa on board, assisting me at a senior level at Toast.

“It’s been a whirlwind 12 months for us with awards, new clients, new joins and even more growth planned. Lisa comes with the knowledge, contacts, experience and reputation that I know will propel us even further.”

Julia added: “She shares our passion, creativity and dedication to our industry and is the perfect fit for Toast as we continue to deliver outstanding PR campaigns for our clients and drive the business forward.”

Lisa said of her appointment: “Toast is definitely a PR agency to watch as it is going from strength to strength and I’m excited to join to the team in this period of growth.

“It has a fantastic client roster, delivers some impressive results and has a strong team of talented PR professionals producing exciting campaigns within the property, tech, media, fashion, retail, food and hospitality sectors.”

She continued: I have had an amazing time at MediaCityUK, but I am ready for a new challenge and eager to get involved with all aspects of the business.“

Dave Allanson, Tosca Debt Capital Fund

Toscafund Asset Management’s Manchester-based Tosca Debt Capital Fund (TDC) business has bolstered its advisory board with the appointment of Dave Allanson.

Dave, area director of Lloyds Commercial Banking, will work to help TDC become the preferred alternative lender for growing SMEs across the North.

With 20 years of relationship and transactional banking experience, Dave has held a number of senior role within Lloyds Banking Group in the North, supporting the growth and expansion strategies of SMEs in various sectors.

Toscafund partner Gary Davison said: “I’m delighted that Dave has agreed to join our advisory board.

“His experience, proven track record and market insight will be invaluable as we continue to build the business, develop our product and raise further funds.”

Stuart Hayes, Moorhouse’s

Lancashire-based brewery Moorhouse’s has strengthened its sales team with the appointment of Stuart Hayes.

In his new role, Stuart will work as a sales executive driving growth for Moorhouse’s across Cheshire and South Manchester. Stuart solely covered Cheshire in his previous post.

He will now work to quickly build the brewery’s relationship with publicans across the two areas. Before Moorhouse’s, Stuart worked as a sales representative for North West wholesaler Hall’s Drinks.

Elsewhere, Moorhouse’s has appointed a new sales executive for Yorkshire. Sales executive Stuart Thompson, who served as Moorhouse’s accounts and commercial manager prior to his appointment, has held various roles in the food and beverage sector throughout his career, including regional manager with national pub chain Enterprise Inns.

Moorhouse’s sales director, Mark Boardman, said: “Our new appointments will be looking to build business relations with publicans and grow sales in these areas for our popular brands.

“We have a very strong offer, with six quality and consistent core brands as well as a special brew each month to cater for all drinkers and support publicans in a very competitive market­place.”

He added: “Consumers are seeking variety together with consistent quality and we know that when our award winning beers go on the bar they sell quickly, helping publicans grow their trade.”

Four appointments, Online Ventures Group

Online Ventures Group (OVG), the Manchester-based digital marketing agency, has announced a raft of new appointments.

Sara Bryan has returned to OVG in the role of accounts director, while Simon Taylor has taken up the post of creative director and Olwen Shaw has joined as communications director.

Neil Walker (pictured centre), meanwhile, has been appointed to the role of technical director, having previously worked with OVG’s founders at their previous business, Just Search.

Today, Neil is a judge for the UK Search Awards and has more than 16 years’ experience in digital marketing, working with brands such as travel firm First Choice Holidays, property company Vita Student and manufacturer Minky.

Discussing his appointment, Neil said: “Having worked directly with brands over the past few years, I wanted to expand my consultancy, the opportunity to bring my client base into OVG and take advantage of their strengths as well as my own felt the right decision.”

OVG recently moved into Manchester’s Universal Square.

Justin Yates, OVG’s managing director, commented: “Having recently implemented a new company structure, designed to allow us to grow rapidly within the next few months, moving offices has been the logical next step.

“Our ever-expanding range of services and increasing staff headcount means that our requirements have changed since moving into our old office a little over two years ago.”

Justin continued: “The new location will allow us to expand even further, improving accessibility and giving us the means to provide our clients with the best possible service.

“The new hires we have made, and the addition of Neil to the board of directors, will ensure further success in the future.”