Scanlans' Ian Stanistreet (left) with David McKee

This week’s North West appointments

Ian Stanistreet, Scanlans

Scanlans, the property management and surveying business, has appointed partner Ian Stanistreet as its new chairman.

Manchester-based Ian, who joined the company as a partner in the late ’80s, will succeed long-serving former chairman David McKee, who will retire at the end of March.

Following his appointment, he will retain his post as head of the firm’s property management division.

David, 62, joined Scanlans as a chartered surveyor in 1983, became a partner in 1985 and managing partner in 2008.

Ian said: “I’m honoured to succeed David as chairman and I look forward to continuing to work closely with the other partners to take the firm into an exciting future, with various ventures and new areas of work in the pipeline.

“We have an excellent team of partners and staff who have all contributed towards our success over the years.”

He continued: “David helped to steer the practice through the most severe recession in living memory. Since then, Scanlans has continued to grow in both property management and consultancy under his leadership.”

David commented: “Ian has a good vision and is the ideal person to co-ordinate the future progress and direction of the business, with the full support of our partners and staff.

“I am sure Scanlans will see continued growth and success over the coming years with our excellent partnership team in place.”

Maggie Li, Nigel Lester and Zoe Hindmarch, Innova

Interiors firm Innova Design Solutions has hired three new recruits.

The Stockport-based firm has appointed Nigel Lester in the role of sales manager for the North, while Zoe Hindmarch has joined the company as sales manager covering the West Midlands, Wales and South West.

Innova has also taken on Maggie Li as its new designer. Maggie previously worked for Trafford-based interior design company CDS Wilman and The Co-operative Group.

Innova director Peter Smith said: “Rather than pause to reflect on the strong 2016 we’ve had – we are very much focussed on gearing the business up to seize the opportunities of 2017, which looks set to see increasing levels of investment in educational facilities across the country.

“With a busy pipeline of opportunities and tenders, our new sales managers Zoe and Nigel will bring a wealth of education sector experience and give decision makers many compelling reasons to partner with us on major refurbishment projects.”

He continued: “Further, our team of creative designers – whose ability is absolutely key to our success – now have another bright talent. Maggie Li is very creative and has been involved in projects that have genuinely broken the mould and set new trends.

“We look forward to welcoming the recruits to the business.”

Discussing his appointment, Nigel commented: “Anybody that has seen the quality of the jobs Innova completes would be blown away. Offering such an exemplary service doesn’t feel even remotely like sales – as the customer is totally in the driving seat and educators get exactly what they specify.

“Innova is a genuinely inspirational firm with exactly the right ethos. I am thrilled to be joining the business and look forward to getting stuck in.”

Emma Suchland and Phil Storer, PwC North

Professional services firm PwC North has announced the appointment of two new partners.

Emma Suchland and Phil Storer, who both previously worked for accountancy and business advisory company BDO, will work closely together at PwC to strengthen the firm’s private business team.

Tax partner Emma has more than 15 years of experience of advising growing North West companies.

Phil, meanwhile, has worked as an audit partner for 12 years and has over 20 years’ experience of working with businesses in the region.

The duo said in a joint statement: “We are both absolutely delighted to have joined PwC. Our appointments form part of the firm’s wider strategy to grow and further strengthen its tax and audit capability across the North, and signify its commitment to private business in the region.

“We are both experienced in acting for private businesses and look forward to introducing PwC’s locally based specialist service offerings to this market.”

PwC’s North assurance business unit leader, Graham Parsons, commented: “I am extremely pleased to welcome both Emma and Phil to PwC’s North West practice.

“These appointments further signify the ongoing commitment to invest in our people and increase our capability by bringing in key specialisms.”

Philip Sarthou, KPMG

Business advisory firm KPMG has strengthened its Liverpool-based local corporate finance team.

Philip Sarthou has joined the team in the role of associate from Dow Schofield Watts Corporate Finance, where he worked for two years advising shareholders and corporates on deals such as refinances, disposals, acquisitions and MBOs.

The head of deal advisory at KPMG Liverpool, Mark Booth, said: “We’ve seen a strong appetite for North West prospects from both UK and international trade buyers and private equity.

“Investing in the next generation of corporate finance talent is integral to our ongoing success.”

He added: “Adding Phillip to our team of experienced advisors will let us take full advantage of opportunities and continue providing truly local support in the region.”

Sally Strutt, Rethink Group

Recruitment company Rethink Group has appointed a new HR manager.

Sally Strutt has joined the business following eight years with ticket sales firm Ticketmaster, where she managed the Manchester-based HR team.

In her new role, Sally will implement HR policy and colleague guidance across Rethink’s international brands, including its UK-wide ReThink Recruitment business, and Digital Gurus which has offices in Manchester, London, Australia and the UAE.

She said of her new position: “I am thrilled to be taking on a new challenge with Rethink; this was absolutely the right time for me to move and work with an organisation that’s growing globally.”

Sally will work directly with Rethink Group chief exec Andy Lord, who commented: “I have been amazed by the generosity of the Rethink benefits package and am very excited about evolving this even further.”

Sally will also work on Rethink’s Next Destination promotion programme, through which leaders of the business are incentivised by developing and promoting their staff.

Rethink chief exec Andy Lord explained: “It’s brilliant to have Sally on board. As well as ensuring our colleagues are engaged and rewarded she’ll also be working with me on Next Destination – an initiative that ensures everyone in the business is being developed, invested in and working to their greatest ability.”

Richard Gray, Bridging Finance Solutions

Wirral-based Bridging Finance Solutions (BFS) has announced the appointment of Richard Gray as its new regional business manager.

Richard, who has a financial background and previously worked in a similar role with a finance ‘packaging’ business, will focus on the North.

He said of his appointment: “I’m very comfortable working within this sector having held various positions with financial companies since leaving university. My former role was with a financial packaging business and so the shift to working directly for a lender is a really positive move for me.

“Whilst dealing with clients directly and passing on those additional cost savings, I will also continue to develop relationships with accountants, solicitors and brokers who are increasingly recognising the many benefits bridging can offer.”

He continued: “Now is a really exciting time to be working within the bridging industry and BFS is a business that is enjoying real growth, particularly within the past three years which is in sync with a general upturn in the UK property market.

“People are now looking to property once again as a great investment or an opportunity to make fast money and whilst high street lending can still be challenging, bridging can often be the key that unlocks potential deals.”

BFS’ managing director, Steve Barber, commented: “Richard is a young and ambitious individual who has already gained much experience and knowledge of our industry.

“He’s clearly ready for a fresh challenge and there is huge scope and potential at Bridging Financial Solutions to grow and develop professionally. We look forward to welcoming him on board.”

Graham Bell, Gregory Philips and Peter Williamson, Condy Lofthouse

Liverpool architects Condy Lofthouse (CLA) has promoted three members of its team to associate level.

The promoted staff are:

  • Residential design specialist Graham Bell, who has been with the company since 2007
  • Greg Phillips, who joined CLA in 2003 and leads on the firm’s projects designing healthcare villages
  • Pete Williamson, who has worked at CLA for almost nine years and specialises in the design of mental health care facilities

The business currently employs a team of 34 at its HQ in the Connect Business Village, in Liverpool’s north docklands.

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