This week’s North West appointments

Alice Parker and Ian Mellor, Pozzoni Architecture

Architecture firm Pozzoni has promoted project architects Alice Parker and Ian Mellor to associates.

Both have been at the practice for just over two years. Alice works predominantly on projects in the education sector, while Ian works on the design of care, extra-care and retirement-living developments.

Alice said: “There have been many challenges over the past two years and I’ve really enjoyed such a steep learning curve.

“From continuing my work on rewarding educational schemes, through to complex medical planning for Nuffield Health, I’ve been given fantastic opportunities to develop my knowledge and skills.”

She added: “In my new role, I intend to continue to learn about the business and support Pozzoni’s design ambitions for the future.”

Ian, who has an active role in Pozzoni’s Academy to support students ranging from sixth form through to university level, commented: “The academy is becoming stronger year on year and it’s great to be a part of nurturing the architectural talent of the future.

“Our team recognises the benefits of employing year out students and the fresh perspective they can bring to projects.”

He added: “It’s a part of my role I really enjoy and I hope to further develop the practice’s reputation for design and new ideas.”

Pozzoni director Nigel Saunders believes the promotions reflect a trajectory of growth for the Manchester- and London-based company.

He continued: “With recent new client wins and current major projects including Manchester’s new Nuffield Hospital, the Village 135 senior living community, the Manchester Enterprise Academy, along with a diverse range of major developments across the country it’s a really exciting time for us.

“We’re all really pleased to see Alice and Ian progress and I’d like to congratulate them both on their success.”

Alex Crane, Stagecoach

Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire has appointed a new operations director in its Liverpool management team.

Newly promoted Alex Crane formerly worked as operations manager at three different Stagecoach businesses.

Starting out with Stagecoach as a trainee driver in 1998, Alex went on to complete the Stagecoach staff development scheme and secured his first managerial role at Preston.

As operations director, he will be based at Stagecoach’s Merseyside and South Lancashire business, where he will be responsible for overseeing operations across four depots.

Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire MD Rob Jones said: “We’re delighted to be promoting Alex to this pivotal role within the business.

“He is someone who has grown with the business from trainee level and proven himself time and time again as an exceptional manager.”

He added: “We’re delighted that he has decded to further his career with Stagecoach and offer our team the benefit of his expertise and the knowledge that he has accumulated over his years with us.”

Commenting on his promotion, Alex said: “I’m pleased and proud to be taking the next step with Stagecoach, it is a fantastic business and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my journey with the company over the last 19 years.

“I’m looking forward to supporting Rob and working closely with our team to continue to drive the business forward and deliver great results.”

Jonathon Crook, Gorvins Solicitors

Gorvins solicitors has announced the appointment of a new partner.

Cambridge graduate Jonathon Crook, who has joined the Stockport-based company’s commercial litigation team, previously worked as a partner with several international law firms both in the UK and Hong Kong.

Over the years, Jonathon has acted for clients involved in disputes in various Asian jurisdictions, including the Middle East, China and India.

While he has experience in all areas of commercial litigation – from advising shareholders in family-owned businesses to representing multinationals in cross-border disputes – Jonathon specialises in claims arising from the sale of financial products and other investments to businesses and individuals.

Gorvins’ managing partner, Martin Hoare, said: “Jonathon’s appointment is a very exciting development for Gorvins, he adds a wealth of experience and expertise.

“His appointment further reinforces our mission to provide the very best legal services to the SME business community and to our private clients!”

Jonathon commented: “I’m delighted to be joining join Gorvins as the firm shares my philosophy of providing commercial, efficient and cost effective advice.

“I’m also joining at the start of what is likely to be unpredictable few years for businesses who trade with the rest of the world and especially within Europe and who will increasingly need advice and support from lawyers with international experience.”

Andy Calvert, UD Group

Manchester-based software developer UD Group has appointed Andy Calvert as chief technical officer.

Andy, who brings technical expertise and product management experience to his new role, previously founded and served as technical director of software companies Cloud Affinity and iCritical.

With UD Group, Andy will oversee the development of the firm’s software as it expands into new markets both in the UK and overseas.

UD Group’s managing director, Steve Armitage, said of the appointment: “As we look to build on the exceptional growth of the business over the last 12 months, it is important that we have the structure in place to ensure our solutions remain ahead of the game in the market.

“Andy’s experience is going to be invaluable as we adapt our already strong suite of solutions and bring innovative, new software to market.”

Dan Burn, db symmetry

Property firm db symmetry has announced the appointment of Dan Burn as its new development director.

Dan has joined the company after working for 16 years at international property agency JLL.

During the last four years, Dan served as head of the North West industrial and logistics team at JLL, advising clients such as Miller Developments, Harworth Group and Peel Logistics.

The role saw him lead on a number of high profile schemes in the region, including Omega in Warrington, Bolton’s Logistics North and Airport City in Manchester.

Dan will now be based at db symmetry’s office in Manchester, where he will work on projects such as Ma6nitude in Middlewich and be involved in new strategic development opportunities.

db symmetry director Andrew Dickman said of the appointment: “Dan needs no introduction.

“His impressive track record and high reputation, having worked at senior level in one of the UK’s most respected agencies, will further strengthen our team at management level and his appointment reinforces our commitment to the long-term development plan we have in place.”

Dan commented: “This is a rare opportunity to join a well-funded and highly capable firm, and was simply one I couldn’t turn down.

“I believe my skills and experience of working with both institutional investors and occupiers will complement and add to the strong team that is already there.”

Gill Galassi, Swinton Insurance

Manchester insurance broker Swinton Insurance has appointed Gill Galassi as its head of PR.

Reporting to marketing director Anne Kirk in the newly created role, Gill will be responsible for driving Swinton’s corporate reputation and brand awareness.

Gill has over 15 years’ experience in the delivery of communications strategies in the retail, insurance and telecoms sectors, including 10 years with insurer RSA, pharma giant Well Pharmacy and manufacturer PZ Cussons.

Gill, who holds a degree in public relations, said: “This is a really exciting time to be joining Swinton, as the business celebrates its 60th anniversary later this year and moves to its brand new head office at 101 Embankment in Manchester city centre.

“My focus will be to enhance and protect the brand across multiple channels, with an increased focus on local and digital platforms. I’m really looking forward to the challenge.”

Anne Kirk commented: “Gill brings a wealth of experience to this new role and gives us further focus and capability to deliver on our plans for future growth.

“The market, technology and our customers’ expectations continue to change rapidly. We’re investing in our marketing function and looking to bring the best talent into our business in order to embrace these opportunities.”

She added: “Gill’s appointment is a great example of this.”

Julie Hunter and Neil Marshall, Stephensons

Law firm Stephensons has added two new faces to its growing Manchester-based commercial law team.

Commercial litigation expert Julie Hunter and Neil Marshall, who specialises in corporate finance and business development, have joined the 30-strong team.

Julie was previously a partner at law firm Bermans, where she worked for 24 years handling commercial litigation and dispute resolution matters for various financial institutions.

Neil, meanwhile, has brought more than 30 years’ experience in the commercial banking sector, primarily with NatWest and the Royal Bank of Scotland, to his new role.

Prior to joining Stephensons, Neil provided support to growing businesses with a number of commercial transactions.

He said: “As the needs of clients become more and more sophisticated it is important for commercial law firms to diversify and offer services other than purely legal support.

“I am excited by the opportunity to work within Stephensons’ excellent legal team bringing my experience of brokering complex transactions in the commercial banking sector.”

He added: “I am looking forward to helping Stephensons work ever closer with existing and new clients along their journey of growth, helping them to achieve their aspirations.”

Julie said of her appointment: “Stephensons has an enviable breadth of specialisms and is rightly recognised as a leading legal advisor to the business community.

“Having the resources and profile of a full-service law firm to draw upon provides an excellent opportunity to further grow the firm’s commercial practice and provide an even greater range of services to clients.”

Stephensons’ head of commercial, Jonathan Chadwick (pictured above right), said of the newcomers: “Each brings added strength to our team of advisors in the North West.”

“Julie is a well-regarded lawyer with a solid background in commercial and financial legal work. Neil is a unique addition to a corporate team, adding to our value proposition.”

Tracy Barton, Well Pharmacy

National pharmacy chain Well has appointed a new retail stores director.

Tracy Barton joined Well as HR director in March 2015 and became the firm’s interim retail stores director in October 2016.

Prior to starting at Well, Tracy worked for three years as head of people and then senior director of organisational effectiveness at Asda. Before that, she served as the human resources and trading law director at One Stop Stores Ltd.

In total, Tracy has over 15 years’ senior experience in the retail sector.

Working at Well’s Manchester HQ and reporting directly to chief exec John Nuttall, Tracy will work to improve on the quality of service that Well delivers across 780 stores.

Commenting on her appointment, she said: “I’m looking forward to continuing in my position as retail stores director.

“When first acting in the role, I dedicated time to working in store to help me to fully understand what it is like for our colleagues and our customers.”

She continued: “Based on insights obtained from this experience, we implemented a ‘Simpler for Stores’ programme at Well, which focuses on reducing, simplifying, and where possible, removing tasks from our stores, so that more time can be spent supporting our customers.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to work with colleagues to maintain Well pharmacy’s high standards and further improve our offering to new and existing customers across the country.”

Well CEO John Nuttall said: “Tracy’s track record of bringing forward improvements to services, as well as her reputation for developing relations with staff and stakeholders, were key reasons for her permanent appointment to the role as retail stores director.

“Her exceptional leadership skills, deep knowledge of consumer retail, and proven track record of execution and operational excellence, made Tracy an obvious choice.”

He added: “Tracy’s experience, enthusiasm and passion for colleagues and customers is already helping to transform our stores to provide the healthcare of the future.”