This week’s North West appointments

Four appointments, AHOY

AHOY, the Manchester-based creative branding agency, has added four new faces to its team.

Tom Heaton has taken up the role of creative director. He previously worked for three years as the creative director of digital marketing firm DS.Emotion’s Manchester office.

Matt Smith joins AHOY as account director from creative and marketing recruitment agency Byte Resources, which he founded. His experience includes roles with branding agency True North in Manchester and London-based Design Bridge.

Tom and Matt are joined by Lorrie Hartshorn, AHOY’s newest copywriter, and front-end developer Matthew Mcclatchie.

Mark Stringer, the agency’s managing director, said: “It’s been really refreshing process. Historically, we have had a very low turnover of staff but, with some managers moving on, it’s allowed me to approach people who have been on my radar for a while.

“It has also allowed more junior staff to successfully step forward into more prominent roles in the agency. With a number of new client wins in the bag, and amazing new work coming out of the studio, the confidence is incredibly high.”

Mick Rowbottom, Dunlop Heywood

Manchester-based chartered surveyors Dunlop Heywood has appointed Mick Rowbottom to lead its Energy & Renewables division.

Director Mick, former VOA valuation head, has worked in the energy and renewables sector for over 27 years, having been involved in various mining projects across Europe and Africa.

Dunlop Heywood director Stuart Hicks said: “Energy security remains a key challenge for the UK in what is a changing political and statutory environment.

“Having someone of Mick’s calibre join the team will provide invaluable expertise for our growing list of renewable clients.”

Mick commented: “Throughout my career I’ve been fortunate enough to build up a portfolio of knowledge and expertise via working for some excellent organisations in varied environments.

“I’m delighted to be bringing that experience to Dunlop Heywood and I’m looking forward to building the Energy & Renewables division into a UK industry leader.”

Jerome Muir, Gray Scanlan Hill

Building surveying practice Gray Scanlan Hill has announced the appointment of Jerome Muir.

Jerome has joined the Manchester-based company’s neighbourly matters team, which provides advice on rights of light, daylight and sunlight amenity, party walls and access to land.

A chartered building surveyor, Jerome has joined the company from The University of Manchester, where he worked for two and a half years. Prior to that, he spent four years with property firm Bruntwood as a building surveyor.

Gray Scanlan Hill director Mike Scanlan said: “Our neighbourly matters expertise is well respected in the sector and our clients know they’re in good hands.

“Increased development activity has seen our workload grow and Jerome’s addition to the team is crucial to maintaining the high quality service levels that we guarantee our longstanding clients.”

Jerome commented: “Gray Scanlan Hill’s expertise in party wall, rights of light and neighbourly matters is well established in the region.

“The role is provides me with a fantastic opportunity to specialise in these niche areas working alongside Mike Scanlan.”

He continued: “I will get the chance to work with some impressive property development clients on complex projects where Gray Scanlan Hill’s strategic technical advice adds real value.”

Four appointments, BDB

Marketing communications company BDB has strengthened its team with four new appointments.

Laura Stoker has joined the agency as an account manager and previously worked for Refresh PR. She has a degree in English Literature and experience working in food and drink, construction, manufacturing and various other sectors.

Megan Cutts, appointed from Triangle PR, has taken on the role of account executive. Megan’s experience covers sectors such as insurance, technology and social care.

Lucy Brice is BDB’s new technical content manager. Having previously worked with BDB for more than three years, Lucy is rejoining the company to provide specified copywriting across each of its accounts and platforms.

Alex Calder has been chosen for the position of finance manager. Alex previously worked for Critical Mass, a London-based digital agency, and has a Masters degree in finance.

BDB’s managing director, Matt Smith, said: “I’m delighted with the quality of recruits we continue to attract at BDB. Our phenomenal growth and dedication to continued personal development means the talent in our ranks continues to soar and is truly unrivalled in the agency world.”

Nigel Gloudon, NHS Transformation Unit

NHS Transformation Unit, a specialist organisation championing strategic change in health and care, has announced a senior appointment.

As the unit’s new director of transformation, Nigel Gloudon will work to ensure the organisation’s change programmes are effectively managed .

Nigel previously served as NHS England’s head of finance for Cheshire and Merseyside.

He said: “Our national health service is a wonderful institution, but is required to perform and deliver better. This role allows me to demonstrate my deep passion for and commitment to the NHS by helping to shape and implement the change that is needed.

“The NHS Transformation Unit is operating in a space traditionally filled by very well-established names like Deloitte, PwC, KPMG and Ernst & Young, but we have a different approach.”

He continued: “Importantly, we have many of the highly skilled change capabilities that our private sector counterparts possess. The critical difference with the NHS Transformation Unit however, is the support we provide beyond the advisory process, working with NHS organisations in the practical implementation of transformation, thereby taking a stake in their success.

“Crucially, this also helps the NHS to grow organically the capabilities required to sustain transformational change, thus helping to deliver first class service improvement for patients.”

The NHS Transformation Unit’s chief executive, Leila Williams, commented: “Nigel has a wealth of knowledge and extensive experience across a number of areas, including in NHS financial recovery, working with NHS boards, audit committees and other management tiers on a range of issues including organisational change and corporate governance.

“His expertise from working in similar roles at Deloitte and PwC is enhanced by his key position at NHS England, giving him key insights into health policy development and high level stakeholder engagement.”

She added: “We are delighted to have him and expect him to make a big impact on our work while helping to keep our talented transformation professionals working in the public sector.”

Nicholas Berry, Your Legal Friend

Birkenhead law firm Your Legal Friend has appointed Nicholas Berry as a solicitor and manager for its Accidents & Illnesses Abroad department.

Nick has 20 years’ experience in law, having previously worked for firms such as MRH Solicitors, Russell Jones & Walker and Thompsons Solicitors.

With Your Legal Friend, Nick will oversee a team focused on recovering compensation for holidaymakers who have been the victims of illnesses and accidents while abroad.

The firm’s head of personal injury, Alison Saul, said: “Nick is highly experienced in his field and will help us maintain the department’s performance and growth.

“This can be a particularly complex area of litigation due to the logistics of gathering evidence from all over the world and the associated linguistic and legal challenges.”

She added: “It takes a persistent and professional approach to deliver the best results for clients, so we’re pleased to add Nick’s expertise and leadership to our talented team.”

Nick commented: “I’m proud to be joining a firm that’s making a name for itself across a number of specialist areas of litigation.

“The chance to bring the skills I’ve developed over the years was something that I couldn’t turn down, and I’m lucky to be leading a highly focused and committed team.”

Andrew Clare, DAC Beachcroft

Law firm DAC Beachcroft LLP has appointed Andrew Clare as a legal director in its Manchester-based corporate team.

Prior to joining DAC Beachcroft, Andrew spent three years in Tokyo, where he served as senior legal counsel for professional services company Accenture.

His experience also includes roles with the corporate finance teams of several US firms, including Squire Patton Boggs, Latham & Watkins and Baker & McKenzie.

Having spent a number of years studying and working in Japan, Andrew has particular expertise in advising Japanese businesses and is able to work in the language.

Commenting on Andrew’s appointment, DAC Beachcroft corporate partner Paul Ellaby said: “I am delighted to welcome Andrew to the firm and we look forward to working with him.

“Our Northern Corporate group has performed strongly over the past 18 months and is going from strength to strength.”

He added: “Andrew’s specialist skill-set coupled with his knowledge of global markets make him an exciting new addition to the team and will enhance our capability in the technology sector, which is a key focus.”

Image L-R: Andrea Fairweather, Leanne Malseed, Chris Bolton, Jennifer Gadsdon and Stephanie Costich

Five appointments, Birchall Blackburn Law

Birchall Blackburn Law, the North West law firm, has announced five senior promotions.

Three associates have been promoted to partner. Andrea Fairweather, of the company’s Manchester-based residential property team; Chris Bolton, from the Preston-based personal injury team; and Leanne Malseed, of the private client team in Southport.

Birchall Blackburn Law has also promoted Jennifer Gadsdon from the specialist property team in Leyland and Stephanie Costich of the Preston-based specialist property team to associate solicitor.

Partner Cathy MacCracken said: “These promotions are part of the firm’s ongoing strategic plan to help develop our people.

“They have all worked extremely hard in their respective fields, made a significant contribution to the firm and embody our core values. It’s great to see them progressing their careers with us.”

Andrea, who has worked with the firm for 11 years, commented: “I work closely with our teams in relation to training and development, it’s essential to give our clients clear and up to date advice.

“This promotion is a great opportunity to further shape and refine the service for our clients.”

Stephanie, who joined Birchall Blackburn Law two years ago, said: “My clients are most often private individuals and companies, I advise on a range of unusual transactions.

“Being appointed associate solicitor is a great chance to advance in this niche area of the law.”