This week’s North West appointments

Paul Dean and Ryan Beggs, Ralph Capper Interiors

Manchester-based furniture consultancy Ralph Capper Interiors (RCI) has announced two new hires.

The company expanded its Architects and Designers (A&D) offer with the appointment of Paul Dean and Ryan Beggs as consultants.

Ryan, who studied Interior Architecture and Design at Leeds Beckett University, joined RCI from 5plus Architects.

Paul previously worked for Penketh Group, where he was a workplace consultant.

Ryan said: “The role really excites me. To join such a well-established, truly independent consultancy that also boasts such a great style aesthetic is a rare opportunity.

“I am looking forward to exploring new briefs and concepts, offering a bespoke service to interior designers and architects in a way that helps progress RCI’s offering even further.”

Paul commented: “I’m delighted to join such a forward-thinking consultancy. My career history in the art and design industry, coupled with my invaluable experience in psychotherapy, allows me to approach projects with a unique eye and a true understanding of collaborative working.”

Emma Bennett, RCI’s interiors director, said of the appointments: “We work in harmony with architects and designers precisely because we understand the pressures and challenges they face, which makes Paul and Ryan a perfect fit for our team because of their combined experience and expertise.

“Both apply a bespoke approach to every project, bringing each and every A&D’s vision to life. 2017 has already proved to be an important year for us, and these two key hires reflects both our ever-increasing client base, and our ambitions for the future.”

Brian Bowers, The Engineering College

The Engineering College in Merseyside has expanded its team of technical tutors with the appointment of experienced welding specialist Brian Bowers.

As a Welding, Fabrication and Pipefitting Tutor, Brian will be responsible for training new apprentices at the college.

Brian began his career in Birkenhead on an apprenticeship with Cammell Laird Shipbuilders Ltd from 1983 to 1987, when he worked as a welder on submarines and warships.

Since then, he has worked with a number of other UK manufacturers, including BAE Systems and Airbus-UK.

Brian, who also works as a metalsmith and vehicle mechanic with the Army Reserves, said: “It’s terrific to be back on Merseyside working at the Engineering College. Having started my career around the corner at Cammell Laird’s shipyard in the 1980s I feel I have come full circle.

“My apprenticeship was a great time in my life and the heritage of shipbuilding and industry in this area is second to none.”

He continued: “I have a keen desire to pass on the knowledge I have gained my 30 plus years in industry and teach a new generation of engineers what it takes to be successful and help the industry thrive.”

Terry Weston, CEO of the Engineering College, commented: “Brian brings with him a wealth of experience both through his time at some of the UK’s most respected engineering businesses and his long service in the Army Reserves.

“His practical knowledge of route to success as well as the pitfalls engineers come across will guide this new generation. We welcome Brian and look forward to the positive impact he will have on the college.”

James Gilbert, Napthens

Law firm Napthens has appointed a new employment law adviser in its Employment & HR team.

At Napthens, James Gilbert will advise clients on a range of employment matters, including drafting contracts, policies and company handbooks, in addition to employment tribunal litigations and discrimination, disciplinary and grievance issues.

He holds a degree in Law from the University of Salford and has experience across various sectors, particularly in health and social care.

Napthens’ head of employment and HR, Chris Boyle, said: “James is a great addition to the team, with experience our clients will find very useful across the board.”

Mike Alty, BDB

Marketing communications consultancy BDB has taken on Mike Alty in the role of account director.

Mike has 10 years of experience in food, agriculture, packaging and biosciences, with previous posts including positions with agencies TBWA, Gyro and BJL. Most recently, his work saw him deliver integrated marketing activity for several international companies, including agribusiness Tate & Lyle and US conglomerate DuPont.

Following his appointment, Mike will lead a number of BDB’s flagship accounts across the medical education and packaging industries.

He said: “Joining BDB was an easy decision, because of its excellent reputation as a leading B2B consultancy and impressive client base.

“Since starting, I have been struck by the team’s positive culture and wide range of experience and knowledge. I’m looking forward to contributing to the consultancy’s continued growth.”

BDB’s managing director, Matt Smith, said: “To reflect our year of extraordinary growth and new business wins, we are hiring exceptional people to ensure we provide a first-class service to our growing international client base.

“Mike brings a wealth of B2B experience, particularly in advanced campaign planning, which will support our role as a strategic consultancy.”

He added: “I’m delighted to welcome Mike to the team at such an exciting time for BDB.”

Image: Eu Weng Ang, Daniele Nardone, Bharat Tripathi, Charlotte Fuller and Anna Line

Six appointments, Fletcher-Rae

Architecture firm Fletcher-Rae has recruited six new members of staff to join its expanding team in Manchester.

Bharat Tripathi, Charlotte Fuller and Eu Weng Ang have all taken on the role of architecture assistant.

Also joining the firm are Daniele Nardone as a fully qualified architect, Luka Paliulionyte as a Part 1 architect and Anna Line as practice secretary.

Fletcher-Rae is now looking to fill a number of further positions, including student apprentice.

Paul Monk, Faith in Nature

Natural beauty products manufacturer Faith in Nature has appointed a new chairman.

Paul Monk, a grocery retail specialist, will work with the company’s management team to take it forward both nationally and internationally.

His career spans senior management positions with food brands Mars, Golden Wonder, Finsbury Foods, Quorn and Burtons Biscuits, as well as retailer M&S.

Paul said: “This is a brand with a reputable name and a rich heritage. Faith in Nature is perfectly poised to maximise the opportunities being created from the interest and desire of consumers to live more natural lives and therefore actively seeking out natural beauty products.

“I am very much looking forward to working with the team during this exciting period of innovation and development.”

Managing director Joy Parkinson commented: “We are currently reviewing all aspects of the business and brand development.

“Paul’s knowledge and expertise will be a huge asset to Faith in Nature and I very much look forward to working closely with him on driving the future growth of the company.”

20 promotions and four appointments, Keoghs

Bolton-headquartered law firm Keoghs has announced a raft of appointments and internal promotions.

Ben Leech and Heather Ford have been made partners.

Ben has over 10 years’ experience dealing with fraudulent claims. Heather heads up Keoghs’ property recoveries team.

Elsewhere, Keoghs promoted the following to the role of associate: Liam Murphy, Stuart Hunt, Marsha Godwin, Rebecca Williams, Bill Dunkerley, Charlotte Smith, John Feely, Nicola Bignell, Sunil Kler, Margaret McQuaid, Gemma Wilkinson, Ian Toft, Jessica Swire, Matt Wheeler, Kiren Sunner, Stephen Holmes, Craig Johnson and Jennifer Sherbourne.

The firm also made four new appointments this month; Marise Gellert joined the company as a partner, while Gemma Rush, Nina Dhillon and Laura Baxendale have all been appointed as associates.

Keoghs chief exec John Whittle said: “A huge congratulations to all those at Keoghs who have earned promotion this year.

“We pride ourselves on aiding the development of our people, and all 20 new partners and associates have worked incredibly hard to help Keoghs maintain its status as a leader in its field.”