This week’s North West appointments

Seven appointments, Aaron & Partners

Chester law firm Aaron & Partners LLP has announced seven promotions.

Commercial lawyer David Mann has been made a partner within the practice’s dispute resolution and insolvency team.

He said: “It’s a real honour to be made a partner. Aaron & Partners is going from strength to strength and I look forward to playing my part in an exciting future.”

The company also appointed two new senior associate solicitors – planning and environmental specialist Keith McKinney and commercial property solicitor Iwan Williams.

The following have been promoted to the role of associate: Susie Allen (employment), Aaron Vandermark (corporate and commercial), Beth Sales (real estate) and Bryony Cook (dispute resolution and insolvency).

Simon Edwards, senior partner at Aaron & Partners, said of the appointments: “We’ve built a fantastic team at Aaron & Partners and every one of the individuals being promoted has played a key role in driving our success during their time with us.

“We are passionate about giving our own people the chance to develop within our firm, as we believe attracting and retaining the very best people is the best way to grow.”

He added: “These promotions demonstrate our commitment to providing the high quality service that Aaron & Partners is known for and that our clients demand.”

Sir Nigel Knowles and Asima Rana, DWF

Law firm DWF has announced two key appointments in its senior team.

The company made Sir Nigel Knowles (pictured), a former partner at DLA Piper, its new chairman.

He worked for DLA Piper for close to 40 years before stepping down last year and is taking over the role from Alan Benzie.

Sir Nigel, who was knighted in 2009 for services to the legal sector, said: “DWF’s approach is exciting and fresh, their focus has been and continues to be centred on their clients – and anyone who knows me understands that for me, it’s all about the clients.”

DWF’s managing partner and CEO, Andrew Leaitherland, commented: “Over the past few years, we have laid the foundations to create something completely different in the legal market for our clients and Sir Nigel Knowles is the perfect chairman to help us take this forward as we develop our business – Sir Nigel is a very natural fit for DWF.”

Elsewhere, DWF appointed Asima Rana as a director in its Manchester-based commercial litigation team.

Joining the company from TLT Solicitors, where she was a senior associate in the technology and IP team, Asima has over 15 years’ experience in all aspects of intellectual property litigation.

DWF’s national head of commercial litigation, Joel Heap, said of Asima’s appointment: “With her legal expertise and commercially-focused approach, Asima will be a strong addition to our team as we look to expand our litigation practice both here in the UK and across our international locations.

“Her expertise in technology and retail, in particular, will allow us to continue expanding our client base in those target sectors, and we look forward to having her on board.”

David Baker, Steven Grindley and Robert Diggle, Eddisons

Property consultancy Eddisons has hired three directors from the Liverpool office of rival firm LSH.

David Baker, who headed up LSH’s Liverpool office and valuations team, has over 25 years’ experience in the North West, where he has provided strategic advice to banks, property companies and developers.

Valuations director Steven Grindley, meanwhile, has more than 35 years’ experience working in commercial property valuation across the North. He specialises in the education and charity sectors.

The pair are joined by Robert Diggle, who has worked in commercial property for over 20 years.

Eddisons’ head of banking and valuations, Anthony Spencer, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome three talented surveyors to Eddisons in Liverpool.

“With a great reputation in the city and across the North West, between them they have built up over 75 years of property industry experience.”

He continued: “They bring a wealth of expertise to our valuations and agency teams at a time when we are extending our reach across the UK.

“The announcement supports our wider growth plans and enhances our ability to offer unrivalled regional knowledge on a national scale.”

Lee May, Charlie Granby and Matty Daniels, Zut

Liverpool-headquartered video agency Zut has taken on three new members of staff.

Lee May joined Zut as head of head of design, a newly created role. He previously worked for Everton Football Club and has 15 years’ experience in design.

Editor Matty Daniels, who joined Zut from Design and Trade, has four years of experience.

Charlie Granby was hired for the role of production assistant after graduating in Film, TV and Digital Production from Royal Holloway University of London.

Alan Gaffney, managing director of Zut, said: “As the agency continues to grow, we are delighted to be able to bring new talent into the team.

“Lee’s strong design background will really enhance the creative team, while Matty is an extremely talented editor and Charlie is a bright graduate who demonstrates a clear passion for the industry.”

He added: “I am confident that the skills and experience they bring will be a real asset to the business and our growing portfolio of clients.”

Mark Nicholson, Forrest

North West building firm Forrest has appointed a new CEO.

Mark Nicholson, who will head up the Bolton-based company from October 9, previously worked for 10 years as the managing director of building for Carillion plc’s operations in Scotland, the North, Midlands and South West.

Forrest chairman Bob Holt said: “Mark is a leading name with a distinguished reputation within the industry. His leadership ability, combined with his focus on client service, will drive the next chapter at Forrest.

“This is a truly exciting time for the business and we welcome him onboard.”

Mark commented: “My new appointment at Forrest is a fantastic opportunity in my career. Forrest has a major order book in construction, an established brand in refurbishment and an exciting energy service offering, a combination which is unique and offers a really exciting future for the company.

“Forrest has recently completed a major turnaround and I look forward to leading the business, supported by the board and the new management team, into the next stage of its growth and development.”

Damian Masters, Urban Vision

Urban Vision, the joint venture partnership between Salford City Council, professional services firm Capita and construction company Galliford Try, has appointed Damian Masters as strategic property director.

With over 20 years’ experience as a chartered surveyor, Damian joined Urban Vision from a property consultancy he founded in 2014.

In his new role, Damian will initially advise on, support and negotiate a range of council-led projects at strategic geographies, including Salford Central, and the rejuvenation of town centres across the region.

Damian said: “I have always enjoyed working as a conduit between the public and private sectors, looking at innovative and new solutions to property and regeneration challenges. I look forward to supporting Salford City Council as well as providing strategic property advice to help further regenerate the city.

“I am relishing what lies ahead in continuing the excellent work and progress that Urban Vision has made over the past 12 years.”

Urban Vision’s partnership director, Barry Pilkington, commented: “Damian’s appointment to the partnership will not only further strengthen our property expertise and capability, but it will significantly support Salford City Council with their growth agenda.

“I look forward to supporting Damian to provide Salford with a more strategic property voice across the Greater Manchester devolved region.”

James Long, Extreme Low Energy

Extreme Low Energy (ELe), the Skelmersdale-headquartered energy technology company, has hired a product designer.

Newcomer James Long has been brought on board to enhance the consumer appeal of ELe’s products by improving their appearance, packaging and ergonomics.

Mark Buchanan, ELe’s director and founder, said: “It’s pleasing to bring such a skilled creative into the team.

“James will focus on shaping how ELe products look, feel, function and, ultimately, how they are delivered to clients and consumers.”

James, who graduated with a First-class honours degree from Brunel University, commented: “It’s an exciting challenge to join a business involved in the burgeoning field of low energy technologies.

“I am determined to develop attractive, reliable and sustainable product solutions for ELe and its customers.”

Jakob Sigurdsson, Victrex plc

Polymer solutions firm Victrex plc has appointed a new CEO.

Jakob Sigurdsson, who joined the company on September 4 as CEO-designate, will take the helm on October 1 when outbound CEO Dave Hummel steps down after 24 years in the role.

Larry Pentz, chairman of the Thornton Cleveleys-headquartered firm, said: “I am delighted that Jakob has joined Victrex.

“With his track record of making markets and delivering growth, the board believes he is a strong fit for Victrex, as we focus on executing our polymer, forms and parts strategy over the coming years.”