This week’s North West appointments

James Fitzgibbon and Alexandra Keane, Squire Patton Boggs

Legal practice Squire Patton Boggs has appointed a new partner.

James Fitzgibbon, who joined the company from the Manchester office of professional services giant PwC, has more than 10 years’ experience in corporate finance.

He focuses primarily on private equity, M&As, joint venture work and corporate structuring.

The company has also appointed Alexandra Keane as a corporate associate. Alexandra previously worked for law firm Fieldfisher.

The head of the Squire Patton Boggs’ Manchester-based corporate team, Giles Chesher, said: “James is well-known within the corporate finance sector in the North, with a particularly strong reputation amongst the private equity community.

“He is a perfect fit with our existing team and his arrival, alongside new associate Alexandra, will make us one of the largest corporate practices in the North, working hand in glove with our Leeds practice.”

Nils Bings, DWF

Manchester-headquartered law firm DWF has appointed Nils Bings in the role of partner.

Following his appointment, Nils’ remit will include building and managing the company’s regulatory compliance and investigations sector operation in Cologne, with a focus on food and consumer products.

Nils previously worked for Vossius & Partner, where he managed this sector first in Munich, and then in Dusseldorf from 2015.

DWF’s head of retail, food and hospitality, Hilary Ross, said: “We are delighted that Nils has joined our team.

“He has extensive experience in supporting high profile retail, food and gastronomy clients in Germany and Europe – a key jurisdiction for our international clients. His hire reflects our client’s needs and our commitment to providing the highest quality of support to our clients in this sector.”

Nils said of his appointment: “Together with the renowned team around Hilary Ross, we are able to offer first-class advice in the regulatory and food sector to our clients in Germany and beyond. DWF with its international network and young, dynamic approach provides ideal conditions for this.”

Marena Mondair, DTM Legal

DTM Legal, the North West law firm, has bolstered its Liverpool office with a new trainee solicitor.

Marena Mondair will support DTM Legal’s Liverpool team across its specialist departments, initially in Dispute Resolution.

She joined the company in 2016 as a paralegal but was promoted upon completing an 18-month training programme.

Before DTM Legal, Marena worked as a business law executive with Riverview Law.

Jim Morris, DTM Legal’s head of dispute resolution, said: “As DTM Legal continues to expand its presence in Liverpool, this latest promotion indicates our commitment to investing in our staff and rewarding their hard work.

“The Liverpool office is continuing to go from strength to strength and Marena’s promotion to trainee solicitor is an encouraging sign of the growth and increased workload we are experiencing.”

He continued: “Since joining DTM Legal, Marena has proven to be a fantastic addition to the Liverpool team and we are thrilled to see her progress within the business. We look forward to supporting Marena as she develops the next stage of her career with us.”

Paul Locker, Moore and Smalley

Accountancy firm Moore and Smalley has taken on Paul Locker as a corporate services director.

Joining the company from Rushtons Chartered Accountants, where he worked for two years as head of audit, Paul’s work with Moore and Smalley will see him providing audit services and business advice to a portfolio of clients across Lancashire and Cumbria.

Moore and Smalley audit partner Tracey Johnson said: “Paul has a wealth of experience and will be a trusted adviser to our clients.

“His appointment further strengthens our senior team as we continue building for the future.”

Paul (pictured above left with managing partner Graham Gordon) commented: “It’s clear that Moore and Smalley is a forward-thinking company and its commitment to client service impressed me.

“Having watched the business consistently grow, I can see that my sector expertise suits the firm’s clients well.”

Emma Aldington and Spencer Haizel, Limely

Web agency Limely has welcomed two new faces to its team.

The Chester-based company appointed Spencer Haizel in the role of front-end developer and Emma Aldington as a creative writer.

With a resident content writer now on board, Limely has expanded its offering to include content writing and social media management alongside its web design and development services.

Adam Forshaw, director of Limely, said of the expansion: “We’re excited to broaden our horizons once more, and truly offer something fresh to both new and existing clients.”

Image L-R: Sandra Crichton, Nick Johnson and Alison Butler

Alison Butler and Sandra Crichton, Glaisyers

Manchester law firm Glaisyers has made two key hires.

Alison Butler, who joined the company’s commercial litigation team, specialises in corporate and personal insolvency.

She has more than 15 years of experience and is a member of the Association of Business Recovery Professionals.

Sandra Crichton, meanwhile, joined Glaisyers’ corporate team from Huddersfield firm Eaton Smith, where she was a partner.

Mergers and acquisitions, reorganisations and joint ventures are among Sandra’s specialisms.

Joint managing partner Nick Johnson said of the appointments: “We’re delighted to welcome Alison and Sandra to the team, they both bring exceptional and valuable experience to the business which they will bring to bear for our clients.”

Victoria Daly and Thomas Chappell, Tosca Debt Capital

Manchester-based Northern debt fund Tosca Debt Capital (TDC) has welcomed two senior recruits to its team.

Victoria Daly (pictured), TDC’s new portfolio director, worked at Lloyds Banking Group for seven years, during which time she rose to the position of director of strategic debt finance.

She has 16 years’ corporate advisory and lending experience.

Thomas Chappell has joined TDC in the role of investment analyst. Thomas’ experience since he trained in EY’s Capital and Debt Advisory team has covered debt-related corporate finance transactions such as acquisition and growth capital raising and refinance.

TDC partner Richard Williams said: “Vicki and Tom have fantastic credentials and proven track records in the corporate finance and banking markets.

“Their experience will be a real asset to TDC as we continue to build our portfolio with solid investments and confirms our commitment to building a skilled team focused on the regional market and its growing business community.”

Helen Davies, CLB Coopers

North West accountancy and advisory firm CLB Coopers has announced a new appointment.

The company hired Helen Davies as a senior manager in its audit and assurance team.

Having worked in various audit-focused roles across the region, Helen has more than 20 years’ experience advising owner-managed businesses and large groups.

CLB Coopers senior director Graham Rigby said: “Having Helen in the team will enhance the compliance services we are able to offer to the region’s businesses and she is a key appointment for the firm.

“Her wealth of experience working closely with business owners across the North West, supported by her technical expertise, makes her a perfect fit for our busy audit and assurance team.”

Helen commented: “I am delighted to join CLB Coopers, a firm which has built an excellent reputation in the North West market for providing a high quality service to a strong client base of high performing businesses.

“I look forward to contributing to the ongoing success of the firm at what is an exciting stage of its development.”