This week’s North West appointments

Steve Manifold, Henry Boot Developments

Henry Boot Developments (HBD) has added to its Manchester team with the appointment of a new Senior Development Surveyor.

Steve Manifold joined HBD from real estate consultancy Knight Frank, where he worked as an associate within the Manchester logistics and industrial team.

Prior to his six years with Knight Frank, Steve spent 10 with commercial property consultancy Nolan Redshaw.

The head of Henry Boot Developments’ Manchester office, director Adam Brady, said: “With more than 600,000 sq ft currently under development in Manchester and some really unique, standout schemes in the pipeline it’s a great time for Steve to be joining us.

“His extensive knowledge and experience of the north west market will be invaluable.”

Steve, who has 15 years’ experience working within the North West commercial property market, commented: “Henry Boot Developments is bringing some fantastic schemes out of the ground in Manchester and across the wider north west – it’s great to be working for a developer that is committed to delivering unique, exciting schemes for the region instead of more of the same.”

David Bowcock and Krista Powell, Fieldfisher

The Manchester office of European law firm Fieldfisher has taken on two new partners.

David Bowcock is joining the company’s corporate team from Brabners, while Krista Powell will join the real estate team from Freeman Fisher.

David Bowcock, head of corporate at Brabners in Manchester, has been a partner with the firm for nine years.

He specialises in M&A and capital raising involving both private and public equity, acting mainly for businesses listed on AIM, the Official List and NASDAQ.

Krista Powell formerly served as a partner and head of real estate at Freeman Fisher, before which she worked for Addleshaw Goddard.

Her experience in commercial property includes investment and occupier acquisitions and disposals, development work and landlord and tenant matters.

Ian Austin, Fieldfisher’s managing partner in Manchester, said: “We have ambitious plans to grow our Manchester base with the region continuing to attract investment from UK and international companies.

“Both David and Krista are highly regarded lawyers and bring with them a wealth of experience which will boost our real estate and corporate capabilities and help to ensure we are a legal adviser of choice in a rapidly growing region.”

Vicki Taylor, Business Growth Hub

Business Growth Hub has appointed a new business development manager to support SME access to the University of Manchester.

Vicki Taylor, who has held similar roles with the Royal Bank of Scotland Group and its partners over the last decade, joins a team that works to help local businesses access expertise and facilities at the four universities of Greater Manchester.

Vicki and her colleagues will operate closely with the universities’ engagement teams and academic schools to offer businesses access to resources and advice.

She said: “I am excited to join the Business Growth Hub and look forward to working with the team, further developing their offering to businesses across Greater Manchester. I have a background in managing successful entrepreneurial relationships and am looking forward to continuing that tradition with the University of Manchester.”

Business Growth Hub’s head of innovation and programme development, Chris Greenhalgh, commented: “Vicki comes to the role with a wealth of experience, having gained over a decade’s worth of experience of offering support for start-up and scale-up businesses for an international banking group.

“We are very happy to welcome her to the Hub, and are confident her guidance will help to generate even more business success stories from the University of Manchester.”

Four appointments, Hill Dickinson

Commercial law firm Hill Dickinson has announced the appointment of four new members to its Liverpool-based construction and engineering team.

The four joined Hill Dickinson from Systech Solicitors, bringing with them legal and advisory experience along with construction sector contacts.

The new team members are legal director Brian Quinn, senior associate Phil Gazzola and consultants Nick Connor and Ron Farrell.

Hill Dickinson’s Head of Construction and Engineering, partner Alan Pugh (centre), said: “I am delighted to welcome Brian, Nick, Ron and Phil to our team in Liverpool as we expand further and take on new clients.

“They bring a wealth of experience and contacts in the contractor-led market which is a key focus of our growth strategy.”

He added: “Their expertise across both legal and advisory construction matters will be of great value to our clients and lifts our position as the leading construction and engineering team in the North West. We very much look forward to working with them.”

Six appointments, Pareto FP

Financial services business Pareto FP has made six appointments in its Manchester team.

Nicky Aspray (pictured) joined the company in the role of operations manager, Martyn Scobbie as the firm’s finance controller, Marcus Pilkington as chartered financial planner, Andrew O’Nions as adviser support team member, Richard Duncan paraplanner and Joanne Walsh PA.

Pareto FP managing director John Stevenson, who co-founded the firm with George Chantry, said: “As the business continues to grow, we remain fully committed to maintaining strong and lasting relationships with our existing clients.

“We now employ 36 members of staff and believe these recent hires are talented individuals that will only enhance our offer.”

He continued: “Nicky Aspray for instance, has a wealth of experience in financial services and is a fantastic addition. She will be instrumental in the continued development of our adviser support team, and play a significant role in our future growth.

“On top of that, our new servicing department will ensure we continue to uphold our outstanding levels of client support.”

Nicky Aspray commented: “When Pareto FP approached me to join as operations manager, there really was only one answer I could give.

“Having worked with John and George and several other members of the team before, I knew what a great company I would be joining and I am therefore glad to be back in familiar territory and in financial services once again.”

Five appointments, Liverpool City Region Innovation Board

The Liverpool City Region (LCR) Innovation Board has taken on five new members.

The Board, responsible for driving the strategic development of the City Region’s innovation agenda facilitated by the Local Enterprise Partnership, has welcomed:

• Jonathan Brown, managing director for energy at shipbuilder Cammell Laird

• Iain Hennessey, clinical director of innovation at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust

• Dr. Liz Mear (pictured above), chief executive of North West academic health science network Innovation Agency

• Jeremy Stevens, strategy and external communications director at e-tailer Shop Direct

• Clemens Wangerin, managing director of VR tech company vTime.

Board chair Dr Jon Hague said: “Liverpool City Region has an excellent record in research and innovation with potential to improve further.

“By strengthening the board and bringing in more private sector involvement this will accelerate our aim to commercialise the region’s scientific, industrial and innovation assets and maximise economic growth.”

Richard McAleavy, The Market Creative

Manchester marketing agency The Market Creative has bolstered its senior team with the appointment of Richard McAleavy as its first head of client engagement.

In his new role, Richard will work to develop new business opportunities for the company and strengthen its client base.

Bringing over 20 years’ experience to The Market Creative, Richard’s background includes senior commercial positions with global agencies such as Spirit Medical and Adelphi.

Sue Benson, managing director of The Market Creative, said: “Richard shares our skillset and values, with client delight at the centre of his approach to new business.

“But he also adds a really exciting new dimension to the team as he has a strong background in technology. He’ll be a real asset and I look forward to growing the business with him on board.”

Richard commented: “The Market Creative has a really strong team, producing excellent quality campaigns. They’re insight driven, so I see some real opportunities to excite brands with what they do.”

Mathilde Plénat, DWF

Manchester-headquartered international law firm DWF has appointed a new partner at its Paris office.

Mathilde Plénat previously worked for Eversheds Sutherland, where she was a principal associate. She has experience advising companies on general employment law issues, with a particular specialism in the retail, food and hospitality sectors.

DWF made the appointment alongside the launch of its employment practice in the French capital.

DWF France managing partner Jean-François Mercadier said: “France is a key focus for DWF and we’re investing in appointing the best talent to lead robust teams and enhance our commercial capability.

“Mathilde works with some of the largest retailers, not only in France but globally, and that experience partnered with comprehensive local insight will enable us to build a leading employment practice to support our clients.”

Mathilde commented: “Many overseas businesses are daunted by complex French employment laws when considering setting up in the country so they often look to international legal businesses for support, and DWF is in a great position to deliver.”