This week’s North West appointments

Liz Cowell and Fiona Wood, McAlister Family Law

McAlister Family Law has grown its team with the appointment of solicitors Liz Cowell and Fiona Wood.

Both have been made partners at the newly established company.

Liz and Fiona previously worked as partners with law firm Pannone, before it was taken over by Slater & Gordon.

Liz practices in all aspects of family law, while Fiona specialises in divorce cases involving substantial and complex assets, often acting for business owners.

Amanda McAlister, who heads up the business, said: “It is great to be working with Liz and Fiona again.

“Both are dedicated to the provision of family law and I am delighted that they have decided to join McAlister Family Law.”

She continued: “We are a full service family law firm and it is my mission to build and develop McAlister Family Law over the course of the next 12 months, ensuring we provide expert advice, a valued service to clients and ultimately exceed their expectations. With Liz and Fiona as partners, their support will be invaluable as we position McAlister Family Law as the ‘go-to’ firm for family law nationally.”

Liz commented: “I am thrilled to be part of McAlister Family Law and am very much looking forward to the future of the firm, shaping the provision of family law in the UK.”

Fiona said of her appointment: “Joining McAlister Family Law from Slater & Gordon was an opportunity too good to miss. We are committed to creating a bespoke, full service firm that provides the very best family law advice with a personal touch.”

McAlister Family Law is part of Beyond Professional Services Group.

Andrew Teale, AJ Bell

Stockbroker AJ Bell has appointed a new head of innovation.

Andrew Teale, working out of the firm’s Salford Quays HQ, will spearhead initiatives that use technology to improve AJ Bell’s services and drive growth.

He will lead a new innovation group, members of which include chief exec Andy Bell and digital strategy director Tim Huckle.

Andy said: “Innovation has always sat at the core of the business, right back to when we launched the UK’s first online SIPP in 2000.

“Given the rapid pace of change in the fintech world, we feel now is the right time to create a specialist innovation group to further enhance the services we provide to our customers.”

He continued: “People’s lives are becoming increasingly busy and they are used to keeping on top of things while they are on the move.

“We want to explore ways in which we can sensibly use technology to make it as easy as possible for them to manage their investments and save for the things they love doing.”

Michael Griffiths, Eddisons

Property consultancy Eddisons has added to its Liverpool presence with the appointment of building surveyor Michael Griffiths.

Michael joined the Liverpool office, which launched just three months ago, in the role of associate director from building surveying and project management firm Collus Consult.

Prior to that, he spent 10 years with Liverpool consultancy Edward Symmons.

Eddisons’ national head of buildings and projects, Ian Harrington, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Michael on board. He brings with him over 25 years’ technical experience and his skills complement those of our existing team.

“One of the main growth drivers has been our success in sourcing funding for schools and academies, and Michael will be tasked with servicing this demand across the North West education sector.”

He continued: “Michael will also coordinate with colleagues across Newcastle, Leeds, Manchester and London so that we can continue to deliver national-scale building projects on a regional basis.”

Paul Scully, Grant Thornton North West

Business advisory firm Grant Thornton has chosen international tax specialist Paul Scully for its new head of tax in the North West.

Paul succeeded Karen Campbell-Williams, who will remain with the business in the role of senior partner.

At Grant Thornton, Paul will oversee a team of 134 tax specialists based across offices in Manchester and Liverpool.

He said: “We live in colourful times and much of what is happening in the world around international trade, Brexit, and the new regulatory environment has profound tax implications.

“We are seeing double digit growth in our practice and aim to increase our headcount by 15% in the next year as we help businesses navigate through these challenges.”

He continued: “Large corporates and SMEs have a lot to think about when it comes to operating with an effective tax strategy and meeting transparency requirements. This includes having a faultless grasp of regulatory changes such as the Criminal Finances Act 2017. These are services that sit at the heart of what we do at Grant Thornton.”

Grant Thornton’s North West managing partner, Carl Williams, commented: “Paul’s clarity of thought and insight are amongst the many qualities that set him apart.

“We have every confidence that he can build on the success Karen Campbell-Williams’ has enjoyed over many years and drive our growth.”

Anthony Wilson, Paul Crowley & Co Solicitors

Liverpool law firm Paul Crowley & Co Solicitors has strengthened its team with the appointment of Anthony Wilson.

Anthony, the company’s new head of clinical negligence, has more than 18 years’ experience in the legal profession.

He joined Paul Crowley & Co from Lysander Law Limited, where he was a managing partner.

Anthony, who worked as a general nurse in a busy A&E department for more than 10 years before studying law, said: “I am thrilled to have joined Paul Crowley & Co.

“With my dedicated hands-on approach, I am keen to develop the clinical negligence division and make it one of the premier departments in the region and beyond.”

He added: “I look forward to taking on this new challenge and supporting the growth of the firm.”

Senior partner Paul Crowley commented: “Anthony’s appointment is a significant investment for the company as his experience and leadership will certainly consolidate our offering, ensuring our service and commitment to our clients continues to be unrivalled.”

Paul Shuker, Lambert Smith Hampton

Lambert Smith Hampton has appointed a new director of planning, developing and consultancy at its office in Manchester.

Joining the company from professional consulting firm WYG, Paul Shuker has experience in the management of strategic land holdings, infrastructure and site-specific projects for private- and public-sector clients.

At WYG, he was director for the environment, planning and transport division.

The head of North West operations at Lambert Smith Hampton, Gayle Taylor, said: “Paul comes from a strong consultancy background and has the valuable experience and industry insights we need to keep pushing the planning and developing consultancy team forward.

“In his new role, Paul will be focused on expanding the team’s current scope, reach and influence across the North West, and we very much welcome him to the business.”

Wendy Anderson and Terri Green, PM+M

PM+M, the Blackburn-headquartered chartered accountancy, business advisory and wealth management group, has announced two senior appointments in its tax and marketing teams.

Wendy Anderson is the firm’s new tax director. She will divide her time between the PM+M’s offices in Blackburn and Bury, where she will advise clients on tax compliance and planning, changing legislation and minimising tax liabilities.

Terri Green joined the company as marketing and business development manager. Her remit will include developing and implementing the marketing and business development strategy for the whole firm.

Wendy said: “PM+M has a first class reputation right across the North West so I am delighted to be joining the firm.

“My focus is now on establishing myself in the business and adding real value to the team and our clients.”

PM+M managing partner Jane Parry commented: “2017 has been a really strong year for PM+M’s tax team.

“We are on track to grow our tax client base by at least 10% by the end of this financial year so we are delighted that Wendy has joined us at such a busy and exciting time.”

She added: “We are also thrilled that Terri is now part of the team as she brings with her a wealth of experience and insight that is already making an impact.”

Paul Billington, The Landing

The Landing at MediaCityUK has appointed Paul Billington as commercial director.

In his new role, Paul will oversee the delivery of The Landing’s 10-year strategic development plan.

His mission will be to make The Landing the go-to hub for digital and tech companies to start, grow and become high-growth, sustainable enterprises.

Paul’s background includes more than 20 years’ experience and understanding of digital and developing tech sectors. He originally started out in banking and IT, later founding a digital agency that he led for seven years before selling in 2005.

Paul said: “The Landing is a dedicated technology incubation hub for businesses in sectors including healthcare, VR and AR, government and education.

“With my team, I will be working hard to raising The Landing’s profile and excellent reputation at the forefront of digital and tech.”

He added: “The next 10 years is full of amazing opportunities and partnerships and I want to help The Landing become the best place for digital in the world. I am truly excited by what lies ahead.”

The Landing CEO Jon Corner commented: “Paul is a fantastic appointment for The Landing bringing a wealth of commercial experience to our growing dynamic team.

“2018 will see The Landing extend its operations into key sectors and I’m looking forward to the journey.”