This week’s North West appointments

Judith Cope, Dow Schofield Watts

Advisory firm Dow Schofield Watts has appointed Judith Cope as its new group financial controller.

Judith is a qualified accountant with more than 15 years of experience in finance.

She started her career at accountancy business PKF and most recently worked as finance manager for woodland burial park company Greenacres Group.

With Dow Schofield Watts, she will be responsible for managing all day-to-day financial issues across the group, reporting directly to the board.

Founding partner James Dow said: “Judith has a very strong track in financial management and will be a real asset to our team.

“Her appointment reflects our commitment to invest in the business to accommodate our ambitious growth plans.”

Donall Caherty, Fieldfisher

The Manchester office of law firm Fieldfisher has promoted Donall Caherty to partner.

Donall is a member of the company’s North West dispute resolution team. He deals with commercial disputes for clients ranging from large corporates to SMEs, across sectors such as financial services, technology, media and renewable energy.

He said: “This is a very exciting time for me personally and it’s a huge privilege to take a step up in a top class firm like Fieldfisher.”

Ian Austin, managing partner at the Manchester office, commented: “Donall has played a fundamental role in the firm’s continuing growth and success and his promotion to partner is a reflection of his dedication to Fieldfisher and the work we do.

“His hard work extends to both our clients and the people that work here, and since joining in 2012 he has been at the forefront of driving opportunities for the firm with a positive and solutions driven attitude.”

Ian added: “I have no doubt that he will be a fantastic addition to our existing team of partners of whom we now boast 16.”

Oliver Burton, Forbes Solicitors

Forbes Solicitors has appointed Oliver Burton as its new chief executive officer.

Oliver joined the company from Warrington-based FDR Law, where he was CEO since June 2013.

Before FDR Law, he worked as corporate banking director at RBS Corporate across Lancashire and Manchester.

Oliver said: “We have a clear vision of how to take the business forward in order to continue our track record of growth, taking on new markets and doing things differently.

“We have an incredible depth and range of services for both individuals and businesses, delivered locally and nationally, which will continue to be client focused and market leading.”

He added: “Forbes will continue to punch above its weight and further enhance its already established fantastic reputation as one of the North’s leading law firms for both its people and clients.”

Daniel King, managing partner at Forbes Solicitors, commented: “The appointment of Oliver brings a new dynamic to the business and Forbes are already benefiting from his experience, outlook and drive, ensuring that Forbes will continue to go from strength to strength.”

Image L-R: Kerry Southworth, Danie Boulton, Sarah Astley, James Robbins and Hannah Hughes

Five appointments, Harrison Drury

North West law firm Harrison Drury has promoted five members of staff.

Daniel Boulton and Hannah Hughes, who work in the company’s commercial property team, are now senior associate and associate respectively.

Insolvency and business recovery specialist James Robbins, from Harrison Drury’s dispute resolution team, has been made a senior associate.

Employment lawyer Sarah Astley has been promoted to associate level.

Harrison Drury also promoted Kerry Southworth, who joined the firm in 2015 as a paralegal. She is a graduate member of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives.

The chief exec of Harrison Drury, Gavin Wright, said: “All five of our newly-promoted staff have impressed us and our clients immensely in the time they’ve been with us.

“As we continue to grow, it’s essential we develop our people and create new opportunities to attract and retain staff.”

He added: “These promotions are all about recognising excellent work and making it possible for people to progress their careers with us.”

Helen Slinger, BT

Telecoms giant BT has appointed a new chair of its North West board.

Helen Slinger will lead the board of 10 senior BT executives and direct the company’s activities in the region.

Having worked for BT for eight years, she is already chief executive of its Product Supply Business.

Helen said: “The objective of the regional board is to put BT at the heart of the local communities it serves.

“Through the development of solid strategic relationships with local authorities, local enterprise partnerships, key stakeholders, business and community organisations, we improve BT’s understanding of the needs of local people and business, and outline plans to help BT better respond to them with the aim of fuelling the success and growth of local economies.”

Helen has replaced Mike Blackburn OBE, who held the BT regional chair role for 10 years.

Mike commented: “I’ve worked for BT for over 25 years and have decided that it is time for me to move on to fresh challenges.

“I plan to remain actively engaged in the North West, continuing in my roles as chair of the Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and a board member of the Lancashire LEP, as well as The Lowry Theatre and other boards.”

Chris Davies, Linder Myers

Law firm Linder Myers, which has North West offices in Manchester, Cheshire and Lancashire, has appointed a new marketing director.

Chris Davies has over 30 years’ experience as a professional services marketer, delivering strategies for organisations such as Reed Elsevier, Arval, RAC and The AA.

He will now devise a marketing strategy to drive business growth across Linder Myers’ nationwide network of branches.

Also appointed are marketing manager Zoe Dowthwaite, who previously worked for East Midlands-based Flint Bishop Solicitors, and Jan Kitchens, who has taken on the role of head of sales.

Linder Myers is part of Metamorph Law.

Simon Goldhill, founder and director of strategy at Metamorph Law, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Chris, Zoe and Jan to the company, each have a proven track record and their appointments further demonstrates our commitment in becoming a market-leading law firm, with a stronger presence across the UK.”

Nicola Wallbank and Ruth Pearson, R3 North West New Professionals Group

Networking events organisation R3 North West New Professionals Group has appointed two new faces.

Nicola Wallbank is the group’s new chair and Ruth Pearson its vice-chair, taking over from Laura Lucas and Abigail Hickman respectively.

Nicola has 10 years’ experience in insolvency and finance. She currently works as assistant manager with Manchester-based RSM Restructuring & Advisory LLP.

Ruth has worked in insolvency for nine years and is assistant manager at KPMG’s Manchester-based restructuring team.

R3 North West New Professionals Group organises networking events for younger people in the insolvency and restructuring profession.

Paul Barber, North West Chair of insolvency and restructuring trade body R3, said: “Insolvency and related professions employ thousands of people in the North West.

“The New Professionals Group provides social and networking opportunities for those coming into the industry or at an early stage in their career. Since its launch a few years ago it has proved hugely popular.”

He added: “We would like to thank Laura and Abigail for their efforts in building the group, and wish Nicola and Ruth all the best in their new roles.”

Paul is also a partner at the Manchester office of corporate recovery business Begbies Traynor.

Laura Frost, Clarke Nicklin

Manchester-based accountancy and business advisory firm Clarke Nicklin has appointed Laura Frost as its new marketing manager.

The role will see Laura lead the company’s marketing department and serve as the main contact for the The Stockport Business Awards, which take place later this year.

Clarke Nicklin is the event’s organiser and main sponsor.

Laura, who has worked in PR for the professional services sector for more than 10 years, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to join such an innovative business that really encourages the business community in Stockport, with their Stockport Business networking events and The Stockport Business Awards.

“I’m really looking forward to working alongside our sponsors and the Stockport business community.”