This week's North West appointments

Five appointments, Vincents

Vincents Solicitors has expanded its commercial department with four new starters and a promotion.

In response to a growing workload, the company took on commercial assistants Olivia Gates, Jack Andreae and Tabassum Saudi.

Vincents also promoted former trainee Sanya Motorwala. As a fully qualified solicitor, Sanya be supported by conveyancer Sobia Ahmed, the firm’s fourth hire.

Further expansion is planned, with Vincents still recruiting for solicitors, legal executives and administration staff.

Department head Ross Wellman said: “We’re incredibly busy with both new and existing clients.

“In the last six months we’ve seen an uplift of 70% when compared with the same period last year.”

He added: “Much of that is down to the phenomenal work Sanya has done growing our developer work, for which we’ve recruited Sobia in support.”

Paul Williams, Hilton Smythe

Hilton Smythe, the Bolton-based business broker, has expanded to incorporate financial services with the appointment of a financial manager.

Paul Williams will head up the company’s new arm, Hilton Smythe Finance, which will help potential buyers access finance directly through Hilton Smythe without the need to go to a third-party broker.

Paul previously worked for Key Commercial Finance and has over 25 years’ experience in the financial sector, including positions at NatWest and Yorkshire Bank.

Group MD Gareth Smyth said: “It was a priority of mine for this year to expand Hilton Smythe to include regulated financial services. We want to be a one-stop shop for clients, whether they’re buying or selling a business. This was the next logical step for us to grow.

“Paul is going to be a huge asset to the team, as he brings with him a wealth of knowledge from the financial sector. I am confident our clients are going to be in safe hands with him, and get excellent, professional service at a time when they will need help and support.”

Paul commented: “I am delighted to be heading up the new Commercial Finance Brokering department at Hilton Smythe.

“Very few, if any, other business brokers offer financial services as part of their package, however it makes sense to provide everything the client needs under one roof. I’m looking forward to an exciting year of growth within the company.”

Joel Brooks, TFG Capital

Yorkshire bridging financier TFG Capital has appointed Joel Brooks as a business development executive for the North West.

Joel, who previously worked at a commercial brokerage business in the region, will be based at TFG’s Manchester office.

Joel said: “This is a great opportunity to build on my knowledge of the lending environment and work with an experienced team with a strong track record of quickly putting together bridging finance and development finance deals.

“I’m looking forward to raising the profile of TFG Capital in the North West and letting more businesses with assets know that there is a professional, fast alternative to mainstream lenders.”

Michael Mousdale, Browne Jacobson

Law firm Browne Jacobson has added to its public sector practice with the appointment of partner Michael Mousdale at its Manchester office.

Joining from DWF, where he was a partner and led the local government team, Michael has nearly 30 years’ experience in the sector.

His previous work has covered contracts and agreements, EU and competition law, outsourcing, joint ventures and partnerships.

Peter Ware, head of local government and infrastructure at Browne Jacobson, said: “This is a key strategic hire for our public sector team and underlines our commitment to creating a top-tier practice in Manchester.

“Michael’s expertise and strong track record in delivering complex, major transactions will help to further enhance the firm’s expertise in procurement strategies and compliance, to crucially support our business strategy and offering to clients.”

Michael commented: “I am delighted to be joining Browne Jacobson, particularly at a time when the firm is making a number of strategic moves to grow its presence in the North West.

“Browne Jacobson is widely regarded as a true heavyweight in the public sector and I look forward to bringing my expertise to the team to help further develop our offering to clients.”

Five appointments, Trident Building Consultancy

Trident Building Consultancy has made five appointments on the back of an increase in North West briefs.

In Liverpool, the company welcomed Paul Magill and Andrew Prince to its building consulting team for the roles of senior building surveyor and assistant building surveyor respectively.

Sarah Fitzpatrick joined the firm in Liverpool as a secretary for asset services and building consultancy, following over 12 years with CBRE.

At Trident’s Salford office, Daniel Lawson and Tom Bailey have both been appointed as assistant building surveyors.

Louise Ilhan, Gateley Plc

Gateley Plc, the legal arm of professional services group Gateley, has announced Louise Ilhan as the first appointment in its Manchester-based residential development team.

Legal director Louise has over 18 years’ experience in property law.

Her background includes eight years as an in-house solicitor with property developer Merepark Homes in Altrincham, and 10 years in the real estate team at Manchester firm Cobbetts LLP.

Gateley Plc property group head Rod Waldie, who is also head of the Manchester office, said: “Our residential development team has grown at an impressive rate over the past few years and I’m delighted to be welcoming Louise to the department, enabling us to offer this service from Manchester, as well as Birmingham, London, Leeds and Nottingham – the widest range of offices from which a residential development team operates for any UK firm.

“We’re trusted to work as an in-house team for the majority of our clients, so the client-side experience that she brings with her is invaluable.”

Louise commented: “Gateley Plc has an excellent reputation for the breadth and depth of work that they do in this sector, with an extensive and experienced national team. I’m very much looking forward to building a team here in Manchester to complement the already highly-regarded department.”

Lars Kry, Sigma

Digital user experience agency Sigma has appointed a new board chair.

Lars Kry will help oversee growth following a series of new client wins, replacing outbound chair Thomas Hallberg.

Currently CEO of Sigma’s Swedish parent company Sigma IT Consulting, Lars will retain this role as he advises the UK team on maintaining growth.

Sigma is on tack for a £4m turnover in 2018. The firm has offices in Macclesfield and Cambridge.

Sigma UK MD Hilary Stephenson said: “We have started the year on a high, with some great new people joining the team, a re-focus of our collaboration strategy with the wider Sigma group and a series of major new client relationships.

“We’re confident that Lars will be a fantastic asset as part of this growth strategy and very much look forward to seeing what he brings to the business.”

Lars commented: “It is with great pride and joy that I join the team as chair. Sigma has been active in the UK since year 2007 and today we have a well-established business and I see a great potential in our offerings and customer base.

“I look forward to working together with the team and strengthening Sigma’s position as supplier within the digital revolution in the UK market.”