This week's North West appointments

Ruth Pointon, Shahaab Afzal and Stefano Ciucci, Ardent Credit Services

Ardent Credit Services, the Liverpool-based debt collection agency, has announced three senior appointments.

Ruth Pointon is the company’s new collections director, having previously worked as client and solutions director at Akinika Debt Recovery.

Shahaab (Shabby) Afzal, Ardent’s new operations manager – voice systems, has also joined from Akinika.

The third appointment is Stefano Ciucci, head of ICT at Ardent. Stefano’s experience includes senior IT architect and manager roles with IT companies and government departments in Rome.

Ardent CEO Steve Murray said: “The market continues to evolve in light of regulatory change and advances in technology and strengthening our management team will ensure that we stay ahead of the curve.”

Freddie Oakey, db symmetry

Logistics developer db symmetry has promoted Freddie Oakey to associate development director.

Freddie joined the company’s Manchester office almost five years ago.

During his time with the firm, he has been involved in developments including Venture Fields in Widnes, M6 Epic in Wigan and symmetry park in Doncaster.

Andrew Dickman, director at db symmetry, said: “Over the last five years, Freddie has grown to be a core member of our expanding team.

“Freddie will continue to play a central role in the company’s ongoing growth strategy as we take on and bring forward more and more strategic sites across the UK.”

Jenny Urwin, Fieldfisher

Law firm Fieldfisher has appointed Jenny Urwin to lead its new medical negligence team in Manchester.

Jenny, joining the company as a partner, was formerly head of clinical negligence at the Manchester office of Slater and Gordon.

She started her career in 1993 with Pannone Solicitors, becoming a principal lawyer at Slater and Gordon in 2014.

Jenny has a particular focus on maximum severity cases, including cerebral palsy, complex birth injuries, amputations, brain injuries, blindness and loss of vision.

Paul McNeil, Fieldfisher’s head of personal injury and medical negligence, said: “Jenny is an exceptional clinical negligence lawyer who is committed to her clients on whose behalf she has obtained outstanding results.

“We are delighted that Jenny is joining Fieldfisher and the founding partner in our Manchester clinical negligence team.”

Paula Hamer, Browne Jacobson

Law firm Browne Jacobson has added to its commercial real estate practice with the appointment of Paula Hamer.

Associate Paula will work from the company’s new base at No.1 Spinningfields in Manchester.

She previously worked at partner level for Trowers & Hamlins and Pannone LLP, and brings with her more than 17 years’ experience in property.

Her most recent position, prior to her appointment, was senior associate in the development team at Kuits Solicitors in Manchester.

Dominic Buckley, partner and joint head of property for Browne Jacobson in Manchester, said: “I am delighted to welcome Paula to our flourishing Manchester firm.

“This appointment further strengthens our standing in the sector and will enable us to continue supporting our clients in the region and throughout the UK.”

He continued: “Paula’s public and private sector experience has great synergy with our existing offering, and her wealth of experience across real estate will be a great asset to the firm as we continue to build on our success in the North West.”

Paula commented: “Browne Jacobson has a growing presence in the North West and I am excited for the opportunity to work closely with the team to build on that further.”

Olivia Bell, Bromleys Solicitors

Bromleys Solicitors has promoted one of its lawyers to partner and head of its care proceedings and social services team.

Olivia Bell, who joined the company as a trainee and went on to qualify as a solicitor in 2003, has succeeded long-serving departmental head Keith Platts.

She focuses on childcare matters, representing children, parents and other relatives and guardians during family disputes, social services cases and court proceedings.

Olivia is a trained mediator and member of the Law Society’s Children Law Accreditation Scheme.

Mark Hirst, senior partner at Bromleys, said: “Olivia’s promotion reflects the high regard in which she is held. She is widely respected at Bromleys, by clients and by professionals working in the field of childcare.

“She is a hugely talented solicitor and is completely committed to the development of the firm and the growth of the care team. We are confident she will be a great success in her new role.”

He continued: “Keith has overseen the creation of the department and its progress over a number of years. During this time he has trained and mentored many people, including Olivia, and he remains a vital member of the team.”

Seán Hackett, Myerson

Altrincham’s Myerson Solicitors LLP has appointed a new senior solicitor.

Property litigation specialist Seán Hackett joined the company from Pannone Corporate, where he was a director.

He has over 15 years’ experience acting in high-value and complex commercial property disputes, representing clients ranging from large-scale commercial landlords to landed estates.

Seán said: “It’s fantastic to be joining Myerson, a firm that’s reputation has grown exponentially in recent years.

“Myerson act for an enviable list of commercial clients and are renowned in the property industry. This was an obvious fit for me.”

Commercial litigation department head Adam Maher commented: “Increasingly we are being seen as a credible out-of-city alternative to the traditional commercial law firm, both by clients and our legal contemporaries.

“This is underscored by our recent award for Law Firm of the Year (medium-sized) at the recent Manchester Legal Awards.

“We are very excited to welcome Sean whose experience will be an asset to our team.”

Sarah Milligan, HRC Law

HRC Law LLP has welcomed Sarah Milligan to its property department.

Solicitor Sarah joined the company from JMW, having trained and qualified at Manchester-based Nexus Solicitors.

At HRC, she will work closely with partner and commercial property solicitor Helen Marsh in supporting the firm’s increasing workload.

HRC has reported a rising demand for property work from both new and existing clients, with particular growth in the retail sector.

Sarah said: “It’s always been important for me to work with clients in a clear, honest and personal manner and, with values neatly aligned to my own, I’m looking forward to working alongside the team at HRC Law.

“I’m excited to take this next step in my career within such an ambitious firm that prioritises continued growth and development.”

Helen commented: “The commercial property market is very much alive and, as a result, our property team at HRC Law has continued to grow.

“Sarah joins us at an exciting time and will, I’m sure, be a huge asset in ensuring we continue to provide our clients with the highest quality advice and support.”

Six appointments, Addleshaw Goddard

Law firm Addleshaw Goddard has appointed six partners for its Manchester-based real estate team.

All six newcomers previously worked for Irwin Mitchell.

Anita Weightman, outgoing head of Irwin Mitchell’s Manchester-based real estate practice, will join Addleshaw Goddard alongside colleagues Paul Barnard, Patrick Duffy, Chris Perrin, Tony Weightman and Emily Williams.

Peter Kershaw, head of real estate for Addleshaw Goddard in Manchester, said: “Commitment to the real estate market and growing local market share are at the heart of these appointments.

“Manchester has a key part to play in the ambitious strategy we have set for ourselves to service new clients and deepen some of our existing institutional relationships, as well as looking after the businesses in our local markets.”