Abid solicitor
Abid Perwaze, a solicitor at LCF Law.

This week's Yorkshire appointments

Abid Perwaze, LCF Law

LCF Law has appointed a new solicitor, Abid Perwaze, who joins the firm’s Leeds office.

Abid moves from Teesside firm, Jacksons Commercial & Private Law, where he spent two years completing his training contract. He also previously worked as a paralegal at Gordons in Bradford.

Abid graduated from the University of Teesside, where he won two academic achievement awards, and he later qualified from the University of Law in 2014.

Abid will work with LCF Law’s Commercial and IP Partner, James Sarjantson, providing a range of commercial contract and IP services.

James said: “At LCF Law we work for all sorts of business, many of whom are operating predominantly or exclusively online, as well as IT and software firms and a number of chemical and industrial companies.

“Abid is a bright young professional, keen to specialise in Commercial and IP Law, and our busy department will be a great place for him to further his experience working with a host of businesses from across the UK who are developing, manufacturing or selling innovative products and services.”

Aarran McPherson, Ryden

Ryden has recruited Aarran McPherson as graduate surveyor to support the growth of the Leeds-based professional services team.

Aarran graduated from the University of Aberdeen with an RICS accredited MSc in Real Estate earlier this year and will support Andrew Brook who heads the Leeds professional team which specialises in valuation, rating, rent review and lease renewal.

Aarran will have a particular focus on valuation activity.

Aarran has an MSc in strategic studies with management as well as an MA (Hons) in history and international relations from the University of Aberdeen.

Andrew Brook, associate at Ryden, said: “We have aspirations to grow the professional team here at Ryden and having the support of Aarran will significantly contribute to that process and I’m looking forward to working closely with him and supporting him in his new role.”

Rebecca Smith and Maamon Al-Dewali, Brewster Bye Architects

Two budding architects have joined Leeds-based Brewster Bye Architects.

Rebecca Smith and Maamon Al–Dewali are both Part 1 architectural assistants, who have a Bachelor of Arts in architecture from the University of Huddersfield.

The duo will work at Brewster Bye for a year before returning to university for another two years to complete an MA in architecture.

Brewster Bye’s managing director, Chris Austin, said: “We work very closely with the University of Huddersfield, which has an excellent architectural pedigree, and have employed more than six students from the University in the last three years alone.

“Becoming an Architect takes hard work, a flare for design and real dedication to many years of study.

“Both Rebecca and Maamon are very capable and highly-motivated individuals who are keen to prove themselves in our busy office, and we look forward to helping them develop their skills and fulfill their potential.”

Nick Bell, Squire Patton Boggs

Squire Patton Boggs has appointed financial services partner, Nick Bell, who has joined the firm from The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, where he was a director and head of the transaction management team, specialising in real estate and housing finance.

Mr Bell has 18 years of experience advising on acquisition finance and cross-border corporate transactions, refinancing and restructurings.

He has considerable expertise in property investment and development finance, and has advised on various PFI projects for schools, hospitals and infrastructure.

He has also advised on more than £300m of NHS LIFT projects, setting up primary care centres across the UK.

Paula Laird, EMEA head of the Squire Patton Boggs global financial services practice group, said: “Nick has unique experience having previously worked as a partner in private practice, as well as in-house with The Royal Bank of Scotland, so he brings a wealth of insight from both sides of the table.

“Nick’s real estate finance expertise, as well as his experience in acquisition finance, complements that of our financial services practice group in the UK and internationally across our global platform.”

Gary Olding, Hentons

Hentons has promoted Gary Olding to the role of tax director.

The Leeds-based firm aims to help its clients manage changing taxation for small businesses and contractors alongside tougher enforcement from the HMRC which expects to raise £3.2bn in extra taxes.

Simon Gray, tax partner at Hentons, said: “Gary plays a pivotal role in the continued growth of the firm.

“Tax compliance regulations are constantly changing so there’s an ever increasing demand for expert advice to ensure we work with clients to ensure they are paying tax in the most efficient way possible.

“Gary’s promotion to compliance director at such a significant time will enable our clients to gain access to the best possible advice and expertise.”

The accountancy firm recently expanded its payroll services operation to support companies with increased compliance requirements. It has also invested in digital services to help companies transition to cloud-based accounting.

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