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East Midlands appointments and promotions

2025-05-19 08:01:02 By

Keep reading for the latest round-up of appointments, promotions and other jobs news from across the Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire region:

Paragon Law

Niche Nottingham immigration law firm Paragon Law has promoted two senior colleagues to directors (pictured above).

James Firman has been promoted to operations director 15 years after joining the firm. He started as a general administration apprentice and has worked in finance, general operations, IT and HR. In 2021, he was named as Nottinghamshire Law Society’s practice manager of the year.

Senior solicitor Emma Okenyi has been promoted to a legal director after celebrating her tenth year with Paragon Law and becoming head of the firm’s personal and family immigration team.

Emma, who came to the UK as an international student from Kenya to study law, said: “I have enjoyed the opportunities that have been presented to me and now particularly enjoy training and developing new lawyers that join my team.”

Founder and Director Thal Vasishta said: “Paragon Law continues to demonstrate our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

“Emma is an example to all international graduates in the UK that you can reach the top of your field of work - 67 per cent of our senior leadership are women and 67 per cent are from a BAME background.

Avant Homes

Chesterfield-based Avant Homes has strengthened the team in its central region with the appointment of Katy Falls as regional planning manager.

Katy has more than 12 years’ experience in the planning industry and began her career in local authority planning before moving into housebuilding in 2015.

She will be responsible for moving potential sites through the planning process while building relationships with councils.

She said: “As a planner, my favourite part of the job is successfully obtaining planning permission and seeing developments come to life.

“It is exciting to play a role in delivering new homes for our customers, and to contribute towards creating communities where people want to live.

“I have always favoured the residential side of planning, so I am looking forward to taking the next step in my career with a company which has such impressive and ambitious growth plans.”

Avant Homes Central has nine live developments ranging from Chesterfield to Mansfield with many more due to start as the business continues to implement its growth plans.

Cambridge & Counties Bank

Specialist lender Cambridge & Counties Bank has appointed Patrick Newberry as its new chairman, replacing Simon Moore who has retired after serving 10 years on the board.

Patrick’s executive career spans over 30 years with PwC, where his primary focus was on strategy, performance improvement as well as all things regulatory within the financial services and insurance sectors.

During this time, he was the lead in major transformational programmes and worked with large financial institutions to set strategy and transform performance.

Over the last nine years, Patrick has spent his time as non-executive director and freelance consultant for a number of financial and non-financial services organisations including Brunel Pensions Partnership, Historic England and the Cornwall College Group.

Leicester-based Cambridge & Counties Bank announced in June this year that total lending had topped £1 billion for the first time, having seen staff numbers increase to more than 200 over the past decade, with major offices now in Sheffield, Bristol, London, and Glasgow.

Gowercroft Joinery

Alfreton-based timber window and door manufacturer Gowercroft Joinery has appointed Harry Dixon, from Mickleover, as its finance director to help spearhead the next stage of expansion.

He brings almost a decade of commercial accountancy and building industry experience, having started as a credit control apprentice at one of the country's major chains of builders' merchants and then progressed his career with IT and construction companies.

Harry said: "I am thrilled to be joining such a dynamic and rapidly expanding business. Gowercroft has had such an amazing track record so far, and I am very much looking forward to being part of its future successes."

Managing director Andrew Madge said: “Gowercroft has expanded turnover by 110 per cent over the past two years by delivering highly innovative windows and doors to a string of new customers and prestigious projects nationwide."

Bristol Street Motors Derby Nissan

Vikki Brooks, who started as an apprentice at the age of 18, has been appointed as branch manager at Bristol Street Motors Derby Nissan.

The former sales executive progressed her career, from new and used business car manager, to new car sales manager, to her current position. Over that time, she has undertaken many of the group’s training courses, including the company’s leadership development programme.

She recently got engaged and is excited to take the next step in her career and her personal life.

She said: “I am pleased and proud to be leading the team at Bristol Street Motors Derby Nissan.

“The support I have received from management and colleagues during my seven years has been fantastic. I am very grateful to work for a forward-thinking company that values its workforce.

“Although still male dominated, the industry is changing rapidly; to any woman who is interested in starting a career in the automotive industry, just go for it!”

Precision People

Recruitment business Precision People has promoted Anand Kakkad to head of technical.

Anand joined the Meridian Business Park, Leicester, four years ago as team leader of the maintenance division.

Over 14 months he built the team from two to six consultants, and was promoted to divisional manager of the technical perm team.

Director Phil Walker said: “Anand manages the team how most managers don't - which is by empowering, leading, and coaching, whilst working the hard yards himself.

“He also takes the time to have an interest in his people's success and well-being. This makes him the most successful manager Precision has seen.

“This year, under his leadership, the technical team of permanent and contract recruitment has created six promotions, progressing two senior recruiters into managing consultants and building a team with them.“

He said Precision is on course to double the size of its team within the next three years to 40 people.

Heavenly Desserts

Derbyshire luxury dessert franchise Heavenly Desserts has made three key appointments to its team to secure the brand’s impeccable standards as it expands into international markets.

Currently made up of 42 stores across the UK, the company has confirmed it will be launching the brand in Canada next month.

Following her outstanding performance as restaurant manager in Southampton, Martha Prudence joins the Heavenly Desserts head office as the new store openings trainer.

New brand excellence auditor Louise Wilkinson has more than 20 years’ experience in the casual dining sector, including work for Hickory’s Smoke BBQ and Marston’s.

She is responsible for supporting franchisees and restaurants in all aspects of store operations, to ensure the Heavenly Desserts brand measures up to the company’s values of ‘perfection every time’ and ‘operational excellence’.

Warren Smith is the new area manager for the North and Scotland. He has experience as a cluster manager for Farmhouse Inns - a Greene King offshoot where Warren managed 72 members of staff.

He will oversee the series of new store openings in Glasgow taking place over the next few months.

Armsons Barlow

Derby-based project managers, construction cost consultants and building surveyors Armsons Barlow have appointed Paul Hanson as associate director.

Paul joined Barlow & Associates in 1991 as a trainee quantity surveyor and went on to gain a degree in quantity surveying from Nottingham Trent University.

During his time with the firm, Paul has delivered a variety of schemes for clients and worked in different roles including quantity surveyor, employer’s agent, bank monitoring surveyor, project manager and party wall surveyor.

He has also broadened his skills and experience with secondments to contractors in both retail and civil engineering.

In his new role as associate director, Paul will assume several new responsibilities, including managing a small team of surveyors and leading the companies’ services on a portfolio of schemes for one of their key clients.

Highly Recommended

Tributes pour in following death of Mukesh Patel, loved and ‘irreplaceable’ member of Leicester business scene

Tributes have poured in following the death of Mukesh Patel, a senior and much loved member of the Leicestershire business community. The married father-of two from Stoneygate, Leicester, was just 54 years old when he died on February 18, having been taken ill a week earlier. A litigation specialist by profession he joined Freeths in 2009 and became managing partner of its Leicester office in 2014. The firm said he had regarded the team there as his second family and was admired for his “impeccable manners, courtesy and respect”. He was also a director of Team Leicester, the public/private sector inward investment group set up to promote the region at the annual MIPIM property and construction conference in Cannes. Mr Patel grew up in Leicester, studying at Crown Hills Community College and Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth I College, before attending Corpus Christi College, at Oxford, and doing his law finals at The College of Law, in Lancaster Gate, London. Richard Osborn, regional director and partner at Excello Law, based in Leicester, worked with him at Freeths until 2014 and sat alongside him on the board at Team Leicester. He said the whole city business community was devastated by the loss of such a well-known, loveable character. He said: “He always had so much time for everyone and this has come completely out of the blue. “He was a close friend of mine, a former colleague, irreplaceable really – he was Freeths in Leicester, and did so much more than that. He was genuinely a true gent who will be missed by everyone that knew him. “It’s rare to have such a genuinely liked and nice person in business these days. He was genuinely one of life’s good guys.” Kevin Harris is head of the RSM accountancy firm's Leicester office and chairman of East Midlands Chamber, where Freeths is a strategic partner. He said: “Having known Mukesh for many years as both a friend and fellow managing partner in Leicester, we had much in common and I always enjoyed his company, and respected his professional and pragmatic approach. “A great advocate of Leicester, he will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with his family at this sad time.” Freeths chairman Julian Middleton called the news “desperately sad, shocking, and heartbreaking” and a blow to everyone at the firm. He said: “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his wife and their two boys. “He was an exemplary team player and would always place his personal interests second to those around him for the common good. “Mukesh was very well known in the Leicester business community and was tireless in his efforts to raise the profile and reputation of the firm and his office. “We have lost a real force for good in the Freeths community, but we will ensure that his legacy lives on through our commitment to those shared principles that were so dear to him.” Posting on the Linked In professional social media network, Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL, founder of Loughborough's Morningside Pharmaceuticals and another well regarded member of the county business community also said it was “heartbreaking”. He wrote: “A true gentlemen and stalwart ambassador for his profession, Freeths and Leicestershire. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Rita and the boys. It was an honour to call you a friend and you will be sorely missed. RIP”. Helen Donnellan, Pro Vice Chancellor Business and Innovation at De Montfort University, and a previous part of Team Leicester when she was at Leicester City Council, said he had mentored her and her team on her arrival in the city. She said: “He was the most generous person who always went above and beyond to support our business community and will be greatly missed by very many. “My thoughts go out to his family to whom he was devoted.” In a joint statement on behalf of Team Leicester, Richard Osborn and follow director Rob McGuinn said Mr Patel had played an integral and active part in championing Leicester and Leicestershire’s investment potential on an international stage. They said: “He was such a kind and genuine soul who always strove for positive outcomes and looked for the best in everything. “Our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time. “Mukesh, you are and will always be sadly missed. Rest in peace our dear friend.” Richard Blackmore, Midlands regional director for the CBI, added that he was a “truly kind, supportive and warm gentleman”.

Weightmans latest to sign up for 103 Colmore Row

Law firm Weightmans is to relocate its Birmingham team across the city's business district. The firm has signed a ten-year deal for 12,132 sq ft on the ninth-floor of the new 103 Colmore Row office tower. The deal will see Weightmans' move around 170 staff from its current base at St Philips Point, in Temple Row, where it has been based since 2006. Jawaid Rehman, partner and head of the practice's Birmingham office, said: "In recent years, we have really embraced environmental, social and corporate governance principles and worked hard to embed sustainability into our business as usual. Email newsletters BusinessLive is your home for business news from across the West Midlands including Birmingham, the Black Country, Solihull, Coventry and Staffordshire. Click through here to sign up for our email newsletter and also view the broad range of other bulletins we offer including weekly sector-specific updates. We will also send out 'Breaking News' emails for any stories which must be seen right away. LinkedIn For all the latest stories, views and polls, follow our BusinessLive West Midlands LinkedIn page here. "The Birmingham office move is part of this plan. We remain committed to the community and business in Birmingham and the Midlands region and look forward to welcoming guests to Colmore Row in the summer." 103 Colmore Row covers 26 storeys and this latest deal with Weightmans is the latest in a long line of lease agreements landlords have signed with professional services firms including Browne Jacobson, Shoosmiths, Arcadis and Colliers. Last autumn, its new fine dining restaurant Orelle opened on the 24th floor and there is also a co-working space and members' business lounge on the 18th floor run by x+why. James Howarth, managing director of the building's developer Sterling Property Ventures, said: "Weightmans has been based in Birmingham for more than 25 years and with its relocation to 103 Colmore Row it has committed its future to the city in a best-in-class building."

New Hull chambers for city's barristers on court centre's doorstep

A barristers’ chambers which was only founded two years ago is on the move to new premises in Hull city centre, with the space to support its ambitious growth plans. Crown Chambers was set up by 10 founding members and has already more than quadrupled its headcount, with further recruitment to come. The new home, a Georgian property opposite the combined court centre and Guildhall, has been restored by city-based Allenby Commercial. It was acquired for its style, location and fit out in an undisclosed deal, and is described as supporting a commitment to make careers in law more accessible. Read more:New chapter for Browns Books as residential conversion completes for city living Barrister Naomi Madderson, head of chambers, said: “The people who formed Crown Chambers chose Hull because it was felt there was a need to modernise the concept of a chambers generally and, being local practitioners, this galvanised us into creating one. In many ways the move symbolises a physical metaphor of the journey we have travelled as well as one which shows where we need to be. “It is both significant and exciting for those who set up chambers; those who have joined since and those who are embarking on their future careers at Crown. It is important to create growth and to promote a new way of thinking that benefits professionals but importantly the clients we represent.” Crown Chambers was the first to be created in Hull in 65 years when it launched in June 2020 at The Pathway, Bowlalley Lane. The practice now comprises more than 30 members as well as four clerks and other support staff, plus a growing number of pupils serving a national client base embracing family law, court of protection, criminal law, civil law and regulatory law. The new premises at 93-95 Alfred Gelder Street had been acquired by Allenby Commercial in 2013 as a derelict shell. It was renovated to provide modern, high-quality space in keeping with the portfolio, which includes the award-winning Danish Buildings and Bayles House and the Victorian Paragon Arcade. Naomi said: “We were on the lookout for a new building and we had seen a few but we were aware that this was coming on the market. Knowing how Allenby Commercial renovate properties, it was always going to be of interest. “Once you walk in you get the open, fresh, innovative feel. I knew instantly it was the right building for us. The location could not be more convenient. It is right across the road from the Combined Court Centre and the space gives us the ability to keep growing.” The move will also support Crown Chambers’ plans for more in-house training as it strives to build on achievements which include recognition in renowned publications Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500. Naomi said: “We are committed to increasing excellence in advocacy alongside equality and opportunities for all under-represented groups. We want to create more enrichment in Hull. We feel it is a strength of the city ultimately to have people who are representative of the public they serve. “We work with local law firms and local authorities and count ourselves fortunate that they have supported us in this journey which is a testament to the professionalism of the people who work here and the strong relationships we have formed with people in this city.” Charlie Allenby, development manager at Allenby Commercial, said 93-95 Alfred Gelder Street lent itself to the opportunity to create a property which would be sought after for its combination of historic features and modern touches -which include a first-floor city garden. It had been occupied by electronic point of sale specialist Tevalis before a recent move to Bridgehead Business Park. He said: “We secured a tenant as soon as the work was completed and, as they outgrew the building, we were approached by Crown Chambers. We’ve always held the view that the property would make the ideal headquarters for an ambitious, expanding business and we’re confident Crown Chambers will thrive here. They certainly couldn’t have found a more convenient location!”

Team Leicester heading out to Cannes to promote investment opportunities at MIPIM 2023

A delegation of developers, investors, construction specialists, lawyers, agents and public sector officials will head out to the south of France next month to promote a wealth of property investment opportunities across Leicester and Leicestershire. The Team Leicester delegation is heading out to the international MIPIM property conference which takes place in Cannes between March 14-17. The annual conference is seen as an opportunity to network and discuss possible deals during a busy four days of exhibitions, meetings and discussions as well as conversations over meals and drinks. The Team Leicester 2023 group will include representatives from around 20 businesses and public sector bodies and will head down to the Med with a recently updated Invest in Leicester land and property prospectus – highlighting 40 key investment opportunities. Invest in Leicester is a partnership between the city and county councils, promoting the region as the place to locate and grow a business. Space-related industries will be a key priority for Team Leicester at MIPIM this year following from the successful opening of the initial stage of the £100 million Space Park Leicester. A key project being promoted is the extension to the nearby Pioneer Park, a partnership between Leicester Council and Leicester University to provide a hub for technology, innovation, science, and knowledge-led industry. Office space opportunities in the city will also be presented, including the Waterside office enterprise zone and the Leicester Station Quarter development which aims to increase grade-A office space in the city. The county will also promote the opportunities that exist at the East Midlands Freeport site around East Midlands Airport, which hopes to attract manufacturers and logistics operators. Enterprise zones at Charnwood, Loughborough and MIRA Technology Park will also feature. Rob McGuinn, director at MDA Consulting and chair of the Team Leicester partnership, said: “We are very much looking forward to returning to Cannes again this year. “We will be going to MIPIM as one voice for the area, with a clear message that Leicester and Leicestershire is open for business. “This year our gala dinner showcase will be at Grey D’Albion hotel. We are expecting up to 100 delegates comprising Team Leicester partners, their colleagues and guests who are interested in development opportunities, growing their industry networks, and doing business in Leicester and Leicestershire. “It has always been an extremely enjoyable – and very valuable – evening and this year promises to be no different.”

Regional law firm chooses Hull for its latest expansion

A regional law firm has entered the Hull legal market, with the launch of a new city office as its third Yorkshire location. Truth Legal, set up a decade ago in Harrogate, has welcomed two new team members to facilitate the opening in K2 Tower on Bond Street. A total of 27 people are now employed by the firm, which added a Leeds office in 2021. The Hull office will be headed up by specialist immigration lawyer, Frances Ledbury, a University of Hull alumni. She has previously worked for Howells, Pepperells and Williamsons in the city. She is joined by experienced paralegal, Olivia Pickering. Georgina Parkin, Truth Legal’s managing director and co-owner, said: “2022 was a great year for the business, our most successful to date during which we celebrated our tenth anniversary. To kick off 2023 with the opening of a new branch gives us the best possible start to the new year. “We’ve experienced a rapid period of expansion, particularly over the past three years, opening successful immigration law, family law and business services departments in that time. A real upturn in demand for our services prompted the decision to open in Hull, offering the East Riding and Lincolnshire greater access to a dedicated, specialist legal team with a proven track record. “Hull is the perfect place for our third location. City of culture status left a positive legacy with booming tech and hospitality industries, both key sectors we focus on for our business clients. The city also boasts a highly skilled legal sector and a respected university which bodes well for future recruitment. Opening in Hull also presents the firm with the opportunity to become a major player serving Hull and Lincolnshire.” The letting at K2 features offices and private meeting room space.

East Midlands businessmen banned over Covid Bounce Back loans

Two East Midlands businessmen have been banned from acting as directors after being found to have fraudulently taken out Covid Bounce Back loans The Insolvency Service said the two – who were not connected – were disqualified following separate investigations into tens of thousands of pounds worth of fraud. It said Savio Gilbert Pereira, (aged 46), from Market Harborough made a false claim in connection to a business he ran called Himalayan Zest Takeaway. It was based in Market Street in Lutterworth, and went into went into liquidation in November last year. Back in June 2020 the service said Pereira received the maximum £50,000 loan after claiming the takeaway had a £207,500 turnover. The loans were created to help businesses stay afloat during the pandemic. Investigators became suspicious after the company went under owing around £51,500, and determined that Pereira had exaggerated the turnover to falsely claim the loan. It said Pereira was unable to prove that three significant transactions after he got the loan – a £10,000 payment to himself, £28,000 in payments to an unknown recipient and £16,800 in cash – were for the economic support of the restaurant. In the other, unrelated case, the Insolvency Services said Sajid Anver Valimohammed, (aged 37) and from Leicester, was director of J Dee Designs, until it went into liquidation in December 2020. The business was incorporated in July 2019 and traded as a fashionwear finisher from Upper Charnwood Street. The service said Valimohammed had failed to keep business accounts and records – a legal requirement of company directors – and was unable to hand them over to the liquidators, which led to an investigation. It said that it discovered that he had withdrawn more than £286,000 from the company bank account through 199 separate transfers with the same reference while J Dee Design was in business. In all the service said £315,300 was withdrawn from the business which Valimohammed could not prove was for legitimate trading activity. Likewise it said he could not prove that a £30,000 Bounce Back Loan had been used for the benefit of the company. It also said investigators were unable to verify if the business had paid enough tax or whether liquidators would be able to make any recovery of debts. In a statement it said: “Valimohammed did not contest the disqualification order at court and was banned from being a director for eight years on 9 November this year. “His ban began on 30 November and the court also awarded full costs to the Insolvency Service. “Separately, the Secretary of State accepted a disqualification undertaking from Savio Pereira in October, after he did not dispute that he had caused his restaurant to falsely apply for a Bounce Back Loan of £50,000, and had failed to use the money for the economic benefit of the company. “Pereira’s disqualification started on 15 November this year and lasts for 11 years. The bans prevent the two directors from directly or indirectly becoming involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company, without the permission of the court.” Dave Elliott, chief examiner at The Insolvency Service, said: “The Insolvency Service takes Bounce Back Loan abuse and the failure to keep, preserve and deliver up books and records very seriously.

East Midlands Movers and Shakers this spring at Sapori, Nottingham Building Society, EMBS Engineering, Coolbrook, Boyer and more

Sapori Andrea Scarpati, chef-patron of Sapori in Anstey, has been to Rome to receive his appointment as an Ambasciatore del Gusto – Ambassador of Taste – from the prestigious DOC Italy. This organisation protects Italy's regional culinary heritage and Mr Scarpati (pictured above) was honoured in recognition of his years of tireless work to promote authentic Italian cuisine. He is now part of a very select group, with ambassadors chosen because of their mastery of the cuisine of their region and their dedication to sharing authentic Italian recipes. Only a very small number of recipients live and work outside of Italy. It is the latest honour to be conferred on him and the team at Sapori. In 2019 they found their place in the Michelin Guide for the first time, while in 2021 they were awarded two AA Rosettes, confirming their status as one of the finest and most authentic Italian restaurants in the country. Nottingham Building Society Nottingham Building Society has appointed Matt Kingston as national sales manager for its intermediaries business. Matt will run the business development manager team, helping brokers source mortgages for clients. He joins from LiveMore Capital, where he was regional sales manager, and before that worked at Clifton Mortgages, Legal & General, Bank of Ireland, Marsh Commercial, Aviva plc and RSA. He said: “I am proud to be joining a modern organisation which a rich heritage of helping people purchase their own homes. I look forward to advancing The Nottingham’s portfolio and continuing to cultivate meaningful relationships with intermediary partners.” Coolbrook Finland based technology and engineering company Coolbrook has made Robert Savidge its engineering director. It is the second senior management appointment for Coolbrook in the company’s Leicester office. He will lead the design process and development of Coolbrook's revolutionary Rotodynamic Technology and support the company's aim to play its part in a clean industrial revolution. Boyer Planning consultancy Boyer has promoted land & planning director David Hutchinson to head up its Midlands office at Normanton-on-Soar, near Loughborough. Managing director Andy Williams said: “David joined the office shortly after it opened in 2018 and has been instrumental in establishing our presence in the region. “He has brought significant land, planning and new homes instructions into both Boyer and the Leaders Romans Group for high profile clients on a number of strategic land sites. “David will lead and develop both the land and planning teams in the region as part of our business plan for the growth of Boyer and LRG.” Actons Independent Nottingham law firm Actons has promoted its second non-lawyer manager to director – with accounts manager Marc Pegg taking on the role of finance director. Marc has more than 25 years’ experience in the legal sector, having joined the firm back in 1998. He became accounts manager in 2006 and completed his ILFM studies in 2000. Actons chairman Simon Dakin said: “I am delighted to welcome Marc as a director of the firm. Marc has been with us for many years and already plays a critical role in our accounting function. “I am confident that he will continue his development and make a success of this opportunity, and his new role as our finance director. “In just the last six months, we’ve welcomed six new colleagues to the business and promoted two others as we continue to grow. “The next months are lining up to be an exciting period for the firm, as we continue to look for more great people to join our team, and take forward some other key projects.” Fluid Ideas Creative agency Fluid Ideas has strengthened its team with seven new arrivals, including its first apprentice. Olivia Beighton has joined Fluid’s search and social team as an apprentice digital marketing executive while undertaking a digital marketing degree with Aston University. Another addition to the search and social team is search engine optimisation specialist Zukais Mohammed. The agency’s image and motion team has been strengthened by the arrival of Ed O’Murphy as a CGI artist and Jaime Tozer, who is on a placement after gaining a master’s degree in photography at Nottingham Trent University. Rafael Cardoso and Pasha Mardiiants have joined Fluid’s websites and systems team as front-end developers. Meanwhile the brand and creative team has been bolstered by the arrival of graduate Ben Bayes, a graphic designer who gained his degree at the University of Lincoln. Fluid, which employs over 50 staff and is based at Darley Abbey Mills, near Derby, is a full-service agency whose operations cover branding and campaigns, graphic and website design, computer-generated imagery, 3D animation and video, photography, copywriting, digital marketing, content management, search and social media. WBR Group WBR Group, the UK’s largest independent provider of SSAS services and tax experts, has made two appointments to its leadership team. David Downie joins as managing director of SSAS & actuarial and Peter Collier as director of marketing and distribution. The group has offices in Leicester, Bolton and Salisbury. David has more than 30 years’ experience in the financial services sector, with most of those years spent working within the pension and SSAS industry. He is a fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, chairman of the ACA Individual and Pension Savings Committee and was most recently chief actuary at Rowanmoor where he has worked for more than 29 years. Peter Collier has more than 25 years’ experience in the pensions industry, having held senior roles across marketing, business development and strategy functions within the pensions and wealth management industry. Bellway Harvey Barnes has been named Belway Apprentice of the Year. The 21-year-old architectural apprentice from Leicester, applied for an apprenticeship with Bellway East Midlands, based at the Meridian Business Park in Leicester, following Covid He said: “Bellway took a huge chance on me, but they looked at the work I had done on my course, and they gave me a chance. It’s the best thing that’s happened in my life.” In the nearly two years since he began his apprenticeship as a trainee architectural technician, Harvey has repaid Bellway’s faith in him, throwing himself into his work, learning from his colleagues and pitching in when others need help. Architectural Manager, Chris Weston, put him forward for Bellway’s Apprentice of the Year Award because of his positive attitude, sense of initiative and proactive approach. He said: “Harvey has shown great character and confidence in his work. He isn’t afraid to push himself outside his comfort zone and he has a fantastic work ethic.” Optima UK Leicester recruitment, training and business consultancy Optima UK has made two new senior hires to its technology and IT division, and promoted its head of operations to director. Sam Naseer has been recruited as global director, technology and IT recruitment services, while Gladia Antony has joined the team as senior manager, global talent acquisition, technology and IT recruitment services. Julie Booth, Optima’s highly-experienced head of operations, has been promoted to director of recruitment operations, a role that sees her taking a strategic lead in Optima’s day-to-day activities. Chief executive Larraine Boorman said: “Our successful talent acquisition skills and experience has been in demand like no time before, and we have seen exponential growth in many areas, including technology and IT but also in manufacturing and engineering industries, legal, finance, sales, marketing, and HR.” Readings Leicester-based Readings property group has announced the retirement of managing director Peter Woodthorpe, who headed up its survey and professional services department. Meanwhile it has brought in two new board directors – Sean Sexton BSc MRICS and James Beardsworth Hons, Dip Surv & Val, Assoc RICS. Sean started his career in 2005 working for both independent and corporate companies, gaining his qualifications along the way and joined Readings in 2016. He now heads up our survey department and is involved in not only survey and valuation work but also in dispute resolution acting as an expert witness and single joint expert in court proceedings. James started his career in business sales in 2010 and in 2014 joined an independent estate agent in Loughborough. He joined the team at Readings in 2019, and now has a steady stream of referred business from fellow professionals and past client recommendations. Avant Homes Chesterfield-based Avant Homes Central has strengthened its senior team with the appointment of a technical director to further enable its regional expansion. Mark Bray, who joins from residential developer Countryside Partnerships, has more than 40 years’ experience in local government and the construction and housebuilding sectors. In his new role, he is responsible for Avant Homes Central’s technical delivery, including house type and development design and supporting the region’s land, commercial, construction and site management teams during various stages of construction. Avant Homes Central has nine live developments ranging from Chesterfield to Derby with more due to start as the business continues its expansion plans. The company has six other regional businesses operating within Scotland, north east England, Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, East Midlands and the West Midlands. Timms Solicitors Family lawyer and resolution-trained family mediator Adrian Rose has become a partner at Timms Solicitors which has offices in Derby’s Cathedral Quarter, Burton-upon-Trent, Swadlincote and Ashby. Adrian joins the leadership team of Fiona Moffat, Dee Khunkhuna and Jo Robinson. Managing partner Fiona Moffat said: “We are delighted that Adrian has become a partner with the firm and this promotion is well-deserved. “His expertise and his excellent reputation on family law matters and mediation services has greatly enhanced the fast-growing team and this timely and cost-effective resolution has had a hugely positive impact on clients during difficult times in their lives.” Adrian has worked exclusively in family law for almost thirty years and specialises in all areas of family law, including divorce and cohabitation, financial matters and disputes relating to children. EMBS Engineering A young entrepreneur has been made managing director of a fast growing engineering recruitment company. James Hall became a recruitment consultant aged just 17 and, following three successive promotions, he was given the chance to mentor others aged just 23. Now 32, and a dad-of-two, James is celebrating his promotion to MD of EMBS Engineering – a talent and recruitment services business co-founded by Simon Bucknell and Ian Stevens that provides permanent and contract engineering resources for the Midlands’s fastest-growing advanced manufacturing companies. Based in Vernon Gate, Derby, James – who joined EMBS as a senior consultant leading the engineering desk eight years ago - has plans to grow the business over the next five years to meet the demand for skilled engineers. The business works with candidates and businesses within the aerospace, automotive and motorsport, power, nuclear and defence industries. He said: “The post-Brexit, post-Covid employment market is creating major challenges for employers, and we believe that we have the expertise and solutions to make a huge difference. “Derby is well-known for being at the heart of engineering in the UK and it’s an exciting time to be involved in the industry. “But if we’re going to meet the demand for skills, we need to encourage women into engineering, increase apprenticeship adoption and ensure that we keep the over-50s in the workforce for as long as possible." Next Jeremy Stakol joins the board of Leicestershire-based Next on April 3 as an executive director, covering group investments, acquisitions and third party brands. Jeremy holds a masters in professional accounting and spent his early career in the finance department of a large media company. In 2004 Jeremy joined Lipsy as managing director, and joined the Next group in that role 14 years ago when it acquired the business.

Fees clear £10m for Bridge McFarland as property market activity spurs firm on

Fee income has passed the £10 million mark for prominent regional law firm Bridge McFarland. Annual results just published show a turnover of £10.7 million, up 18 per cent on the £9 million of work in the year to April 30, 2021. Founded in Grimsby in the mid-Seventies, where it maintains a strong presence, and now headquartered in Lincoln, the firm also has offices in Hull, Louth, Market Rasen and Scarborough. Managing partner Stephen Oldridge said: “It is a pleasing set of results. Income has recovered well after the difficulties faced during the pandemic and has increased 18 per cent year on year. Increased activity in the property market really helped to drive this growth. Read more: New Hull chambers for city's barristers on court centre's doorstep “Profit has remained similar to 2021 levels due to a corresponding 11 per cent increase in expenditure as we invested heavily in staff and recommenced marketing and other activities that had been paused during the pandemic period. It is encouraging that we have embedded a number of savings such as postage, stationery and travel as we continue to embrace, and invest in, more technological ways of working.” Profits came in at £4 million, up from £3.8 million, with employee numbers up from 162 to 169. Mr Oldrdge said: “I would like to put on record my thanks to our wonderful staff who have worked so hard over the course of the pandemic to ensure we were open for business at all times and supporting our clients whether we were working from home or in the office. Special mention has to go to our conveyancing staff and finance team who coped amazingly well with the numerous extensions to the Stamp Duty Land Tax holiday which seemed to really fire up the local housing market. “Finally, I would like to thank our clients. Over the last couple of years we have sought to continue to provide excellent service and support to them and they, in turn, have understood the additional challenges we have faced through these very difficult times. “We understand the new challenges that everyone is facing at the moment particularly in relation to the current cost of living crisis and we hope to continue to support our clients with excellent and fairly priced services throughout 2023.”

Wagatha Christie law firm Brabners hails revenue and profits rise

The law firm used by Coleen Rooney in the defamation trial with Rebekah Vardy has hailed a rise in its revenue and profits during its latest financial year. Liverpool-headquartered Brabners, which also has offices in Manchester, Leeds and Bamber Bridge, Lancashire, has reported a revenue of £40.5m for the 12 months to the end of April 2022, up from the £36.9m it achieved in the prior year. The law firm said its fifth consecutive year of growth also saw an 11% increase in profits before members remuneration and profit shares to £14m, up from £12.5m. READ MORE: Click here to sign up to the BusinessLive North West newsletter As well as the Wagatha Christie case, Brabners is well known for representing high-profile individuals such as England cricket captain Ben Stokes and grime artist Bugzy Malone. Chief executive Robert White said: "Brabners has achieved so much in the last five years, and the past 18 months have been our strongest yet. "We continue to focus on building a leading independent law firm: a firm with a national reach, with a strong sense of purpose, that seeks to play its part in bringing about positive change from its position at the heart of the Northern business community. "Our investments over the past five years, most recently in our offices in Manchester, Lancashire and now Leeds have only strengthened our position and have created the environment for our people – guided by our values and culture – to flourish. "All our colleagues can be immensely proud of what we have achieved so far, and supported by our ongoing commitment to innovation, diversity and sustainability, we intend to continue to challenge ourselves at all times to “make the difference” for our clients, our people and the communities we serve. "Our outlook for 2022-23 remains optimistic, despite the undoubted challenges we all face, and we look forward to being there as a force for good when it matters most, positioning ourselves as a partner in action." READ MORE: Hotel owned by Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs 'outperforming competitors' as it makes 'very encouraging' recovery Hotel Gotham 'trading strongly' after surging back to pre-pandemic performance Manchester City lead Deloitte Football Money League for second year as Liverpool and Manchester United make top four CarFinance 247 remains 'cautiously optimistic' after creating almost 100 jobs and record sales

Birmingham Law Society unveils awards shortlist

The shortlist for the 2023 Birmingham Law Society Legal Awards has been unveiled ahead of next month's ceremony. Squire Patton Boggs, Weightmans and Irwin Mitchell are among those firms to receive multiple nominations across the 12 different categories. Almost 60 individuals and firms have been named in this year's shortlist, with the winners set to be crowned at a ceremony on March 9 at the ICC. Email newsletters BusinessLive is your home for business news from across the West Midlands including Birmingham, the Black Country, Solihull, Coventry and Staffordshire. Click through here to sign up for our email newsletter and also view the broad range of other bulletins we offer including weekly sector-specific updates. We will also send out 'Breaking News' emails for any stories which must be seen right away. LinkedIn For all the latest stories, views and polls, follow our BusinessLive West Midlands LinkedIn page here. The judging panel was led by Martin Hall, managing director of M Hall Management, alongside Sarah Ramsey, dean at the University of Law in Birmingham and Anjum Khan, director of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce. Further interviews with finalists will take place later this month ahead of the award ceremony. Mr Hall said: "We were extremely impressed with the high quality of the submissions in 2023. All firms and individuals should be very proud of their submissions as it gave the shortlisting committee a very difficult but enjoyable challenge." Birmingham Law Society President Tony McDaid added: "It is no surprise that the quality of entrants to this year's Legal Awards is so high. "Birmingham is blessed with some of the legal sector's most influential and sector-leading firms and individuals - all of whom choose to flourish here in our city." The 2023 shortlist is: Trainee Solicitor of the Year Monika Gagat, Squire Patton Boggs Grace Hallam, Weightmans Nikita Pierpoint, Bevan Brittan Phoebe Smart, Irwin Mitchell Sophie Warren, Shoosmiths Apprentice of the Year Caira Baker, Capsticks Solicitors Alexander Bradbury, Squire Patton Boggs Sinead Jones, Kennedys Law Tom Reeves, Weightmans Renee Tombs, Bevan Brittan Paralegal of the Year Manaar Dayoub, Capsticks Solicitors Liberty Green, Weightmans Raipreet Singh Phull, Weightmans Chanel Quigley, Anthony Collins Solicitors Hayley Webb, Greens Solicitors Solicitor of the Year Michelle Chapman, Irwin Mitchell Fiona Farrell, Irwin Mitchell Mariyam Harunah, Squire Patton Boggs Jonathan Lewis, Capsticks Solicitors Sharon Thandi, Devonshires Solicitors Barrister of the Year Marc Brown, St Philips Chambers Louise Corfield, No5 Barristers' Chambers Aimee Fox, 3PB Barristers Yolanda Pemberton, St Philips Chambers Alexander Pritchard-Jones, No5 Barristers' Chambers Partner of the Year Ruth Griffin, Gowling WLG Mark Hands, Irwin Mitchell Ian Jones, Spencer Shaw Solicitors Christopher Plumley, Trowers & Hamlins Shivaji Shiva, VWV Pro Bono Award Elena Goodfellow, Bevan Brittan William Horwood, St Philips Chambers Sibon Phiri, United Legal Access Faizan Sadiq, Greens Solicitors Equality and Diversity Award (Law firm) Bridging the Bar, 3PB Barristers Capsticks Solicitors Shakespeare Martineau Squire Patton Boggs Thursfields Solicitors In-House Award Birmingham Organising Committee for the 2022 Commonwealth Games Bal Atwal, West Midlands Police Tamina Greaves, Crown Prosecution Service Neena Janda, Zappi Kuldip Kaur, HSBC Law Firm of the Year (Sole practitioners and firms up to five partners) Chase Morgan Solicitors Fountain Solicitors Neil Davies & Partners Spencer Shaw Solicitors Tenet Compliance & Litigation Law Firm of the Year (Regional) Enoch Evans George Green Higgs Sydney Mitchell The Wilkes Partnership Law Firm of the Year (National) Anthony Collins Solicitors Gateley Legal Gowling WLG Shoosmiths