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BLM ANNOUNCES PROMOTIONS ACROSS ITS NORTH WEST OFFICES

Appointments

Sam Whitear

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07/10/2020

BLM ANNOUNCES PROMOTIONS ACROSS ITS NORTH WEST OFFICES

Leading insurance risk and commercial law specialist BLM has announced fourteen promotions across its North West offices, including three appointments to partner. The promotions span four of the firm’s seven business streams with six promotions in Claims Solutions, four in Speciality & Financial Lines, two in Large Loss & Technical, and two in Commercial Advisory & Private Wealth, across both its Liverpool and Manchester offices.

In total, BLM promoted twelve associates to partner and 23 solicitors to associate level this year, across nine of the firm’s thirteen offices.

Matthew Harrington, BLM Senior Partner, commented on the promotions: “In what has been a challenging year for many firms, it is rewarding to celebrate the success of our teams across offices and specialties. As we grow and diversify our business streams, focusing on areas of strength and opportunity, it’s vital we have the right people in place. Our new partners and associates embody the future of our firm, and have enabled us to continue to provide clients with exceptional expertise and service, during a time of great change for many businesses.

“It is my priority to provide our teams with the ability and opportunity to progress within their careers as part of our succession planning strategy. In particular, recognising our junior partners and associates, and the energy, ideas and commercial awareness they bring to our clients. I’d like to congratulate all colleagues.”

Congratulations to the following colleagues:

Promotions in Manchester and Liverpool
Angela Crisall (partner, Manchester)
Marie Atkinson (partner, Manchester)
Kendra McKinney (partner, Manchester)
Danielle Fairfield (associate, Manchester)
Christopher Glynn (associate, Manchester)
Rachel Smith (associate, Manchester)
Chloe Jenkins (associate, Manchester)
Gemma Stewart (associate, Manchester)
Janet Walters (associate, Manchester)
Katie Connell (associate, Manchester)
Charlotte Pritchard (associate, Manchester)
David Grimsditch (associate, Liverpool – Chartered Legal Executive (FCILEx))
Elizabeth McCulloch (associate, Liverpool)
Vicky Garner (associate, Liverpool)

Foundation 92 Announces BUPA Partnership

Partnerships

Sam Whitear

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07/10/2020

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Foundation 92 Announces BUPA Partnership

Foundation 92 is proud to announce an exciting new charitable partnership with Bupa Foundation. The partnership will launch a health improvement programme aimed at helping families in Salford live longer, healthier and happier lives.

The Bupa Foundation has pledged a grant of £15,000 to support the programme, which will directly support local families by encouraging them to make changes to lead healthier and more positive lifestyles.

Each family referred onto the programme will be provided with the opportunity to participate in an individualised and tailored development journey, empowering them to make informed decisions around their wellbeing.

Furthermore, participants will be offered the chance to take part in mentored family fitness classes to develop their skillset, confidence and ability to take part in physical activity independently within the community.

Wayne Close, Chair of the Greater Manchester Bupa Foundation Community Committee said:

“We’re delighted to support this programme and we believe that the holistic approach to supports whole families is a unique one. Working together with Foundation 92 we can help lots of families to make positive changes and achieve and maintain better physical and mental wellbeing.”

More than 40 families will be referred to the programme courtesy of a range of partners including Salford Health Improvement Service, Salford Youth Service and supporting Third Sector partners.

The course will be implemented over a 12-month period with each family receiving a free weekly healthy meal pack to continue their education in the comfort of their own homes.

Head of Foundation 92 Tom Hutton said:

“Together with Bupa Foundation, we’re committed to providing Salford residents with the chance to make healthy and positive lifestyle changes.

“With the launch of this innovative programme, Foundation 92’s dedicated Health Improvement Officers will provide families facing hardship and inequality, often through no fault of their own, with the opportunity to take part in an educational experience that will hopefully lead to a healthier lifestyle!”

Three Manchester businesses are sharing their expertise in a series of webinars

Business support

Sam Whitear

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06/10/2020

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Three Manchester businesses are sharing their expertise in a series of webinars

Three professional services firms based in Manchester have come together to share their expertise by providing a series of webinars. Alexander & Co Chartered Accountants and Tax Advisors, BLM Law and Xentum Financial Planning and Wealth Management will provide these complementary to both clients and non-clients.

The webinar series aims to provide insight and guidance on a wide range of financial issues from the perspectives of legal, tax and financial and wealth planning.

The first event, titled “Organising your personal and family finances as you would your business” will see experts in the fields of private client law, tax advisory and financial planning discuss how to use business skills to manage personal financial issues faced by many individuals.

Useful topics being covered include advice on how to build assets for future income, how to minimise tax through effective family succession planning, how to ensure wills remain robust and how you can retain control beyond your mental capacity with lasting powers of attorney.

Following a three-way discussion by the panel, a Q&A session will provide an opportunity to put questions forward.

John McCaffery, Tax Partner at Alexander & Co said:

“Bringing our differing expertise together provides a dynamic perspective to the subjects that are being discussed. The synergy this creates gives participants a unique opportunity to fully get behind financial issues”

James Beresford, Partner at BLM Law said:

“Providing a series of complementary webinars on timely issues that many of our clients face will help to showcase how through working together, we can provide added value for clients. Our combined offering offers a truly comprehensive service”

Adam Carolan Managing Director at Xentum said:

“We are delighted to be working together to deliver this series of webinars. I am sure they will provide insightful and cover many of the financial issues people are faced with today, explaining how to best address these. Whilst lots of people are clear on where their business needs to get to and the financial targets they need to hit, they’re less clear on where their lives are going and what money they need at different stages for themselves and their families. What we’re trying to help people to do is bring the discipline of good financial planning from their business life to their personal life.”

This free event will take place online on 22 October 2020 at 1.00 pm and people can register in advance here.

The first webinar will be of interest to anyone who is looking to plan for the future, whether that be through investments, savings or pensions, or those looking to exit a business in a tax efficient way (including passing businesses through a family or an MBO).

Regional Property Solutions secure two new managements

Property

Sam Whitear

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06/10/2020

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Regional Property Solutions secure two new managements

Regional Property Solutions has secured two new management appointments to add to its growing property management portfolio.

Altrincham Regeneration LLP has appointed it to manage the 20,000 sq ft retail and leisure complex at 74-78 George Street, Altrincham, which is anchored by the Everyman cinema occupying 10,000 sq ft.

The second appointment on behalf of a private pension, just prior to lockdown, was the management of Lindley Court, Scott Drive, Altrincham a two storey detached office building comprising 6000 sq ft.

“We certainly hit the ground running with these new management instructions”, said Daniel Lee, director, Regional Property Solutions.

“Lindley Court is now fully let with Revive Management taking a 10 year lease on the 3,000 sq ft first floor accommodation as well seeing through the letting of the ground floor to Markit. We also have one of the two available 5,000 sq ft ground floor units, at 74-78 George Street, under offer.

“We are continuing to grow our property management business which this year has also seen Garden Place a 10,000 sq ft Altrincham office building and a 4,500 sq ft mixed freehold investment of a restaurant with residential apartments above in Chorlton join the 100 plus buildings and estates under our umbrella with a rent roll in excess of £6M.

“We are delighted to have secured the new management of these properties and look forward to actively managing them to ensure the smooth running of these buildings which encompass the full spectrum of management issues across the retail, leisure, office and residential sectors.”

NORTH-WEST platform hire expert expands into London with acquisition

Growth

Sam Whitear

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06/10/2020

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NORTH-WEST platform hire expert expands into London with acquisition

UK based powered access platform company, Aspire Platforms (Aspire), has completed an all share purchase acquisition of an alloy tower and aerial lift rental operations company, London Tower Services (LTS), expanding Aspire’s geographical presence to London just two years after it was established by Vincent Rourke in Leigh, Greater Manchester.

With gross assets in the region of £4.5m, LTS is a well-established and well-known specialist access provider. The acquisition shows a clear statement of Aspire’s ambition to build their brand and create a national network of specialist access hire services to support their loyal customers across the UK.

Late last year, Vincent Rourke and Simon Dunn established parent company Aspire Group of Businesses Ltd, prior to looking out for acquisition opportunities to expand on their current footprint in Manchester and Yorkshire.

With an existing fleet of 305 platforms, mostly consisting of self-propelled boom and scissor lifts, it is clear to see that LTS is going to be a great asset to the growing brand and now takes their total machine count to 745.

Vincent Rourke, Founder and Group Manager Director of Aspire Group, comments:
“LTS is the perfect partner and this acquisition delivers on all fronts. Firstly, it gives us an excellent geographic location from which to service the wider London and South East market. Secondly, it gives us two well respected businesses and brands with the resources and expertise to offer a comprehensive range of access solutions, from conventional Aluminium Towers to aerial work platforms and specialist products and services to the rail sector.”

Corporate finance advice to Aspire was provided by Leonherman, the firm’s retained advisors, and the lending facility was provided by PMD’s Structured Finance Solutions division. Legal advice was provided by David Easdown and Ryan Tweedale at Knights.

Callum Bull, Structured Finance Director at PMD Business Finance, comments:
“We are proud to have supported Aspire through the acquisition and to provide a quick turnaround for Vincent and Simon for what was an incredibly important deal for the business’s future growth plans.
“It is an exciting time for all at Aspire and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for the Aspire brand and to see how far they spread their national footprint.”

Jerry Scriven, Corporate Finance Partner at Leonherman, comments:
“Having worked with Vincent, Simon and the team since Aspire’s inception we are delighted to have helped them secure this pivotal transaction for the business’s future strategy, particularly in such a challenging deal making environment. We look forward with relish to supporting them on the next stage on their growth journey.”

Simon Dunn, Chairman, added:
“Our continued growth and all-round performance in Manchester and Yorkshire, despite the market uncertainty, has been amazing and this has given the Board and our young and dynamic Management Team the confidence to expand into London and the South East.
“Working with PMD felt like a breath of fresh air. With a quick turnaround and effortless service, it was great to be supported by a business who were just as passionate about our growth plans as we are.”

PARTNER WITH THE CODE-SWITCH CONSULTANCY TRAINING PROGRAMME TO UNLOCK CUTTING-EDGE RESEARCH FOR YOUR BUSINESS TODAY

Sam Whitear

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05/10/2020

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PARTNER WITH THE CODE-SWITCH CONSULTANCY TRAINING PROGRAMME TO UNLOCK CUTTING-EDGE RESEARCH FOR YOUR BUSINESS TODAY

Code-Switch is a consultancy and researcher development business, bringing research expertise to the business arena and training skilled researchers to realise their potential outside academia. The start-up was launched in March this year by entrepreneur Hellen Parra-Flórez after receiving a Flying Starter Award and support from The University of Manchester’s Masood Entrepreneurship Centre.

Code-Switch pairs up PhD-qualified researchers from all over the country with businesses, charities and organisations to deliver evidence-based, cutting-edge research. It also delivers an MBA-style consultancy training programme for PhD and Early Career Researchers where businesses benefit from free consultancy for their real issues while the trainees cut their teeth in the field, under the supervision of Code-Switch professionals.

Hellen said;

“Research now plays an even more critical role in helping businesses to understand and overcome new barriers that they are facing. Consumer behaviours are also changing at an unprecedented rate as we’re all learning how to adapt to the new world.

We’re excited to help businesses to break down these barriers by working with our network of first-class researchers to solve these problems.”

Code-Switch’s next consultancy training programme starts on 9th November. Businesses are invited to partner with the programme by submitting project briefs for consultancy projects by 26th October. The programme is open to sole traders, start-ups, SMEs, social enterprises and co-ops from all sectors.

In the programme, business partners benefit from an interdisciplinary team of highly skilled problem-solvers applying their expertise to deliver impactful business benefits, such as the evidence base for new products and services and accelerating innovation.

Altrincham FC signs Pixel Kicks

Partnerships

Sam Whitear

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05/10/2020

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Pixel Kicks, the Manchester based full-service digital agency, has been appointed by Altrincham FC as its new digital partner. The deal will see Pixel Kicks host the club’s website and make structural changes to it.

The team will also be improving the spec of the site’s server which is key priority as it needs to be able to handle increased traffic and allow users to browse the site faster. This is particularly important as the new season progresses as the number of fans who can attend games will reduce due to COVID-19. The club expects more and more people will turn to its digital offering over the coming months.

Andy Flynn – digital marketing manager at Pixel Kicks who also works on a pro-bono basis for Altrincham FC advising the club on its digital marketing strategy – said: “Our core objective is to give the club real peace of mind so they know the site is securely and professionally hosted. They also need more flexibility to make improvements to the existing site whenever the need arises which we will be addressing.”

Bill Waterson – co-chairman at Altrincham FC – added: “Andy is an avid life-long supporter of the club, so working with him and Pixel Kicks on a retained basis is an exciting step which I’m sure will add real value to our digital marketing activities.”

Slater Heelis celebrated in annual Legal 500 rankings

Awards

Sam Whitear

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02/10/2020

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Slater Heelis celebrated in annual Legal 500 rankings

Slater Heelis has been recommended as a top law firm in 11 practice areas
A series of lawyers at the Manchester and Cheshire based firm have been selected as Leading Individuals and named within its highlights

Manchester and Cheshire-based Slater Heelis Solicitors is celebrating another successful year of Legal 500 rankings, with 11 of its practice areas highly recommended, and a number of fee earners highlighted as top performing individuals.

The Legal 500 has recognised four lawyers at Slater Heelis as Leading Individuals in the 2021 tables. Simon Wallwork, Mark Heptinstall, Katharine Mellor and Ken Salmon have retained their titles as leading lawyers in the country in their respective practice areas.

The report has also named eight additional lawyers within its highlights: Matthew Grellier has become a Next Generation Partner, having advanced from a Rising Star last year. Rhian Owen is recommended for Health, Jonathan Kay for Commercial Property in Manchester, and Daniel Wise is recognised for Contentious Trusts and Probate. Of the eight named lawyers, three have been included in the rankings for the first time – Samantha Tanney is ranked for the first time for Employment, Charlotte Beck is recommended for Family, and Rachel Fletcher, Head of Crime & Regulatory is recommended for her contribution in the Healthcare sector.

The firm’s Managing Partner, Chris Bishop, was recommended in three different practice areas – Property Litigation, Dispute Resolution and Contentious Trusts and Probate. A total of 21 lawyers at Slater Heelis are mentioned by name in the Legal 500 UK commentary for their standout contribution to respective practices.

Among the leading law firm’s top ranking teams is its family team. The report commends its head, Mark Heptinstall, as a “brilliant legal mind”, with Patricia Robinson a Next Generation Partner, Charlotte Beck a “highly regarded lawyer”, and Kim Aucott a “skilled and thoughtful” consultant.

The family team advises clients on a range of matters and has particular expertise in high-value matrimonial finance work and cases involving children, property and inheritance. Its clients include sports and media personalities, and business owners with complex company structures, as well as high-net-worth individuals.

The healthcare team, headed up by Nicky Collins, is also ranked Tier 2, and was praised as “an experienced, close-knit team who deal with queries efficiently”. It advises on a broad spectrum of work, including primary care matters, GP mergers, clinical trial agreements, corporate structures and acquisitions and disposals of pharmacy businesses.

The firm’s property team, headed by Zara Banday and Will Henson, is another ranked as Tier 2 in the North West, and handles both residential work for high-net-worth clients, and commercial property for lenders and developers for national hospitality companies and luxury developments, some of which have been retained for more than two decades.

Chris Bishop, Managing Partner at Slater Heelis, said: “Our practice teams continue to be ranked among the best in the region which is testament to each lawyer’s on-going hard work and commitment. It’s brilliant to see 21 of our lawyers named in the report and eight of those receive highlights, as well as four members of our team retain their Leading Individuals status. Particular praise is given to Matthew Grellier as he is named as a Next Generation Partner in the Construction team.

“Our commitment to providing the best and most personal service continues to see us compete with much larger firms, and the report’s feedback reflects this, with commendation for our responsive, common sense and practical approach, and the cohesive nature of our people and practices. This attitude to our work will put us in the best position to continue to grow and take on new work during these challenging times.”

Slater Heelis Solicitors full Legal 500 rankings 2021 are as follows:

Commercial Property – Elsewhere in the North West – Tier 2
Family – North West – Tier 2
Health – North West – Tier 2
Commercial Litigation – Elsewhere in the North West – Tier 3
Contentious Trusts and Probate – North West – Tier 3
Corporate and Commercial – Elsewhere in the North West – Tier 3
Commercial Property – Manchester – Tier 4
Corporate and Commercial – Manchester – Tier 4
Employment – North West – Tier 4
Property Litigation – North West – Tier 5
Construction – North West – Tier 6

Six new businesses join The Sharp Project’s creative community

Property

Sam Whitear

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02/10/2020

0

Six new businesses join The Sharp Project’s creative community

Over the past two months, since the initial easing of lockdown, The Sharp Project has welcomed six new tenants to the 200,000 sq ft creative digital production facility located in Newton Heath, Manchester.

The six businesses come from across the North’s creative digital sector and are:

SHOWM – a new tech-focused and image and video led company concentrating on specific, targeted property sales and lets for customers where privacy is paramount.

Marick Live – an integrated creative communications agency producing stand out content and engaging live and virtual experiences.

Risk Box Ltd – an insurance company protecting creative and digital businesses with bespoke, affordable insurance packages. They take care of hundreds of businesses across their five core sectors – Agencies, Media, Tech, Professionals and Entertainment

Nuntiare Media – a new start-up offering their services within pre-recorded announcement production. Primarily working within the aviation and commercial airline market, the company is connected with some of the largest airlines, aerospace corporations and content service providers in the industry.

Shoot Support – TV and film locations supplier focused on supplying sustainable gear and equipment. The company offer everything from tables and chairs to shelter, heating and portable lighting for commercial and corporate shoots. There’s a strong focus on recycling and repurposing too with used clothing going to charity, left over sets and wood being remade into furniture and excess paint going to social enterprises.

Lee Monteverde – a freelance Music Producer, Engineer, Remixer and Composer. Clients include Universal Records / Warner Music / Sony Records, and artists like, U2, Christine and The Queens, Simply Red, P!nk and Craig David.

The Sharp Project’s Business Development Manager, Dunstan Carter, said: “With the country facing so many challenges currently it is incredibly encouraging and exciting to welcome these six businesses to The Sharp Project as our latest tenants.

“We are doing all we can to stand apart from other work spaces by offering ongoing business support and incredibly competitive rents whilst continuously looking to develop and expand the range of services available to our tenants.

“We are happy to meet and discuss requirements with anyone who is interested in finding a new home for their business.”

EY appoints five new Partners and Associate Partners in the North West

Appointments

Sam Whitear

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02/10/2020

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EY appoints five new Partners and Associate Partners in the North West

EY has appointed one equity Partner and four Associate Partners in the North West from within EY, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent.

Steven Kingham is a Partner in the firm’s Strategy and Transactions team in Manchester having joined the firm seven years ago. He focuses on providing integrated due diligence services to businesses right across the North West, specialising in the technology sector. He has already advised some of the region’s leading technology and fintech firms and has been involved in many high-profile deals and IPOs.

Steven will now be responsible for growing the firm’s presence in the transactions market in the region and strengthening relationships with new and existing clients.

In addition to the new equity Partner appointment, Emma Atkin, Helen Platt, Liz Jones and Onelia Angelosanto have all been promoted to Associate Partner.

Emma works in the Manchester Tax team, specialising in business tax. She joined EY in 2002 after completing a summer internship with the firm. She leads EY’s Group Compliance and Reporting practice in the North West, working with a number of clients across a number of industries including pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, retail, technology, and energy. She advises clients in all facets of corporation tax – including compliance, group reporting and advisory – in order to help them meet their strategic and commercial objectives. Emma has worked in both advisory and industry roles throughout her career and so has a holistic view of the issues that the region’s businesses are facing.

Helen joined EY in Manchester in 2003. She works in the firm’s Consulting practice in the city and also leads EY’s Technology Risk practice across the whole of the North, working with and advising large corporates in the region. She has worked on large EY projects across many sectors and spent two years on secondment in the USA. Closer to home, she co-founded EY’s Women’s Network in the North West Prior to joining EY, Helen worked for PwC for three years and also in internal audit at global investment firm, Axa Investment Managers.

Liz has been with EY for more than five years and is based in the Liverpool Assurance practice. Born and raised in Liverpool Liz is passionate about the city and working with businesses right across the Liverpool city region. Having started in practice, Liz then worked in industry before joining EY and has a diverse sector knowledge. At EY, her audit work is focused on the North West’s private companies with specific experience working with PE-backed businesses across the region.

Onelia works in the Tax team based in Manchester, specialising in Indirect Tax. She originally joined EY as a trainee then moved to BDO for nine years before re-joining EY in 2017. She has more than 20 years’ experience in advising companies on global trade and customs duty matters. She has helped businesses across a range of sectors including aerospace, manufacturing, automotive, textile and chemicals, manage their international trade costs and improve the efficiency of supply chain operations. More recently, she has been helping clients plan and prepare for Brexit.

Stephen Church, Office Managing Partner for Manchester commented: “Congratulations to Steven, Emma, Helen Liz and Onelia who have worked exceptionally hard to achieve this career milestone. I know they will bring valuable insights to our clients as they navigate the ongoing uncertainty and prepare for future growth.

“All of these appointments demonstrate EY’s commitment to investing in our people and our service offering to our clients. I’m really proud that we’ve continued to invest in top talent, despite the more challenging economic backdrop.”

Nationally, EY has appointed 65 new equity Partners from 1 July 2019 (the start of its financial year) to 3 October 2020. The appointments consist of 26% women and 19% ethnic minority Partners. This includes 25 Partner promotions from within EY, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent, and 40 external hires. The appointments are closely in-line with last year’s intake of 57 equity Partners.

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