People on the move: Moneypenny; Forbes Solicitors; Morecrofts Solicitors; Appleyard Lees

Wrexham-headquartered Moneypenny, the provider of outsourced communications for businesses of all shapes and sizes, doubled its key account management team during 2017 and is further recruiting from across the North West for its fast growing business development team in 2018.

The latest recruit to the team is recently appointed new business manager Rob Lawson.

Lawson, from Manchester, joins with a wealth of commercial and legal experience. He has worked in the legal sector for more than 15 years and was most recently business development manager at Croftons Solicitors.

Claire Smith, head of business development, said: “Moneypenny has continued to have substantial growth in the Live Chat and digital fields, further establishing itself as the world’s leading provider of telephone answering, outsourced switchboard, Live Chat and customer contact solutions.

“There are plenty of opportunities to help further grow the business and we are confident Rob will be a great asset to the team.”

Lawson said: “I have joined the Moneypenny family having previously been a Moneypenny client so, have had first-hand experience of the amazing work Moneypenny does. My role is to explore and maximise every opportunity to grow the business in the legal sector. I am really looking forward to getting to know the business better and am excited about my future with Moneypenny.”

Moneypenny answers around two million telephone calls and live chats for law firms of all shapes and sizes across the UK, either on an overflow or fully outsourced basis.

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Blackburn-based Forbes Solicitors, the North’s leading law firm, has announced the appointment of Oliver Burton as its new chief executive.

He joins from Warrington-based FDR Law, where he had been CEO since June 2013. Prior to that he was corporate banking director at RBS Corporate in Lancashire and Manchester.

Burton said that the culture he had already experienced at Forbes was incredibly refreshing and that each one of the 350-plus people there really do make the difference. He said he was genuinely excited about his role as a “catalyst for the Forbes engine” and was looking forward to bringing his experience to the Forbes team.

Burton said: “We have a clear vision of how to take the business forward in order to continue our track record of growth, taking on new markets and doing things differently.

“We have an incredible depth and range of services for both individuals and businesses, delivered locally and nationally, which will continue to be client focused and market leading.

“Forbes will continue to punch above its weight and further enhance its already established fantastic reputation as one of the North’s leading law firms for both its people and clients.”

Managing partner, Daniel King, said: “The appointment of Oliver brings a new dynamic to the business and Forbes are already benefiting from his experience, outlook and drive, ensuring that. Forbes will continue to go from strength to strength.”

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Morecrofts Solicitors has recruited highly-experienced conveyancing solicitor Alison Love.

Love, who has worked in residential conveyancing across Merseyside for more than 30 years, will be based primarily in the firm’s Crosby office on Liverpool Road.

Her most recent role was at Black Norman Solicitors, while she has also worked for regional law firms Maxwell Hodge and EAD Solicitors.

Love said: “Morecrofts is recognised as one of the region’s best law firms, both from a client and employee perspective, so I’m very excited to be joining the team and I hope to help the property law department continue its recent growth.”

Peter Pownall, head of property law at Morecrofts, said: “Our property team has grown exponentially over the past 18 months, with instructions from residential and commercial clients at an all-time high. We felt it was crucial to bring in a high quality, experienced practitioner to help sustain that trend and Alison undoubtedly fits the bill.”

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Intellectual property firm Appleyard Lees has announced the appointment of a new partner to its Manchester office.

Bill Lister joins as a protection and enforcement specialist in intellectual property and media law, with a wide range of experience advising UK, US, European and global clients.

Lister joins from Fieldfisher where he was head of the Manchester Intellectual Property team and a partner in their IP, Technology Protection and Enforcement Group.

With a substantial reputation spanning branding issues, registered and unregistered trade marks, copyright, design, patents and trade secrets, Lister advises a number of global household names, in conjunction with public and private companies, and public sector organisations.

Joanne King, managing director at Appleyard Lees, said: “Bill’s appointment as partner demonstrates our commitment to providing our clients with the highest quality expertise, advice and support in all aspects of IP.”

Lister said: “I am really pleased to be joining Appleyard Lees which is an exciting opportunity for me. Their reputation will enable me to provide added value to my clients and a one-stop service covering all areas of IP.”