People on the move: Birchall Blackburn Law; First Class Holidays; 3DReid; Addleshaw Goddard

Quentin Underhill

North West firm Birchall Blackburn Law has appointed experienced lawyer Quentin Underhill to lead its serious and catastrophic injury teams in Manchester and Preston.

Underhill, a specialist in such cases, joins from Cheshire-based CFG Law where he was a partner. His previous experience also includes roles with DWF and Eversheds.

At Birchall Blackburn Law he will be responsible for developing the firm’s serious injury service and growing the team across its North-West offices.

He said: “Serious injury cases take time to resolve, so our role is supporting our clients as their case progresses and ensuring we do everything we can to aid their rehabilitation. My approach is to take an amicable and collaborative approach wherever possible.

“In my career, I have worked in senior roles for both claimants and defendants, so I know the strategies to employ to get the best outcomes for my clients.”

Andy Rattray, partner at Birchall Blackburn Law, said: “In all our injury lawyers we look for people with genuine empathy and who have a determined focus on assisting with the rehabilitation of our clients.

“Over many years, Quentin has proved himself to be a very committed lawyer who works tirelessly for clients. It’s a pleasure to welcome him to the team.”

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Manchester-based travel company First Class Holidays has appointed Dan Gathercole as its new managing director.

Gathercole, who has more than15 years’ experience in senior management in the sport and leisure sector, joins from American Golf, where he was marketing director.

In his new role he will lead the growth of the company, working alongside the founders Paul Ainsworth and Sharon Mason, who now become executive chairman and chief operating officer respectively.

First Class Holidays specialises in luxury holidays to Canada, America, Australia and New Zealand and is backed by private equity firm PHD Equity Partners.

Gathercole said: “I’m delighted to be joining such a great business build on service and trust. I am looking forward to working with Paul, Sharon and PHD Equity Partners to help First Class continue to grow.”

Andy Dodd of PHD Equity Partners said: “Dan has a strong track record for building new sales channels and partnerships and is ideally placed to lead the growth of First Class Holidays. His appointment is in line with PHD’s strategy of investing in great businesses and working with the founders to develop the management team and build on their success.”

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Architecture practice 3DReid has expanded its senior team in Manchester with the appointment of Cathy Mocke as director.

Mocke brings with her extensive experience of UK and international projects, largely in the hospitality and residential sectors, as well as considerable senior management experience.

Most recently she has worked as the in-house design director for a market leading North-west based developer. She was responsible for defining the design for residential projects in the luxury student accommodation, private rented sector (PRS) and serviced apartment sectors.

Mocke said: “I’m excited to be taking up a senior position in an established practice that has the vision and commitment to vigorously develop opportunities in Manchester. I’ve already been able to use my experience on some key local projects, including major city centre office refurbishments and residential developments.”

Mark Taylor, director at 3DReid, said : “Cathy is an immensely important addition to our Manchester team, bringing architectural and interior design, management and client-side experience. 3DReid is already active in the region, but Cathy’s knowledge and understanding will help reinforce our position as a local practice with big plans to make the most of the buoyant Manchester market.”

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Addleshaw Goddard has announced the appointment of construction heavyweights Paul O’ Kane and Paul Barge to its North West Construction team.

Also joining the two partners from DWF are six associates, who also specialise in construction and Engineering law.

The appointments add significant bench strength to an already pre-eminent construction practice in the North West.

The appointment follows the recent arrival of DWF’s head of Northern Planning team, Glenn Sharpe, as well as other significant regional hires, including the appointment of corporate heavyweight, Richard Hunt, from Squire Patton Boggs and leading dealmaker Pete Wood from Pinsent Masons (July 2017) – both to the Leeds office; and the hire of Ursula Gould, a projects expert, from Shoosmiths to the Manchester team (June 2017).

Paul O’ Kane – ranked as a leading individual in both Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners – is an expert on all areas of construction and engineering law, in particular procurement strategy and project structures, development, complex construction, PFI and PPP disputes, as well as adjudication and arbitration, which he supplies to employers, developers and contractors from the public and private sectors.

Paul Barge, outgoing head of DWF’s North West team, worked as part of its national sector team, overseeing matters relating to construction contracts, engineering contracts, construction disputes and engineering disputes, working collaboratively to resolve litigation through the courts, arbitration, adjudication or mediation.

Nancy McGuire, AG’s Head of Construction. Engineering and Environmental Group, said: “This latest investment is very much part of our significant commitment to our construction and engineering practice.

“The type of work we do is becoming increasingly complex and high profile and we already have one of the largest multi-disciplinary teams in the UK who are working on some of the largest development schemes both nationally and locally.”

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