People on the move: Graham Construction; Human; DJS Research; Napthens

Stephen Hand

Graham Construction has appointed Stephen Hand at its new preconstruction director, based at the company’s offices in Salford Quays.

Hand joins Grham from VolkerFitzpatrick where he was head of precontract, leading on winning work and preconstruction activity in the business’s Rail division.

He has been influential in the management and delivery of bids on major rail projects including for Network Rail, Transport for London and other major rail clients.

Hand will be involved in the key sectors of rail, highway, marine and energy.

Heis a highly experienced construction professional who has managed bids and delivery on a host of major capital programmes in the construction, rail and civil engineering sectors with a track record of unlocking innovation within the supply chain, enabling innovation and delivering efficiency for clients.

Previously he also has worked in senior roles for Laing O’Rourke in Ireland, UAE and the UK.

Graham managing director Leo Martin said: “Stephen brings vast experience in procurement strategy and supply chain management and his knowledge of our key sectors will be influential to success in his new role.”

Hand said: “Graham is an ambitious business that continues to work with traditional values. The company has collaborated on some prestigious projects in various regions nationwide, and I look forward to supporting our strategic growth strategy.”

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Manchester-based digital consultancy and cloud app studio Human has appointed Christopher Charlton-Killen as managing director.

Formerly director of strategy and engagement, Charlton-Killen will now drive forward the agency’s ambitious plans for growth and oversee a renewed focus on the seven-year-old company’s core offering.

The announcement follows a strong 2017, during which the studio became best known for rapid scoping and development of transformative web and mobile apps.

Under its new MD, Human will continue to specialise in designing and building tools to boost organisational effectiveness and ultimately help to improve people’s lives.

A highly-skilled software company with strong values at its core, 2018 will see Human embarking on large multi-stage projects with existing clients such as Marshalls.

In parallel, new business relationships will be developed that echo its belief, that human attention and enthusiasm are the most precious things in the universe.

Charlton-Killen said: “Human was built on a passion to change the real world by using digital technology to improve human lives. We value the things that can never be automated: leadership, care and craft.

Human, which rebranded from Tariff Street in 2016, has a 15-strong team of developers, business change consultants and product leaders.

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Market research agency DJS Research, headquartered in Stockport, has appointed research director Jenna Allen.

Allen brings with her a total of 17 years of research experience and joins the company as a research director, following 11 years at BMG Research.

She will be responsible for setting up and building an employee engagement department within DJS Research, as well as strengthening the company’s public health offer.

Allen will part of the senior management team which has also been strengthened recently with the additions of Simon Driver from Future Thinking, Elliot Simmonds, David Marchant, Rebecca Harris and Alex McCluckie who have all recently been promoted to associate directors.

Allen said:”I am incredibly excited about joining the DJS Research team and being a part of an ambitious, innovative and growing business.”

Managing director Danny Sims said: “To have Jenna joining us is a real coup for the company. She is an incredibly talented and experienced researcher, having achieved so much already in her career.”

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Jon Esner has joined Preston-headquartered Napthens solicitors as a partner in the corporate department, heading up the specialist commercial contracts team.

He joins Napthens after 17 years holding senior in-house legal positions within large corporate businesses, including Co-op Group, Arriva Group and US-owned leisure business, Wyndham Corporation. Prior to this Esner spent time in private practice with DLA Piper and Eversheds.

He will lead a team of three solicitors advising on all aspects of commercial contracts including trading agreements, outsourcing contracts, cross-border arrangements, e-commerce and intellectual property exploitation.

He has particular expertise within the travel and tourism, transport and retail sectors.

Keith Melling, head of corporate at Napthens, said: “Strong commercial agreements play a key role in the success of any enterprise.

“Increased cross-border trading, changes to data protection laws and the impact of Brexit mean businesses require specialist support which is why we have invested in someone of Jon’s expertise. His experience in this arena enables us to expand our offering in this fast-moving field.

“Given the forthcoming deadline for the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), Jon’s appointment is a timely one and will undoubtedly be of great value to our clients as they look to navigate these complex new rules.”

Lawyers including Phil Brown, a specialist in GDPR, and commercial law expert Claire Hynes will form part of Esner’s team.

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