People on the move: Stewart Milne Group; Petty; Butterworth Barlow; Mills & Reeve; Wates Construction

Stewart Milne Group has appointed a chief operating officer to further strengthen the senior management team as it gears up for a new period of growth.

Stuart MacGregor, formerly group finance director, will take up the newly-created post following a review of the overall group structure.

In his new role, Mr MacGregor will work closely with the group’s chief executive, Glenn Allison, with responsibility for managing all aspects of the group’s activities and, in particular, overseeing ambitious growth plans across all its business operations.

The independent, award-winning housebuilder and timber systems manufacturer has seen substantial growth in housebuilding activity and timber frame sales over the past two years and currently has a turnover of around £300m.

The Trafford Park group’s homes businesses in central Scotland and North West England continue to perform strongly and, with the North East of Scotland property market picking up, Stewart Milne Homes North Scotland is also showing positive signs for the current year and beyond.

Stewart Milne Timber System, a UK housebuilding industry leader in modern methods of construction, has seen a significant rise in sales over the past three years which is forecast to increase further due to the continued demand for new housing across the UK.

Glenn Allison said: “Stuart has made a huge contribution to realising the group’s growth strategy and has played a critical role in delivering innovative funding partnerships with the UK Treasury and Homes England which have helped facilitate this success.

“His proven commercial skills, combined with his extensive financial knowledge and business experience, make him the obvious choice to support me in delivering our growth ambitions.”

Mr MacGregor joined Stewart Milne Group in April 2015 after a 15-year career with Heineken where he held a number of senior finance roles in the UK and across Europe.

Latterly he held the position of global business control director at Heineken’s headquarters in Amsterdam where he was responsible for the finances of the central functions of the group.

During his time with the global brewer he also worked in Belgium, Portugal and Finland and has a proven track record in driving profitable and sustainable business growth.

Mr MacGregor said: “It has been hugely enjoyable and rewarding to work with Glenn and the team in the last three years.

“As a result of the decisions we’ve taken to invest in strong performing markets, the business is now well positioned for sustainable growth.

“I am excited about accepting wider responsibility within Stewart Milne Group and look forward to working with the entire team to drive the business forward.”

With Mr MacGregor in his new role as Chief Operating Officer, recruitment for a new Group Finance Director is currently underway.
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Estate agents Petty, who are celebrating their 90th year this year, have appointed a new senior sales negotiator at their Barnoldswick branch.

Gina Greenwood started her career as a junior at Petty’s when she was 16-years-old and remained in the property field at various local estate agents, eventually going on to set up The Dwelling Place in Padiham a number of years ago.

She said: “I love the property business and I’m passionate about our local area, there’s no better place to live and work in my opinion. Petty have always had this same ethos, so coming back to Petty after all these years feels like the perfect fit.”

Gina Greenwood

Ian Bythell a director at Petty’s, said: “As the area’s only relocation network agents we more than most understand the importance of getting the right staff with good local knowledge and experience.

“Demand in our area within the residential sector means we always have to stay ahead of the game and ensure we have the right staff to service that demand.

“We’re extremely pleased to have Gina back with us. She has a vast amount of knowledge and experience and is well known in the area. I’m sure she’s going to be a great asset to the company.”

Andrew Huntly, chief executive of WorkMobile, said: “Jessica is a brilliant addition to the WorkMobile team, bringing with her a host of fresh ideas and enthusiasm.

“Her expertise will be vital in helping us achieve our three year growth plan, ensuring that we are able to capitalise on new opportunities and bring our solutions to an ever greater number of sectors.”

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Butterworth Barlow Chartered Accountants has recently announced the recruitment of three new team members following what has been a successful six-months for the Prescot-based accountancy firm.

Directors of Butterworth Barlow, Gavin Butterworth and Barry Barlow, have recruited Ellie Ash, Imogen McDonnell and Gemma Lyne as accounts assistants, providing support to the existing team.

As part of its continued growth strategy, Butterworth Barlow now employs eight permanent members of staff, with further recruitment expected before the year is out.

Gavin Butterworth said: “This has been an incredibly exciting year for us in terms of growth and as part of our ongoing business plan, the time came for us to expand our team.

Gavin Butterworth and Barry Barlow with Gemma Lyne, Imogen McDonnell and Ellie Ash

“This trio of new appointments comes at an incredibly busy period for the firm which has seen 30% revenue growth year-on-year.

“Due to the growing demand for business services and quality advice, we have recognised the need to recruit high calibre candidates to support our experienced team of accountants.

“We are firm advocates of supporting new talent and investing into those with a genuine interest and passion for the sector.

“All of our newest members are at varying stages of their AAT studies and we look forward to supporting them on their individual journeys, helping them to realise their absolute potential within a dynamic and professional environment.”

The recruitments follow the recent announcement of HMRC’s ‘Making Tax Digital Campaign’ which will begin to take effect from April 2019.

The changes to legislation will eventually require all businesses to use third party accounting software to interact with HMRC and manage their taxes in a digital environment.

Barry Barlow said: “Our growth strategy has taken into consideration the additional work that will be required to deliver this project to the highest standard and our recent appointments allow us the flexibility and the resource within Butterworth Barlow to be well prepared for changes such as this.”

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Paul Knight has been appointed partner at law firm Mills & Reeve, three years after launching the IP/IT team in Manchester.

Paul, 36, has been promoted to partner after his success with the Manchester team which has quadrupled in size and won many prestigious clients including Manchester-based BBC Children in Need and the Information Commissioner’s Office in Wilmslow.

After joining Mills & Reeve as a trainee solicitor in 2007, Paul relocated to Manchester in 2015 to launch its IP/IT offering in the city.

He is a leading authority and regular speaker on data protection and advises clients on issues about software and IT services, direct marketing, procurement, media agreements and partnership funding.

Paul Knight

He is also the partner-lead on innovation at Mills & Reeve, promoting innovation across the firm’s six offices and 960 staff.

Paul said: “I am delighted to be appointed partner – it demonstrates Mills & Reeve’s investment in Manchester, and is a reflection on our commitment to innovation nationally.

“After relocating to the city, the IP/IT team has enjoyed great success and I look forward to building on this in the future.”

Niall Innes, head of the Manchester office, said: “Paul has made a huge impact since joining the office and, from a standing start, has developed his team into one of the leaders in the North West.

“His promotion to partner is well deserved and I am confident the IP/IT team will continue grow under his leadership.”

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Wates Construction, the contractor recently appointed to build Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service’s Saughall Massie Fire Station, has bolstered its senior team with a double promotion as it looks to expand its presence in the region.

The move has seen Gavin Davis and John Foster promoted to operations director and pre-construction director, respectively, both of which will enhance Wates’ project delivery for public and private sector clients across the North West.

Gavin becomes operations director after 15 years with Wates Construction, which has seen him climb the ranks from site manager, project manager and construction manager to operations manager.

Gavin’s new role will build on his expertise in overseeing all aspects of project delivery, including pre-construction, training and development, client relations and ensuring commercial viability of Wates’ regional project portfolio.

Alongside Gavin, John Foster becomes pre-construction director following a year-long post as regional business director.

John Foster

In this position, John oversaw Wates’ position in the North West on Scape Major Works UK Framework for projects valued between £10m-£50m, to which Wates was appointed as sole contractor in 2017.

John joined Wates in 2013 as bid centre manager forming part of Wates Construction’s work-winning team in the North West.

As pre-construction director, John’s remit will see him lead all pre-construction activity on projects through to hand over to Wates’ operations team.

Paul Dodsworth, business unit director, Wates Construction North West and North East, said: “Recognising and nurturing talent within our business is a big part of what makes Wates a leader in the industry and Gavin and John’s wealth of knowledge about our business and our regional market places them perfectly to build upon this success.

“Construction in the North West is thriving and the region is becoming an increasingly attractive investment prospect for new developments, evidenced by Turner and Townsend’s report earlier this year, which found that construction activity in the region has risen by 31% since 2016.

“As a trusted and expert contractor, Wates is primed to grow its presence in the region and to take a central role in the region’s growing built environment.”

Wates has also been joined in the region by Alan White who takes on the mantle of regional business manager for the Scape Major Works UK Framework following John’s tenure.

Alan will be responsible for driving growth of Scape Major Works UK across the North West and ensuring continuity of project delivery across the framework.