Appointments: Riverview, Bibby Line Group; Sovex & more

RIVERVIEW Law, the Wirral-based fixed-priced legal services business, has added a further two commercial barristers to its team.

William Godwin of 3 Hare Court and Dirk van Heck of 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square both join Riverview Chambers.

Dirk van Heck has a broad business law practice, encompassing commercial, chancery, property and employment with specific international experience in offshore asset-tracing, fraud, insolvency and shareholder disputes.

William Godwin is an experienced commercial litigator, specialising in multi-party international litigation and arbitration, with particular experience of the Middle East and South-East Asia.

In line with the Riverview Chambers model, the two will also continue to practise at 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square and 3 Hare Court respectively.

Riverview’s chief operating officer Adam Shutkever said: “We’re delighted to welcome another two high-quality barristers to Riverview Chambers. Their international experience will be particularly useful given the increasing amount of international and cross-border instructions Riverview Law is receiving.”

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BIBBY Line Group has promoted Gaurav Batra as to its main board.

Mr Batra joined the diverse Liverpool-based group as strategy director in February this year. He was previously corporate development and strategy director at Virgin Management.

Simon Sherrard, Bibby Line Group’s chairman said: “We are delighted with the contribution Gaurav has made since joining us earlier in the year. His experience of a wide number of businesses will be of great strategic benefit to the diverse portfolio of activities within the group both today and in the future.”

Mr Batra added: “Over its 200 year history, the Bibby Line Group has demonstrated an impressive track record of building successful and responsible businesses for the long term. Being appointed to the Board is an honour and a responsibility and I look forward to contributing to the group’s continued success.”

Bibby’s interests span shipping, haulage, financial services and retail.

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JASON Hargreaves, son of founder John Hargreaves, has taken over the reins at discount fashion and homewares retailer Matalan.

Mr Hargreaves succeeds Darren Blackhurst in the hot-seat at the Skelmersdale-based group and is Matalan’s seventh boss in 12 years.

Mr Blackhurst, who was in the role for just over two years, departed after the retailer reported a 7% fall in quarterly sales. Stephen Hill has been appointed chief financial officer after the departure of Paul Gilbert.

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CONVEYOR manufacturer Sovex has promoted Mike Williams to national service manager after a clutch of contract wins.

Mr Williams has worked for the Prenton, Wirral-based firm for five years as an account manager.

In his new role he will be based at head office and is responsible for managing a six-strong team of technical advisers who respond to calls from customers, 24/7.

Managing Director David Lindfield said, “Mike is an important part of the Sovex team. Servicing and maintenance is a key part of our business, which has grown significantly over the last two years. In the last few months alone we have won new service contracts with blue chip retailers and parcel carriers. It’s also satisfying to promote someone from within the business to such a prominent role.”

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JASON Hargreaves, son of founder John Hargreaves, has taken over the reins at discount fashion and homewares retailer Matalan.

Mr Hargreaves succeeds Darren Blackhurst in the hot-seat at the Skelmersdale-based group and is Matalan’s seventh boss in 12 years.

Mr Blackhurst, who was in the role for just over two years, departed after the retailer reported a 7% fall in quarterly sales. Stephen Hill has been appointed chief financial officer after the departure of Paul Gilbert.  

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DARBYS Solicitors has made two mid-year promotions.

Andrew Baker, head of the IT development team, has been promoted to associate, and Prisca Bradley, associate in the employment team, has been promoted to partner.

Simon McCrum, national managing partner of Darbys which has offices in Oxford, Manchester, and Colchester, said: “These two people are stars. Andy has transformed the way we attract and look after our clients, and Prisca has reached the pinnacle of her profession after her recent high-profile case win in the Supreme Court. We are proud to have people like this in our team.”
 

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