Appointments: Steel replaces Bedford at Deloitte; Piccadilly Hoteliers; Marsden Rawsthorn; Douglas Scott

DELOITTE Real Estate director Michele Steel has been promoted to lead the property consultancy in the North West.

She will be taking over from Simon Bedford who is taking on a broader role within the firm, specialising in large-scale developments, particularly in relation to public sector assets and major regeneration schemes.

Steel joined Drivers Jonas 14 years ago and played a key role in the firm’s merger with Deloitte in 2010.

Richard Bell, Deloitte’s practice senior partner in the North West, said: “There is huge potential in the region’s property sector. Michele is the ideal candidate to lead our specialist real estate teams as it works to successfully guide our clients through this exciting period.

“Her extensive work with clients like Manchester City Football Club, Ask Developments, Lancashire County Cricket Club and Manchester City Council has helped change the face of our region, the North West economy and the development of our own business.”

Steel said: “We have a unique proposition to offer our clients – a full-service real estate practice with the wealth of capabilities, industry knowledge and contacts which Deloitte enjoys. I’m excited about the huge opportunity that Deloitte Real Estate has in what is proving to be a dynamic and growing regional market.”

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PAUL Bayliss, general manager of Macdonald Manchester Hotel, has been appointed as the new chair of the Piccadilly Hoteliers Action Group which is co-ordinated through CityCo, Manchester’s city centre management company.

The nine-strong group of hotels meet bi-monthly to share information and discuss issues that are specific to their part of the city centre. Representatives from Manchester City Council and Greater Manchester Police also attend the meetings.

Members include: Abode, Doubletree by Hilton, Macdonald Manchester, Macdonald Townhouse Hotel, Malmaison, Mercure Manchester Piccadilly, SACO Apartments, StayManchester and The Portland Hotel by Thistle Manchester.

Mr Bayliss said: “This group is invaluable as a means of keeping on top of changes in the city that specifically impact on the Piccadilly area. It’s great to be able to hear directly from Manchester City Council and GMP about their plans and ensure the hotel community has a voice in the city. I‘m really pleased to chair the group and look forward to welcoming new members as our sector continues to grow.”

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PRESTON and Chorley-based law firm Marsden Rawsthorn has appointed two new solicitors to its Chorley team.

Helen Gaskell and Gail Cartwright join from Pannone and Linder Myers respectively.

Gaskell takes up the position of associate director for wills and probate, whilst Cartwright will strengthen Marsden Rawsthorn’s family team.

Gaskell trained with Coupe Bradbury in Lytham, specialising in private client work. After a spell at Napthens, she moved to Pannone in 2011 and was made an associate in the wills, trusts & estate planning team.

Cartwright started her career at Myers Lister Price in South Manchester, before making the move to central Manchester where she spent 14 years working for Rowlands and most recently Linder Myers.

She has considerable expertise in all aspects of family law, including divorce; complex financial matters; prenuptial agreements and parental responsibility.

Chief executive Debbie Pettitt said: “Over the past year we have placed clients at the heart of our strategic growth, by delivering services designed to meet their needs, such as fixed-fee divorces. This approach is ensuring we retain a competitive edge in the sector and we are delighted to have been able to attract two highly experienced solicitors to enable our Chorley team to expand and continue to provide an excellent service to our growing client portfolio.”

Marsden Rawsthorn employs 80 staff across its two offices in Preston and Chorley.

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MANCHESTER recruiter Douglas Scott Legal Recruitment has made five new appointments.

Andy Curzon and Steve Collings join the company as senior consultants to focus on niche boutique practices and larger private practices across the UK.

Recruitment consultant Danni Bourne will specialise in locum appointments and Olivia Collicott joins the in-house recruitment team.

The company has added to its apprentice scheme by appointing Samantha Chapman as social media apprentice within the marketing team.

Managing director Kathryn Riley said: “This year we celebrate 10 years of steady growth, meaning the company has established a strong reputation. With a solid client base and trusted presence in a number of UK locations, we are now expanding into specific sectors and geographical locations and have a swift yet strategic growth plan that will see further appointments to the team over the next few months.”