Appointments: MSP hires AZ exec; WHR; My Parcel Delivery; PHX Training; AHR

MANCHESTER Science Partnerships (MSP) has poached a senior AstraZeneca figure to oversee its management of the drug company’s former research base at Alderley Park.

Dr Chris Doherty, former vice president of Alderley Park site options for AstraZeneca is joining MSP as site director.

MSP acquired the park earlier this year, striking a sale and leaseback deal with AstraZeneca which is moving out over several years to a purpose built research base in Cambridge. MSP wants to make Alderley Park into a new hub for bioscience businesses.

MSP is also promoting Thomas Renn to associate commercial director to lead the integration of Citylabs in Oxford Street into the wider portfolio.

Dr Doherty said: “I am very happy to be joining the management team at Manchester Science Partnerships and to use my experience from within the sector to help shape and deliver our strategy to create a vibrant community of successful bio-science businesses.”

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PROPERTY consultancy WHR has made Dan Crossley a full equity partner at the Manchester-based practice.

He will be the fourth equity partner at the firm alongside Gareth Buckley, Mark Williams and Mike Rooney.

The firm has just celebrated its tenth anniversary and now employs 28 people.

Gareth Buckley said: “We are pleased that Dan accepted the invitation to become a full equity partner as he has been with the company since its inception and has worked hard over the years to help make this company the success that it is.”

Mr Buckley said: “The property market is entering an exciting new cycle. WHR has proven that it is one of the leading property consultancies in the country having fared through the recent difficult economic period and continued to grow. Now is the time to look to the next 10 years and I am proud to be able to be part of a team that will continue to have a strong influence over the future of the North West property scene.”

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TRAFFORD Park-based online parcel delivery comparison firm My Parcel Delivery has appointed Andy Hill to manage relations with logistics firms.

He was involved in the launch of CollectPlus, the first Pick-Up Drop-Off (PUDO) network in the UK, and previously held senior commercial roles with FedEx and Yodel.

He said: “My career to date in major carrier and logistics companies has involved spearheading major retailer delivery services and forging new and innovative ways of satisfying e-commerce consumers. I’m looking forward to finding fresh ways of giving My Parcel Delivery’s customers the best possible experience and exploring new market opportunities for the company at a time of rapid growth.”

David Grimes, My Parcel Delivery’s managing director, said: “Andy’s experience, knowledge and industry connections are enormously important as we move into our next phase of development. To have attracted such a well-respected and accomplished industry professional is testament to the reputation our company is building in the parcel delivery and logistics sector.” 

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TWO promotions have been made at North West training provider PHX Training.

Shirley Williams, formerly operations manager, has become development director, while contract manager Lesley Taylor is now contract manager for adult skills and the government’s Work Programme.

Managing director Dan Scott said: “These two promotions put into place a strong senior team to take us forward across our network with the complement of skills necessary.

“We want to make sure that all necessary processes and systems are in place to sustain growth for now and the longer term as we grow the business.”

Blackpool-based PHX Training delivers government-backed training initiatives including the Learndirect scheme, Apprenticeship training, Traineeships and the Work Programme.

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ARCHITECTURE and building consultancy AHR has promoted five Manchester staff.

Imran Kassim, Robert Hopkins and Daniel Lesser have become regional directors, up from associate director level, and Geoff Goodman and Chris Potter have been promoted to associate directors from associate.

All work on projects across the North West region and internationally from AHR’s Manchester office.

Kassim, Hopkins and Potter are all key members of AHR’s education team and have designed and delivered a large number of schools and higher education projects across the UK, the Middle East and Far East. Lesser and Goodman work across AHR’s commercial, residential and civic sectors.

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