People: New head of entrepeneurial hub; creative director rejoins DRPG; law firm appoints rural specialists

NatWest has appointed a new head of its Accelerator hub in Birmingham.

As entrepreneur development manager, Pam Sheemar will lead the programmes at the hub in Brindleyplace. The centre has been running for more than four years and was previously known as Entrepreneurial Spark, powered by NatWest.

Sheemar has worked in several roles during her 10 years with the bank, most most recently as local chief executive for the bank’s personal division in East and South Wales.

She said: “We have a unique, collaborative, atmosphere within the hub which is probably one of our greatest assets, and there is a definite community feel amongst the entrepreneurs who are all helping and supporting each other.”

David Titley, creative director at DRPG

Communications group DRPG has re-hired a former digital designer as its new creative director.

David Titley worked for the Worcestershire-based group for six years up to 2012 before moving on to events company Arena Racing Company and boutique agency The Partnership.

As creative director, he will work across DRPG’s digital marketing communications.

Titley said: “The variety of creative specialisms and the depth of skills, such as the 200-strong production team, are the unique benefits of a company such as this. It was a great opportunity to re-join the company that has grown and evolved a huge amount since 2012.”

Agricultural solicitors solicitors Priscilla Macleod (left) and Sarah Richardson (right) have joined Lodders’ Rural Sector team headed by James Spreckley (centre)

Law firm Lodders has made two appointments to strengthen its team advising its agricultural and countryside sector clients.

Agricultural property specialist Sarah Richardson rejoins the firm as a solicitor after a period with Charles Russell Speechleys.

Solicitor Priscilla Macleod, who specialises in residential and commercial property law, has moved across from Gloucester firm Thomas Legal.

James Spreckley, head of Lodders’ 22-strong rural sector team, said: “The rural sector team enables us to offer a full range of legal services that are focused on the needs of those in all parts of the rural economy; the demand for this type of joined up assistance has exceeded expectations.

“Sarah and Priscilla’s appointments add complementary skills and knowledge to the team.”