Brace of promotions at Barker Brettell

IP specialist Barker Brettell has strengthened its patent department with the promotion of Nick Braddon and Carrie Johnson to patent attorney partners. Both partners will be based in the firm’s Birmingham headquarters.
 
Braddon, who started his career working as an analyst researching and writing about trends in global steel markets, is an expert in materials and metallurgy.  Entering the profession in 2005, he is a UK and European patent attorney and also a European design attorney drafting and prosecuting patent applications for inventions. He also advises clients in respect of registered designs and unregistered design right.
 
Ms Johnson’s expertise lies in the construction industry, especially building products. She is experienced in drafting, filing and prosecuting patent applications, and in contentious matters such as advising on validity and infringement,

She joined the firm in 2014 having previously worked at another large private practice firm. She entered into the profession in 2002, qualifying as a UK and European Patent Attorney in 2007.
 
Commenting on the appointments, John Lawrence, Senior Partner at Barker Brettell, said: “The construction and metallurgy industries are expanding sectors and we are privileged to secure such experts. Promotion to the partnership recognises the significant contribution that Nick and Carrie have already made to our company, and particularly our clients, ensuring fiscal returns on their investments in technology.”
 

Thomas Horton looks to the next generation

LAW firm Thomas Horton has created a number of new jobs as it looks to develop a future generation of solicitors.
 
The firm already employs a number of young people across its offices in Bromsgrove, Worcester, Barnt Green and Redditch, and it has now extended this.
 
Recently appointed by the firm is Dan Binnion, aged 23, who has joined the conveyancing team as a Paralegal. He said: “Thomas Horton has given me the opportunity to learn the ropes and develop my own personal skills, helping me progress further in this sector. The position has presented opportunities, and I believe it will open many doors for my future.”
 
Gemma Elliott joined the firm as an Office Junior in 2006, after leaving college. She is now a Chartered Legal Executive within the Probate Department. She said: “After leaving college, finding a job was important to me. Thomas Horton recognised I had potential and has continued to invest in me, helping me to nurture my skills. During my eight years with the firm, I have been given guidance and support to grow and develop further in my career.”
 
Managing Partner, Richard Hull, said: “Helping young people into work is an important part of our remit. It is not just about helping them to develop their career, development of core skills and standards is also vital.”
 

New Sales Director at FBC Manby Bowdler

A LEADING figure from the West Midlands banking sector has returned to his Wolverhampton roots, joining FBC Manby Bowdler as its first Sales Director.  

Neil Lloyd (right) has taken up the role after a period of working in Birmingham and London.  

Lloyd, previously Head of Sales Development at Lombard, is well-known in both the region’s finance and manufacturing sectors, and has been appointed in an innovative move to drive new business growth.

His new brief will see him working across all of the firm’s departments, including its five top tier ranked teams.

He has led several teams across the West Midlands and the UK in specialist sectors such as manufacturing.

He said: “FBC Manby Bowdler is a forward thinking and responsive law firm and the new role of Sales Director will allow me to use the skills and techniques I’ve developed over the past decade to increase the amount of new business we generate.”

Managing Partner Kim Carr (left) said: “We are delighted to welcome Neil to the FBC Manby Bowdler team. Neil will work closely with the firm’s Strategic Management Board to implement the strategic vision we have for the future.”