People: Three partner promotions at Pinsent Masons in Leeds; Begbies Traynor announces promotion; Property appoints healthcare specialist

International law firm Pinsent Masons has announced the promotion of 23 individuals to its partnership, taking effect from 1 May.

Three of those announced will be from its Leeds office. They are:

Matthew Clayton-Stead, a financial services specialist, is widely recognised for his expertise in a range of debt transactions, including in particular large corporate financings and structured finance transactions.  He acts for a wide range of corporate borrowers, banks and other financial institutions both within the Yorkshire region and beyond.  Matthew has been with the firm since joining as a trainee in 2005.

Natalie Harris, a property development specialist with particular expertise in dealing with student accommodation, private rental sector schemes and large scale residential projects acting for both the public and private sector.

Stephen Glass, specialist advisor to investor clients also has broad experience in working for developers, occupiers and public sector entities on a wide range of commercial property matters.

Jacqui Timmins, head of Leeds office, said: “The promotions of Matthew, Natalie and Stephen are a further indication of our investment in the Yorkshire region. It reinforces our ability to offer complex, tailored specialist support for Yorkshire businesses, locally, within the UK and across the globe.”

Richard Foley, senior partner at Pinsent Masons, added: “This is our largest promotions round in three years and demonstrates that we are a growing and increasingly global business. A key ingredient of our success has been a focus on investing in our people. We have worked hard to create both a level playing field, and an environment in which our people can develop the deep sector-specialism and innovative mindset that characterises a Pinsent Masons partner.  All of those being promoted reflect those attributes, along with a deep commitment to the firm’s values, and I offer them my sincere congratulations.”

:::

Leading professional services firm Begbies Traynor has promoted Matt Russell to the position of senior manager in its Yorkshire region, with responsibility for supporting its Hull office.

Russell joined Begbies Traynor 11 years ago during which time he has undertaken year-long secondments with both Lloyds Banking Group and with National Australia Bank.  With a BA in Accounting and Finance, Matt has gained a broad range of experience in advisory work, having spent considerable time in Begbies Traynor’s Leeds office, working with advisers and lenders.

Andrew Mackenzie, partner for Begbies Traynor in Yorkshire, said: “Matt has been a stalwart member of the team and has played an important part in helping us to grow our business in Yorkshire.

“In his new position, Matt will also focus on working with our team in Hull as our marina office continues to develop and we promote the full group professional services offering there.”

Russel said: “This is a great opportunity to build on my role with Begbies Trayor and support the team in Hull as we continue to develop our presence.  As I am from the Humber region and still have many friends and family in the city, I am looking forward to returning.”

Begbies Traynor’s Hull team is based in Marina Court, Castle Street.  The group currently has nine offices and employs around 100 staff in Yorkshire, the Humber and the North East.

:::

Property consultant JLL has appointed healthcare specialist David Simpson to its alternatives team in Leeds.

Simpson graduated from Sheffield Hallam University in 2010, and specialises in the primary healthcare sector. He joins as a senior surveyor with a remit to specifically grow JLL’s healthcare business across the north of England.

JLL’s alternatives advisory team in Leeds was established last year to provide property services across a range of alternative asset types including hotels, student housing, healthcare, self-storage, the private rented sector (PRS), affordable housing, car parking and automotive, renewables and data centres.

Harry Hawksby, lead director for JLL’s alternatives team in Leeds, said: “David’s appointment reflects the growing appetite for investment in the alternatives property market that last year witnessed deal activity of £15.7 billon. This year we are forecasting alternatives will continue to outperform mainstream commercial property.

“David’s experience in primary care will help to enhance our breadth of offering and, by being based in Leeds, it means that JLL now has a truly national platform to respond to the dynamics and demands of the healthcare sector.“

Simpson added:  “This is an exciting opportunity to join the largest specialist healthcare team in the UK with a mandate to develop JLL’s alternatives business at a time of sector growth.  I am looking forward to working with a market leading team and hope to add to the continued success they have achieved over recent years.”