People: Trio of legal directors appointed at Rahman Ravelli; head of talent joins Europa; digital boss joins Leeds marketing agency

A trio of legal directors have been appointed at Rahman Ravelli.

Neil Williams, Nicola Sharp and Syedur Rahman have been appointed as directors to meet international client demand, says the firm.

Williams specialises in regulatory investigations and multi-jurisdictional corporate crime. He has experience in global fraud, bribery and corruption cases and advises executive and corporates.

Nicola Sharp’s expertise in fraud, civil recovery and business crime and internal investigations have seen her manage complex and sizeable cases throughout her tenure at the firm.

Syedur Rahman’s specialises in multinational commercial cases and his experience in business crime, serious crime, asset tracing and recovery and cybercrime.

All three have been promoted from senior associate solicitors and will take up their new roles this month.

Rahman Ravelli’s founder Aziz Rahman said: “Neil, Nicola and Syed have been with the firm for many years. The quality of their work here has been recognised by myself, their colleagues and their clients, not to mention the legal guides.

“The firm is attracting ever greater interest from the international corporate world and high net worth individuals and we are expanding to meet that need.

“By making Neil, Nicola and Syed legal directors we see them as playing a vital role in the development of the firm as we look to build on our national and international presence. These are exciting times for the firm and these appointments reflect that.’’

He added: “All three bring their own unique skills and outlook to their work for clients.

“They have each played a large part in Rahman Ravelli’s development as a firm that is known for going the extra mile and putting up an informed and robust fight for each and every client.“

The newly appointed head of talent at logistics operator Europa Worldwide Group is Laura Watkin, who will be based in Sheffield.

The role was created to oversee talent strategy at the Europa, in order to secure and retain talent at all levels of the business.

Watkin joins Europa Worldwide Group from Teach First, which appeared in The Times Top 100 graduate recruiter. She will oversee a team of three, including internal and recruitment acquisition managers Mark Chopping and Vanita Dass-Puri.

She will be responsible for overseeing and implementing ‘talent nurturing’ throughout the careers of Europa’s 900 employees.

The new programme will include learning and development, succession planning, appraisals, and the implementation of a series of attrition policies, including exit interviews, as well as a review of benefits such as pension, healthcare and life assurance arrangements.

Carl Potter, HR and facilities director at Europa Worldwide Group, who spearheaded the new talent nurture initiative, explains: “Europa’s talent nurture programme takes a radical approach – one which has a proven track record in professional services, but until now, hasn’t been prioritised within logistics.

“The ‘softer side of HR’ is incredibly important. I believe that our approach is sector leading and will change the way in which the logistics industry works. People are the heart of Europa’s business. Investment to bring on board the very best, and keep on board the very best, is imperative to us. We are an intelligent and open-minded company, and our talent nurturing practices reflect this.”

Laura Watkin, head of talent at Europa Worldwide Group adds: “I am passionate about unlocking potential, both in existing employees but also when recruiting for new positions. I believe this is the key to attracting and retaining the best staff.

“Central to this, is creating a place where people want to work, understanding mental wellbeing, paying attention to why people leave, and understanding attrition. Europa’s strategic approach has already made great inroads, and I am looking forward to continuing this momentum.”

Leeds marketing agency, Pure, has hired a new head of digital, Joe Hamilton.

He has joined Pure’s team with almost 10 years’ experience in the digital marketing sector, and has led campaigns for clients including MKM Building Supplies, Whitetail Gin, NISA and Black Sheep Brewery.

As part of his new role, he will oversee the implementation of digital strategies for clients and all digital operations at Pure including website development, digital marketing, online advertising, SEO and paid-for digital campaigns.

Pure’s director, Gary Dooley, said: “As an agency we’ve experienced rapid growth in our digital department, and the introduction of Joe is a pivotal move in our strategy to further enhance the services we offer to our clients.

“Joe brings a wealth of experience with him, having worked both in agencies and as a freelance digital marketing specialist. He’ll be a very valuable member of our team and we look forward to working with him as we further increase our client offer, to strengthen our position as a truly integrated marketing agency.”

Established in 1998, Pure is a full-service agency offering design, PR, marketing, social media, digital, photography and video production in its 5,000 sq. ft. studio at its premises in Leeds. Clients include Joseph Turner, Castrol, The Ivy Collection, Ring Automotive, The Gro Company, Silver Cross and Handicare.

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