People: Gordons makes partner promotion; Credit lender’s CFO resigns; Facilities management firm adds to senior team; and more

LAW firm Gordons has boosted its leadership team by promoting commercial litigation solicitor Stephen McVey to partner.

A specialist in high value commercial disputes, Mr McVey has particular expertise in media and intellectual property litigation. He regularly deals with cases in the High Court and Court of Appeal and also has experience of managing disputes in other jurisdictions, such as the United States.

His long-term clients include global electric heating and domestic appliance manufacturer Glen Dimplex Group, Bradford-headquartered motor retailer JCT600, the world’s largest chemical producer, BASF; and Nisa, the member-owned independent retailer organisation.

Mr McVey joined Gordons immediately after passing the legal practice course at The College of Law, York, in 2001.

He said: “During my 15 years at Gordons I’ve had the privilege of developing established client relationships and fostering new ones, taking time to understand the needs of individuals and their businesses. I now have the opportunity to further strengthen these relationships whilst contributing directly to the management of Gordons’ ongoing progression.”

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THE chief financial officer of Leeds-based credit lender International Personal Finance has stepped down.

The company said that Adrian Gardner has resigned in order to pursue an alternative business opportunity.

Mr Gardner will leave the business in due course once he has handed over to Justin Lockwood, the company’s head of finance, who will become interim chief financial officer.

Mr Lockwood will join the company’s executive committee and will attend board meetings, but will not be appointed as an executive director of the board.
International Personal Finance said recruitment process to appoint a chief financial officer is underway.

The company said: “The board would like to thank Adrian for his contribution to the progress made by the company in recent years and wishes him well in his new role.”
 

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ORCHARD Facilities Management has promoted one of its senior team to a newly created role as it prepares to expand.

James Holdsworth has been appointed head of account management and will oversee the development and expansion of the firm’s account management team.

Orchard Facilities management helps businesses manage and streamline hidden jobs such as maintenance, IT, pest control, compliance, waste and recycling.

Managing director Gareth Henderson said: “James will work closely with both the customer services and account management teams to deliver our solutions based approach to facilities management across a wider range of businesses and greater geographical area.

“James understands how we work to help businesses improve efficiency and his knowledge and experience will be invaluable as we broaden the range of services we deliver to each organisation and expand our client facing team.”

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LEEDS-based physiotherapy provider Physio Med has expanded its team with the addition of a new physiotherapist.

Danielle Stones has joined the clinical team at Physio Med, where she will be responsible for helping to enable clients to return to work and maintain their wellbeing.

After graduating from Leeds Metropolitan University with a first class degree in Physiotherapy in 2014, she spent two years working at the Yorkshire Clinic in Bingley, before joining Physio Med earlier this year.
 
An experienced professional in the field of hand therapy – a discipline which combines physiotherapy with occupational therapy techniques such as scar management, joint mobilisation and splinting – Ms Stones is able to treat and manage a range of upper limb and hand conditions.

Phil Clayton, managing director of Physio Med, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Danielle to our team. With her outstanding qualifications, we believe that she will help us to keep growing as a business, enabling us to go on offering our innovative brand of physiotherapy to more people than ever before. We’re confident she will be a valuable asset to us, as well as the patients who need her most.”