Professionals: Finance recruiter launches new division; Law firm advises on Oxford University research facility; and more

Woodrow Mercer Finance, a joint venture between FDYL, the Yorkshire-based financial consultancy and recruitment expert, and Birmingham-based Woodrow Mercer, has launched a division specialising in the recruitment of entry level and part qualified finance staff nationally.

Woodrow Mercer Finance managing director Neil Muffitt said: “Our planned expansion following the joint venture with Woodrow Mercer includes launching an entry level finance recruitment arm, and we intend to bring the FDYL ethos and approach to the recruitment of less experienced accounting staff for the first time.”

Sara Clark has been appointed to lead the launch of the division focusing on the search and selection of less senior administrative positions in transactional finance, suited to part and newly qualified candidates and recent graduates.  

“With her experience in account management, business development and growing teams, Sara brings a wealth of knowledge to this new role.  She shares our values in terms of building strong relationships with clients and providing a bespoke, personal service. Given her strong track record in recruiting for more junior finance roles, we expect Sara to quickly grow a team to support this part of our business and we are confident that she will play a key role in our continued growth,” Muffitt added.

Abby Langstaff has been appointed as sales support manager in the new division as Clark begins to grow the team. She joins from CSG The Global Talent Experts where she worked as a recruitment consultant.

FDYL is continuing to expand after partnering with £12m turnover Birmingham-based Woodrow Mercer in November to launch its new senior financial recruitment division.  Woodrow Mercer Finance has offices in London, Birmingham and Sheffield as well as its Leeds head office.

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DLA Piper has advised global life sciences company Novo Nordisk on a new research facility to be built on the University of Oxford campus.

When completed, the research centre will employ up to 100 Novo Nordisk researchers working alongside University of Oxford academics.

R&D scientists from Novo Nordisk, both locally employed and those visiting from the headquarters in Denmark, will be collaborating with academic staff and students to discover, develop and manufacture biological medicines to help defeat serious chronic conditions: diabetes, obesity and metabolic disorders.

Novo Nordisk’s total investment will be £115m over a period of 10 years.  

Head of real estate, Leeds partner Tim Field and Birmingham tax partner Mark Burgess led the team advising on the development. Additionally, DLA Piper advised on planning consent issues, and all related property issues.

Field said: “The fact that a global company such as Novo Nordisk is investing in the UK is a reflection of both the UK’s stellar reputation for research and development, and its excellent global transport links. We look forward to seeing this partnership develop over the coming years for the benefit of many people who suffer these serious conditions.”

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Harrogate and Leeds-based Berwins Solicitors has announced its appointment to an innovative national Legal Panel launched in 2016 by Folk2Folk, a leading Peer-to-Peer (P2P) lender to local businesses.

As part of the panel, Berwins will carry out the legal work necessary to complete loans for local business owners taking a loan from Folk2Folk – a rapidly growing initiative which offers straightforward, local lending and borrowing.

Berwins will play a key part in the loan process in helping to validate the properties to secure against the loans.

Senior associate and commercial property specialist Sophie Barton said: “We are delighted to be working with Folk2Folk as their forward-thinking approach to lending is refreshing and adds a modern twist to rural lending.

“Supporting local businesses has been at the heart of Berwins growth over past 30 years and it’s exciting to be at the forefront of the latest developments which are revolutionising the industry.”

Folk2Folk enables local business to achieve their business goals and grow by matching local and rural businesses looking for finance with local investors looking for a good return.