On the move: the latest East Midlands hires

Actons, the Nottingham law firm, has become one of the only firms in the region to have two insolvency lawyers also qualified as insolvency practitioners.

Annabel Whittaker who joined the firm in September 2016 has recently obtained the Insolvency Licence (non-appointment taking), issued by the ICAEW. Whittaker passed the rigorous JIEB personal insolvency exams in 2011, and the corporate insolvency exams in 2012.

Alongside the firms head of insolvency, Nicky Calthrop-Owen, Whittaker becomes the firm’s second licensed insolvency practitioner, working alongside fellow insolvency lawyers Victoria Dunstall, Ros Keen, Chris Murratt and Ian Baguley.

Whittaker said: “I’m delighted to have finally obtained the Licence after all the hard work involved in studying whilst working and gaining experience within the insolvency sector.”

Calthrop-Owen added: “I am absolutely delighted that Annabel has obtained her insolvency licence. It’s quite a coup for us, not only to have such a strong insolvency team, but to also have two dual qualified insolvency lawyers.”

A new director has been appointed at Pick Everard’s Leicester office.

Aarti Raj

Aarti Raj has been with the firm for two and a half years as an associate and has been promoted to director of quantity surveying.

“Aarti has been a huge asset to Pick Everard, her hard work has been recognised throughout the business and I would like to congratulate her on her new appointment. I’m sure that her experience and dedication will play an important role in Pick Everard’s plans this year – and beyond,” said Duncan Green, managing partner at Pick Everard.

Raj said: “I’m really pleased to have had my hard work and dedication recognised and I’m excited to face the challenges which lie ahead.”