People: think3; Howes Percival

Derby-based creative agency think3 has made three new hires.

Wayne Cross is tasked with leading key strategic client relationships as the firm’s new senior marketing executive, Stephen Lehayan joins as a senior SEO executive and Will Davies joins as a digital designer.

Grant Thompson, founder of think3 said: “Following our relocation to a larger Studio in the heart of Derby and our recent award wins, we’re delighted for Wayne, Stephen and Will to be joining the team. Their appointment to the business further cements our position locally and across the region, in being able to support existing and new clients with their digital strategies.”

Andy Harris

Law firm Howes Percival has announced Andy Harris as new of head of its growing corporate, commercial and banking practice.

Harris rejoined Howes Percival in May 2020, having previously been with the firm from 1999-2008 and is noted as a leading corporate and commercial expert by both the Chambers and Legal 500 legal directories.

He said: “The last 12 months have been very challenging, but also very busy indeed with buyers and sellers coming to the market, for a variety of different reasons. Many businesses have been able to demonstrate strong normalised performance despite the pandemic; and sellers have seen pricing remain strong and have decided that now is the time to de-risk. There’s also money available to support deals. Our CCB team has performed incredibly well during the pandemic and we’re feeling very positive about the rest of this year and beyond.”