People: Housebuilder names first-ever female winner; experienced duo join property law firm
Nineteen-year-old apprentice electrician Demi Whitehead has become the first female to be named the housebuilder William Davis’s Apprentice of the Year.
Her mentor, David Oliver, won the title himself in 1975 and praised her hard work and dedication.
Runner-up was fourth-year apprentice joiner Carlo Williams, also aged 19. There was a teamwork award for three third-year apprentice bricklayers: Aiden Busy, Matthew Walker and Alex Seymour.
Managing Director of William Davis Homes, Guy Higgins, said: “It was wonderful to see the return of our awards night and to celebrate the hard work and achievements of our apprentices in this golden year for young talent.”
“Many of our apprentices have had their training disrupted because of the pandemic. To see their level of progress despite this challenge is testament to their attitude and commitment.
“Over the years, a large part of our workforce has been built on apprenticeships. It is tremendous to see this homegrown pipeline of skills continuing and I’m delighted to see our first female Apprentice of the Year.”
Julie Pope and Carole Fox
Property legal practice Landsmiths has strengthened its growing team with the addition of two experienced consultants.
Julie Pope and Carole Fox have joined the Lace Market-based practice as consultants, bringing with them combined experience of more than five decades in the industry.
Pope joins the team having previously worked for Knights and Shakespeare Martineau, along with a brief period at Chattertons as a commercial real estate specialist. Legally qualified in 1983, Pope is well known and respected in the East Midlands property industry.
Pope said: “When I first met with the directors, the ethos and approach of the practice immediately appealed to me. Landsmiths is a rapidly growing practice, and that is all down to the people and their approach. In joining the team, I feel that I can use my experience in the industry to help not only benefit our current clients, but also attract new ones.”
Fox has more than a quarter of a century of experience, working exclusively in property since she came to Nottingham in 2000. She joins the Landsmiths team following a seven-year spell at Shakespeare Martineau, and prior to this, a 14-year stint on the property team at Rothera Dowson. She returns to the industry after a short break between roles.
Fox said: “Landsmiths as a practice has an excellent reputation for being collaborative and that approach really resonates with me. Having worked for large firms for much of my career, the opportunity to work collaboratively and share my experience with a smaller team is one that I’m keen to take – it is a natural fit.”
The pair join the firm to support directors Vik Moothia and Rachael Briggs, who led the practice’s restructure to focus on residential and commercial property earlier this year.
