People: Maguire Family Law; Bennettbrooks; Renaissance; Essar Energy Transition; GIA; Knight Frank; Factory International
Altrincham-based Maguire Family Law, which specialises in high net worth and international family law cases, has appointed a new senior associate, Gabrielle Dugan, to join its growing Altrincham team.
Gabrielle, who joins from Slater and Gordon, brings more than 10 years of experience in managing complex family law cases, including divorce, child arrangements, and domestic violence matters.
In her new role, Gabrielle will apply her extensive expertise in family law to manage complex cases, ensuring clients receive clear, strategic advice and practical solutions.
Managing director, James Maguire, said: “We are excited to welcome Gabrielle to our Altrincham office as we celebrate an incredible 15 years of supporting clients through some of life’s most challenging moments.
“Gabrielle’s wealth of experience and her practical, supportive approach make her a perfect fit for our team as we continue to expand and strengthen our reputation for providing outstanding client care.
“Having worked at both boutique and national law firms, Gabrielle has developed a diverse skill set that enables her to provide effective solutions for clients along with a holistic view of what practical steps to take during what can be a challenging time.”
Gabrielle Dugan said: “I am proud to be joining Maguire Family Law and to be part of a team with such an outstanding reputation for handling complex family law cases. The firm’s client-focused approach is something I truly value, and I look forward to contributing to its continued growth while supporting clients during some of the most difficult times in their lives.”
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Carl Urmston
Bennettbrooks has welcomed experienced client director Carl Urmston to lead its
ongoing expansion across Cheshire and Greater Manchester.
His arrival supports the firm’s strategic growth plan and enhances its advisory offering from its Altrincham base.
Carl will head up the delivery of accountancy and business support services at the
firm’s new premises on Victoria Street in the Altrincham’s Stamford Quarter.
A qualified accountant with more than a decade of experience, he has a strong track record of supporting owner-managed businesses across Greater Manchester.
Carl specialises in working with SME’s offering practical forward-thinking accountancy and business advice.
Carl said: “The Altrincham office has huge potential, and I’m looking forward to building strong relationships in the local business community while delivering valuable, hands-on support to our clients.”
A company spokesperson said: “Carl’s experience and approach to client relationships makes him a fantastic addition to our expanding team. “His appointment supports our wider growth plans in the North West and reflects our commitment to the delivering partner-led advice that really makes a difference to our clients.”
The company operates from seven offices across the North West and North Wales.
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Richard Campbell
Structural and civil engineering consultancy, Renaissance, has reached a notable milestone in its expansion by launching an office in Glasgow.
The Manchester-based firm’s new operation in the Briggait, an A-listed market hall complex in Glasgow city centre, will service market growth in Scotland and beyond.
Director, Richard Campbell, a Fellow of the Institution of Structural Engineers and current chair of the regional group in Scotland, will manage the office, supported in his role by Renaissance’s two founding directors, Kevin Gilsenan and Helen Gribbon.
Helen Gribbon said: “Renaissance Glasgow will be a central base for our team as they deliver a portfolio of projects for our growing network of clients across Scotland and northern England.
“Opening a new Scottish office with Richard at the helm is an exciting next step for the company. He is well known and respected both in industry and academia and has commanding knowledge and experience of his market.”
Richard Campbell said: “I am looking forward to building a talented and enthusiastic team based in Glasgow, whilst also working alongside our well established team in Manchester.”
Helen added: “The synergy between the two cities makes this a natural next step for the practice as we continue to grow our team and diversify our portfolio. This new base places us in the heart of the city, accessible to our clients and collaborators alike and we look forward to officially celebrating the launch of the new office very soon.”
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Prashant Janaswamy
Essar Energy Transition’s EET Fuels (the trading name of Essar Oil UK), has appointed Prashant Janaswamy as chief information officer.
Prashant will lead the development and implementation of Stanlow-based EET Fuels’ digital transformation strategy, with the goal of modernising the company’s technology infrastructure and enhancing data-driven decision making.
He brings more than 25 years of global experience across the UK, USA, India, and the Middle East, having held senior roles such as CIO, CTO, and chief data and automation officer at leading companies in the energy, oil and gas, and manufacturing sectors.
His expertise includes digital transformation, technology modernisation, and data-driven decision making. Key achievements in Prashant’s career include pioneering AI-powered operational systems, developing ERP strategies, and enhancing infrastructure.
Deepak Maheshwari, CEO, EET Fuels, said: “Prashant’s appointment demonstrates our commitment to leveraging cutting edge technology to drive our business forward. His extensive experience and innovative approach will be invaluable as we continue to advance our digital transformation initiatives.”
Prashant Janaswamy said: “I am excited to join EET Fuels and contribute to the company’s digital future. The company’s commitment to innovation and technology modernisation aligns perfectly with my passion for driving growth and efficiency through digital transformation. I look forward to working with the team to achieve our goals.”
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Greg Bird
GIA has promoted Greg Bird to director at its Manchester office.
A Chartered Building Surveyor, Greg specialises in party wall and neighbourly matters, as well as boundary mapping.
He has played a pivotal role in delivering expert advice on major developments, including Colmore Gate in Birmingham, and Viadux and St Michael’s in Manchester.
Beyond his project contributions, Greg is a passionate advocate for knowledge sharing and professional development across the industry. He regularly leads CPD sessions, providing valuable insights on boundary disputes, party wall legislation, and best practices in managing neighbourly matters.
Michael Beatty, director at GIA, said: “Greg’s professionalism, dedication, and forward thinking approach have made a significant impact on both our projects and our team culture.
“His promotion is well earned and a testament to his continued excellence.”
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From left: James Evans, Guy Fowke, Max Seed
Global real estate agency, Knight Frank, has made three new appointments to its Manchester office.
Guy Fowke joins the business rates team as a senior rating consultant surveyor, Max Seed will work alongside RobTilley and Bradley Norton in the industrial team while James Evans joins as a surveyor in office agency.
Head of office, David Porter, said: “We are seeing an increase in activity across all property sectors and services and it’s great to have enthusiastic new talent to help support clients old and new.”
Guy, who previously worked at the Altus Group with Knight Frank colleagues Jason Gray and Suraj Visavadiya, said: “We work well as a team and it is great to be back together. This is a huge opportunity.”
Max has a Master in Real Estate from Liverpool University and experience with niche industrial agency Davies Harrison. He said: “The industrial sector continues to evolve and I am looking forward to working closely with Rob and Brad on a broader range of sites.”
James, who has made the move to live in the city centre, will be working alongside David Porter and Mark Bamber and said: “I jumped at the chance to join Knight Frank and be part of an agency with such a depth of knowledge and research and which works closely across all teams.”
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New board members
Factory International, the organisation behind Manchester’s landmark cultural venue Aviva Studios and the biennial Manchester International Festival (MIF), has appointed seven new members to its board of trustees.
Poet, playwright, broadcaster and memoirist Lemn Sissay and acclaimed broadcaster Nihal Arthanayake join the board alongside global director of sales at White Cube, Leila Alexander, Factory Assembly and People’s Forum member, Candice Hull, entrepreneur and business consultant Thom Hetherington, performer and creative facilitator Josh Wilkinson (in one of two designated slots for young people), and global advertising, media and communications executive John Dunleavy.
Lemn Sissay says: “I am honoured to be appointed as a trustee of Factory International, an organisation that embodies Manchester’s pioneering spirit.”
Nihal Arthanayake says “Every time I walk into Aviva Studios, I am blown away by the scale, adaptability and ambition of the place, so I jumped at the chance to contribute my time and energy to a place I truly regard to be one of the world’s most important spaces for creativity to flourish.”
Moira Sinclair, chair of the Factory International Board of Trustees, said: “Our arts and cultural organisations are reliant on the contribution of their trustees, who bring talent, expertise, and insight to support these important community assets. I am grateful to our outgoing friends, who have reached their end of the term, and delighted to welcome such a fine new cohort.”
Candice Hull says: “I am honoured to be appointed to the board of trustees representing the people’s forum. I’m excited to get started, meet the rest of the trustees, and contribute to the ongoing success and growth of Factory International.”
Outgoing trustees in this cycle are Gary Neville, Grace Ladoja, Ibrahim Mahama and Maria Balshaw.
