Appointments: EY makes Harding assurance head; DLA promotes nine

ACCOUNTANCY firm Ernst & Young has appointed partner Gary Harding as head of its northern assurance practice.

Mr Harding, who joined the firm in February 2009, from Grant Thornton works with listed businesses, large private companies and entrepreneurs and has particular experience in the retail, leisure and manufacturing sectors.

He said: “We are investing in our audit practice across the north and winning market share. We are one of few firms who are continuing to recruit in assurance in the local market.

“In the last 12 months we have increased our market focus and are winning more new work by broadening and strengthening our relationships and focussing on good client service.”

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LAW firm DLA Piper has promoted nine of the lawyers in its Manchester office.

Ben Johnson and Andy Smith, in the firm’s litigation and regulatory group, have been made partners.

Mr Johnson, who joined the banking and finance litigation team in 2002, specialises in advising major UK clearing banks on all contentious, risk advisory and documentation aspects of payment systems.

Mr Smith, who joined as a trainee in 1998, specialises in commercial dispute resolution and has acted on several multi-million pound warranty and breach of contract claims.

Meanwhile, Jane Cotton (employment), Juliet Tomlinson (finance and projects) and Claire Quinn (real estate) have all been promoted to legal director.

A further four lawyers have made the step-up to associate level. They are Christopher Perrin and Paul Barnard (real estate), Nicola Close (litigation and regulatory) and David Gardner (intellectual property & technology).

David Gray, the firm’s Manchester office managing partner, said: “Despite the tough economic climate, we remain focussed on recognising and rewarding outstanding talent. These lawyers have been chosen for their contributions to DLA Piper and their potential to help drive us into a new period of growth.”