Appointments: High fives at Halliwells; Stephensons builds negligence; and more…

LAW firm Halliwells has promoted five partners, nine senior associates and ten associates in the North West.

The firm’s new partners, all based in Manchester,  are Andrew Bell in corporate recovery; Sarah Garth and Chris Thompson in business services – employment; Estelle Machell in dispute resolution; and Ian O’Toole in corporate – pensions.

Halliwells new senior associates in Liverpool and Manchester are Elizabeth Ferrie, Emlyn Hudson, James Lappin, Deidrie McGeown, Andrew Steel, and Brenda Wright in dispute resolution; John Fleming and Paul Hilton in corporate recovery; plus Melanie Wilkinson in business services.

The firm’s new associates, all in Manchester, are Chris Eccles, John Hayes, Nicole Kerr, Greg Lloyd, and Nicola Richardson in dispute resolution; Joanne Gardner-Boyes and Gavin Clark in corporate recovery; Suresh Bhatt and Lisa Stavropoulos in corporate; plus Simon Myers in business services.

Ian Austin, managing partner at Halliwells, said: “It is due to the quality of our people that we remain on course for a strong end to the financial year.”

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LAW firm Stephensons Solicitors LLP has announced the appointment of Claire Stockley as clinical negligence solicitor.

Ms Stockley, who joins from The Dental Law Partnership, will be based in the firm’s Leigh office.

She will advise individuals who have are victims of medical negligence such as people who have suffered as a result of birth injuries, cosmetic surgery procedures, hospital acquired infections and defective medical equipments.

Louise Griffiths, partner and head of the department at Stephensons Solicitors, said: “We are an extremely busy department and Claire’s arrival will enable us to provide much needed legal help to more clients across the region. We are delighted to have her on board.”

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NORTH WEST chartered accountants and business advisors Moore and Smalley has promoted eight staff to senior positions.

Stewart Case, Ian Clark, Ginni Cooper, Judith Dugdale, Mike Hardaker, Colin Johnson, Tracey Johnson and Rachel Marsdin have all been promoted to director.

Colin Johnson and Ian Clark will be responsible for developing Moore and Smalley’s Kendal office, while Mike Hardaker and Judith Dugdale will be based in the firm’s Blackpool and Lancaster offices respectively.

Stewart Case and Ginni Cooper will continue to improve business services in Preston, while Tracey Johnson is now responsible for enhancing the audit operation and Rachel Marsdin the firm’s tax services.

David Ingram, managing partner, said: “At times like these it is more important than ever for businesses to get good advice and these well deserved promotions are in recognition of our new directors’ experience, and their ability to offer that advice to our clients”.

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MANCHESTER-based BTG Tax has appointed Andrew McKenna as senior manager.

Mr McKenna spent 15 years with HMRC working for the special civil investigations unit,scrutinising tax fraud enquiries.

After leaving HMRC in 2007, he spent two years at PwC in Manchester where he advised clients on offshore tax issues, tax investigations and how best to deal with HMRC.

Steve Bold, national tax partner at BTG Tax, said: “Andrew is a hugely experienced tax professional with a breadth of experience that will really benefit our clients.

As HMRC brings in new penalties and regulations, companies and individuals need to review all internal tax and record keeping systems to ensure they will stand up to HMRC inspections.”