Appointments: finance chief for Medicash; new partners at RJW; associate director at Rickitt Mitchell; and more…

LIVERPOOL healthcare cash plan provider Medicash has appointed Matt Allen, formerly of Alliance Fund Managers, as its new financial controller.

Mr Allen was previously the investment director of fund manager AFM’s largest £40m equity fund.

The new appointment will see the former dealmaker heading up both Finance and IT departments at Medicash.

Sue Weir, chief executive, said: “Matt has impressive credentials. As well as being a not-for-profit organisation with a commitment to charitable giving, Medicash is also £24m turnover financial services business with ambitious commercial objectives.

“We operate in a fast moving healthcare market and I believe Matt’s experience and skills will be a great asset to us during our next phase of development.”

Mr Allen said: “I am delighted to be joining Medicash. It’s one of the city’s longest established organisations with exciting potential for further growth. I am looking forward to contributing to shaping its progress.”

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LAW firm Russell Jones & Walker has appointed two new partners to run new services from its Manchester offices.

Gary Gallen, a regulatory and criminal expert, has become the firm’s first external equity partner appointment.

He launched the firm’s 4Expert Protect and 4ExecProtect products, offering 24 hour access to specialist advice on any regulatory matter for lawyers and business directors, and backed by an insurance product underwritten by Hiscox.

Personal injury specialist Tony Wong has joined the firm from Horwich Farrelly to lead its 4Legal Solutions division.

The practice, which sees Mr Wong supported by a 60-strong team, was developed in response to the Legal Services Act and provides outsourced legal services, processes and products to businesses, the legal sector, professional and membership organisations and trade bodies. 

Nick Holroyd, partner in the Manchester office, said:“Gary’s arrival and the launch of the 4ExecProtect, and 4ExpertProtect services alongside the existing Claims Direct arm provide us with additional new routes to market and should ensure we remain well positioned for external investment when the time comes.

“Tony’s appointment to head 4Legal reflects the division’s tremendous success to date and our commitment to the continued evolution and diversification of the practice which we hope will deliver a doubling of annual turnover within two years.”

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Corporate finance adviser Rickitt Mitchell has promoted Neil Mitchell to associate director.

Mr Mitchell joined the firm in 2004 from PricewaterhouseCoopers and has since worked on numerous private company disposals, MBOs/MBIs, development capital fundraisings and private equity backed deals.

Ashley Haworth and Tim Ritchie have also been promoted to corporate finance managers.

Stuart Moss, partner at Rickitt Mitchell, said: “As a partner group we congratulate Neil on his appointment to associate director, recognising his contribution to the firm.

“We move forward into 2010 with a strong and experienced team ready to capitalise on the market recovery when it comes.”

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KEN Hall has been appointed as the new president of the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors, based in Sale.

He has a history of leading institutions in the civil engineering industry, and is the immediate past chair of RICS Geomatics, a former president of the Society of Surveying Technicians and regional chair for ICES South West and South Wales.

Mr Hall, who runs his own engineering and surveying firm, Ken Hall Chartered Land Surveyors, in Somerset, has vowed to improve industry standards and steer the organisation through the tough economic times.

Mr Hall said: “This is such an exciting time to become president of ICES especially with the challenges that face the industry in 2010. Now has never been a better time to gain a professional qualification or update industry training.

“Our recently Chartered status means the expectations our members and the construction industry have of us has changed, we’re ready to rise to the challenge. 

“We are particularly keen to work closer with businesses to promote ICES Approved Development Schemes as a cost effective framework in which trainees can record their personal and professional development and receive guidance and assessment, ultimately leading to a professional qualification with ICES.”

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LANCASHIRE-based law firm Vincents has strengthened its child and family services department with the appointment of former barrister Sarah Trippier.

Ms Trippier joins Vincents Solicitors after being called to the Bar in July 2009. She will be based at the firm’s head office at Camden Place in Preston’s city centre.

She was formerly a family law paralegal at John Whittle Robinson in Preston for four and a half years.

Alan Vincent, senior partner, said: “We are delighted to welcome Sarah. Her experience and dedication throughout the years has shown her to be a great asset to any company. At Vincents we understand the importance of developing from within and we look forward to assisting Sarah with her transfer application to become a solicitor.”