People on the move: DS.Emotion; AM Bid Services; Morris & Spottiswood; Avecto; Fletchers Solicitors

Brand and design agency DS.Emotion has promoted Jenny Jones to account director at its Manchester studio.

Jones joined DS.Emotion three years ago as account manager with a focus on property clients but has quickly developed her remit to assist in growing the presence of the Manchester studio working with clients across retail, engineering and hospitality.

Angus Armitage, co-founder of DS.Emotion, said: “Jen has brought a depth of experience across brand, marketing, digital and film working with many blue-chip companies.

“She has been instrumental in helping us establish our presence and build our client base since we opened in the north west and her promotion is a natural progression for her in helping to run the studio whilst nurturing our client relationships.”

Jones’ key clients include Hilton, Hill Residential, Metquarter, LJ Partnership and Forshaw.

DS.Emotion was established in Leeds 25 years ago and now operates nationally with studios in London and Manchester as well as Leeds.

The business specialises in property and place marketing and has delivered successful campaigns for destinations including Trinity Leeds, Carnaby Street London and Silverstone. Key clients include Scarborough International Properties, M&G Real Estate, Aviva, Grainger and Hill Residential.

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AM Bid Services has announced the appointment of Chris Blackburn in to the newly created post of senior bid manager in the North West.

Blackburn, who will cover the region, working from his home in Blackrod, near Bolton, brings more than 10 years of bidding experience to the role and joins the company from one of the UK’s largest full-service law firms, where he worked as head of bids for five years, trebling the company’s bid win rate in that time.

Prior to this post, Blackburn spent five years in a bidding role with one of the UK’s largest technical recruitment companies.

He said: “I am delighted to be joining AM Bid Services, one of the fastest growing bid consultancies in the UK.

“I have been impressed by the firm’s growth across multiple sectors and geographies, and the great feedback from clients. I’m looking forward to bringing my expertise in over 10 years of bidding to the role, and to playing my part in growing the firm in the North of England and the wider UK.”

David Gray, bid development director of AM Bid Services, said “This is a key new role for the business and I am delighted to welcome Chris to the team.

“Attracting a highly experienced senior bid professional like Chris demonstrates our commitment to achieving our growth ambitions, whilst continuing to ensure our clients receive an extremely high-quality service.

“As our first employee based in England, where 50% of our clients are based, Chris will increase our capacity south of the border and be a key contact for our clients in England.”

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Warrington fit-out firm Morris & Spottiswood has appointed a new senior director.

Former ISG director Pete Dennis has been named as director of national frameworks based at the firm’s Birchwood office.

Morris & Spottiswood chief executive Jon Dunwell said Dennis will be working with the board and shareholders to lead a strategy to drive business growth targeting retail and commercial office markets as well as public sector frameworks and new pipeline expansion.

Dennis will be further involved in system change management to drive operational efficiencies, develop staff skills and customer service excellence through all delivery activities.

His latest move follows 11 years’ experience in senior positions across the ISG group including technical director for retail & fit-out, divisional managing director for ISG Retail and executive director for ISG Plc UK and Western Europe.

“This is a hugely exciting time to be joining Morris & Spottiswood,” said Dennis.

“The firm has an ambitious ten-year plan which promises sustained growth while maintaining the integrity of the business.

“Current projections for the next 12 months show turnover increasing to circa £100m with staff levels rising to circa 410. I feel energised by the prospect of helping contribute to this strategy to deliver long-term profitability.”

Morris & Spottiswood’s turnover currently stands at £90m employing more than 390 people, following an 8% rise in staff numbers in 2016.

It has four separate service divisions – fit-out, housing, M&E (mechanical & electrical) and maintenance. It works across many areas including education, retail, financial, housing, leisure, health and commercial sectors.

Dunwell said Morris & Spottiswood has spent decades building its brand as one of the largest fit out organisations in the UK. He said this latest new appointment will help propel the business forward as it looks to further strengthen its position across English and Welsh regions.

“We are pleased to welcome Pete Dennis who brings a level of experience and seniority which we require to deliver future growth,” said Dunwell. “He has excellent change management competencies with in-depth knowledge of strategic integration, rationalisation, acquisition and merger programmes.”

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Manchester-based global software company Avecto has grown its executive team with the appointment of Robin Saitz as its new chief marketing officer and Andrew Avanessian as chief operating officer.

Saitz joins the company with a proven track record of building high performance teams and brands.

Prior to Avecto, Saitz was CMO at sales enablement software company Brainshark and senior vice president of global marketing and operations at PTC, where she spent 25 years.

Based out of Avecto’s US headquarters in Somerville, MA, Saitz will steer the company’s marketing strategy, including messaging and positioning through to demand generation and awareness programs.

Additionally, Andrew Avanessian has been promoted from vice president of technology to the role of COO.

Avanessian has progressed with Avecto since its inception and has driven Avecto’s rapid market growth and international expansion.

In his new role, Andrew will be responsible for key operations in the company, leading Avecto’s international pre- and post-sales teams as well as the company’s customer success, support and IT department. The role will also see Andrew focus on building upon the company’s success in the US market.

Avanessian said: “Although the size and scope of the business has changed dramatically since I joined, its culture of ambition and innovation has remained. I have seen the company grow from strength to strength and I’m excited to extend my remit to further optimise our operations.”

Paul Kenyon, co-chief executive and co-founder of Avecto, said the appointments come at an important point in the company’s journey. “The pace of growth we’ve experienced has been phenomenal and these key, strategic appointments will ensure that momentum continues.

“Robin brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience that is essential to building on and accelerating the growth of the business.

“We have an incredibly strong story to tell and many exciting developments planned, so Robin will play a crucial role in making sure the Avecto message is heard and understood across the globe.

“Throughout his tenure, Andrew has demonstrated drive, leadership, operational excellence, and innovation at every turn and those skills sat perfectly with our vision for a COO.”

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Southport-based medical negligence and serious injury law firm Fletchers Solicitors has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of a new head of its medical negligence serious injury teams.

Peter Rigby joined the firm in 2010 as part of the serious injury department, which focuses on catastrophic brain, spinal cord and severe orthopaedic injuries.

But after impressing with his knowledge, experience and dedication, he has recently been promoted to head up the medical negligence serious injury teams.

Prior to his role at Fletchers, Rigby moved to the North-west in the mid 2000s and after completing the Bar Vocational Course, he began working at Keoghs Solicitors.

In his new role at Fletchers, he will be responsible for leading, managing and developing the firm’s five teams that are dedicated to handling serious medical cases, as well as putting in place systems that ensure the firm continues to provide excellent customer service.

Ed Fletcher, chief executive of Fletchers Solicitors, said: “It is great to be able to offer Peter this senior leadership role.

“Since joining our team, Peter has demonstrated an immense level of expertise and knowledge that made him the ideal candidate for this position. We look forward to seeing how he can help develop and grow our teams and improve our already fantastic customer service.”

Rigby said: “Working at Fletchers Solicitors is an absolute joy and I feel that I have found my home. I have always liked the challenge of progressing to a management role and taking on the responsibilities that come with it. So, being given the chance to move up within Fletchers to a more senior level fits in well with my personal goals.”