People on the move: Harrison Drury; HOME; Napthens

Law firm Harrison Drury has recruited experienced property lawyer Wendy Newbury to join its office in Clitheroe, Lancashire.

Newbury joins the firm after more than eight years as head of commercial property at Backhouse Jones Solicitors. Her previous experience also includes roles at major international law firms, including Eversheds and Nabarro.

She will play a key role within Harrison Drury’s recently expanded Clitheroe office in Church Street. The firm merged with Chenery Maher solicitors earlier this month to create a 19-strong team in Clitheroe.

Simon England, director at Harrison Drury and head of the firm’s Clitheroe office, said: “We’re growing our presence in East Lancashire by ensuring we’re able to offer clients access to the right specialisms and expertise.

“Wendy is an incredibly experienced lawyer and will be a real asset to our commercial property team and our clients.”

Harrison Drury’s team of solicitors in Clitheroe advises a wide range of businesses through its corporate and commercial and property teams.

The firm also has an experienced home and family division, advising individuals on matters including residential property, estate planning and probate, and family law.

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Jon Gilchrist will join arts venue HOME in Manchester as its new executive director from 22 January 2018.
He has been executive director of the Bush Theatre since 2014, where he helped grow the Bush as an international champion for both new plays and diverse creative voices.

Gilchrist also led the successful £4.3m capital redevelopment of the Bush’s home in the old Shepherd’s Bush Library.

Prior to the Bush, Gilchrist was marketing director at The Lowry, working on a diverse programme for one of the most visited cultural attractions in the North West.

Before this he had worked in marketing for venues across the region, including Octagon Theatre Bolton, Dukes Lancaster and Theatre by the Lake in Keswick.

Gilchrist is a board member of UK Theatre, HighTide Theatre, and vice-chair of the London Theatre Consortium.

He said: “I’m so pleased to be returning to Manchester to join such a fantastic organisation. Over the past few years I’ve watched as HOME developed into one of the most dynamic arts venues in the country.

“It’s a real privilege to join Dave and the team at HOME at this exciting time for both the venue and the city of Manchester. I can’t wait to get started.”

Dave Moutrey chief executive and director said: “We are excited that Jon is joining HOME and bringing his considerable experience both to the organisation, as we move into the next chapter following our highly successful opening two years, and also back to the vibrant arts community we have in our great city.”

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Regional law firm Napthens has promoted commercial property solicitor Stephen Bell from associate to the role of partner.

Bell, who joined Napthens in 2014, been moved up the ladder to recognise his contribution to the business.

He will continue to advise clients on the full range of commercial property issues and will be part of a team tasked with developing Napthens’ business in the Southport and wider Merseyside region.

Bell handles all aspects of commercial property legal work, from residential to commercial developments, site acquisitions, real estate property finance, and landlord and tenant issues.

Among his key clients are owners of very significant property portfolios, international names in the employee recruitment sectors, regional motor traders and high street banks.

He said: “The commercial property team at Napthens is second to none and continues to be a busy, vibrant, and exciting place to work advising our wide range of clients including household names and smaller companies and individuals.

“My time so far with Napthens has been immensely rewarding and I’m excited that the hard work of my team and I has been recognised in this way.”