People on the move: Grant Thornton; Lambert Smith Hampton; Paul Crowley & Co; DigitalBridge

International tax specialist Paul Scully has been promoted to the role of head of tax for business adviser Grant Thornton in the North West.

Scully succeeds Karen Campbell-Williams, a well-known figure within the region’s professional community, who remains with the firm as a senior partner and a member of its National Partnership Oversight Board.

He takes over a team of 134 tax specialists based across Grant Thornton’s offices in Manchester and Liverpool.

“We live in colourful times and much of what is happening in the world around international trade, Brexit, and the new regulatory environment has profound tax implications,” he said.

“We are seeing double digit growth in our practice and aim to increase our headcount by 15% in the next year as we help businesses navigate through these challenges.”

A graduate of Trinity College, Cambridge, where he studied law, Scully has worked in tax for 18 years, the last seven of which have been with Grant Thornton North West.

“He’s advised both listed companies and smaller owner-managed businesses on cross-border structuring, setting up in new territories, reorganisation and acquisitions.

Carl Williams, managing partner of Grant Thornton’s in the North West, said: ‘Paul’s clarity of thought and insight are amongst the many qualities that set him apart. We have every confidence that he can build on the success Karen Campbell-Williams’ has enjoyed over many years and drive our growth.”

::

The Manchester office of Lambert Smith Hampton has appointed a new director of planning, developing and consultancy.

Paul Shuker joins the company from professional consulting firm WYG’s Manchester office, where he worked as director for the environment, planning and transport division.

He brings his extensive experience in the management of strategic land holdings, infrastructure and site-specific projects for both private and public-sector clients to the role at LSH, having worked on all aspects of the planning process, from site identification and assessment to securing relevant planning permission and implementation through discharging conditions.

This includes complex retail, commercial industrial, mixed use and residential development projects.

His most notable projects have included delivery of LXB’s two key Riverside and Kingsmead regeneration sites in Stafford town centre, U+I’s Friarsgate city centre scheme in Lichfield and working as part of the team that delivered the award winning Storyhouse theatre project in Chester, which opened in 2017.

Shuker was the planning lead for Princes Gate, the £37m regeneration scheme of Oldham town centre. He has recently advised more than 30 local planning authorities across the UK on retail and town centre planning matters.

Gayle Taylor, head of North West operations at LSH, said: “Paul comes from a strong consultancy background and has the valuable experience and industry insights we need to keep pushing the planning and developing consultancy team forward. In his new role, Paul will be focused on expanding the team’s current scope, reach and influence across the North West, and we very much welcome him to the business.”

::

Liverpool-based law firm, Paul Crowley & Co solicitors has significantly strengthened its team with the appointment of former nurse Anthony Wilson as head of clinical negligence.

With a wealth of experience gained over 18 years in the legal profession, Wilson has joined the firm from Lysander Law Limited where he was a managing partner.

He has previously held senior positions at Co-operative Legal Services, Camps Solicitors, and roles within the personal injury departments of Bromiley Holcroft and Hill Dickinson.

Wilson studied at the University of East London and undertook his legal practice course at the College of Law.

Prior to studying law, he was a general nurse and worked in a busy A&E department for more than 10 years. He was motivated to change his career path and instead assist patients who had suffered as a result of medical mistakes.

His broad range of skills and in-depth understanding within the sector will guide and drive the current clinical negligence team, which specialises in claims for members of the public who have experienced harm or injury due to negligent health care.

Wilson said: “I am thrilled to have joined Paul Crowley & Co. With my dedicated hands-on approach, I am keen to develop the clinical negligence division and make it one of the premier departments in the region and beyond.”

“I look forward to taking on this new challenge and supporting the growth of the firm.”

Senior partner, Paul Crowley added: “Anthony’s appointment is a significant investment for the company as his experience and leadership will certainly consolidate our offering, ensuring our service and commitment to our clients continues to be unrivalled.”

The expert clinical negligence team can assist anyone who has experienced orthopaedic, surgical, obstetric or accident and emergency negligence.

::

Manchester tech business DigitalBridge has announced the appointment of Jonathan Wall to its board of directors, ahead of an exciting period of expansion.

Wall is currently the chief digital officer of fashion brand Missguided and has also held the position of ecommerce drector at Shop Direct.

With expertise in leading mobile marketing strategies, as well notable successes in developing retail offerings across web and mobile apps, Wall will bring a wealth of valuable experience to his position.

He is known for having nurtured an experimental in-house culture which has been a key driver of his success.

Wallwill help guide DigitalBridge’s strategy to engage with global retailers as the company looks to grow its operations beyond the UK market.

The appointment comes as DigitalBridge looks to transition into a period of exciting growth over the next 12 months.

The company, headquartered in Manchester Science Park, specialises in developing space planning tools for the kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms market.

DigitalBridge chief executive David Levine said: “Jonathan has been a transformative influence at both Shop Direct and Missguided – two of the UK’s most forward-thinking digital retail businesses – so we’re delighted to bring him on board at this crucial stage of our growth.”

Wall said: “I’ve been keeping a close eye on DigitalBridge since the company launched in 2013, during which time it has evolved from smart start-up to emerging industry player in the UK and beyond. This is a great opportunity to provide some insights that will bolster the company’s global scale and reach in the coming years.”