People on the move: FDR Law; Dow Schofield Watts; Mint Bridging; NWAA

Full service law firm FDR Law has appointed Mark Lockett as chief executive following the departure of Oliver Burton in December, 2017.

Lockett, with over 18 years’ experience in the legal sector joins Warrington-based FDR from private consultancy where he worked with law firms advising on strategic requirements and helping them improve efficiency operationally.

He has previously held senior management roles at Foot Anstey LLP, Mills & Reeve and George Davies Solicitors LLP.

He will work closely with the partnership to further develop and execute the firm’s business and growth strategy and his responsibilities will include all operations, projects, quality and compliance and on-site business functions supporting the offices in Warrington, Frodsham and Stockton Heath.

On his move to FDR Lockett said: “I am joining FDR Law at an exciting time and am very much looking forward to developing and growing the business.”

FDR chairman Charles Agar said: “We are delighted to welcome Mark to the business, we were impressed with his considerable depth of experience and we are looking forward to utilising his expertise to develop our business further. We are confident he will be a tremendous asset to FDR Law and his appointment is testament to our commitment to growing the practice.”

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Independent advisory firm Dow Schofield Watts has appointed Tom Addison as senior manager in its transaction services team, based at its Daresbury, Cheshire office.

He joins from Deloitte in Manchester where he spent more than eight years and was most recently assistant director in its transaction services team.

His appointment comes as Dow Schofield Watts transaction services celebrates its best year to date.

Addison has experience working with blue-chip clients and advising on deals aross a range of sectors including agriculture, betting and gaming, utilities, banking, technology, healthcare, education, retail, promotional services, manufacturing, property, fleet hire and business outsourcing.

He said: “Dow Schofield Watts Transaction Services has a great reputation in the marketplace in terms of quality and leadership. I’m looking forward to working with such a dynamic team and ambitious firm.”

Ed Brentnall, who is joint head of Dow Schofield Watts transaction services, added: “Tom’s experience in due diligence and his knowledge of the mergers and acquisitions market makes him a great addition to our team. Following our most prolific year in terms of deal flow and continued pipeline strength, the timing of his appointment could not be better.”

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Bridging lender Mint Bridging has confirmed the hiring of Roxann Robinson as an underwriter in its team headed by Richard Showman.

Roxann previously worked for five years at Barclays as a senior underwriter and more recently at TFC Homeloans, building relationships with brokers on complex mortgage cases.

She has a strong knowledge of lending criteria and is an expert on second charges and the commercial lending market.

Showman said: “Many brokers don’t know that we offer this service and we complete many 2nd charge loans a month. Roxann’s expertise will be vital to the team to ensure that we have her expertise in this sometimes tricky area. She is becoming a great asset to our ever expanding department.”

Roxann added “I am thrilled to join Mint and know my banking and finance experience, especially in the arena of 2nd charges, will help the team grow and flourish. I love the challenge that such a rapidly growing business has to offer me.”

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The Lancashire-based North West Aerospace Alliance has announced that Sharon McDonald has been appointed director of marketing and communications.

McDonald, who has been head of marketing and communications as well as company secretary, has been with NWAA for five years.

NWAA chief executive Dr David Bailey said: “It’s my great pleasure to welcome Sharon to the board in her new role as Executive Director.

“I feel Sharon’s presence at this level will strengthen the executive representation on the NWAA board and will be a strong asset to the future of the organisation.”