People on the Move: BDP; Deepbridge Capital; Tech Returners; Genr8 Developments; Clarion Wealth Planning

Steve Potter

Steve Potter has been appointed to a new role as business director of the Manchester studio of BDP, overseeing the commercial development and growth of the practice which employs more than 200 people in the city.

His professional background is as a town planner and he has held various positions in local government and private practice. He returned to Manchester in 2016, after spending six years leading BDP’s Abu Dhabi studio.

Since returning to the North West Steve has been closely involved in masterplans and development frameworks across Greater Manchester, in supporting Homes England’s delivery of strategic housing sites, and in developing growth frameworks associated with new HS2 hub stations in the East Midlands and North West.

In addition to his town and master planning qualifications Steve is experienced in economic development, urban regeneration and development delivery, and will continue to lead projects for public and private sector clients in addition to carrying out his business director role.

He said: “Since returning from the Middle East it has been great to re-engage with projects within Manchester and the wider region, and to help co-ordinate BDP’s inputs to deliver continued economic growth.

“I’m looking forward to the exciting challenge of growing the practice’s activity locally and internationally in line with the city’s own ambitions.”

::

Deepbridge, the tax-efficient investment manager, has appointed Alison Maughan as investment manager in the life sciences team.

A University of Oxford, biological sciences graduate, Alison joins the life sciences team to support Dr Savvas Neophytou’s team in identifying early-stage investment opportunities and managing those Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and Seed EIS (SEIS) qualifying companies.

Alison Maughan

Chester-based Deepbridge provides investors with access to growth-focused investment opportunities via their Deepbridge Life Sciences EIS, Deepbridge Technology Growth EIS, Deepbridge Life Sciences SEIS and Deepbridge Innovation SEIS.

Dr Savvas Neophytou, partner and head of life sciences at Deepbridge Capital, said: “I am very pleased to welcome Alison. At Deepbridge we are focused on identifying the most promising life sciences and technology innovations to support through the lifetime of their funding requirements – with an aim of developing thriving companies, generating jobs and, ultimately, providing real returns to our EIS and SEIS investors.

“We provide hands-on support and management to our investee companies and, therefore, it is imperative that our team has the expertise to add insight and practical support. Alison is an extremely knowledgeable and focused individual who will be a real asset to the Deepbridge Life Sciences team and the investee companies she works with.”

::

Manchester-based Tech Returners has announced that its team is set to grow with the appointment of Harriet Ryder as a tech coach for the organisation’s Your Journey Into Tech programme.

Harriet comes to Tech Returners with a wealth of experience in software development having previously held roles at NorthCoders and, more recently, award-winning start-up Formisimo.

She is also passionate about programming, technology and education holding mentoring roles at Code First Girls and Mentor Cruise.

‘Your Journey Into Tech’ is a 15-week programme which aims to empower returners and enable opportunities into technology. The course, which offers flexible and part-time study, takes individuals through the fundamentals of software development alongside personal development and career support in a positive learning environment.

Harriet Ryder

Harriet will deliver the course alongside Tech Returners founder Beckie Taylor and fellow tech coach and co-founder James Heggs, who said: “We’re delighted Harriet will be joining the Tech Returners team and working with us to deliver our training programmes.

“She’s incredibly passionate about positively enabling tech careers and empowering women into tech roles, I’ve no doubt she’ll be a great addition to the team.”

Harriet said: “I couldn’t be more excited to join the Tech Returners community – I’ve been a huge advocate of Tech Returners since the first pilot course launched over a year ago now, so it’s a privilege to be joining the team going forward.

“I think we’re at a very exciting time in the North West where there are lots of rewarding and enjoyable careers to be made, and companies are beginning to see how crucial to business success it is that they invest in diverse teams, not just to fill the talent shortage, but to build stronger products and drive more dynamic, performant teams.

“With that in mind, I can’t wait to get started helping lots more returners enter this industry.”

::

Genr8, the Manchester-based developer and regeneration specialist, has made an additional senior appointment to its development team, as it looks to forge ahead through a period of sustained growth.

Alan Hall joins the company as projects director from Turner & Townsend where he was responsible for several high-rise residential projects in central Manchester.

Prior to this Alan worked for CRE8 Management delivering a range of private sector projects, and Pierre Angulaire, working within public sector regeneration and developer representative roles.

Alan said: “The decision to return client-side and join the Genr8 was certainly an easy one.

Alan Hall

“The team is currently spearheading several major regeneration projects whilst outlining an array of new development opportunities. My previous experience aligns and complements this new role and I am looking forward to getting involved.”

Stuart Dick, development director at Genr8, said: “With his in-depth working knowledge of the whole life development cycle, Alan will add real value to projects going forward. With this capacity in the team we will now be able to offer project management services on both our own projects and for other clients and partners.”

Alan Hall joins both Lauren Gavaghan and Joel Chandler who were welcomed to the team last month in a period of growth for the company.

Genr8 Developments was founded in 2008 by partners John Early, Mike Smith and Richard Ingham.

It has delivered more than £100m of development in the past five years and currently has projects with a construction value of £80m on site.

::

Wealth management specialist, Clarion Wealth Planning, has appointed John Winstanley as a financial planner, as the firm continues to expand.

John joins Clarion from Manchester-based Pareto Financial Planning, where he was a financial adviser.

He began his career in financial services at the age of 19, joining HBOS on a two-year training programme. During this time he became one of the youngest client-facing advisers in the company.

Director of family office at Clarion, Jonnie Whittle, said: “John has an excellent reputation in going above and beyond for clients and professional connections.

John Winstanley

“It is a natural fit for Clarion, as we deliver an unrivalled financial planning service that has created strong organic growth. We are very pleased to welcome John to the Clarion team.”

John is responsible for managing a portfolio of Clarion’s high net worth clients, as well as expanding the firm’s network of professional connections across the UK.

He said: “I’ve worked with Keith Thompson, chairman of Clarion, in the past and know him well.

“I have always been fascinated hearing about how the business operates. Clarion’s special approach and attention to detail really is unique to the financial service industry.

“I’m looking forward to working closely with my clients to deliver comprehensive life-long financial strategies that enable them to live the lives they want.”

Based in Alderley Edge, Cheshire, Clarion is a boutique wealth management specialist with more than 30 years’ experience helping hard-working business owners and their families to achieve the lifestyles they desire and deserve.

Click here to sign up to receive our new South West business news...
Close