People on the Move: JVP Group; Anthony Collins Solicitors; Napthens; Mather & Co; Essity

Natalie Wood

Following strong growth in the first half of 2019, recruitment marketing specialists JVP Group has announced the appointment of Natalie Wood as head of client support.

A former manager of a leading North Wales recruitment agency, and experienced in-house recruiter and HR professional within the retail, healthcare and construction sectors, Natalie is also a committee member of CIPD North and Mid Wales branch, having gained her CIPD qualification in 2015.

Natalie brings nearly 10 years’ experience to Rhyl-based JVP’s leadership team as the business embarks on its ambitious expansion plans.

She said “I’ve been familiar with JVP’s unique approach to recruitment marketing for many years, and with my background working within a recruitment agency and as an in-house recruiter and HR professional, it’s been no surprise to see the success of the business to date and the prestigious client base developed so far.”

JVP Group’s managing director, Cath Harrison, said: “Natalie’s varied background in HR and recruitment means she is perfectly placed to fully understand our clients’ needs. We’re delighted to have her on board as we enter a crucial phase in our growth plan.

“In our sixth year of trading, strong growth has enabled us to recently invest into brand new high-tech offices and superb facilities which we’ll soon be moving to, cutting-edge technology, and team growth and development – and in addition to Natalie joining us we’re currently looking to take on a graduate who we can develop for the long term and join us on our exciting journey.”

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The immediate past president of the Law Society England and Wales, Christina Blacklaws, has joined Anthony Collins Solicitors as non-executive director.

After being in post as president for one year, Christina’s role will see her support the firm’s ongoing growth, while also helping it develop the ways it delivers its legal services. This follows previous positions as director of innovation at Cripps, as well as founding one of the UK’s first virtual law firms.

With a private client background as a family and childcare lawyer, Blacklaws played a leading role in setting up Co-operative’s legal services arm. She is also the chair of the LawTech Delivery Panel – a group set up to develop the regulatory and legislative framework for LawTech in the UK to thrive.

Christina said: “Joining Anthony Collins Solicitors is a great privilege. The firm’s core principles of access to justice and social purpose strike a chord with my own beliefs, and I look forward to supporting its aim of improving lives, communities and society.

Christina Blacklaws

“I plan to use my experience in LawTech and help the firm identify new ways to incorporate technology as a tool that enhances the law profession and unlocks growth.

“Another key priority is diversity after tackling this issue in my role as Law Society President. With 40% female partners at Anthony Collins, the firm is driving real change and together we can continue promoting inclusivity and gender balance in the legal services sector.”

Blacklaws’ appointment comes at a time of strong growth for the firm after launching a new Manchester office in January. The firm also recently announced it had surpassed £20m in turnover, while increasing its headcount by 31 in the past year.

Senior partner, Peter Hubbard, said: “As non-executive director Christina will play a vital role in challenging us and adding a fresh perspective to the thinking of our board. Christina brings with her a wealth of expertise that will prove invaluable in supporting the firm’s growth and technological innovation.”

Blacklaws was the 174th president of the Law Society England and Wales and has been succeeded by Simon Davis.

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Lancashire regional law firm Napthens has strengthened its dispute service with the arrival of a new commercial litigation specialist.

James Freeman

Solicitor James Freeman has joined the expanding team from Simpson Millar and will focus on advising clients with commercial property disputes.

Originally from Northern Ireland, James is experienced in handling a broad range of disputes and litigation issues and will provide specialist legal advice on matters including breach of land contracts, break clauses, lease renewals and surrenders, dilapidations, forfeiture and recovery of land or premises from unauthorised occupiers. James will work with clients across the region.

David Bailey, partner and head of litigation & dispute resolution, said: “Demand for our specialist property litigation services continues to grow and I am delighted to have James on board. His experience enables him to hit the ground running and provide the no-nonsense, excellent level of service clients have come to expect from Napthens.”

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Mather & Co has appointed Kim Kherlopian as projects director, to oversee its future design and build projects following a spate of recent global exhibition openings.

The North West-based design consultancy, which specialises in museum, leisure, retail and entertainment experiences, first started working with South African-born Kim in 2007, when CEO Chris Mather met him at the SAB World of Beer museum in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The newly-appointed projects director will lead day-to-day client liaison and project management, and also has experience in CAD design, following a successful career in the museum and leisure experience industry.

Kim and his wife started their own business in South Africa more than 15 years ago. Starting out as a small graphic design company, it evolved into a museum design and build business, employing 20 staff, and undertaking large-scale projects such as the build of The Springbok Experience Rugby Museum in Cape Town.

Kim Kherlopian

He first met Chris in 2007 while working on the World of Beer museum, in Johannesburg, and maintained a working relationship over the years, as Mather & Co frequently worked on international projects.

In 2019, Kim and his wife sold their business, and shortly after, Chris approached him about working for Mather & Co. By June, Kim had started his new job as projects director, managing projects for a roster of clients, including the Silverstone Experience, Gretna Green and the National Paralympic Heritage Centre.

Kim said: “I have joined Mather & Co at an incredibly exciting time, as there are a lot of new projects on the cards. It is a busy time for the business as it has recently opened a record number of exhibitions in just a matter of weeks, however, I am keen to get stuck in and help the team complete ongoing and new projects.”

Chris said: “After working alongside Kim for 15 years we knew that he would be a valuable addition to the Mather & Co team, as he has the skills and experience of working on global projects. When I heard he was considering a move I didn’t hesitate to get in touch with him.

“We’re thrilled to have him on board and know that he will do an exceptional job as part of our business. There are a number of exciting projects already in the pipeline which Kim has been able to add his unique take on, and he will no doubt help to bolster our international business offer, as we continue to cut the ribbon on so many overseas projects.”

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A new site manager has been appointed to take charge at the Essity paper mill on Trafford Park Road in Manchester.

George Placogiannakis is taking the helm at Trafford Park after leading operations at the Swedish tissue giant’s paper mill in the North East of England.

George will replace local man Jim Lang, who has been appointed to support Essity’s manufacturing operations in North America as manufacturing excellence director for professional hygiene products.

Jim started his papermaking career as an apprentice at the Trafford Park mill in 1990.

As the new site manager for Essity in Manchester, George brings more than 27 years of multi-national manufacturing experience to the role.

George Placogiannakis

A qualified chemical engineer, he started his career with the company as a process engineer in Greece, covering different roles in converting, papermaking and continuous improvement, before moving to lead Essity manufacturing sites in the UK, including Oakenholt and Chesterfield.

George said: “I’d like to congratulate Jim on his new role – it’s a fantastic opportunity which also demonstrates the commitment Essity makes in developing talent within the business.

“On a personal level, I’m delighted to join the team at Trafford Park. It is one of a number of key assets for Essity’s UK manufacturing operations. The site has a long and proud history of manufacturing in this area, with a highly-skilled workforce and a strong reputation for delivering results.

“Going forward, the focus is to continue driving excellence in our UK manufacturing capabilities through new technologies, skills development and digitalisation tools to advance site performance.”

Essity’s Trafford Park Mill has 180 employees and makes popular household brands Cushelle toilet tissue and Plenty household towel, as well as producing own label products for major UK customers including Asda. The mill produces more than 700,000 rolls a day and also incorporates a nearby international distribution centre.

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