People on the Move: Browne Jacobson; Blackhurst Budd Solicitors; Blueoak Estates; Elite Group; TLT

Manchester law firm Browne Jacobson has announced that Richard Medd has been elected as the firm’s new managing partner with effect from May 1, 2020 for a three-year term.

The firm’s 150-strong partnership voted corporate partner Richard, who heads up Browne Jacobson’s business services department and is a leading member of the firm’s government sector group, into the role.

Richard specialises in corporate transactional work and regularly advises organisations across the public and private sectors on high value complex projects.

“The last couple of years saw him lead the Browne Jacobson teams advising on the MBO of Freshcut Foods backed by Perwyn, the sale of InspHire to Kerridge Commercial Systems, and the sale of Gill Marine to the Myers Family and Pop Capital.

He will take over the role during his 20th year at Browne Jacobson, having joined in 2000 as a trainee solicitor.

Richard succeeds Iain Blatherwick who has held the position since 2009 and has decided to step down after his fourth term.

Iain oversaw a period of sustained financial growth with the firm on target to have increased turnover by more than £50m during the period.

This growth helped to fuel significant investment levels in infrastructure and talent which resulted in the opening of new offices in Manchester and Exeter, relocation of the firm’s Nottingham and London bases, and the firm’s overall headcount and number of partners doubling over the past 10 years.

Richard Medd said: “It is a huge privilege to be elected managing partner. I can’t wait to take on the challenge to drive the delivery of the firm’s ambitious plans for the future.

“The firm has amazing people, a great culture and a clear focus on delivering high quality legal services in a commercial and pragmatic way to our loyal and ever-growing client base, keeping them at the forefront of what we do and navigating the challenges and opportunities of the future with them.

“Iain has done an outstanding job in transforming the firm over the last decade and I am looking forward to building on his success.”

Iain Blatherwick added: “It is a real honour to have played a part in the firm’s transformation and success and I am proud of all we have achieved.

“I look forward to supporting Richard as he takes the firm forward through its next phase of development and I know he will do a fantastic job.”

Amanda Callaghan, partner and head of Browne Jacobson’s Manchester office, said: “Iain has been a fantastic leader of Browne Jacobson and led the firm through some real milestones and successes over the last 10 years.

“He will be a tough act to follow, but I know Richard’s expertise within the public and private sectors, his focus on keeping our people and our clients at the forefront of Browne Jacobson, and his drive will mean that our business continues to flourish.”

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Specialist commercial property solicitor, Briony Haley has been promoted to director at Blackhurst Budd Solicitors.

Briony qualified as a solicitor in 2008 and moved to the Blackpool firm in 2015 advising clients on commercial property sales and purchases, leases and development acquisitions.

She will join the board of directors, taking an active role in the management of the firm and heading up the commercial property department.

“I’m thrilled to be promoted to director and look forward working with new and existing clients throughout the Fylde Coast.

Briony Haley and Warren Spencer

“Though we’re currently at time of political uncertainty we are still seeing plenty of interest in commercial property across a range of sectors.

“There are plans for major investment in the town centre over the next few years, which will have a positive impact on the local economy and demand for commercial space,” said Briony.

Warren Spencer, managing director, said: “Congratulations to Briony on a very well deserved promotion, we’re delighted to have her join the board as we plan the growth of the firm over the next five years.”

Blackhust Budd has offices on Edward Street in Blackpool and employs more than 50 members of staff offering a full range of personal and business legal services.

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The growth of the award-winning developer Blueoak Estates continues as the firm announces the appointment of Michael Bryce as commercial director.

Bryce joins the Chester-based company from Morris Homes where he has spent the past 16 years, 11 years as commercial director and five years as commercial manager.

Bringing a wealth of experience to the role, Bryce has also worked as chief surveyor for Bovis Homes.

Michael Bryce

“It’s an exciting time to be joining Blueoak Estates as they continue to expand across the North West region. There are lots of opportunities coming our way and I’m looking forward to working for a homebuilder who offer a more bespoke touch,” said Bryce.

He added: “I will be embedding myself in the main areas of growth at Blueoak and hope to play a key role in strengthening the business.”

Managing director Iain MacLean said: “Mike brings with him over two decades of experience and a successful track record working on a wide range of projects. He is the ideal candidate to support our next phase of growth in the North West.”

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Chorley-based Elite Group has announced that Emma Blackburn has joined as its new financial director to work alongside CFO, Rob Burbidge. Before joining Elite Emma was finance director at M247 and held multiple senior finance roles at BT.

Chief executive Rob Sims said: “Emma has strong experience in managing significant business transformation.

Emma Blackburn

“We’re delighted she’s joined us so we can benefit from this experience to help our transformation journey as Elite develops its position as a one-stop-shop for all our customers’ IT and communications needs.”

Emma said: “It’s good to be part of a dynamic and fast-growing business. I’m a few months into my role, and I’ve been able to use my team-building experience to further strengthen the finance function at Elite.

“Working with Rob Burbidge to help develop the commercial side of the business and support his M&A activity is also proving very rewarding.”

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Law firm TLT has continued its recent growth in the North West by expanding its employment team with the appointment of partner Liz Cotton, in Manchester.

She was previously head of employment at JMW and joins TLT’s fast growing UK-wide employment team, including partner Paula Cole who joined TLT in Manchester last year.

Cotton is the fifth partner to join TLT in Manchester in the past four months, together with corporate partners Richard Life and Mark Traynor, and development partner Claire Hamilton and construction partner Sean McCay.

Liz Cotton

Cotton has a broad range of experience in contentious and non-contentious employment law issues, including advising on tribunal claims, providing strategic advice to boards on matters such as collective redundancy and TUPE, in particular around service provision changes. She also advises on executive terminations and board disputes.

Her clients include Home Bargains, Online Gadgets, Official 4 Fashions, and pharmaceutical and technology brands.

Graeme Orchison, partner and location head for TLT in Manchester, said: “We’re proud to have built a full service offering for our clients in Manchester and to be recognised as a place where partners can take their practice to the next level. It’s fantastic to see the continued strength and depth in the local teams and the market-leading support that we can offer our clients.”

Liz Cotton said: “TLT is a growing law firm with a reputation for being a great employer. I was particularly drawn to its cross jurisdictional UK team and its strength and depth in key sectors. I am buoyed by the idea that I can proactively support my clients as their businesses scale and issues evolve.”