People on the Move: Code and Create; Manifest Manchester; Harrison Drury

Code and Create, a digital agency specialising in bespoke .Net and React JS development, has recently expanded with the appointment of Mike Carney as its new digital & UX designer, after four years with Pixel Tree.

Coupled with this, the company has taken out a two-year lease in the thriving Baltic Creative area of Liverpool.

Creative director, John Coady, said: “We’re over the moon to welcome Mike to the team.

“His expertise and enthusiasm were evident, and he’ll help the business push forward in the coming months.

“His skills in digital design and user experience give us the opportunity to offer more to our clients.”

He said 2020 started brightly for the business, with Adam Tilston joining as head of marketing and senior developer, Mark Holland, qualifying as a doctor in computer science.

Despite being in lockdown since March, the move to Liverpool coincides with the growth of the company’s white-labelled development services.

John said: “We have a team of incredibly talented developers who live and breathe .Net and React.

“Myself, Mark and Carl are increasingly being called upon by other agencies to support their builds. Our model allows us to move quickly on development.

“Baltic Creative provides the perfect opportunity to enhance our reputation as the ‘go to’ developers for digital agencies.”

::

Manifest Manchester has fulfilled the latest of its strategic growth plans in less than six months of opening the doors by appointing Lee Benecke as digital content strategy director.

This latest appointment strengthens Manifest’s unified communications model, across clients including Hotels.com, Tommee Tippee, Logitech, Chivas Brothers and ZipCar.

Manifest Manchester launched in late 2019 and is already fulfilling ambitious plans to become a global creative content hub for Manifest.

The agency, with offices also in London, New York and Stockholm, was awarded International PR agency of the year for the second year in a row and operates with a unified communications model across all markets.

Benecke said: “Although I am only just joining Manifest now, my love affair with this agency started a long time ago. I have always been a fan of the work, the people and the culture within Manifest and I saw this as an eventual home for me.”

He added: “A Yorkshireman doesn’t gush easily but I’m very excited to say I am now part of the global Manifam and I cannot wait to bring everything I’ve learnt from over a decade in social media, content and influencer to our clients.”

Benecke has previously held roles at Wavemaker North, Brazen PR and AmazeRealise, as well as sitting on the board for PRCA North West.

His skillset spans all aspects of digital, content, social media and influencer marketing, and with it comes vast experience of moving clients and teams from tactical delivery to full scale strategic execution.

Lee Benecke

The latest plans to become the creative content hub for Manifest will see Lee work alongside both the Manchester team and the wider global team to deliver strategic brand content plans and drive growth for clients across multiple sectors.

Bec Chelin, managing director of Manifest Manchester, said: “From the moment we landed in Manchester, rapid growth and providing a further strategic unified communications approach for our clients globally was top priority. We always set out for Manchester to be more than a second UK office – we’re here to put a stamp on the industry in a style only the North West can bring.

“The rich creative talent here, particularly in the digital and creative content spheres, is exactly what brands are crying out for in a post-COVID-19 world. Hiring Lee is an exciting move for us and our clients alike. It means we can further fulfil our ambition to shake up the current agency offering in the UK and build brands that change the world.”

Alex Myers, founder and CEO of Manifest, added: “Manchester is a hothouse of creative talent and that was a major motivation for us opening here.

“Lee is a perfect example of both the calibre of the senior talent here and Manifest Manchester’s ambition to deliver industry-leading digital creative work, not just in the North West but across the world as a key pillar of our award-winning global creative team.”

::

North West law firm Harrison Drury has appointed wills and estates specialist Holly Radcliffe to strengthen its ‘home and family’ services in Lancaster.

Holly joins the firm from her previous role as private client solicitor with Simpson Millar. Prior to that, she was employed by JWK Solicitors, where she started her legal training.

Based at Harrison Drury’s Lancaster office, Holly will also cover wills, inheritance, and estate services for the firm’s Garstang office.

Clare Fleming, left, and Holly Radcliffe

She specialises in all non-contentious matters including the drafting of wills and lasting powers of attorney and the administration of estates.

Clare Fleming, head of the firm’s private client team, said: “Holly’s appointment will help us to establish Harrison Drury as the place to go for private client advice and support in the Lancaster region.

“As well as her professional skills, Holly’s background and experience in the rural sector is a great asset to the firm.”

Holly said: “Harrison Drury has an excellent local reputation for providing outstanding client care. Its strong ties with the rural community perfectly complement my passion and love of rural life.”

Holly lives on her family’s farm near Lancaster which has a fishing lake, caravan site, tearoom and garden nursery. She spends much of her spare time helping on the farm.