People: Venmore Group; Colliers; Fluent Money Group; Knight Frank; Access2Funding

Liverpool-based independent estate agent Venmore Group has launched a land and new homes department after headhunting a talented industry leader to take the reins.

For the first time in the company’s 172-year history, it will have a dedicated department working directly with property developers from across the region, helping to bring new homes and jobs to the local area.

Handpicked for the role is Rachel Jones, joining the group after a successful 10-year career managing a branch for a corporate agent, before joining Karl Tatler and starting their land and new homes department.

Rachel said: “I am incredibly excited to be working with The Venmore Group, it’s a company known for its proactive and innovative approach to sales, which fits in with my own ideals. For me, my aim in my new role is to deliver a unique reputable and professional service, I recognise that each development needs a bespoke marketing approach and I know that we can provide a fantastic service to our clients.”

The Venmore Group, which has recently been awarded a Feefo Gold Star Trusted Service Award for all three of its Merseyside estate agencies, has continued to grow from strength to strength. Chief executive, Mark Russell, said: “Despite the incredibly tough year we’ve had with the ongoing pandemic, we’re lucky to have been able to grow our business and continue to take it to the next level.

“Our success in tough times is a testament to our team, we invest heavily in the personal development of our workforce and it has shown that when times get tough, they keep a cool head and continue to go above and beyond.”

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Professional services and investment management company, Colliers, has recognised six staff across Manchester and Liverpool in its annual promotions process and is growing the office with the appointment of a new regional facilities manager and two new graduates.

Sophie Atwood, from Colliers’ rating team, has been promoted to director and Jonathan Stirzaker-Philips in project & building consultancy has been promoted to associate director.

Meanwhile, Paddy Kennedy (national offices), Nathan Khanverdi (industrial & logistics) and Rachel Lancaster (investment property management) have all been promoted to senior surveyor, and Sam Gidley has become senior business support for the industrial & logistics team.

These promotions coincide with growth in Colliers’ Manchester office with the appointment of James Ward as regional facilities manager, joining the investment property management team from Cushman & Wakefield. Colliers has also welcomed two new graduates to its Manchester office – Rachel Lever to valuations and Kelly Jones to rating.

Dominic Pozzoni

Head of Colliers’ Manchester office, Dominic Pozzoni, said: “2020 was an exceptional year in so many ways, so I am proud to see the hard work and dedication shown by these six exceptional candidates being recognised.

“The motivation and spirit our people showed throughout last year to keep striving for excellence, despite the challenges we all faced, was inspirational. We have started the new year on a positive note, welcoming new young talent to our Manchester office and I look forward to further building on these strong foundations as we look ahead to 2021 and beyond.”

Nationally Colliers made 83 promotions – 17 were promoted to director level, 27 to associate director, with a further 39 being promoted to senior surveyor/senior business support.

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Fluent Money Group has enhanced its board with the appointment of David Copland as a non-executive director.

Having amassed vast experience in the UK mortgage market, as both an entrepreneur, building successful businesses, and as a senior executive of a large public limited company, David joins Bolton-based Fluent as the company embarks on ambitious plans following a record-breaking growth year.

With his industry expertise and delivery of business growth, David is best known for founding and growing Pink Home Loans into one of the most recognised intermediary brands and one of the largest mortgage distribution companies in the sector.

Following Pink Home Loan’s sale to LSL Property Services, he spent a decade working as a senior executive of the parent group, as CEO in the Pink Home Loans, director of TMA the mortgage club and as director of Mortgage Services.

In addition, David has also spent 10 years as LSL’s representative on the board of the trade body, the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries, and more recently as the deputy chair.

David Copland

Fluent Money Group CEO, Kevin Hindley, said: “It is a privilege to welcome David as a non-executive director. His experience in the industry is second-to-none and he will add real value, supporting us with our growth strategy as we progress with our ambitious expansion plans to drive new channels and greater market share.

“David has a track record for driving businesses to become true market leaders, and it is testament to our delivery and vision that he has chosen to work with Fluent. David will be a real asset to the board and will contribute significantly to our growth and business development.”

David Copland said: “I am delighted to be joining Fluent at such an exciting time for the company. Having received alternative offers in the market, Fluent was the obvious choice, owing to the vision of its senior team and its innovative use of technology, establishing itself as a leader in the broker market and demonstrating stand-out growth.”

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Knight Frank has appointed Paul Partington as partner and Gillian Bamford and Richard Gibala as associates to join the Manchester office.

Paul will lead the property asset management team taking over from Elaine McClean who has taken early retirement.

Head of office, David Porter, said: “We are sorry to see Elaine go, she has succeeded in building us a strong reputation for efficient and inventive management of prime city centre assets such as 3 Hardman Street, New Bailey and Barton Arcade.

Paul Partington

“I am delighted that someone with the experience and enthusiasm of Paul will be taking over the reins and building further as the team continues to grow.”

Paul, who joins from Roger Hannah, previously led the regional PAM team for Capita. He said: “I am excited to join Knight Frank and looking forward to working on such high profile properties, building relationships and growing the impressive client base.”

Gillian will be joining the lease advisory team while Richard will work on ratings. Both previously worked for CBRE.

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R&D tax specialist, Access2Funding, has welcomed its latest addition, Jemma Taylor, who will be leading the new ‘alternative projects’ department.

Former regional director at Ultimate Finance, Jemma has more than 25 years’ experience in the finance sector and as head of alternative projects will be responsible for expanding Access2Funding’s best of breed product offerings for its growing client base.

In 2020 Access2Funding returned £23m to UK businesses, and the new department headed up by Jemma aims to further assist and support businesses in 2021 by providing a variety of alternative services and products during this difficult financial time.

Based in Birkenhead – but with teams all across the UK – the specialist firm has recently experienced a phase of rapid growth and Jemma is one of many new appointments as Access2Funding has more than doubled its national team since the start of 2020.

Jemma Taylor

Chief operating officer, Dawn Coker, said: “We are delighted that Jemma has accepted the head of alternative projects role within our senior leadership team, and are excited to have her on board during what is now a time of financial uncertainty for so many businesses.

“Jemma’s infectious energy accompanied by her established track record of developing long lasting relationships will ensure that we are in the best possible position to assist even more growth in the UK. Our new offerings will allow us to help even more clients and we are confident in Jemma’s ability to create new partnerships and opportunities.”

Jemma said: “I am delighted to have joined Access2Funding. The company is committed to delivering the best results for clients and I am looking forward to launching new products and services to enhance our offering, as well as opening up new business opportunities. What’s more, joining a predominantly female-led business is empowering and inspiring.”