People: Jackson Lees; NWBLT; CloudM; Primas Law; Keepmoat; RVA Surveyors
Liverpool-based law firm Jackson Lees has expanded its family law team with the addition of a new solicitor.
The team has welcomed Hollie Randles on board, who qualified as a solicitor in October 2021. Since then, she has handled a broad range of family law cases including complex financial remedy proceedings, with some involving overseas assets and discretionary trusts.
Hollie said: “I take great pride in my client care through what is undoubtedly a very difficult time for those who are separating. I am fortunate enough that my role comes with the ability to make a positive difference to the lives of families and children, helping them to close a chapter in their lives and move forward. In doing so, I inspire trust and show empathy, ensuring my clients understand the process and the options available to them.”
Haley Farrell, deputy managing director and head of family law, said: “With her experience, passion for helping others and making a positive difference, we have no doubt that Hollie will fit right in to Jackson Lees Group.”
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Robert Hough
The North West Business Leadership Team (NWBLT) has appointed Robert Hough as its life president. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the North West region, Hough joins an influential group of former NWBLT members, including Juergen Maier, Alan Cockshaw, and Neville Chamberlain.
Robert’s exceptional career includes pivotal roles as chairman of the Manchester Ship Canal Company and deputy chairman of Peel Holdings. His strategic vision has played a fundamental role in shaping the growth of Salford Quays, Liverpool John Lennon Airport, and the hugely successful 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games, where he served as chairman of the organising committee and mayor of the games village.
Jonathan Murphy, NWBLT chair and CEO of Assura, said: “It was without hesitation that I proposed that Robert be awarded the title of life president. If there was an Ambassador for the North West region it would be Robert – his contribution to the area over his many years of service is without compare.”
Robert Hough said: ’My appointment as a life president is an extraordinarily proud moment for me. I consider myself fortunate to have been able to participate in some of the great events of our wonderful North West region and to help its economy and people flourish.”
The NWBLT has also welcomed Michelle Lewis, from Essar, as its newest member, and Myles Kitcher, managing director of Peel NRE and chair of Net Zero North West, has joined the group.
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Donna Torres
Manchester-based Cloud software provider, CloudM, has appointed Donna Torres as the company’s new chief revenue officer, responsible for sales, marketing, and customer service teams, with a focus on growing the business, scaling revenue and developing customer and partner relationships while continuing to empower businesses to be able to own and control their data.
As the new CRO, Donna will be responsible for driving the revenue from top to bottom funnel, through to customer services. As part of her role, Donna aims to find repeatable scalable processes to ensure the team is successful, making sure the business has the best roster of colleagues with the right skills to ensure success.
Donna’s previous experience, working at Xero for nearly a decade, provides her with the knowledge and experience required to take on a huge growth task such as the one CloudM is looking to achieve.
Donna said: ”The future ambition of the company is inspiring so bringing the team alongside to grow is very exciting. Seeing colleagues grow and develop is a true joy and I want everyone to contribute to the growth of the company, too.”
Tom Ray, CloudM CEO, said: “We’re very proud to welcome Donna to the team. Her breadth of experience is exactly what we needed and it’s always exciting to have a fresh perspective on the company to help us uncover how we can expand even further.”
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Stuart Beatson
Primas Law has appointed new business restructuring and insolvency partner, Stuart Beatson, to help further expand the firm’s client roster in Manchester.
Stuart’s appointment further builds on the firm’s existing team, headed by partner Chris Love. This is in line with the firm’s ambition to expand its offering and develop its transactional insolvency practice.
Joining Primas with more than 14 years of experience, Stuart advises across the full spectrum of insolvency and corporate reorganisation, specialising in transactional insolvency, turnaround strategies, property-related issues, guiding businesses through difficult times to achieve positive results.
He said: “The opportunity to join a partner-led firm with a high quality client base that provides transformational advice was one I couldn’t pass up.”
Managing partner, Adam Kerr, said: “It’s great to welcome Stuart to the Primas team, with his appointment being central to unlocking the next step in our ongoing growth strategy. We’re confident he’ll be a great addition to our restructuring and insolvency department.”
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Peter Barlow
Keepmoat has strengthened its North West team with the appointment of a former CEO as the new regional managing director.
Peter Barlow has joined following a 30-year career at Wain Homes, which previously saw him in the roles of land director, managing director, group operations director and CEO. Peter brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in land acquisition and creating and leading a successful team.
In his new role at Keepmoat, Peter will be responsible for taking the region towards 600 homes per year through an ambitious and driven land acquisition strategy focused on building strong partnerships with providers and local authorities.
Based in Speke, Liverpool, the Keepmoat North West office has nine operational sites stretching from Lancashire to Stoke on Trent, and Merseyside and North Wales through to Greater Manchester.
Peter said: “After a 30 year career in the homebuilding industry I felt that it was time for a change. I’m looking forward to working with Keepmoat’s North West team to build our regional land pipeline and expand our partnership model with new, strategic organisations.”
CEO, Tim Beale, said: “I’m really pleased to welcome Peter to the business. We are always looking out for strategic appointments who will enable us to build on our values and objectives, to strengthen Keepmoat regionally and nationally.”
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Leah Williams and Henry Winterbottom
RVA Surveyors has promoted two of its surveyors to assistant surveyor mentors.
This is the latest in a series of internal promotions at the business over the last 12 months. These promotions, for Leah Williams and Henry Winterbottom, are in recognition of their continued development, and ever-increasing knowledge and capabilities.
“Their hard work and commitment has been incredible, and these promotions are fully deserved,” said Anthony Hughes, managing director of RVA Surveyors.
All of the company’s surveyors go through an initial six-month surveyor training programme, including both Williams and Winterbottom. As part of its commitment to developing its teams, RVA Surveyors hosts several internal training programmes, including a 10-month junior management programme which is currently under way.
Henry Winterbotton said: “I know we’re both really pleased with the opportunities presented by this role. We will work to ensure that the high standards within the surveying team are maintained, whilst continuing to develop our own, and our fellow surveyors’ knowledge.”
Surveyor mentor, Louis Worthington, said: “I’m very pleased that both Henry and Leah have achieved these promotions. Their growing expertise and organisation skills are invaluable to us as we expand the department, and business.”
