People: Kennedys; Aptus; Your Housing Group; Redrow NW; Cowgills; Ward Hadaway

Global law firm, Kennedys, has appointed a catastrophic injury lawyer with more than 20 years’ experience acting for motor insurers and corporates.

Legal director Lorien Helm specialises in catastrophic cases where there has been a fatality or serious injury, such as paralysis, amputation, brain damage, chronic pain or psychiatric injury.

Prior to joining Kennedys in Manchester, Lorien was at Plexus Law where she was a partner since 2014, working with big name corporates and insurers on complex and high value cases as well as handling indemnity and liability disputes.

Kennedys’ Manchester office is based in Trinity on John Dalton Street in the city centre, premises it moved to in 2021 to accommodate its growing team.

Ian Davies, partner, said: “Lorien is well known in the sector as an outstanding lawyer and a tough litigator who goes the extra mile for her clients – the ethos on which Kennedys is built.”

Lorien said: “The talented team at Kennedys has long been regarded as a market leader and I am excited to channel my passion and commitment to excellence to cement that reputation still further.”

Lorien’s appointment follows the acquisition of a nine-strong team from Plexus Law, strengthening its UK-wide liability practice with key hires in London, Leeds and Newcastle.

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Chris Toole

Multi-utility connections provider Aptus has announced the appointment of Chris Toole as its group finance director.

Chris, who has more than 15 years’ finance experience across a number of senior roles, was previously group financial controller at Ipsum, a utility services specialist based in the North West, and also spent in excess of nine years in senior finance roles at Exertis UK.

In his new position at Bolton-based Aptus, Chris will be responsible for managing the company’s accounting, financial reporting and performance.

Chris said: “It feels like a fantastic time to join Aptus who are known for professionally delivering multi-utility projects.”

Managing director, Lisa Kerford, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Chris to Aptus. His knowledge, skills and proficiency will be a valuable asset to the team as we look to continue growing the company throughout the remainder of 2023 and beyond.”

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Kal Kay

Housing provider, Your Housing Group (YHG), has welcomed Kal Kay as its chief financial officer.

Kal joins at an important time for the housing provider as it shapes its new strategy under the leadership of CEO Jacque Allen.

Kal’s career started in the private sector, but for the past 20 years she has worked in the public and not-for-profit sector, holding senior finance roles in local government, health, charities, housing, and more recently in education.

She self-studied and qualified as a full member and fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and also secured her MBA while working her way up through the ranks from office junior to chief financial officer.

Kal said: “YHG is going through a period of change with Jacque having just completed her first 12 months as CEO. She is bringing with her a new positive culture coupled with drive and ambition for the organisation and that’s why I feel that this is the best time to join YHG.”

She takes over from Jeremy Vickers who held the interim role since December 2022, following the departure of previous CFO Nicki Buckley.

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Megan Woodburn

Megan Woodburn, based on a new homes development in Liverpool, is one of two female site managers to have just been promoted by their employer Redrow NW.

Megan, 29, from Liverpool, is currently leading completion of The Groves, in Allerton, and has worked for Redrow for eight years after joining as a graduate trainee. Prior to her promotion, she was an assistant site manager.

She said: “Over the years I have worked with many very experienced site managers and subcontractors and I have learnt a lot from them all. They’ve all been extremely supportive and wanted me to be successful, which has helped massively.”

Megan studied for a degree in building surveying at Liverpool John Moore’s University before starting on Redrow’s graduate scheme. She has been previously mentored by a female managing director at one of Redrow’s 12 operating divisions and more recently became part of Redrow’s Empower Women’s Network.

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Lisa Wilson and Paul Hammond

Accountancy firm Cowgills has announced the appointment of Paul Hammond as its first indirect tax partner.

Having recently led the North West indirect tax team at PwC, Paul has also led the North and Midlands indirect tax team at mid-tier firm Grant Thornton.

The appointment continues an exciting period of growth at Cowgills with the appointment of four partners in just 12 months taking its partner count to 24.

In his role, Paul will work closely with Lisa Wilson, partner and head of tax, leading the team and developing Cowgills’ VAT, environmental tax and duty offerings, as part of the firm’s plans to enhance its tax services.

Paul said: “I’m thrilled to have joined Cowgills. I’ve admired their growth, the strength of the business, and the clients they work with for many years. The business has a strong reputation in the marketplace which it has clearly worked incredibly hard to build.”

Lisa Wilson said: “Paul’s appointment is one of the most senior positions we have recruited into the tax team and is a demonstration of how Cowgills is in direct competition with the top 10 firms in the country. His specialist knowledge across the indirect tax spectrum will be a great asset to the firm, unmatched by our direct competitors.”

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Chris Prossor, Chloe Middleton and Rosie Cryans

Northern law firm Ward Hadaway has announced the recruitment of three new trainees into its Manchester office, with 13 trainees recruited nationally as it continues to grow.

Ward Hadaway welcomes Chloe Middleton, Rosie Cryans and Chris Prossor to the team. The new recruits take the number of trainees in the Manchester office to six as the firm strengthens its commitment to developing the next generation of lawyers.

Caroline Jones, recruitment and emerging talent manager at the firm, said: “At Ward Hadaway we believe that nurturing talent and providing the right environment for growth is paramount. Our commitment to employee development is a priority, and we are excited to see our trainees thrive in our inclusive, supportive culture.”

Trainees embark on a two-year training contract, rotating through four distinct practice areas every six months, ensuring they acquire the necessary skills and expertise to practice as solicitors upon qualification.

Liz Bottrill, executive partner in the Manchester office, said: “It’s great to welcome more talented people who are eager to learn and follow a successful career in law.”