People: Stephensons; Banc; Market Mapping; Agent; iSH; Hurst

Wigan-based national law firm, Stephensons has appointed two new solicitors in its commercial department as demand for its expertise continues to grow.

Kelly Hayworth joins as a senior litigator in the firm’s commercial litigation team. Kelly joins Stephensons from Backhouse Jones solicitors in Clitheroe. In her role, Kelly will act on a range of commercial matters, including commercial contract disputes and shareholder disputes.

Zainab Porbanderwala also joins the corporate team at Stephensons. A recently qualified solicitor, Zainab will be assisting with corporate transactions and helping clients with commercial drafting, ranging from contracts to shareholder agreements.

Louise Hebborn, partner and manager of the commercial department at Stephensons, said: “I am very pleased to welcome Kelly and Zainab to the team.

“Both solicitors bring with them a wealth of talent and experience that will complement existing strengths within the department. As we enter 2024, demand for our services continues to grow so I am delighted to be able to support our clients with both Kelly and Zainab on board.”

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Bella Roebuck

Manchester-based digital marketing agency Banc has hired Social & Digital PR Executive Bella Roebuck to its team of digital marketing experts.

Bella brings with her a slew of social media skills that will bolster both the agency’s in-house social presence and team, as well as that of its body of clients.

Banc’s Head of Digital, Kate Woods, said: “Bella joining is such a great opportunity for us and our clients.

“We’re now able to expand our Social Media offering with a dedicated expert, a move that’ll let Bella work across the company to bring out both our best and our clients.”

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David Edwards

Market Mapping, the acquisition search business focused on private equity buy and build and corporate M&A origination, has appointed David Edwards as Managing Director.

he joins the business from investment bank Houlihan Lokey, where he was a member of the Corporate global leadership team, focused on business development, origination, and operations.

David spent 13 years leading the deal origination function of Altium, which became GCA Altium following its merger with Tokyo-listed GCA Corporation in 2016, until its acquisition by Houlihan Lokey in 2021.

He said: “The value of transactable, off-market M&A opportunities to Investors and Corporate acquirers alike is compelling. Market Mapping’s platform has a proven ability to deliver a sustained pipeline of deal flow and I look forward to building on the already impressive growth of the business.”

Steve Crossley, founder, said: “His pedigree and deal origination expertise within the UK and globally will be invaluable as we enter the next phase of our growth.”

Market Mapping, headquartered in Manchester, supports businesses and investors seeking to acquire within the UK and globally, typically specialising in transactions with an Enterprise Value of between £2m and £100m.

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Matty Balnaves

Agent, the brand and communications agency, has appointed Matty Balnaves as its head of strategy.

Matty brings a wealth of experience to the North West integrated brand and communications agency, which has been delivering a full service offering for
more than 17 years.

He brings strong leadership skills gathered during 15 years’ experience working in leadership at previous employer Hilti, a multi-national software services business for the construction industry.

He joins the expanding senior leadership team at Agent to help the team drive forward the further development of the agency’s strategy and planning offering as it enters an exciting phase of new growth.

Agent, with studios in Manchester and Liverpool, has doubled in size in the past five years.

Matty said: “Sometimes a partnership feels just right – that’s how I feel about joining Agent, the talent in this agency is outstanding.”

CEO and founder, Paul Corcoran, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Matty to the Agent family, he brings superb experience and is just a perfect fit to our team. His impressive track record and combined expertise will be invaluable in enhancing our client service whilst, supporting us to develop and enhance our strategic consultancy offerings.”

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Gary McKeating

A highly-experienced leader in economic development and social impact has been appointed as the new Managing Director of iSH, the Industrial Solutions Hub, which is backed by Cumberland Council, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and Sellafield Ltd.

Gary McKeating, Head of Development and Community at Sellafield Ltd and leading the organisation’s social impact programme, has been appointed as the new Managing Director.

Brought up in West Cumbria, Gary has more than 30 years of industry experience, and has been appointed on a two-year secondment to lead iSH after previous Managing Director John Maddison’s two-year tenure, which involved successfully launching the organisation in March 2022, ended in December.

Gary arrives in the role with a strong background and reputation in inward investment, strategy development, stakeholder relations at a senior level, and leadership of multimillion-pound programmes of work with significant social impact outcomes.

Eirini Etoimou, Sellafield Ltd’s Head of Corporate Sustainability & Supply Chain Development and Sourcing, said: “Gary is a dedicated and very well experienced professional in the social impact and economic development field, with a great reputation within the region for his commitment and for caring for the local community. We are proud of him and we wish him great success in his new role.”

Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, said: “We welcome Gary and look forward to developing the iSH programme with partners. We are building for the future and alongside other schemes in Cumberland, iSH will support our area’s growth and economic future.”

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Liza Whiley and Sam Ryan

Independent accounting and business advisory firm Hurst has announced two promotions in its tax team.

Sam Ryan, who joined Hurst in 2022, has been promoted to tax manager. He works with clients on a range of matters, including transactions, due diligence and restructuring.

Liza Whiley, who moved to Hurst in 2021, has become an associate tax manager. She has a dual role, covering personal tax advisory and research and development.

Hurst partner Liz Gallagher, head of the tax team, said: “Sam and Liza are integral to the success of our tax advisory department and have both contributed significantly to what will be our best ever year.

“On a personal level, I’m delighted that Sam and Liza have made these important career steps with Hurst and I and look forward to working with them as we go forward to the next phase of our firm’s growth.”

Hurst is due to move its head office to a new flagship development in Stockport in the spring to accommodate its growing team. The firm is taking 11,000 sq ft at 3 Stockport Exchange, the latest phase of a £145m project by Muse Developments and Stockport Council.