People: Hydrogen Safe; Alternative Futures Group; Hurst; Lambert Smith Hampton; Leigh Day; New Care

Hydrogen Safe, the Manchester-based specialist training provider working with colleges and industry to equip people with the skills they need to work safely with hydrogen, has appointed Elizabeth Simon as Green Energy Partnerships Director as the business continues to expand.

Previously working for the environmental charity, Groundwork Greater Manchester as a Senor Green Skills Lead, Elizabeth was responsible for development and implementation of green skills modules for private, public and third sector clients.

In addition, she was a local and national project manager, working with both funder and external partner commitments, while building her network to create opportunities and forge lasting partnerships.

Elizabeth said: “When I was given the opportunity to work with Hydrogen Safe, I simply couldn’t turn it down. There is so much happening within the sector and the business is perfectly placed to facilitate meaningful collaborations between business and educators.”

Founder and CEO of Hydrogen Safe, Andy Lord, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Elizabeth to the team. She is a real powerhouse of information and knowledge when it comes to green energy and that is exactly what we need as we continue to expand.”

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Helen Booth

North West-based health and social care charity, Alternative Futures Group (AFG), has appointed Helen Booth as Head of Marketing and Events, as part of its plans to expand and meet the growing demand for care, for people with learning disabilities and mental health conditions.

The appointment will support AFG’s aim to expand its service to 1,000 people over the next three years, from the current 800 people supported throughout the North West, accompanied by a 10% increase in recruitment of front line staff over that period.

Booth has more than 25 years’ experience working for global and national brands, including economic development projects, retail, construction, and logistics. She joins AFG from her role as Global Associate Director at Currie & Brown, a global cost management construction consultancy, and Peel Ports, where she led the UK marketing strategy as part of the Liverpool2 project.

She said: “I have worked extensively with public and private sector stakeholders and am looking forward to using my skills and experience to raise awareness of the need to invest in the social care sector.”

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Max Perry

A dealmaker at Stockport-based independent accounting and business advisory firm, Hurst, has been promoted to associate partner.

Max Perry joins the board as a result of his promotion from associate director.

He has completed a range of transactions involving UK and overseas trade buyers and private equity buyers since joining Hurst’s corporate finance team in December 2021, after roles at Deloitte and corporate finance boutique Camlee Group.

Nigel Barratt, partner and head of Hurst’s corporate finance team, said: “Max has played a leading role in growing our business by successfully completing transactions with UK and international trade buyers and private equity buyers.

“He is currently working on a number of transactions, has brought new clients to the firm and has built strong relationships with existing ones. He’s passionate about developing team members and actively supports and mentors his colleagues.”

Max said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Hurst so far and I’m especially grateful to Nigel, corporate finance partner Ben Bradley and Mike Jackson, the head of our business services team, for their guidance to date.”

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Jonathan Cook

Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) has appointed Jonathan Cook as a Director within its Office Agency division in Manchester where Cook will focus on growing LSH’s agency presence across the North West as well as supporting the firm’s growing pipeline of instructions across the region.

Having previously held a similar position at CBRE, Cook joins LSH as a director and boasts 12 years of experience in the Manchester office market and has worked with a number of notable North West landlord and occupier clients.

Jonathan joins LSH with a strong client database and remit to help drive its office sector forward in Manchester where he will be working alongside fellow Director, Adam Robson as they look to spearhead its North West charge over the coming months and years.

Ryan Dean, National Head of Transactional Services at LSH, said: “It’s great to be able to welcome Jonathan to our ever-expanding Manchester office agency team. Jonathan brings with him a wealth of experience and key industry contacts which will only add significant value to both clients and colleagues alike.”

Christiaan Flatley, head of LSH’s Manchester office, said: “Jonathan is a key hire for us and represents a major coup for our existing agency offering in the North West. With a growing pipeline of instructions from both landlord and occupier clients, we are adding vital strength in depth to our agency capabilities”.

Jonathan Cook said: “I am thrilled to have joined Lambert Smith Hampton and am excited to have been invited to join the firm’s growing transactional team in Manchester.”

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Lauren Tully

Law firm Leigh Day has announced five new partner promotions in its Manchester office.

Lauren Tully (medical negligence), Louisa Saville (personal injury), Colin Murphy (personal injury), Ryan Bradshaw (human rights) and Stephanie Hill (human rights) have been made partners, as the firm continues to strengthen its North West presence.

Managing Partner, Chris Benson, said:  “These promotions are a testament to the exceptional talent and dedication of our Manchester team.

“They have consistently delivered outstanding results for our clients, and their commitment to social justice aligns perfectly with Leigh Day’s core values.

“I am confident that they will continue to play a pivotal role in the continued growth and success of our Manchester office and the firm as a whole.”

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Michaela O’Brien and Octavia Ndlovu

Michaela O’Brien and Octavia Ndlovu have been appointed as home manager and deputy home manager at Ashlands Manor, New Care’s care facility in Sale, which was recently rewarded a ‘good’ rating following an inspection by the CQC.

Having worked in the health sector for more than 25 years, and with a diploma in health and social care, Michaela hopes to achieve a whole home approach, offering meaningful lifestyles for residents and ensuring days are fun and engaging.

Supporting Michaela is Octavia, who is committed to managing the team, providing clinical advice to ensure the highest standards of care are delivered. Octavia, who has worked in health care for 23 years in a variety of roles, has a diploma in general nursing and a post graduate diploma in general management.

Michaela said: “I have worked as a home manager for the last 12 years but was keen to join New Care as I really related to its ethos, vision and values. I am pleased with our recent ‘good’ rating from the CQC and hope to only improve on this and maintain the excellent care provided.”

Octavia said: “Ashlands Manor is a luxury care home providing a different dimension of care, which is superb and exactly the kind of care everyone should receive. It’s great to part of such a talented team.”

Dawn Collett, Commissioning Director at New Care, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Michaela and Octavia to Ashlands Manor and are delighted they have formed a strong management team at the home, from which both the residents and staff members will benefit. Both ladies have extensive experience in the sector, and I am confident they will excel in their new roles.”

Part of the Altrincham-based McGoff Group, New Care is a UK care home providers. Ashlands Manor is a 57-bed care facility located on Ashlands in Sale. It offers residential, dementia and 24-hour nursing care services.