People: Atelier MB; FS Trade; Evolve; Positive Footprints; Net Zero North West; PropCall; Bermans; Langtons
Atelier MB has promoted Heloise Wood to Design Director and Laura Jessup to Heritage Director.
The pair join co-founder and Managing Director, Andrew Burns, to head the Manchester-based architecture practice.
Andrew said: “We have spent the past 12 months shaping our plans for the future of the business and both Laura and Heloise will play key roles. They are both exceptionally talented and experienced and I look forward to building Atelier MB with them.”
Heloise said: “I can’t believe it’s been over 20 years since I first started at Atelier MB. We have a fantastic team and client base which we hope to grow over the coming years.”
Laura said: “Pairing new design and heritage is a key part of what we do at Atelier MB and it’s very rewarding to work with our team and clients to bring buildings back to life.”
Established in 1980, over four decades the practice has provided schemes for Afflecks Palace, Beehive Mill, Sunlight House, Dale House, the Midland Hotel and the Tootal Buildings to name a few.
Andrew said: “Throughout all our work is the fundamental belief that retention and reuse of buildings is a more sustainable approach. We believe new technologies, new materials and clever architecture can create greener projects and we will always encourage our clients to reduce their environmental impact through our design work.”
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Scott Fleming
Merseyside trade supply company, FS Trade, has strengthened its team during a period of unprecedented growth by recruiting Scott Fleming as its new business development manager, after leaving Kilwaughter Minerals.
His appointment comes as the Huyton business’s workforce increases with more recruitment planned in the coming weeks.
Scott said: “It’s brilliant to join FS Trade during this exciting time. It’s a fantastic opportunity to be part of a company that has demonstrated such success and resilience, and I am eager to contribute to the continued growth that it is experiencing.”
Fran Perry, Director of FS Trade, welcomed Scott, saying: “His wealth of experience and expertise in business development will be invaluable as we continue to expand and grow our presence in the industry. We are excited to have him on board and look forward to working together to further advance our company’s goals and objectives.”
FS Trade’s recent move to larger premises, covering 27,500 sq ft and featuring an additional 30,000 sq ft yard, signifies its commitment to meeting the increasing demand within the industry, it said.
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Ryan Stephenson-Brown
Evolve, a provider of managed network solutions and IT services, said Ryan Stephenson-Brown has been named as its first Chief Operating Officer (COO), reflecting the pivotal role he plays in Evolve’s daily operations.
In 2014, at age 15, Ryan founded his first managed network services business, which has since been incorporated into Evolve.
Having been with the business from the start, Ryan has watched it go from strength to strength and is well-versed in everything from finance and technology to sales and marketing. Being so personally invested in Evolve’s journey, this new role means he can focus on strategic initiatives and maximising operational efficiency.
Ryan said: “As someone who began with the company during its formative years, when our team consisted of just a handful of individuals, I have taken on a range of roles which have allowed me to help shape the culture and direction of our organisation. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunities to contribute to our collective achievements, which reflect the dedication of every individual who has invested their passion and efforts into Evolve. As COO, I am committed to driving operational excellence, fostering a culture of innovation, and steering our company towards sustained growth and prosperity.”
Alan Stephenson-Brown, CEO at Wigan-based Evolve, said: “Following some new additions to the leadership team, it became evident that a title adjustment was necessary for Ryan to better align with the significant contributions he makes. Ryan’s commitment to excellence, strategic vision, and tireless dedication to our company’s success make him more than deserving of this title change.
“He has played a crucial role in driving efficiency, implementing best practices, and fostering a culture of pace within our organisation. Quite simply, the business wouldn’t be where it is today without him.”
The news follows the announcements of Stuart Milroy’s appointment as Head of Technical Delivery, and Lee Simpson as CFO.
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Josh Cliff
Burnley-based Positive Footprints, a charitable organisation raising the aspirations of school children across the UK, has appointed Josh Cliff as the new Head of Service.
Positive Footprints works in collaboration with education providers to develop award-winning career-based learning programmes in partnership with local businesses.
The role is promotion for Josh, who has been with Positive Footprints as the Partnerships and Programmes Manager since 2018. Passionate about creating opportunities for the next generation, Josh has held roles at local authority level and is currently Vice Chair of Governors at Monksdown Primary School.
Josh said: “I’m excited to step into the Head of Service role at Positive Footprints, to lead our brilliant team to deliver our vision – to shape brighter futures for children and young people across the UK. We’ve already got strong relationships with schools and partner organisations, so I’m looking forward to building on this and creating more social impact through our award-winning programmes.”
Lesley Burrows, Managing Director of Positive Footprints, and Executive Director at The Regenda Group, said: “Josh has been a key part of our team and brings a wealth of knowledge about the education sector alongside strong leadership and management skills. He puts children and their voice at the heart of everything we do, and he’s got the vision to drive us forward to deliver our programmes to more children than ever before.”
Positive Footprints is part of The Regenda Group, a regeneration business providing homes, training and care and support to neighbourhoods across the North West.
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Steve Goldspink
Net Zero North West (NZNW) has appointed Steve Goldspink, Head of Business Development at Siemens, as Chair of the organisation.
This announcement comes after NZNW unveiled a groundbreaking manifesto in April 2024, aimed at making the North West the world’s first net zero cluster.
As Chair, Steve will support CEO Ged Barlow in championing the goals and initiatives of Net Zero North West, and continue to be a proactive board member.
Ged Barlow said: “Steve has served as a member for 14 months now, during which time he has made a significant contribution, helping shape our overall strategic direction.
“After the launch of our manifesto, we’re at a pivotal point and Steve’s extensive industry experience and passion for sustainability make him a perfect fit for supporting us on this exciting journey. We look forward to working closely with him to advance our mission of achieving net zero emissions in the North West.”
Steve Goldspink said: “Having worked in the North West for over two decades, I feel a strong connection to the region and its potential for innovation in decarbonisation efforts.
“NZNW is a pioneering institution that has been at the forefront of the drive to net zero. The opportunity we have in front of us is not only regionally significant, but nationally and internationally.”
The announcement comes after Myles Kitcher, formerly of Peel NRE, stepped down as Chair. NZNW said it is indebted to Myles for his years of support and service.
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Delila Pipoly
Manchester-based out-of-hours call management service, PropCall, has appointed a new Head of Operations.
Delila Pipoly steps into the role with a breadth of experience and knowledge in operations management within the call centre industry and a passion for delivering exceptional customer service.
She has held a number of high profile roles throughout her impressive career, most recently as Head of Operations for a 24/7 outsource company specialising in social housing property maintenance.
Delila said: “Though I’ve only been with the company for a little over a month, I’ve already found immense fulfilment in my position.
“As Head of Operations, my responsibilities revolve around overseeing all operational aspects of the business. This includes managing various departments such as customer service, property management, and resource allocation. I work closely with department managers to implement and improve processes, ensure service quality, and drive operational efficiency.
“My goal is to optimise performance, enhance customer satisfaction, and support the company’s overall objectives.”
Alongside the new hire, three existing staff members have recently been promoted. Akbar Ul-Haque steps into the position of Senior Property Manager, while Tom Dickens and Sam Eathorne have both been promoted to Assistant Property Managers from Property Assistants.
Managing Director, Aaron Mcwilliam, said: “We have big plans for the future of PropCall and it is fantastic to have Delila in the position to help us achieve them.
“It is also great to see existing members of the team progressing into new positions and is a testament to their hard work and dedication throughout their time at PropCall.”
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Charlotte Mills
Law firm Bermans has strengthened its corporate team with the hiring of a new partner.
With offices in Liverpool and Manchester, Bermans has appointed Charlotte Mills as a partner in the corporate team. She joins from Bermans sister firm Jackson Lees.
Charlotte has extensive experience in the legal sector having qualified in 2006, and later went on to work for Bermans’ sister firm, Jackson Lees, before making her latest move.
She said: “I am very excited to be part of such a well reputed firm, to continue my client-focused approach with the support of a broader commercial team.”
Jon Davage, Managing Director and Head of Corporate at Bermans, said: “With transactional work picking up again, Charlotte’s expertise will allow us to deliver more efficiencies and support to our expanding SME clients throughout the Northwest and beyond.”
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Simon Whalley, left, Andy McCall
Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, Langtons, has appointed Simon Whalley as Partner.
Simon has been with the Liverpool firm since 1995 and has risen through the ranks from qualifying as a Chartered Accountant to becoming Manager, and, most recently, Client Services Director. He now oversees some of the firm’s largest audit assignments and complex year end accounts and projections.
Managing Partner, Andy McCall, said: “Simon has been a hugely important part of Langtons life for almost 30 years. His technical expertise is matched by his plain speaking, pragmatic approach with clients. He has played an integral role in building and contributing to the success of Langtons and we know, as a Partner, Simon will continue to drive our growth.”
Simon said: “It’s an exciting time for Langtons as we continue to evolve as a firm and help more people navigate an ever-changing business environment. I’m delighted to be taking on the role of Partner as we start this new chapter.”
Simon’s promotion to Partner comes just six weeks after the appointment of Michael Court as Tax Director, who joined the firm from MHA Moore & Smalley.
