People: Astorium; Factory International; Muse; Morecrofts Solicitors; Views; Bridge Insurance Brokers
Astoriom, a Rochdale-based firm in the sample stability and biospecimen storage industry, has appointed Lori A. Ball as its new Chief Executive.
The news follows the company’s acquisition by Limerston Capital and subsequent rebranding earlier this year, underlining Astoriom’s ambitious plans for global expansion and business growth.
Ball joins Astoriom with seasoned executive experience and leadership accomplishments in the global sample management and life sciences R&D sector, with an extensive background in commercial strategy and growth, mergers and acquisitions, and executive development.
Prior to joining Astoriom, Lori was President and Chief Executive at StageBio, a preclinical and clinical histology, pathology, image analysis, and specimen archiving services provider for the biopharmaceutical, medical device and contract research industry.
Alo, she was the Chief Operating Officer at BioIVT, a world leader in providing preclinical and clinical biological specimens to the biopharmaceutical, medical device and contract research industries as well as the President and Chief Operating Officer at BioStorage Technologies, Inc, now Azent.
Lori A. Ball said: “I continue to be impressed with the service reputation that Astoriom holds in the industry. Clearly, the confidence that clients have in us will propel our vision to grow our service offerings and our geographical presence. I find this hugely compelling and am thrilled to be joining the team for what marks a new chapter of success for the business.”
Joao Rosa, Limerston Capital founding partner and Astoriom board member, said: “Lori’s appointment reflects our commitment to realising Astoriom’s full potential and represents a strategic investment in its future.”
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Rivca Burns
Factory International, the organisation behind Manchester International Festival (MIF) and the city’s landmark new cultural space, Aviva Studios, has appointed Rivca Burns as its new Head of Music.
Rivca will take on responsibility for Factory International’s year-round music programme at Manchester’s landmark new venue Aviva Studios as well as the rich music offer for the biennial city-wide Manchester International Festival (MIF).
For the past 15 years, Rivca has been a freelance creative producer, working as Director of From the Other, home to pioneering new music and art festival Sounds From the Other City in Salford, the experimental Fat Out Fest, and music residency programme Samarbeta.
She also co-chairs the Greater Manchester Music Commission and sits on the board of Manchester Music Cities. Since 2019, Rivca has produced and programmed Festival Square for Manchester International Festival, transforming it into an essential destination for free live music – the 2023 edition featured more than 190 performers and drew 83,000 visitors. In 2021 she was recognised as Local Hero for her contribution to Grassroots music at the AIM Awards.
Rivca has been Acting Head of Music for Factory International since January 2024 and has already programmed a range of events at Aviva Studios such as the first show from ANONHI and the Johnsons in 10 years, a three-day residency from cultural icon and pop superstar Janelle Monáe, and a two day in-the-round residency with Mercury Prize winner Sampha – his first in the city since 2018 – featuring performances from local artists The KTNA, DJ Paulette and Isaiah Hull.
She said: “I’m really excited and honoured to be taking on such a huge role within a thriving musical community that I care so deeply about, and which has supported and nurtured me for nearly two decades. Factory International and Aviva Studios are world class and working with musicians from across the world, the UK and locally to thrive, experiment and wow audiences is going to be a truly exciting adventure.”
John McGrath, Artistic Director and Chief Executive, Factory International, said: “I’m so pleased that Rivca is taking on the role of Head of Music at Factory International. Rivca’s passion for music, wider collaboration and Greater Manchester as a hub for culture, has been evident throughout her career. Her invaluable contribution to the organisation through the transformation of Festival Square and through Factory Sounds make her perfectly placed to take forward our vision to further cement Aviva Studios as a new home for innovative music in a city with music at its heart.”
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Abiola Ogunsami
Muse, the nationwide placemaker, has appointed Abiola Ogunsami as Graduate Development Manager in the North West.
Abiola joins the Salford-based team after graduating from the University of Salford and will also help develop the Muse Academy. The Academy was established in 2023 and is designed to create more opportunities for young people within the placemaking and regeneration industry.
Alongside his studies, Abiola has been a volunteer ambassador and mentor at Regeneration Brainery since 2021. Regeneration Brainery is an academy which inspires young people aged 14-21 to kick-start a career in property and regeneration.
Phil Marsden, Managing Director at Muse – North West, said: “We are committed to ensuring young people have access to the huge range of opportunities across the regeneration sector, particularly in the communities where we are working.
“Abiola has lots of great ideas, challenges the status quo and has a desire to make a difference through engaging with communities and high quality placemaking. At Salford and St Helens, in particular, Abiola’s insight will make an important contribution to the delivery team, and we hope that our decades of experience will support his own development.”
Abiola said: “Regeneration works best when it reflects the needs of everyone within a community. I’ve been proud to represent young people across the industry and by joining Muse I hope to continue to offer my skills and experience to deliver exciting new places across the North West, as well as create even more opportunity for others.”
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Paul Barnes
Morecrofts Solicitors has made six new additions across its property, litigation and family law teams in the Liverpool City Region.
Among those are experienced clinical negligence and personal injury specialist, Simon Murphy, and senior litigation consultant, Paul Barnes.
They are joined by two new paralegals, Elizabeth Rose Jeffrey and Joanne Smith, who arrive in the family and property law teams, respectively, alongside litigation legal assistant, Yvonne Barnes, and trainee family law paralegal, Louise Barwood.
Simon Murphy
Morecrofts has also awarded six new training contracts, with four commencing from October 2024, adding to the six trainees already at various stages of their training within the firm.
Alison Lobb, managing partner at Morecrofts, said: “This has been a period of consistent growth for our business, with an expansion in client numbers across a number of different departments.
“We are pleased to have been able to reinforce the team with an excellent blend of new future talent alongside experienced lawyers such as Paul and Simon, who both bring significant expertise to our client services offer.”
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Ian Russell
Property developer, Views, has appointed industry expert Ian Russell as its senior construction manager.
Ian will be responsible for delivering Views’ development pipeline which includes the recently approved 42 apartments and 5,500 sq ft of commercial space at 98 Wilmslow Road, Manchester.
With a career spanning 45 years, Ian has worked across the UK with principal contractors including Laing O’Rourke, Berkeley Homes, Willmott Dixon and Sir Robert McAlpine.
He spent six years as senior projects manager for MCR Property Group where he set up and managed the project management and construction processes. He has delivered projects spanning the whole industry from housing, hotels and offices to motorways and airports.
Ian said: “I am excited to join Views and bring my knowledge and experience to the team as we gear up to deliver the existing pipeline of 243 homes and 24 retail spaces. I admire the approach the company is taking to their projects, marrying excellent architecture and design with an uncompromising drive towards sustainability.”
Shujaat Rasool, Director of Macclesfield-based Views, said: “Ian has an incredible track record and we are thrilled he is on board with the team as we look to bring our development pipeline to site.”
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Real estate team: Richard Foster, Abi Levy, Charlotte Osborne, Steven Lewis, Liz McCarthy, Hayley Smith, Laura White, Rob Naylor, Natalie Riley, Carrie Arnold, Sharon Gallimore, Wendy Wilding, Mike Regan
Bridge Insurance Brokers has expanded its Real Estate team with six new appointments and two internal promotions at its Manchester office.
Steven Lewis has joined as head of department to manage the day-to-day operations. He will support Director of Real Estate Mike Regan as well as Carrie Arnold, who has been promoted to Director of Client Services, focusing on clients and development of client services for Real Estate.
Natalie Riley has been promoted to broking manager for the division in Manchester and will be responsible for placement strategy and insurer relations.
Liz McCarthy and Laura White have both just been appointed by Bridge in account executive/handling roles. They join Wendy Wilding, Sharon Gallimore and Abigail Levy, who joined the team a few months ago in anticipation of the client growth and expansion.
Mike Regan said: “This strategic recruiting and restructuring will ensure that we continue to offer all our clients exceptional customer service, with a real focus on technical knowledge. We have a mix of talented and experienced staff members combined with new fresh talent. It’s an exciting time for Real Estate throughout the UK, particularly here in Manchester, where we support a number of high profile clients in their projects.”
Bridge was set up in Manchester almost 55 years ago and operates out of its head office on Charlotte Street, with a second office in the City of London. The company now employs more than 120 people.
