People: Knights; CRM; University of Salford; Koba; Butcher & Barlow; Olliers Solicitors; Claritas Tax
Family lawyer, Niki Wilburn-Shaw, has joined Knights as a partner in Manchester, adding a huge amount of experience to the family team.
Niki has built a reputation for being a tenacious litigator while maintaining a compassionate and fair approach in her work that often involves high and ultra-high net worth clients such as professional sports stars, media personalities and business executives.
She joins Knights’ growing team at St Peter’s Square as the business looks ahead to growth after the significant news that revenues recently hit £150m.
Niki Wilburn-Shaw said: “I’m really happy to join Knights as the business invests in its growing private wealth team. I know from previous experience how valuable, and rare, it is to be able to offer the full range of legal and professional services to clients here in the North West – so I can’t wait to get started.”
Niki is the latest in a flurry of new partners at Knights, including Dan Jones, who joined the Manchester team earlier this year. It also follows news from the Manchester office that saw real estate partner, Rachel McIlroy, among 61 recent promotions, and paralegals Alice Power, Joe Bailey, Sergio Ferreira and India Rose-Elliott among new trainees at Knights.
Lisa Sherlock, client services director at Knights, said: “Bringing Niki into the team is a huge positive for our North West offering as well as our national presence. She has a massive amount of experience, contacts and know how. She is a fantastic addition as we get ready for more growth.”
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Theresa Divers
CRM’s Receivables Executive Theresa Divers has been promoted to Receivables Manager after showing an outstanding approach to client management and service delivery.
Salford-basdd CRM is a UK debt collection and receivables management company which helps businesses, lenders and restructuring specialists to recover debt in both trading and distressed situations.
CRM has a proactive policy of nurturing careers from within and Theresa is a fine example, after starting as an Apprentice just four years ago.
Theresa said: “I never turned down the offer to attend a new job and this has given me confidence. I am not afraid of asking questions when something does not feel right.”
Head of Lender Services at CRM, Katie Pomfret, said watching Theresa’s progress over the past four years had been exciting: “She is highly respected by colleagues at CRM and among our clients, consistently delivering a first class approach to every task.”
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Dr Richard Whittle
Dr Richard Whittle, University of Salford’s expert in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation, has been seconded to advise on Manchester’s digital strategy, providing his expertise on dark pattern auditing, digital transformation in the public sector, and generative AI.
Led by Manchester City Council, part of the project will involve Richard mapping Manchester’s AI ecosystem using a stacked systems map approach to examine the technology’s relationships with social good outcomes, as well as delivering AI skills training for the Council. Richard’s work on dark patterns will help inform the strategy, to support Manchester residents in the next wave of the AI driven digital revolution.
Dark patterns are tricks some online companies build into their apps and websites to encourage consumers to make thoughtless purchases/decisions that they may have not actually intended to do. Dark patterns also make it easy to accept all tracking cookies and quickly agree to terms and conditions, plus frictionlessly sign up to a service/subscription, but make it difficult to unsubscribe.
This harmful form of digital design has led to some governments taking action to instil consumer protection. In 2023, the US’ Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a lawsuit against Amazon, alleging the company had tricked millions of customers into enrolling in Amazon Prime via auto-renewals without their consent and then subsequently complicated the cancellation process, making it difficult for customers to leave.
Dr Whittle said: “As AI and other new technologies continue to emerge into our lives, it’s essential consumers are educated not only on their potential but also their power. I am thrilled to be asked to support Manchester’s digital strategy. Manchester has the largest UK AI ecosystem outside of London and the Manchester Digital Strategy is vital in harnessing the power of this sector for social good.”
Cllr Rabnawaz Akbar, Executive Member for Finance and Resources at Manchester City Council, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Dr Whittle. His expertise in AI and digital transformation will bring a new perspective and significantly contribute to our developing approach to using AI and other new technologies. This collaboration will support the Manchester Digital Strategy and our Inclusive Economy Strategy, enhancing our understanding of the Manchester AI ecosystem.
“In addition, with the potential for AI misuse being a significant concern, Dr Whittle’s insights will be invaluable. His work will help ensure responsible AI use, driving innovation, boosting productivity, and promoting an inclusive, technology-driven economy in our city.”
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Christopher Griffin
Koba, the new flexible workspace company creating premium, evidence-based sustainable workplaces, has appointed Christopher Griffin as the new General Manager at Koba @ 100 Barbirolli Square, Manchester.
Chris brings more than 15 years of experience in the property management and hospitality sectors, having held senior property roles at several prestigious companies. His expertise in operational management, combined with a strong focus on customer experience and team leadership, makes him the perfect fit to lead Koba’s flagship Manchester location, the firm said.
Paul Nellist, Managing Director, Koba, said: “We are excited to welcome Chris to the Koba family. His extensive background in Manchester flex and hospitality sectors and his passion for creating exceptional tenant experiences align perfectly with our vision for Koba @ 100 Barbirolli Square. We are confident that under his leadership, Koba will continue to set the standard for sustainable luxury office spaces in Manchester and beyond.”
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Caroline Jack and Sarah Thomas
Butcher & Barlow, the Legal 500 law firm based in the North West, has added two highly experienced solicitors to its team. Caroline Jack has joined the Residential Property department at the firm’s Bramhall office, while Sarah Thomas has joined the Family Law team at the Frodsham office. Both join as Associates.
Caroline Jack brings more than 20 years of experience in property law to Butcher & Barlow and, having lived in Bramhall for the past 15 years, has a good understanding and connection to the local community. Her extensive background in conveyancing and her familiarity with the area make her a valuable addition to the Bramhall office.
She said: “I have always admired Butcher & Barlow, they have a great reputation in the sector and my previous interactions with the firm have been nothing but positive. I am excited to join such a respected team, and I look forward to contributing my knowledge and experience to continue delivering excellent service to our clients.”
Sarah Thomas, a seasoned family law solicitor with 25 years of experience, joins the Frodsham office. She said: “I felt at home straight away which I think is testament to the firm’s commitment to teamwork and the cross-departmental collaboration which is really impressive. Having been aware of and admired Butcher & Barlow for some time I am thrilled to be part of such a dynamic and supportive team.”
Senior Partner, Jonathan Aldersley, said: “Their extensive experience and reputations in their respective fields make them valuable assets to Butcher & Barlow. We are confident that they will fit in seamlessly and contribute significantly to our continued success.”
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From left: Hannah Poole, Martha Odysseos, Jack Tomlinson
Criminal defence firm, Olliers Solicitors, has announced a string of promotions at its Manchester-based office.
Jack Tomlinson, Martha Odysseos and Hannah Poole have been promoted from solicitor to associate as the firm continues to bolster its team of criminal law experts.
Jack Tomlinson represents clients at all stages of the criminal investigation process, has completed the police station accreditation process and represents clients at the police station regularly. Jack has developed a keen interest in pre-charge cases and the preparation of Crown Court matters, particularly contested cases being prepared for trial.
Martha joined Olliers in 2021, initially as part of the litigation support team, before she qualified as a solicitor in February 2024. Martha was crowned Trainee Solicitor of the Year 2024 at the Manchester Legal Awards.
Hannah Poole joined Olliers in January 2021 and completed her training contract with the firm. She qualified as a solicitor in August 2023 and has developed a keen interest in Crown Court preparation for various offences.
Hannah said: “Over the past year, assisting senior colleagues with such extensive experience has allowed me to mature my legal style and identify key areas of interest, such as pre-charge engagement.”
Every year, Olliers holds a paid summer internship programme at its Manchester office. The 2024 internship programme is under way, and the firm will recruit a number of this year’s interns.
Managing director, Matthew Claughton, said: “Our lawyers are all experts in their field, and I’m incredibly pleased to be making promotions across the board. We know that our people are the key to our success, and by nurturing their talent from the very offset, we can build a criminal defence team that operates at the highest possible standard.”
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From left: Becky Hardy, James Allen, Michael Kouris
Claritas Tax has appointed three new key recruits to its growing full-service tax business.
The new joiners follow an influx of new recruits for the business at all levels, as the independent multi-disciplinary tax practice continues to implement its rapid growth plans and investment in people.
The three recruits are Michael Kouris, who joined on June 10, as an Assistant Manager in the Corporate & Transactions teams, James Allen, who started on the 4th, joining the Corporate & Transactions teams as a Senior Associate, and Becky Hardy, who joined on July 30, as a Manager in the firm’s Employment Taxes team.
All three will be based in Manchester, but their roles will see them working closely with Claritas Tax’s teams in Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, and Nottingham to strengthen their respective specialisms and service line offerings across the UK.
Matt Hodgson, Partner and Head of the Manchester Office, said: “All three are relatively early in their careers and so their appointments are an investment in their futures and in the future of our business as a whole. By continuing to strengthen our team with key recruits, we are enhancing our ability to provide a dependable and thorough service to our clients.”
Iain Wright, Founding Partner and Head of the Birmingham Office, said: “Our business is expanding at an incredible rate, improving and strengthening all our existing service lines. We are excited to support all three with their aspirations and career pathways and look forward to the impact that this will have for us as a firm.”
