People: Net Zero NW; Betfred; SAS Daniels Solicitors; Zerum; BDO NW; MPA; Xeinadin
Net Zero North West has appointed Jane Gaston as its new Chief Executive, as Ged Barlow, former CEO, has retired after years of dedicated service.
Jane brings more than 20 years of experience working in the public and private sector, with a focus on strategic business planning and development in the areas of resource management, energy generation, industrial decarbonisation and net zero initiatives.
Jane previously served as the Project Lead for the Net Zero North West Cluster Plan Project, where she managed the delivery of work package reports from 11 different organisations.
This led to the creation of a £30bn pipeline of projects aimed at achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040 in the North West region.
Steve Goldspink, Chair at Net Zero North West, said: “Here at NZNW, we express our utmost gratitude to Ged for his leadership and commitment to advancing the region’s net zero objectives, including launching our groundbreaking manifesto earlier this year.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jane as our new CEO, whose extensive experience and expertise make her the perfect fit for the role. Jane’s strategic vision, industry knowledge and proven track record in driving sustainable initiatives make her a valuable asset to our team.”
In her previous role as Development Director at Peel, Jane was responsible for shaping the vision and real estate proposition for the Protos development at Ellesmere Port.
Jane said: “I am excited to build on the foundation laid by Ged and continue the important work of advancing the region’s net zero objectives.”
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Cath Ryan
Warrington-based Betfred has appointed Cath Ryan as its new Head of Brand and Customer Experience.
A brand and marketing specialist, Ryan brings more than 25 years of experience in sport, fashion, and retail, with a proven track record of revolutionising brands and creating exceptional, customer-connected experiences.
In her new role, she will focus on elevating Betfred’s brand positioning, driving engaging customer experiences and ensuring long-term brand success.
Cath most recently served as Head of Brand and Creative at The Pets at Home Group, where she led a major brand transformation and enhanced customer experiences across all channels.
Ryan’s impressive career path also includes influential roles at Nike, Adidas, and N Brown, where she delivered brand creation and strategy, global marketing campaigns, and strategic product development.
Cath said: “I’m thrilled and excited to join Betfred and contribute to its ambitious goals. I look forward to leveraging my experience to drive exceptional brand and customer engagement.”
Betfred CEO, Joanne Whittaker, said: “Cath’s expertise in sports marketing and her innovative approach to brand development make her a perfect fit for Betfred. Her extensive experience and visionary approach will be invaluable as we enhance our brand and deepen customer connections. We’re excited to welcome her to the team.”
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Ben Tyer
North West-based law firm, SAS Daniels Solicitors, has bolstered its team with 11 recruits across all four of its offices.
Notably, the firm has gained a new partner with the appointment of Ben Tyer to the private client team. Ben brings with him to the Stockport office a wealth of experience, specialising in advising clients on inheritance tax planning, asset protection, mental capacity issues and probate. He is a fully qualified member of STEP (the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) and a fully accredited member of the Association of Lifetime Lawyers.
The residential property team has expanded substantially, with recruits Aisha Tanveer and Sarah Hill joining as conveyancers in the Stockport and Congleton offices, respectively. Three new conveyancing assistants have been welcomed to the business: Georgia Smith in Macclesfield, Amanda Ackroyd in Congleton, and Frazer Burns in Stockport.
Also now part of the team in Stockport are Charlotte Houghton who has joined the dispute resolution solicitors as a legal secretary, Hannah Shaw who strengthens the marketing team as an events and business development executive, and Alan Taylor, who is taking on the role of facilities manager.
Additionally, Georgia Tew has been hired as a solicitor in the family law team based in Chester and Christian Bull has joined in the role of legal business systems and workflow analyst, working across all four offices to assist the firm in adopting its new case management system.
Chief executive, Jeremy Orrell, said: “During a period of continued growth, we are thrilled to welcome 11 recruits across our Stockport, Chester, Macclesfield and Congleton offices. We are confident that the new members of our team will be great assets to the firm with their individual expertise and technical know-how, and that this wave of new appointments will assist us in our continued commitment to providing our clients with a best-in-class service.”
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Russell Wright-Turner
Russell Wright-Turner has joined Manchester-based Zerum’s ownership group, marking a significant milestone for the multi-disciplinary property consultancy.
Wright-Turner, a key figure in the company for several years, will continue to lead and expand Zerum’s cost management business as partner.
Russell joined Zerum in 2020 as head of the consultancy’s cost management business. He leads the team delivering high quality project services across a range of sectors, including residential, commercial, purpose-built student accommodation, hotels, and retail.
He said: “Over the last five years, we have worked with some amazing clients that have seen us successfully deliver over 2,250 BTR units. Credit must be given to our team, who continue to adapt quickly to challenges and remain proactive in helping developers navigate ever-increasing viability pressures.
“We plan to expand into regions outside of the North West and Yorkshire, and I am looking forward to playing a key role in supporting our strategic objectives and growing the team while continuing to deliver the highest level of service to our clients.”
In his new role as partner, he will also be responsible for overseeing and implementing Zerum’s corporate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy across the company’s various business lines.
Beyond cost management, Zerum also offers project management, planning, and transport services across its various divisions and works throughout the UK.
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Mark Shaw
Angela Cross, Regional Managing Partner at BDO in the North West, has welcomed BDO UK’s new Managing Partner who began his new role yestertday (October 1) restating the firm’s commitment to the mid market.
Describing the mid market as the ‘economic engine’ powering UK growth, BDO UK’s new Managing Partner, Mark Shaw, praised the impact these businesses have on growth, skills and employment in the region and across the country.
In the North West there are nearly 3,500 mid-sized businesses generating £150bn in revenues.
Mark also used his day one message to emphasise the importance of regional offices to BDO’s future success. He said: “We are proud of our regional network and the knowledge and market understanding of those who work there. Our close connection to local markets allows us to make a difference to regional growth benefiting local economies.”
Angela Cross said: “The growth of our North West practice is a reflection of BDO’s growth and investment as a firm overall. Our core market of mid-sized, ambitious and entrepreneurially-spirited businesses has demonstrated strength and resilience during a challenging economic period. It is an exciting time for Mark, the new Leadership Team and everyone at BDO as we build on our heritage while looking to the future.”
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From left: John Brocklehurst, Charles Reid, Fergus McCallum. Front, from left: Nicola Marsh, Cindy Simmons
The Manchester Publicity Association (MPA) has appointed four new board directors to bolster growth.
They are Nicola Marsh, Managing Director at EssenceMediacom North, Charles Reid, Managing Director at Dentsu, Fergus McCallum, CEO at TBWA\MCR, and John Brocklehurst, CEO Film Producer of Mob Films.
Cindy Simmons, Managing Director, MPA, said: “This has been a very exciting time for the MPA taking bold steps to a new way of working. Adding topflight talent to our existing voluntary board builds an even stronger organisation.”
Nicola Marsh said: “It’s an honour to join the MPA Board of Directors as EssenceMediacom continues to grow its presence it’s the North.”
Fergus McCallum said: “The MPA is one of the largest associations of its type in the world, reflecting Manchester’s position as the second largest Creative economy in Europe. I’m therefore proud to join the Board and serve alongside the leaders of other pre-eminent Manchester creative organisations.”
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Abuzar Chothia, Hannah Mawdsley, Joe Hughes
Xeinadin, a Manchester-based business advisory firm, has taken on three new apprentices in Abuzar Chothia, Joe Hughes, and Hannah Mawdesley.
Apprentices are integrated into the day-to-day operations of the firm, contributing to important projects and gaining exposure to a range of client services. This immersive approach helps them build strong foundations for their future careers.
Mathew Forshaw, Xeinadin director, said: “Competition for staff is very intense in the current market, so to have secured their services is a real plus for us. It’s great to be able to support them in return by giving them real, hands-on experience that will give them a strong start to their careers.”
Abuzar Chothia and Joe Hughes are both Trainee Accountants, currently studying for their Association of Accounting Technicians exams. Hannah Mawdesley is a Business Administration Apprentice. They will be gaining practical experience in the office, while also attending classroom-based learning at local educational institutions.
