People: Salford University Business School; PM+M; Slater Heelis; Transpennine Route Upgrade; Five Wealth
Professor Katy Mason has been appointed into the role of PVC Dean of the University of Salford’s Business School, joining from Lancaster University Management School, where she is currently Professor of Markets and Management, and was the Associate Dean for Research from 2020-2023.
Katy will join the University in December, bringing a wealth of experience with her having worked with organisations such as Rolls-Royce, Microsoft, Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, the Cabinet Office and North Yorkshire County Council. Her research centres on generating insights into how market factors can effectively work across organisational boundaries to collaboratively co-design real-world solutions, making accessible, (re)usable, and valuable innovative goods and services.
Katy commented: “I have already seen first-hand the exciting opportunities across the School, to bring our collective knowledge and experience together to make a positive, real-world impact through education and research, and I’m excited to hit the ground the running to further accelerate this work.”
Katy’s expertise and research has centred on generating insights into how market factors can better work across organisational boundaries to collaboratively design sustainable markets that are good for people and the planet, which she refers to as moral markets.
Before entering academia, Katy worked as Marketing Executive for a number of blue chip companies. She is also currently President of the British Academy of Management, Fellow of the British Academy of Management, Fellow of the Academy of Social Science, Cabinet Office Policy Fellow and Chartered Companion of the Chartered Management Institute.
Professor Simone Buitendijk, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, University of Salford, said: “Katy’s outstanding career to-date has not only had a genuine positive impact on improving graduate outcomes and student experience, but her research has contributed to driving innovation for social and environmental good.”
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L-R Chris Johnson and Simon Read
PM+M – the Blackburn and Bury-based chartered accountancy, business advisory and financial planning group – has grown its leadership team with the appointment of Simon Read who is now a director in the audit, accounting + advisory team.
Simon joins PM+M from Azets where he worked for 10 years. Prior to that he worked at Baker Tilly (RSM Tenon). He studied Economics and Finance at the University of Manchester, graduating in 2010.
Simon specialises in managing portfolios of clients with turnovers ranging from £100k to £100m+, and has significant experience working with owner-managed SMEs, PE-backed businesses, UK subsidiaries of international groups, large online retailers, manufacturers, sports and logistics businesses – both in the UK and abroad. His specific areas of expertise are external audit and financial reporting.
He will be working closely with Chris Johnson, partner; Ceri Dixon, partner; and the wider audit, accounting + advisory team.
Commenting on his appointment, Simon said he had “long admired” PM+M: “It is well known for being a client focused firm that puts excellence at the heart of everything it does. I feel that I can help build on that reputation by bringing some first-class experience to the business.”
Chris Johnson added: “Simon is a highly respected professional, so it is fantastic to welcome him. Over the years he has built up a formidable standing and has led a wide range of client portfolios. I am confident that his knowledge and experience will add immense value – both to his clients and our people.”
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Debbie Coyne
Manchester-based law firm, Slater Heelis, has appointed Debbie Coyne as Partner and Head of its employment law team.
Her appointment from Aaron & Partners LLP, is being hailed as “a huge coup” for Slater Heelis with Debbie accredited as a Leading Associate in the Legal 500 rankings and she will now lead a team of six from Slater Heelis’ Sale based office.
Specialising in a wide-range of employment law and having represented both employers and employees, Debbie will also be bringing her experience of tribunal claims, complex HR situations and in-house conflict investigations which is a service area she would like to further develop for the firm.
Rachel Fletcher, Managing Partner at Slater Heelis said: “Debbie brings a pro-active and pragmatic approach to each and every client to ensure they are fully supported at times of uncertainly and often in difficult and sensitive situations. She is a welcome addition to the team and we are fully confident that with her approach and expertise, our clients always know they are getting the most sensible, comprehensive, realistic advice and support from us as a team to enable them to make informed decisions.”
On joining the team, Debbie said: “The reputation Slater Heelis holds really attracted me to the position and I am delighted to be working with an employment law team who all share my ethos and values when it comes to providing committed client care. Since joining, I have been made to feel very welcome and supported and I very much looking forward to a successful career with the firm.”
Slater Heelis is part of legal services business Lawfront, and adding further comment on her appointment, Axel Koelsch, COO from Lawfront said: “We back successful regional firms for further growth – that involves substantial investment in technology, professional skills and infrastructure.
Most importantly, this includes making these firms a great place to work and supporting the recruitment of top talent like Debbie.”
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James Richardson
James Richardson has today been announced as the new managing director of the Transpennine Route Upgrade, the multi-billion railway electrification scheme delivering faster, cleaner and greener journeys for millions of people across the north of England.
Highly experienced in major programmes, James is currently Managing Director of the Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture delivering the HS2 London tunnels.
James said: “Leading this ambitious infrastructure programme of national importance is a huge source of pride for me. It will benefit millions of people by improving the connectivity between towns and cities.
“TRU is making fantastic progress and already demonstrating how complex infrastructure can be delivered safely and efficiently. I can’t wait to get started working with such talented teams and individuals in order to see that continue to develop.”
James, whose home company is Skanska, has held posts as Infrastructure MD and Rail Sector Director, and brings many years of experience working in the rail, road and energy industries on programmes including HS1, M25DBFO, Crossrail, Northern Hub, Wessex Capacity Alliance and Thameslink.
This summer TRU awarded contracts of around £3bn with the West and East alliances, and passengers are now benefiting from the first electric train service operating between Manchester Victoria and Stalybridge. The programme, which employs 5000 people is fully mobilised with 70 worksites across 70 miles, from York to Manchester, alive with activity.
Welcoming James, Rob McIntosh, Network Rail’s North West and Central Managing Director said: “Given the scale of our works – one of the biggest programmes in Europe and carried out on a live railway – I am really happy we’ve appointed a very capable leader who can manage our unique challenges and lead TRU to continued success.”
James will take up his post on TRU in the new year.
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Rick Gosling, Liz Colfer, and Amy Grace, have stepped into director roles at Five Wealth.
The business has seen a 19.5% increase in assets under management year on year, growing from £687.9m in October 2023 to £821.8m in 2024. Alongside this, they have grown overall headcount by 10% to support an expanding client base, marking a significant phase of development for the firm.
The promotions come as Five continues to strengthen it offering to business owners by specialising in financial planning and investment management.
Phil Shaw, managing director at Five Wealth, said: “Rick, Liz and Amy have been active members of the management team for nearly 18 months now, helping to lead on projects, navigate the business on a day-to-day basis and set the strategy for the coming years, as well as providing excellent service to clients old and new. They have effectively been ‘doing’ the job for some time now and it’s great that this is being recognised with their promotions”.
Liz Colfer, newly promoted director, added: “It’s been great to be part of the management team at such a pivotal time for Five Wealth. We are passionate about supporting our clients, who are often navigating complex financial matters. I’m excited to continue working with the team to ensure our clients reach their financial goals while contributing to the firm’s next chapter of growth.”
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