People: EHL Ingredients; EXTE; Palatine; Irwin Mitchell; Coral Products; Eden Valley Hospice; Jackson Lees; Marktlink; Urban Splash; JS
EHL Ingredients has appointed Clevina Dsouza as Sales Administrator, reporting into joint MD, Tasneem Alonzo and will support the five-strong sales team.
She joins the Stockport business following four years in the finance sector and will work across the sales team and wider departments, supporting sales of the company’s Lähde brand.
The importer, blender and packer of international food ingredients is experiencing a period of growth following the challenges brought about by the pandemic years, Brexit and global conflict.
This year, EHL has restructured its senior team with founder Emma Haq taking on the role of Chairman, and has welcomed new additions to the team in technical, customer service and operations departments. The company is also expanding its blending capacity and is investing in new machinery to allow the team to process larger scale orders and to meet increased demand.
Clevina said: “I’m eager to get stuck into the role supporting the sales team. The company has some really talented individuals across the whole business – with many of these being women, which is quite unusual in the industry.”
Tasneem Alonzo said: “Clevina joins us at an exciting time – we’re in a period of growth as we’re seeing customers place larger orders with us and we’re also experiencing an increase in new customers, meaning we are investing in our blending capacity and machinery to meet new demands.”
Clevina’s appointment takes the team to 46 across three sites on the Broadstone Industrial Estate in Reddish.
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Fergal McKenna
Adtech business, EXTE, has appointed Fergal McKenna as Regional Sales Director. Based in Manchester, McKenna will drive EXTE’s expansion beyond London, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner for innovative branded content and creative campaigns.
McKenna brings extensive experience to his new role, having spent five years at MiQ Manchester as the first stand alone sales employee.
He said: “After an amazing five years at MiQ, I was ready for a new challenge. EXTE stood out for its unique offering and impressive creative studio, which I believe is unparalleled in the market. I’m excited to join a rapidly growing team and bring something exceptional to agencies and advertisers in the North.”
James Hill, EXTE COO, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Fergal to EXTE. His deep understanding of the regions, combined with his strong agency relationships and proven track record, make him the perfect fit to lead our expansion in this region. His expertise will play a key role in elevating our presence and delivering value to our clients.”
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Nauman Lodhi
Palatine, a mid-market investor, has boosted its Buyout team in Manchester with the appointment of Nauman Lodhi as an Investment Executive.
Nauman is relishing his first role in private equity, having spent three years working in M&A at advisory firm BDO in Birmingham and previously as an Associate/Senior Associate at PwC in London.
He said: “Palatine has an excellent reputation as a firm with a great culture based around value creation, investing in its people and building strong relationships with management teams and entrepreneurs.”
Nauman, who has relocated to Manchester for his new role, has previously worked across a broad range of sectors. He has a keen interest in how disruptive technology, particularly AI, will redefine the business landscape in the years to come.
Andy Lees, Partner at Palatine, said: “People are the most important part of our business, and we are delighted to have added Nauman to the team. We are always looking for intellectually curious, collaborative colleagues who share our passion for positive equity. Nauman is a great fit and we are confident he will build a successful career with us.”
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Jonathan Betts
Irwin Mitchell has introduced a new Regional Lead Partner role, aimed at driving growth in the North West and enhancing collaboration across teams to help even more clients.
Serving a fixed three-year term, Jonathan Betts, Partner (Serious Injury), will focus on expanding Irwin Mitchell’s presence in the North West, fostering collaboration, and aligning efforts across teams.
Irwin Mitchell has focused on regional expansion in recent years, opening new offices in Liverpool, Brighton, and Cardiff, and most recently Nottingham.
Jonathan will work closely with client-facing teams, business development, and marketing experts to maximise regional market opportunities, client sharing, and impact as a responsible business in local communities.
Louise Lumley, Group Chief Client Officer, at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Our new Regional Lead Partners are set to be instrumental in our future success. By enhancing team collaboration and connectivity, these roles will unlock new opportunities and bolster our regional market presence.
“I am enthusiastic about the future these roles will help us build and the positive impact we will continue to make in our communities.”
Irwin Mitchell has offices in Manchester and Liverpool.
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Sharon Tinsley
Plastics group, Coral Products, has confirmed the resignation of Sharon Tinsley, Group Finance Director, who will step down from the board on January 31, 2025.
The board intends to appoint Paul Rice, currently Group Financial Controller, as Group Finance Director on completion of the mandatory compliance checks. Paul has served as the Financial Director for the Coral Products Group Flexibles Division and Finance Director of the wholly owned subsidiary, Film & Foil Solutions, since 2013.
The Wythenshawe-based group is seeking to reduce its cost base after announcing in October it will make a loss this financial year.
Last month Phil Allen, Division MD-Rigids, resigned with immediate effect. This followed the resignation almost three weeks prior, by mutual agreement, of CEO, Lance Burns, to save costs.
Coral Chairman, Joe Grimmond, said: “Sharon has been a great asset to the group since her appointment in February 2017 and, on behalf of the board, we would like to thank her for her valued contribution and wish her every success in the future.
“Further to our update on 14th October 2024, I am pleased with the progress the group has made to resize our operations, reduce costs, and identify further efficiencies. Whilst the trading environment remains uncertain, I am confident we are well positioned to benefit from the cost efficiencies we are now realising and the opportunities across our markets.”
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Julie Clayton, Jenny Wilson, Richard Nixon, Lynette Lowes, Dr Katie Buckle
Richard Nixon, a partner in the Muckle Real Estate team, recently became a trustee for Eden Valley Hospice, the charity that gives free specialist care and support for adults with life-limiting conditions.
Muckle, which has a hub in Penrith, has a long-standing relationship with Eden Valley and its children’s hospice Jigsaw.
Richard said: “Eden Valley and Jigsaw do some amazing work by providing specialist care for children, young people and adults with life-limiting conditions. Its people provide free care and support to patients and their families in North Cumbria.”
Julie Clayton, Chief Executive at Eden Valley Hospice, welcomed Richard, saying: “His expertise in law and deep understanding of the charity sector make him a fantastic addition to our team, and we’re excited about the impact he’ll have in helping secure the future of Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw.”
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Shea Carson, Abbie Harrison, Laura Porter, Katy Smith, Georgia Drohan, Ben Dale
Law firm, Jackson Lees Group, has recruited solicitor Ben Dale to its growing family team alongside the awarding of training contracts to five budding lawyers across its ranks.
Ben has joined Jackson Lees, which with Broudie Jackson Canter and Farrington Law forms the Jackson Lees Group. He began his career journey in 2016 as an adviser at the University of Liverpool’s Law Clinic while studying for his degree.
He said: “I am looking forward to continuing to build trust with clients and help guide them through some of their most difficult times. The opportunity to work with the wide client base and experienced team at Jackson Lees is extremely exciting.”
Ben’s arrival at Jackson Lees follows that of Sarah McCarthy in September. She has now been appointed as head of the private family team.
The firm, which has offices in Liverpool and Wirral, has made a series of other recent appointments as it focuses on expansion. Among them are four new members of the court of protection team, including Oliver Banks and Claire Martini joining as its head and deputy head, respectively.
The five new trainees across the Jackson Lees Group are Katy Smith, Georgia Drohan, Abbie Harrison, Laura Porter and Shea Carson.
Haley Farrell, deputy managing director at Jackson Lees Group, said: “Ben is a welcome addition to our ranks. His experience will enable us to continue to meet the needs of our clients, ensuring they receive the highest level of service and support. We look forward to seeing him develop his career with us.”
Esther Leach, managing director of Jackson Lees Group, said: “Supporting the next generation of lawyers is an integral part of who we are.”
Jackson Lees Group is part of MAPD Group, which was founded by Brian Cullen and Joanna Kingston-Davies in 2020 to power the growth of local law firms nationally through acquisition. The initials stand for Making a Positive Difference.
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Marktlink Manchester team
Marktlink, an international mergers and acquisitions advisory firm, has appointed two key hires to its Manchester office.
Aisha Chipampe brings more than a decade of experience in the SME and mid-market sectors, having worked previously as a lead adviser at PWC before transitioning to private equity and internal mergers and acquisitions. Her most recent role at NCC Group, a cyber security and managed services business, adds valuable in-house perspective to Marktlink’s offerings. Aisha will lead on Manchester’s mergers and acquisition projects and focus on attracting new clientele.
Aisha said: “It’s an exciting time to join Marktlink as we grow our presence in the North West and support business owners in the region to achieve their mergers and acquisition objectives.”
Rachael Withnell also joins the team as mergers and acquisition Manager, leveraging her background as a Chartered Accountant and her experience in transaction services and corporate development. With more than 20 acquisitions completed during her tenure at Davies Group, Rachael brings a wealth of practical knowledge to the team.
She said: “Marktlink holds significant weight within the European market and is now firmly making its mark in the UK with offices in London and the Midlands alongside our Manchester HQ.”
These appointments bring Marktlink’s Manchester team to six, signalling the firm’s rapid growth since establishing its first UK office in the city centre, and is reciprocated by further recent growth in both the Midlands and London teams.
Jonny Parkinson, Managing Partner of Marktlink North West, said: “Aisha and Rachael are excellent additions to our team – their previous roles and expertise now position us with a team that has a diverse blend of backgrounds and skills including experience in the big 4, local boutiques, private equity and transaction services.”
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Ryan Leigh, Abigail Adae
Manchester-based regeneration company, Urban Splash, has appointed two new colleagues to its commercial and residential lettings divisions.
Ryan Leigh joins the Manchester-based commercial team as lettings surveyor, bringing a range of experience from previous roles at Limetree Property Group, The Arch Company, and Grainger. Ryan has already hit the ground running securing a letting to TikTok brand Made by Mitchell in Manchester within just four days, as well as lettings at the Boat Shed in Salford Quays.
The residential lettings team is also strengthened with the arrival of Abigail Adae, who joins as residential consultant and will assist in managing Urban Splash’s expansive portfolio of homes across eight UK cities. With 344 new move-ins during the past financial year and occupancy rates exceeding 96%, Abigail will support further business growth.
Urban Splash CEO, Julian Curnuck, said: “Ryan and Abigail bring valuable experience that will help us continue to grow our residential and commercial offerings.”
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Angela Harrison and Neil Kelly
North West-based accountancy and advisory firm, JS, has strengthened its leadership team with the addition of two new audit partners. Neil Kelly and Angela Harrison have joined the firm, bringing deep knowledge of the local market and experience across a range of industries.
Their arrival signals JS’s next step in growing its footprint in Liverpool and, later, Manchester.
Joining as audit and accounts partners, Neil and Angela bring the total number of partners to 11. They will help steer the firm’s audit services, taking on a diverse portfolio of clients and helping to build stronger relationships within Liverpool’s business community. They’ll also join the firm’s leadership team, contributing to the firm’s strategic direction.
JS’s audit team has seen rapid growth in recent months, now comprising four audit partners, supported by two audit directors and 18 further specialists. Since its management buyout in April 2024, JS has focused on scaling its audit capabilities, building a more robust team to meet the needs of a quickly expanding client base.
Managing partner, Lucy Williams, said: “The months since our MBO have been all about growth and setting the right foundations for our future. We’re thrilled to have Neil and Angela on board. Their expertise and connections in the region will help us continue delivering an outstanding service as we expand into Liverpool. This is an exciting step forward for JS.”
Neil Kelly said: “I’m excited to join the team at such a pivotal moment. With my network in Liverpool, I’m looking forward to growing our presence here and helping the team reach new heights.”
Angela Harrison said: “With a new audit regulator and tougher corporate governance rules on the way, the need for high quality audit services is greater than ever.”
