People: Browne Jacobson; UCLan; Kemtile; Luna Investment Management; EY; Saturn Visual Solutions
Browne Jacobson’s education practice has bolstered its data compliance team with two key appointments.
The UK and Ireland law firm has hired Claire Archibald as Legal Director and Bethany Paliga as Senior Associate.
Working with Dai Durbridge, Partner, who leads the education data compliance team, they further strengthen the firm’s specialism in supporting schools and academies in data protection matters.
Bethany Paliga
Claire joins from The Education Data Hub at Derbyshire County Council, where she led a data protection officer (DPO) service that grew from a handful of clients to one of the leading providers of DPO services to schools.
Bethany, who was previously at Forbes Solicitors, brings extensive experience advising education clients on data protection and freedom of information law.
Claire and Bethany are based in Browne Jacobson’s Manchester office.
Claire said: “Our aim is for schools, and their stakeholders, to feel confident in their data protection compliance programmes. We’re excited to bring this mission to the Browne Jacobson education team to ensure our services provide school staff and their DPOs with the expertise and resources to increase their knowledge and confidence.”
Dai Durbridge, Partner leading on safeguarding and data protection at Browne Jacobson, said: “Claire and Bethany will bring extra depth of knowledge and some innovative products and services to our education clients, ensuring they are prepared for challenge in the new digital, AI-driven world. Their energy and passion are infectious.”
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Lara Harrison
The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has appointed three new Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIR) who will bring real-world business experience to its students.
Lara Harrison, founder and Managing Director of Superstar PAs, Celia Gaze, founder and CEO of The Wellbeing Farm, and Michael Huckerby, Director of Huckerby Hotels, have all been handpicked to help the next generation of business leaders.
The trio will join seven current EIRs who are bringing real-world expertise and entrepreneurial practice to the School of Business’s students, academics and small and medium sized enterprises (SME) communities.
Lara said: “I left home at 16 after a challenging childhood, with no clear guidance or opportunities to help me build a better future. My career path and the journey that led me to founding Superstar PAs were somewhat accidental, but I know I could have reached this point much sooner if I had access to mentors who could have offered advice and support.”
Celia said: “I’ve always been passionate about helping young people and bringing a background of common sense to support their journey. Joining the university’s EIRs network will allow me to share insights from my experience with The Wellbeing Farm and my passion for wellbeing, purpose-led business, sustainability and how to create a business which differentiates itself from others.”
Michael said: “I am really looking forward to passing on my years of experience in the hospitality industry to the next generation of business leaders. Working with students that will become the entrepreneurs of tomorrow is an exciting concept.”
Prof Sue Smith, Director of the University’s Centre for SME and Enterprise Development, said: “These entrepreneurs bring with them a wealth of entrepreneurial leadership and small business experience and join our existing talented EIRs extending the range and sectors across the scheme.”
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Ken Dale
Warrington-based Kemtile, a division of Stonhard, has appointed a new contracts manager, Ken Dale, to support the business after a period of unparalleled growth.
Ken brings more than 30 years of experience in the flooring industry to the role, including work on projects across Europe, Canada and the UAE.
He comes directly from Stonhard Canada – so already a part of the wider group – working as an installer for the last 15 years of his career, involved in some of Stonhard’s most complex projects, using tailored product solutions to meet client needs.
Kemtile Director, Jamie Cook, said: “Ken will play a key role in supporting us during this boom period, using his diverse industry experience and in-depth knowledge of the Stonhard product range.
“He also knows the business well and understands how we work, offering single-source solutions to large scale manufacturing customers in the food and drink, pharma and general industrial sectors.”
Ken said: “It is great to continue my journey with Stonhard now in the UK, playing a new role for a fast growing sister business. Kemtile is a highly respected player in the industrial flooring sector in the UK and I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge and expertise with existing and new customers to continue to help the business grow.”
Earlier this year, the firm also appointed a new HSEQ manager, supporting its commitment to running projects in total compliance with health and safety legislation and prioritising best practice workplace safety for its people and clients.
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Paul Finnan
Luna Investment Management, a specialist investment management firm, has appointed Paul Finnan as Senior Investment Manager.
Finnan joins with 18 years of investment experience having managed a diverse range of portfolios for individuals, SIPP/SSAS and Trusts.
He becomes a member of the Luna Investment Committee and is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment.
Paul Finnan said: “The opportunity to join the Luna IM team, with whom I share the same core values, namely maintaining client connections whilst providing personal flexible and proactive investment management strategy, was key in my decision to join.”
James Carter, Director of Luna Investment Management, said: “It’s been a fantastic year of growth for the business and outcomes for our clients. Adding Paul to the senior management team further strengthens our offering.”
Luna Investment Management, which is located in Spinningfields in Manchester, provides bespoke investment solutions to a range of clients throughout the UK.
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Stephen Church
EY in Manchester has recruited 80 new students – more than any of the firm’s other UK offices outside London – including 61 graduates and 19 school leavers.
The firm also provided paid work experience to a further 25 young people in Manchester, through its summer internship and industrial placements.
Of the new student hires in Manchester, 46% are women, and 49% are from an ethnic minority background, of which six per cent identify as Black or Mixed.
Over the past financial year, EY recruited 2,400 people across the UK, with 43% of all new appointments based outside of London.
Stephen Church, EY’s North Market Leader and Managing Partner for Manchester, said: “I am incredibly proud that we have created jobs for 80 graduates and school leavers in Manchester this year, representing a significant investment in our regional business.
“We provide a range of entry routes into the firm, from our internship schemes to our school leaver and graduate programmes, so that we’re able to attract the best diverse talent.
“These new hires underscore our ongoing ambition in the region as we continue to prioritise top talent and offer our people exciting and fulfilling career opportunities, which in turn helps to drive growth both for our clients and our business.”
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Taiwo Ayomide Abiuwa
Digital signage consultancy, Saturn Visual Solutions, has appointed Taiwo Ayomide Abiuwa as technical engineer, the latest hire in a year of expansion for the Manchester business.
During the past 12 months, Saturn has bolstered its teams across technical support, motion graphics, installation and finance/commercial.
Taiwo’s appointment will further enhance the technical support team, which provides a hardware/software trouble-shooting service and advises clients on how to use and get the most out of their content management system.
Prior to joining the Saturn team, Taiwo worked for business technology consultancy, BJSS as a service desk analyst. He brings with him a wealth of technical and IT experience.
Taiwo will be working with a range of brands including ODEON, VW, and Reel Cinemas.
Paul Murphy, Operations Director, said, “More and more businesses and organisations are switching on to the power of digital signage as a customer engagement tool and physical space transformer. As we seek to leverage this increasing demand, we need experts like Taiwo on board, to ensure we can provide our clients with the best technical support available.”
