People: ExamWorks UK; Sapphire; Walker Sime; JLL; Harrison Drury; Livv Housing Group; Forge Holiday Group; FRP

Maria Hardwidge and Jennifer Dougal

ExamWorks UK (EWUK), a provider of medical reporting and health care services, has appointed Maria Hardwidge as Chief Operating Officer (COO), marking a significant step in executing the company’s strategic expansion plan and technology initiatives.

In this newly-created position, Maria will oversee the Bolton-based group’s operational strategy, with particular emphasis on technological innovation and merger and acquisition activities. This appointment comes as EWUK continues to expand its market presence through strategic acquisitions and digital transformation within the

wider healthcare sector.

Mike Cutler, CEO of ExamWorks UK, said: “Maria is a vastly experienced leader and has a very strong reputation across the industry. She has most recently served as Premex Group Managing Director, creating and sustaining strategic partnerships with customers that have been key to our growth, whilst embedding a unified and cohesive culture that we wish to expand across the entire UK group. I look forward to working closely with Maria to drive further growth and operational efficiency across the organisation, as well as integrating new businesses and services we will begin to offer as we continue to grow through acquisition.”

Maria said: “It is a privilege to be appointed EWUK’s first Chief Operating Officer. I look forward to continuing to work with all of our dedicated colleagues around the country as we continue to drive superior innovation, execution and delivery for customers and for their clients.”

The company also announced the appointment of Jennifer Dougal as Managing Director of Premex Group, encompassing Premex, Premex+, and 3DR. Jennifer brings significant sector expertise as a former serious injury lawyer and has latterly worked within Premex’s Senior Executive Team as Director of 3d Rehabilitation, making her a stand-out candidate to drive customer-focused innovation across Premex Group’s PI brands.

Jennifer Dougal said: “I’m thrilled to take on the role of Managing Director at Premex Group at such an exciting time. I’m particularly excited to see how we can harness innovation to deliver even better solutions for our customers while building on the strong foundation that makes Premex Group special.”

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Ray McKeating

Sapphire, the employee-owned contracting and accounting firm based in Manchester, has appointed Ray McKeating as strategic partnerships manager for its innovative Quartz platform.

Quartz is a secure, cloud-based platform that streamlines financial processes for recruitment agencies that was acquired in a six-figure deal in 2024.

Ray brings more than 20 years of expertise in recruitment software and employment solutions. Throughout his career, he has advised thousands of businesses of all sizes, delivering cutting edge technology that has saved significant costs and generated millions in job advertising and placement fees.

He said: “Joining Sapphire at such an exciting time is a fantastic opportunity for me. Quartz is not just about simplifying processes, but about offering a solution that redefines how recruitment agencies operate.”

The addition of Ray to the Quartz team follows a successful 2024 for Sapphire, during which the company shared £350,000 in employee-ownership bonuses with long serving contractors.

Alex Moore, sales operations director at Sapphire, said: “Ray’s extensive experience and consultative approach are the perfect fit for Quartz’s vision. With Ray on board, we’re confident that Quartz will continue to evolve and deliver the highest level of service to our clients.”

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Peter Jackson

Manchester-based Walker Sime has announced the appointment of Peter Jackson as its new UK Director of Project Management.

With more than 30 years of experience in the industry, he brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the multi-disciplinary consultancy.

He has joined in a newly created senior role to expand and strengthen the project management service at the firm. Having held senior positions at Atkins Realis and Turner & Townsend, Jackson has a track record of delivering complex projects and leading teams to success.

He said: “The reliability, expertise, and personal touch that Walker Sime is known for really appealed to me. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside several members of the team over the years and have always been impressed by the quality of their work and their collaborative approach.”

Jackson will work closely with Cathy Palmer, Walker Sime’s Director of Regeneration Delivery, on regeneration-led real estate initiatives. These efforts align with the Government’s ambitious plans to build 1.5 million homes, an area where his expertise will be invaluable.

He added: “Delivering transformative projects that improve people’s lives is what motivates me. Having lived in the North West for most of my life, I am deeply invested in the region and look forward to contributing to Walker Sime’s impactful work in this area.”

Walker Sime has offices in Leeds, Manchester and Liverpool and specialises in quantity surveying, project management, bills of quantities, employers agent plus regeneration and infrastructure services.

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Emma Bowker

JLL is continuing to invest in its people in the North West following its latest round of promotions.

The global real estate services firm has made a number of promotions spanning its Markets, Real Estate Management, Property Development Services (PDS) and UK Capital Markets teams.

Alice Allan has been named Head of Surveying Services, bringing 17 years of experience at JLL to the role. In her new role she will deliver tailored property management solutions for clients across the region.

The firm has also made four director appointments. Mike Hopkins has been promoted to Senior Director of the Planning and Development team. Victor Boys takes on the role of Director within the PDS team, leading both Building Consultancy & Project Management instructions, while John Williams and Rhys Evans have been promoted to Directors in the Markets team.

Mike Hopkins

Additionally, Emma Bowker and Harry Kirk have stepped into new roles as Senior Surveyors in the Capital Markets and PDS teams, respectively.

These promotions reflect JLL’s ongoing investment in its North West operations.

Jonathan Wiedemann, Head of the North West at JLL, said: “These promotions reflect the excellent results our team consistently deliver for our clients. They also reinforce our commitment to investing in talent and providing high quality services across the region.”

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James Robbins and Heather Morris

North West law firm, Harrison Drury, has appointed a new partner to lead and grow its specialist insolvency law team in Manchester.

The firm has appointed experienced insolvency lawyer Heather Morris who will advise clients and intermediaries across the UK on both contentious and non-contentious insolvency matters.

Heather joins following an in-house legal role at international investment manager Arrow Global, where she advised the organisation on the insolvency aspects of distressed acquisitions and exits. Her previous experience also includes roles with law firms Pannone Corporate, DWF and Brabners.

James Robbins, partner and head of the insolvency and restructuring team at Harrison Drury, said: “Heather brings a vast amount of experience to our growing North West insolvency and restructuring team. Her deep technical knowledge and relationships with a host of national insolvency practitioners made her the ideal candidate to expand our insolvency law service in Manchester.”

Heather, who is a member of R3, the insolvency trade body, said: “I’m relishing the opportunity to add another new service within Harrison Drury’s fast-growing Manchester office, complementing the significant recent growth enjoyed by our corporate team since the office opened at the start of 2024.”

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From left: Andy Gamble; Claire Postlethwaite, Jonathan Westhoff

Merseyside housing association, Livv Housing Group, has strengthened its board with the appointment of three senior leaders: Jonathan Westhoff, Claire Postlethwaite and Andy Gamble.

Jonathan Westhoff, Chief Executive of West Bromwich Building Society, brings more than two decades of experience in the mutual building society sector. With a background in banking, strategy and finance, Jonathan has held multiple senior roles, including Finance Director at three societies, before stepping into his current CEO position in 2011.

He joins Livv’s Audit and Risk Committee, lending his strategic and financial expertise to the organisation.

Claire Postlethwaite is the Director of Operational Finance and Deputy Section 73 Officer at Greater Manchester Combined Authority. A CIPFA-qualified accountant, her expertise spans finance, change management, customer services, procurement, and risk and audit, within the housing and local government sectors.

Her insights will further strengthen Livv’s governance as a member of the Audit and Risk Committee.

Andy Gamble will begin his tenure on April 1, 2025. Recently retired from his role as Executive Director at Yorkshire Housing, he adds almost 40 years of housing sector experience to the Livv board. A Chartered Surveyor and Chartered Institute of Housing member, Andy specialises in housing development, sales, asset management and repairs. His extensive knowledge will be invaluable on Livv’s Business Development, Growth and Investment Committee.

As part of Livv’s Board succession planning, Phil Pemberton will step down from the board on March 31.

Philip Raw, Chair of Group Board at Livv Housing Group, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Jonathan, Claire and Andy to our board. Their breadth of experience, diverse skillsets and fresh perspectives will be instrumental in driving our growth and achieving our strategic ambitions. I look forward to working alongside them and our existing board members as we continue to innovate and find new and exciting ways to deliver exceptional customer service.

“We would also like to extend our thanks to Phil Pemberton, who stands down from our board on 31 March, for his support and the significant contributions he made during his time with us.”

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PK Koszka, left, and James Fothergill

Chester-based Forge Holiday Group has appointed two Directors to develop its technological capabilities and accelerate the adoption of AI-powered technologies at its brands including Sykes Holiday Cottages, Forest Holidays and Bachcare.

The group’s investment aims to drive efficiency while building on the services it already offers to millions of guests and holiday let owner partners across the country.

James Fothergill has taken on the role of Director of Data & Analytics, while PK Koszka has been appointed as Technical Director.

Koszka has joined ther group following roles at PassMeFast, a platform for driving instructors, and OneVoice Digital. In his new position, he will oversee the infrastructure and development of the group’s apps, including the Sykes Owner app and Sykes’ new consumer loyalty scheme, Bloom. He will also be tasked with supporting AI adoption to create a seamless experience for customers and partners.

Meanwhile, Fothergill first started working with the business in 2023. His new role will see him lead the technology team in harnessing the power of analytics and data science to drive strategic decision making, enhance customer experiences, optimise operations, and identify new opportunities for growth.

Adam Platt, Group Chief Technology Officer at Forge Holiday Group, said: “The appointments are a strategic investment to build our capabilities and deepen our knowledge in these areas.

“The business has always led the way with innovation in the holiday let sector, but we want to stay ahead with AI and continue to improve our platform and services. Both James and PK’s skills and experience will support us with that.”
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From left: Kellie-Ann O’Hare, Ashley Harris, Melissa Sexton, Romana Partington

Specialist business advisory firm FRP has expanded its services and strengthened its team on the Isle of Man with five additions to its Douglas-based office.

Ashley Harris has joined as an assistant manager, while Romana Partington has joined as senior administrator, Kellie-Ann O’Hare as an insolvency administrator, and Melissa Sexton as executive PA/office manager.

The team has also welcomed assistant manager Georgia Devlin on long term secondment from FRP’s London office. A contentious insolvency specialist, Georgia’s arrival expands the range of services offered to FRP’s local and international client base directly from the Isle of Man – building on its existing insolvency offering and its commercial advice on issues such as shareholder disputes, corporate simplification and reorganisation, regulatory intervention and director conduct.

This expansion comes as FRP approaches its first anniversary of having an on-the-ground presence on the island, having entered the Isle of Man market in March 2024 with the acquisition of advisory and insolvency firm GWC.

The Isle of Man office – which now boasts 10 team members – made a positive contribution towards FRP Advisory Group’s results for the first six months of FY25, which saw revenue increase 32% to £77.6m.

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