People: Maguire Family Law; Stephensons; Pareto Financial Planning; Muse; Wain Estates; Butcher & Barlow

Maguire Family Law has expanded its Manchester office team with the appointment of solicitor Ruth Wynn, following a record year of growth.
The Tier One Legal 500-ranked firm acquired its Manchester office last year to meet rising demand for its bespoke legal services. Since then, it has continued its growth trajectory with several new hires across the award-winning team.
Previously part of a Tier One private law firm in Manchester, Ruth brings a wealth of experience in handling complex financial matters and high-net-worth cases within family law.
Managing director, James Maguire, said: “I’m incredibly proud of what our team has achieved in the past 12 months, from expanding our footprint to strengthening our expertise. Welcoming Ruth to the team is a fantastic way to kick off 2025 and marks another exciting milestone in our journey of growth and success.”
Ruth Wynn said: “Joining Maguire Family Law is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a team known for its expertise and client-focused approach. It’s an excellent way to begin the year, and I’m looking forward to building on my experience while helping clients navigate some of life’s most pivotal decisions.”
Since its founding in 2010, Maguire Family Law has established its presence in Altrincham, Manchester, Wilmslow, and Knutsford.
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Phil Matthews
Catering equipment supplier, Stephensons, has appointed Phil Matthews as its new Head of Sales.
In his new role, Matthews will be responsible for managing a sales team of 18, playing an instrumental part in developing growth strategies, achieving sales targets, and providing the highest quality service to customers across its key sectors.
With more than 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Matthews brings a comprehensive understanding of the hospitality sector. His career spans senior sales roles at Churchill, Steelite, Hendi, Utopia, DPS, and Wedgwood, along with distributor experience at Innerglass and a previous tenure at Stephensons in 2022.
He said: “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to return to Stephensons and to work alongside such a talented team. My previous experience with the business gave me a strong understanding and appreciation for what makes Stephensons such a unique company.”
Managing Director, Henry Stephenson, said: “We’re proud to welcome Phil back to lead our sales team during such a pivotal time for the industry. His expertise and leadership will not only strengthen our business but also ensure we’re providing the best possible support to our customers, helping them to thrive.”
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Lauren McHenry
Pareto Financial Planning, the Manchester-based financial services business, has recognised and commended Lauren McHenry on achieving Chartered Financial Planner status.
Lauren started at Pareto as a Trainee Paraplanner and has progressed through the company’s fully funded qualification and support programme.
Suzanne Chadwick, Head of Training & Development at Pareto Financial Planning, said: “Lauren’s journey represents an incredible combination of application and hard work, together with Pareto’s commitment to colleague development. We provide not just financial support for qualification attainment but fully expensed study material, paid time off for revision and individual paid recognition for exam success.”
Paul Stones, Managing Director, said: “Huge congratulations to Lauren for achieving Chartered Financial Planner status. The whole Pareto family is incredibly proud of you. With more Pareto colleagues following you on our programme we are organically creating the future of financial planning.”
Lauren McHenry said: “What a journey so far. I can’t thank the entire team enough for the support and encouragement they have given me. I’m now looking forward to less study and more client interaction as Pareto goes from strength to strength.”
Pareto Financial Planning has more than £1bn of assets under management.
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Hugh Taylor
Muse, the nationwide placemaker, has appointed Hugh Taylor as Senior Project Manager in the North West, continuing the strong growth of the Salford-based team.
Joining from Glenbrook Property, Hugh will now support the delivery of the £550m Oldham Town Centre Regeneration Masterplan.
A partnership between Oldham Council and Muse, the masterplan is set to deliver a new neighbourhood, complete with 2,000 new homes across a mix of tenures, as well as new shops, restaurants, workspaces, leisure and entertainment, and a new public park.
Stuart Rogers, Director of Project Management at Muse – North West, said: “Hugh joins us with a wealth of experience, having delivered mixed-use regeneration at scale. This will be crucial as we bring a thriving new town centre neighbourhood to Oldham and continue to grow in the North West.
“Over the last 12 months, our Salford-based team has seen exceptional growth and 2025 has already started strongly.”
Hugh Taylor said: “Muse is an exciting and dynamic placemaker with an industry-leading reputation. The Oldham Town Centre Regeneration Masterplan is a prime example of game changing regeneration in the North West and I’m looking forward to working with the team – and our public sector partners – to deliver.”
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Will and Luke
Strategic land company, Wain Estates, has made two in-house promotions following a strong year of growth.
Will Young has been promoted to senior project manager while Luke Hopkins is now a senior land manager.
Will has been with the Warrington-based independent company for more than three years, primarily working on the vast Carrington Estate in Greater Manchester.
Director of special projects, Jack Brister, said: “Will’s ability to drive forward complex negotiations and projects is a huge asset to the company. This promotion recognises both his skills and dedication.”
Will said: “Since joining Wain Estates, I’ve had the opportunity to work on various elements of the complex Carrington regeneration project, finding solutions to drive forward progress across the site has been highly rewarding. I am looking forward to building on this progress in my new role.”
Land director, Ryan James, said: “Luke is key part of our team and has made a real impact since joining us 18 months ago. His knowledge, passion and approach have helped us achieve great things and the results speak for themselves. We are proud to see him take the next step in his career and look forward to seeing all the great things he will accomplish in his new role.”
Luke said: “Since joining Wain Estates the team has added seven new sites to the development pipeline and I look forward to building on this progress in my new role, working alongside my colleagues and appointed agents to bring these sites to market in the near future.”
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Akbar and Isobel
Legal 500 law firm Butcher & Barlow, with 12 offices across the North West, has announced the addition of two talented Solicitors to the growing team at the Bury office.
Akbar Raza joins the Commercial Property department, while Isobel Earnshaw strengthens the Family Law team.
Isobel qualified as a Solicitor in August 2023 and specialises in Family Law with a particular focus on public law and care proceedings. Her previous experience working with local authorities equips her with valuable insight into complex care proceedings.
Isobel said: “Butcher & Barlow’s reputation for a supportive and friendly working environment was a major draw for me. Working alongside a large and experienced Family law team is incredibly motivating, and I look forward to tackling the challenges and variety that this area of law brings.”
Akbar, with one year post qualifying experience, was previously at Rowlinsons Solicitors in Runcorn and is a graduate of Liverpool John Moores University. He chose to join Butcher & Barlow to take advantage of the firm’s strong mentorship programme and career growth opportunities.
Working within the Commercial Property department, Akbar is eager to expand his expertise and contribute to the team. He said: “Joining Butcher & Barlow is an exciting step in my career. The firm’s commitment to professional development and its collaborative culture really stood out to me.”
Senior Partner, Jonathan Aldersley, welcomed the new additions, saying: “Akbar’s expertise in Commercial Property and Isobel’s passion for Family Law make them both fantastic assets to Butcher & Barlow. We look forward to supporting their professional growth.”