People: Salford City Council; CPP; Syrenis; Asserson; Plus Dane; Factory International; Velocity Composites; Brabners; JMG
Salford City Council has confirmed that Becky Bibby has been appointed as the new interim Executive Director for Children’s Services. She began her new role from Monday, February 3.
She will take up the position following a recent internal recruitment process, with the position being vacated by Melissa Caslake, who has now been appointed as Interim Chief Executive, following the departure of Tom Stannard. Both positions are significant statutory roles, with the appointments bringing continuity to the organisation and ensuring that the council fulfils its statutory responsibilities.
Becky joined Salford City Council in 2009, initially as Education and Childcare Strategy Manager for Children’s Services Early Years. Since then, she has also been Head of Service for Starting Life Well and Helping Families, before her current role as Director for Early Help and School Readiness.
Prior to joining the council, she started her career initially as a nursery nurse, before taking up a role in Children’s Services at Tameside Council.
Paul Dennett, Salford City Mayor, welcomed Becky, saying: “Since joining Salford City Council, she has worked tirelessly to champion the needs of children and young people, with a focus on support for early intervention and prevention for children, young people, and families.”
Melissa Caslake said: “Becky has a great affinity with the council, the city and its children and young people. With over 15 years of experience and service to our city, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the position and an understanding of the continued work required to deliver quality services to our children and young people as well as the challenges the service faces.”
Becky Bibby said “This is a huge honour to be taking up this position and working to support and champion the needs of Salford’s children and young people.
“I am committed to building on the great work we have already developed across the service, and I look forward to working alongside Melissa Caslake, elected members and with colleagues to ensure we support our city’s youngest and most vulnerable residents.”
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Nathan Khanverdi
Following the strategic acquisition of Moriarty & Co, CPP is continuing its UK expansion with the appointment of Industrial and Logistics Director, Nathan Khanverdi, to spearhead its North West operations and the opening of a new Manchester office, which will serve as a pivotal base for growth in the region.
Nathan brings a proven track record from his time at Colliers, where he began his career over seven years ago and was appointed Director in 2024. His rapid rise reflects the significant value he has delivered through high profile deals.
Toby Vernon, Director and Co-Founder of CPP, said: “With our recent acquisition of Moriarty & Co, launching the business into the North West and strengthening our Industrial and Logistics platform across Yorkshire and the Midlands, Nathan’s appointment marks the next step in our expansion plans.
“A high profile operator in the North West, Nathan’s expertise and energy will be key to building the business in this region and strengthening CPP’s operations nationally.”
Nathan said: “Joining CPP at such a pivotal moment is an incredible opportunity to make a real impact. With CPP’s ambitious vision and respected reputation.”
CPP is a cross-sector real estate advisory business specialising in leasing, development, capital markets, and property/asset management. Founded in September 2013, CPP operates from offices in Leeds, Sheffield, Nottingham, and London, with the newly opened Manchester office marking its fifth location.
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Adam Binks
Northern tech leader, Adam Binks, has been appointed CEO at Syrenis, the consent and preference management specialist behind the market leading SaaS platform, Cassie.
Binks steps into the role after a transformational five-year stint as CEO at technology services company SysGroup, where he became the youngest chief executive on the London Stock Exchange’s AIM market.
Under his leadership, SysGroup completed multiple strategic acquisitions, delivered year on year EBITDA growth and trebled in size.
Syrenis, headquartered at Sci-Tech Daresbury, empowers some of the most recognised and innovative global brands, which include FTSE 100 and Fortune 500 names, with its cutting-edge consent and preference management solution.
Binks replaces Glenn Jackson, who is stepping down after six years in the role. Glenn has played a pivotal role in establishing Syrenis as a trusted leader in consent and preference management. He now steps into a well-deserved retirement.
Adam Binks said: “I am joining Syrenis at an extremely exciting time and I see immense opportunity ahead for the business. We have a unique combination of bright minds, state-of-the-art technology and an impressive roster of recognised global clients.
“The consent and preference management market is growing at significant pace in a world that is driven by data and we are ideally placed to help global enterprises go beyond basic compliance to transform their businesses using the data they collect.”
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Michael Clavell-Bate
International law firm, Asserson, has appointed highly-regarded senior legal figure, Michael Clavell-Bate, as a partner to head its Manchester office.
He was a partner at Eversheds Sutherland for 25 years and held several key leadership roles, including 15 years as senior partner in Manchester and serving as a global board member.
He spent more than 34 years at Eversheds in total before retiring from the practice
two years ago, after which he took up a number of consulting roles with companies
in the North West.
Asserson is relocating its Manchester office to Arkwright House in the city centre to
accommodate its growing team. Michael said: “Joining Asserson is a proud moment for me – it’s a forward thinking firm with an exceptional team of talented lawyers who have a strong reputation for delivering high quality work to an impressive client base.
“There are great opportunities ahead in Manchester, London and beyond to expand
the practice and I’m extremely excited to play my part to help develop Asserson’s
footprint.”
Howard Rubenstein, managing partner of Asserson, said: “This is an exciting milestone for the firm. Our invitation to Michael to join Asserson is a clear statement of intent and underlines our commitment to continue growing the firm, with a particular emphasis on expanding our UK presence.”
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Jas Samra
Liverpool’s Plus Dane Housing has appointed Jas Samra as its new director of people.
With more than 20 years of HR experience in the public sector, Jas has a proven track record of strategic leadership and successful change management and took up the new role in January.
He comes to Plus Dane from the Crown Commercial Service, and has previously held roles in the Environment Agency.
Claire Dixon, deputy chief executive of Plus Dane, said: “Our culture and values underpin everything we do at Plus Dane, so finding the right person to lead our people team and continue to shape its strategies moving forward was of vital importance.”
Jas Samra said: “I am excited for the challenges of taking up my new role. Plus Dane’s workplace culture impressed me from the very beginning and I look forward to joining the team and getting started.”
Jas takes over from interim director of people, Dom Mellonie.
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Scott McVittie
Factory International, the team behind Manchester’s Aviva Studios and the Manchester International Festival, has named Scott McVittie as its new Executive Commercial Director to drive its commercial strategy and cement Aviva Studios as a global cultural powerhouse.
Named one of TIME magazine’s 100 best places to visit, Aviva Studios has fast become a cornerstone of Manchester’s cultural scene, welcoming 700,000 visitors since its opening last October.
McVittie brings more than 15 years of commercial strategy experience from cultural giants like Toronto’s Luminato Festival and OVO Arena Wembley. He joins Factory International’s leadership team alongside Artistic Director and Chief Executive, John McGrath, Creative Director, Low Kee Hong, Executive Director, Sheena Wrigley and Chief Financial Officer, Karen Bass.
McVittie’s remit includes further establishing Aviva Studios as a leading destination, for commercial events, brand partnerships, philanthropic giving, hospitality experiences, and live music.
John McGrath said: “Scott’s approach to growth and his ability to create impactful initiatives is perfectly aligned with Factory International’s ambitions to drive social change through arts and culture. His experience and vision will elevate our presence and excite brands about what we can achieve together.”
Scott McVittie said: “Aviva Studios is a place that is changing the artistic fabric of the UK, and I’m excited to help shape its future as a leading arts and entertainment hub for Greater Manchester and beyond.
“The team are incredibly talented, and I’m looking forward to working with them to drive an impactful commercial strategy that will strengthen the organisation’s appeal and highlight the vast potential of Aviva Studios.”
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Oliver Smalley
AIM listed engineering business Velocity Composites has appointed Oliver Smalley to the role of Chief Operations Officer.
In this non-Board role, Oliver will be focused on driving business process improvements, digital transformation, new product introduction and optimising operational efficiency as Velocity builds on the high levels of growth reported in the Company’s results announced on 29 January 2025 and looks to capture new opportunities in the US and Europe.
With more than 20 years of experience in manufacturing, engineering and operational leadership spanning both composites and metallics, Oliver’s career has included senior positions with Buoyancy Aerospace, BAE Systems and Brookhouse Aerospace.
In his previous roles he has also helped to develop greenfield factories across the UK and Europe and was responsible for the operational structure of the sites, overseeing manufacturing, engineering, quality control, health and safety, procurement and commercial functions.
In addition to his aerospace expertise, Oliver has led multiple manufacturing businesses, overseeing and driving business process improvements, digital transformation, engineering excellence, new product introduction (NPI), and standardising business practices to optimise operational efficiency and enhance EBITDA.
His previous responsibilities have included equipment installation, new product introduction, process development, staff recruitment, and team building ensuring the creation of high-performing teams.
Jon Bridges, CEO of Velocity Composites, said: “Oliver adds a wealth of operational experience across aerospace and related sectors, and he is a welcome addition to our senior team as we grow our international capability. On behalf of the whole team at Velocity we wish Oliver well in his new role and thank Kevin Hickey for all his support since he temporarily rejoined the Company in August 2023 as he returns to his retirement after a hand over to Oliver.”
Oliver Smalley said: “Velocity Composites is fast becoming known as a trusted leader in the supply of composite kits globally, and it’s exciting to be part of that. As a process-driven and data-centric leader, I’m committed to enabling teams to thrive in their roles and empowering individuals whilst maintaining a clear focus on the organisation’s goals. I believe in collaboration and continuous improvement, ensuring both individual and organisational success as we deliver our commitments to all stakeholders.”
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From left: Steven Garry, Nik White, Craig Arrowsmith
North West independent law firm, Brabners, has added two new partners to its litigation practice as part of plans to further grow its portfolio of mid-to-large corporate organisations and high-profile private clients.
Steven Garry and Craig Arrowsmith join the firm’s 50-strong litigation team from Fieldfisher, bolstering Brabners’ commercial litigation and insolvency offer.
A commercial litigation specialist qualified in multiple jursidictions, Steven joins as a partner having also spent time at Pinsent Masons, Knights and Addleshaw Goddard. With significant experience in high value, complex commercial disputes in the UK and internationally, he has acted for a range of blue chip and international clients.
Craig, who joins the firm as partner after more than 10 years at Fieldfisher, will support Brabners’ insolvency and restructuring team. Having managed a broad range of corporate and personal insolvency cases, he also holds long standing client relationships with alternative and digital lenders as well as insolvency practitioners.
Both partners will be primarily based in the firm’s Manchester office at Barbirolli Square, working as part of a cross-office team.
Paul Lunt, head of litigation at Brabners, said: “Our litigation practice has gone from strength to strength in recent years, supporting successful outcomes in cases of national significance. Steven and Craig bring complementary drive and expertise to the team, strengthening our strategic client support not only in mainstream commercial litigation but recoveries, restructuring and contentious insolvencies.”
Nik White, managing partner at Brabners, said: “Much of our success in recent years has been based on our purpose-led approach, and our commitment to being our sector’s employer of choice. Doing so has enabled us to attract ambitious and talented lawyers like Steven and Craig, who will play a key role in delivering the commercial success that enables us to bring about positive change. I look forward to seeing the positive impact they bring to both our thriving litigation team and the broader partnership.”
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Rachael Hacking and Chris Newton
Blackburn-based JM Glendinning Insurance Brokers Lancashire, part of the JMG Group, has expanded its team with two new recruits, Chris Newton and Rachael Hacking, as it continues to grow its presence in the North West.
Chris Newton joins the team as an account executive with more than six years of experience in insurance and a decade in commercial banking at RBS. Chris brings valuable expertise, insights into underwriting and claims processes and a client-focused approach to the role.
He said: “I’m excited about the opportunities my role offers. There’s a clear direction, track record of success, and it’s evident that the Lancashire office is ambitious, which appeals to me.”
Rachael Hacking, who joins as a senior account handler, brings 16 years of experience in insurance to the role. Specialising in motor trade insurance and commercial insurance, Rachael has developed strong relationships with insurers and a deep understanding of diverse client needs.
Rachael worked closely with managing director, Matthew Stuttard, for more than seven years in a previous role and said: “Having worked with Matt previously, I knew that it would be an enjoyable and positive working environment with a strong focus on working together as a team and bringing out the best in each other.”
These appointments come on the heels of JM Glendinning Lancashire’s acquisition of Tim Hinchcliffe Commercial Brokers. The Blackburn office now boasts a team of eight, with plans to recruit further in the coming months to meet growing demand.
Managing director, Matthew Stuttard, said: “Starting this business five years ago, we’ve grown from a standing start to a thriving office managing £5m in premiums. Adding Chris and Rachael to the team strengthens our ability to continue to deliver the high standards of service our clients expect.”
