People: Lanpro; Alcedo Care; Sway PR; BDO; Savills; Network Rail; Enspec Power; Slater Heelis; Eleos Group; Moore Media; CG
Lanpro has appointed Zoe Connolly as Technical Director and Ecology Lead for the Northern Region. She will be based in Manchester.
Zoe will join Lanpro’s Design unit and will provide wide-ranging ecology services. She will be working on a range of solar, residential, infrastructure and commercial developments.
Her appointment comes at a time when Lanpro is expanding its Ecology division in response to client demand, having made three further appointments late last year.
Zoe brings more than 21 years of professional experience to her role. Previously she was Technical Director and Team Leader for the North West at Jacobs Engineering. Prior to this, she worked for Parsons Brinckerhoff, Halcrow, Scott Wilson, Natural England, the Peak District National Park Authority and United Utilities.
Hannah Broughton, Director of Ecology at Lanpro said: “As our Ecology team grows rapidly due to the increasing prominence of ecology in the planning process, Zoe’s specific skill set will substantially benefit our client work in this sector.”
Zoe said: “I saw this role as a fantastic opportunity to grow my existing skills within a newly formed and rapidly expanding Ecology team. I am excited to start growing the ecology business in the North, specifically York, Manchester and Edinburgh, which will build upon the dynamic team and great achievements we already have in the south.”
Lanpro is an independent consultancy of planners, designers and environmental specialists working on a wide variety of projects, from small residential developments to renewable energy infrastructure of national importance.
It comprises more than 80 people, with offices in London, Cambridge, Norwich, Manchester, York, Edinburgh and Bath.
::
Tyler Kelly
Tyler Kelly, from Whalley in Clitheroe, has been appointed registered area manager for the Preston and Blackburn branches operated by North West home care specialist, Alcedo Care Group. In his new role, Tyler will be looking after a team of 80 and circa 50 clients.
His key objectives include working on business development, enabling each team to support more clients in their community and with that, employ more carers locally, as well as increase compliance and facilitate training, ensuring the highest standards of care continue to be implemented.
Tyler has worked for Alcedo Care for two years, joining as a field care supervisor and quickly progressing to care assessor then deputy manager at the Preston branch. More recently he was the registered manager in Preston before securing his promotion.
He said: “I am so pleased to have been promoted to area manager for Preston and Blackburn. Whilst deputy manager and registered manager at Preston I learnt a lot and I now want to use my knowledge to develop my managerial skills, so overseeing two branches, working with both teams, is a great challenge and very exciting.”
Andy Boardman, managing director at Alcedo Care Group, said: “Since Tyler started at Alcedo Care he has worked hard in every role, progressing within the company which is something I really enjoy seeing. I wish Tyler well in his new role as registered area manager and am confident he will continue to exceed in all that he does.”
Alcedo Care Group is on track to meet its target of owning and operating 30 branches across the North of England and Wales by the end of 2025.
::
Chloe Groom
Manchester PR agency, Sway PR, has continued the expansion of its team with the appointment of Chloe Groom as Account Manager.
Chloe originally joined Sway in 2022, and after a year with the company, took time out in 2024 to travel in Australia and New Zealand.
Managing Director, Mark Hayward, said: “As an agency, one of our specialties is in the travel space, so for Chloe to take that time out and really practice what we preach is a great thing.
“We’re thrilled to welcome her back to the B2B team at Sway, bringing us up to five team members and continuing our expansion as a business.”
Previously specialising in sport and outdoor clients, Chloe re-joins the B2B team, alongside Head of Business, Guy Robb.
Chloe said: “It’s a really exciting time to rejoin Sway PR, as we take on new clients and continue to grow. I began my PR career in a tech-heavy, B2B role so it’s exciting to go back to my roots and get stuck into those clients who are pushing boundaries in the business world.”
Sway recently restructured to create two divisions – consumer and B2B. The agency has its main office in Manchester, with additional locations in Sheffield, Leeds, and Scotland.
::
Tom Klouda
Accountancy and business advisory firm, BDO, has strengthened its tax team in the North West with the appointment of Tom Klouda as tax partner.
Tom joins BDO from EY where he was a partner in the private tax team, advising entrepreneurs and businesses through their growth journey to a successful exit.
At BDO he will be responsible for supporting entrepreneurs, high net worth individuals and families, business owners and family offices. Tom specialises in the technology, media and telecommunications (TMT) sector and working with private equity backed businesses.
Angela Cross, regional managing partner at BDO in the North West, said: “As we continue to cement our position in the regional marketplace, it’s essential that we bring on board talented individuals like Tom – strategic hires that provide us with an excellent platform to grow our tax and deals advisory proposition in a sustainable way.”
Tom said: “I am looking forward to working alongside a strong cohort of mid-market businesses in the region, supporting them on their own growth journey as they strive to scale up and execute far-reaching strategic objectives.”
His appointment follows the arrival of audit partner, Paula Holland. She joined BDO earlier this month, relocating back to Manchester after a decade working at KPMG in Aberdeen.
::
Will Tait
International real estate advisor, Savills, has strengthened its national out of town retail agency capabilities with the appointment of Will Tait as Associate Director in Manchester.
Will, who was previously at Colliers, joins the retail team in Manchester as part of its growth strategy and brings more than 13 years’ experience in retail and leisure advisory in the real estate sector.
Andy Hall, joint head of Out of Town Retail at Savills, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Will to the team. His extensive experience and expertise will allow him to hit the ground running, significantly enhancing our capabilities as we continue to expand our retail services.”
Will Tait said: “Having known the team for many years, I look forward to working alongside them and contributing to their continued success.”
::
Julien Dehornoy
Network Rail has appointed Julien Dehornoy, CEO of Keolis Downer, the largest intermodal public transport provider in Australia, as its new North West and Central deputy regional managing director.
Reporting to the NW&C regional managing director, Julien will support the leadership duties of the region, which is the economic spine linking long distance business travellers, commuters and visitors to London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, and other tourist destinations.
Julien said: “Joining Network Rail is a fantastic opportunity in a career focused on making rail travel a seamless and the preferred travel option for all passengers.”
Rob McIntosh, regional managing director of North West and Central Region, said: “Julien brings with him a wealth of experience working in public transport across three continents in both the private and public sectors. Julien is joining us at an opportune time as we begin to integrate rail and track as part of much needed rail reform.”
::
Onyekachi Akpotohwo and Tim Rastall
Enspec Power has announced the launch of a new Engineering Department.
Senior Electrical Engineer, Onyekachi Akpotohwo (Kachi), is the first direct hire to have joined.
The new five-strong department is expected to grow to eight as the year progresses.
Enspec majority shareholder and Chief Technical Officer, Tim Rastall, says recruitment for a Head of Engineering and two graduate engineers is under way.
“This is a momentous step, not just for Kachi joining the team but for what it signifies – the launch of our brand new Engineering Department,” said Tim.
“This department is a game changer. It opens the door for us to take on more ambitious projects, expand our portfolio, and offer even greater value to our clients.”
Enspec, which boasts a team of 40 people across bases in St Helens, Manchester and Washington, recorded revenues of £5.4m last year, well up on 2023’s £3.7m.
Tim and his wife Mara Rastall, Enspec CEO, acquired 75% of the firm in a management buyout in February 2023.
Tim added: “Kachi brings an incredible blend of practical and theoretical expertise that will be crucial in shaping this department from the ground up. Once the new Head of Engineering comes in, along with two new graduate engineers, myself, Design Engineer Derek Hall, Kachi and two junior engineers will work very closely together to make sure we’ve got super high quality responsiveness and support from engineering across all operations.”
Kachi said: “It’s an honour to be the first hire in a brand new department. Enspec is a leader in the industry and I can’t wait to contribute to the future success of the business.”
::
Scott Sands and Carla Murray
Sale-based law firm, Slater Heelis, has made a double appointment with Scott Sands joining the firm as Partner and Head of Corporate alongside Carla Murray as Partner and Head of Commercial, further strengthening the firm’s leadership and expertise in corporate and commercial law.
The duo brings more than 27 years of experience between them and with each being highly regarded and renowned in the sector makes these appointments a huge coup for the firm.
Rachel Fletcher, Managing Partner, said: “Their expertise in corporate and commercial law is second to none and will be invaluable in supporting our clients and further strengthening our capabilities in key sectors.”
Slater Heelis is part of legal services business, Lawfront, and Axel Koelsch, Chief Operating Officer of Lawfront, said: “We continue to invest in top tier talent such as Scott and Carla, who both bring an impressive breadth of talent and experience.
“Scott’s corporate experience advising businesses, entrepreneurs and professionals across a range of sectors, and Carla’s commercial and technology law expertise, will be an asset to Slater Heelis and its ambitious growth targets.”
::
Dr Laura Gregg-Rowbury, left, and Seona Thackery
Workplace wellbeing consultancy, Eleos Group, has appointed two new senior hires, as the business makes bold plans to grow workplace mental health support services in the North West.
The group is a Cheshire-based mental health consultancy, and expert in mental health, trauma and emotional welfare and has appointed Dr Laura Gregg-Rowbury as Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Lead on its police and legal portfolio and Seona Thackery as Forensic Psychologist.
Laura has more than 20 years of experience working in the NHS and independent practice and specialises in providing direct interventions to adults with complex mental health difficulties, including trauma.
Seona is joining with extensive experience working in forensic and high secure prison settings. She also has experience providing consultancy, support and training to custodial staff, and working directly with prisoners who present with complex needs.
Dr Laura Gregg-Rowbury said: “I’m thrilled to have joined Eleos Group at a time where I can support in achieving its growth, especially in the policing field.”
Seona Thackery said: “I’m so pleased to join the team at Eleos Group and contribute towards the firm’s ambitious plans. The work Claire and her team perform offers a vital service to organisations and is really leading the way in advising on what mental health support should look like in the workplace.”
CEO, Dr Claire Bullen-Foster, said: “Laura and Seona bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to Eleos Group and strongly reflect our values, and I have no doubt that they will bring a huge amount of value to our clients and our team.”
::
L-R: Jayne Moore, Andrew Colwell, Leanne Howard
Integrated PR and marketing agency, Moore Media, has appointed a new managing director and head of marketing to spearhead its growth ambitions for 2025.
Andrew Colwell joins the Liverpool-based firm as managing director, bringing 25 years of senior leadership experience on both client and agency side, working across public and private sectors with FTSE 100 and PLC organisations including Innovate UK, the Co-Op, Warwickshire County Council and Royal Albert Hall.
He is also a serving board member of the Liverpool City Region Sustainable Property and Construction Group.
CEO, Jayne Moore, said: “The decision to appoint two industry trailblazers kicks off an exciting new phase for Moore Media. We’re already seeing the positive impact of these changes, and I’m confident that this momentum will only grow as we move through 2025.”
Andrew Colwell, managing director, said: “I’m truly impressed by the Moore Media team.”
Alongside Andrew is new head of marketing, Leanne Howard, comes with 22 years of marketing experience at some of the UK’s most well known high street brands including Matalan, The Very Group, Iceland and M&S.
She said: “Both Moore Media and I are embarking on an exciting new chapter – my experience has predominantly been client-side so I have a clear understanding of what a client needs from a top class agency.”
::
L-R:James Walsh, Michelle Connor, Naomi Cope
North West commercial law firm, CG, is strengthening its Commercial Litigation team, welcoming a wave of talented new lawyers as demand for its services continues to grow.
Under the leadership of Michelle Connor, Partner and Head of Commercial Litigation, the team is expanding across CG’s Manchester, Liverpool, and Lancashire offices.
Michelle Connor said: “We are thrilled to welcome Naomi, James, and Jade to the team. Their expertise and passion for client service will be invaluable as we continue to see a significant increase in demand for our services.”
The new members bring a wealth of experience and fresh talent. James Walsh, an eight-year qualified Senior Associate, joins from Weightmans with extensive expertise in handling complex commercial disputes.
Naomi Cope, a five-year qualified solicitor, joins from Clyde & Co, further strengthening the firm’s capabilities.
Meanwhile, Jade Ashcroft, who started at CG as a paralegal, has now successfully qualified as a solicitor.
Naomi Cope said: “I am excited to be joining CG at such a dynamic time for the litigation team.”
James Walsh said:” CG’s rapid growth and the quality of work they undertake made joining the team an exciting prospect.”
