People: Women in Property; Rosebud; Build-to-Rent Taskforce; McBains; Hello Earth; Butcher & Barlow; Vincents Solicitors
Women in Property (WiP) has announced its new North West Chair for 2025-26. Stephanie Cox, director of Manchester-based E3P, took on the role from March 1, for one year.
Stephanie has a degree in Environmental Science from the University of Manchester. She has been a member of the Women in Property North West Committee for four years and has worked in the built environment for 16 years.
She said: “It’s a privilege to take on this role and be part of such an inspiring network of professionals. Over the past four years, Women in Property has provided me with invaluable connections, support, and opportunities for growth, and I’m excited to give back by leading the North West branch in the year ahead.
“I’m particularly passionate about raising awareness of how workplaces can better support those with allergies and neurodivergence. These are topics that are often overlooked but can make a real difference in creating environments where people feel safe, valued, and able to perform at their best. I’m looking forward to working with our members, partners, and industry leaders to drive meaningful change over the next year.”
Women in Property is also welcoming its new branch vice chair, Louise Emmott, founder and managing director of Kingsdene, who will be supporting Stephanie in the coming year, before taking on the branch chair role in March 2026.
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Iain Duncan
Lancashire business loan provider, Rosebud, which is part of Lancashire County Council’s Business Growth Service, has appointed experienced banking consultant and NED, Iain Duncan, as account manager.
With a wealth of expertise in corporate banking and SME support, Iain brings a strong track record of helping businesses unlock growth opportunities.
Previously an advisor for the County Council’s Access to Finance and Boost services, Iain has developed an in-depth understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing businesses in the North West throughout his career. He has driven impactful support for SMEs through funding strategies and financial advice.
In his new role, Iain will work closely with Rosebud’s fund manager, Martin Emmott, to support Rosebud’s client portfolio, ensuring they have the resources required to grow sustainably against a challenging business backdrop.
Iain said: “Entrepreneurs and SMEs form the backbone of our economy, and I look forward to collaborating with our successful portfolio to ensure they receive the tailored support and funding they need to achieve their growth ambitions.”
Aidy Riggott, cabinet member for economic development and growth at Lancashire County Council, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Iain to the Rosebud team. His impressive background in corporate banking and passion for supporting local SMEs will be invaluable in helping us provide the tailored growth support and funding solutions that businesses in Lancashire need to thrive.”
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Alan Hughes
Alan Hughes, planning director based in Lichfields’ Manchester office, has been appointed to the Build-to-Rent Taskforce.
The taskforce is a new initiative aimed at supporting the growth of the build-to-rent (BtR) sector in the UK. Created by the British Property Federation (BPF) and the Association for Rental Living (ARL), the taskforce will play an important role in helping to meet the Government’s housing targets by championing the sector and developing public-private partnerships.
Chaired by Clive Betts MP, the taskforce brings together 24 experts, including developers, operators, advisers and investors with a focus on accelerating the delivery of BtR developments in urban and suburban contexts ultimately to improve the availability and affordability of rental homes.
Hughes is the only planning representative from the North of England on the taskforce, providing a valuable regional perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the BtR sector outside London.
He said: “The Build-to-Rent sector has a significant role to play in addressing the UK’s housing needs, particularly in the north of England. It has the potential to unlock viability-challenged brownfield sites, as well as diversify and speed up delivery of suburban sites. I welcome input from those active in the BtR market so that a northern perspective can be reflected in the taskforce’s work.”
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Nick Gregory
Property and construction consultancy, McBains, has appointed Nick Gregory to head up its North West project management operations.
Nick joins McBains as a director and will be based in the firm’s Manchester office on St James Square in the city’s central business and financial district.
Nick has more than 30 years of experience in the built environment sector. He joins McBains from Cluttons, having previously held positions at Fulkers Bailey Russell, Lovell, Capita and Mace.
McBains director, Adrian Southgate, said: “This is an exciting time of growth and opportunity for our Manchester office and we look forward to Nick leading the team into their next chapter.”
Nick Gregory said: “I’m thrilled to have joined McBains and can’t wait to put my skillset and experience into action working with the McBains Manchester team and clients old and new.”
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Rachel Bloom
Hello Earth, the Liverpool-based creative performance digital agency that specialises in serving DTC disrupter brands, has added to its senior leadership after naming Rachel Bloom as its new performance strategy director. Hello Earth has also appointed two new account managers.
Rachel has joined from Liberty Market and Foundation Agency where she was head of strategy. Her clients included Not on the High Street, Benefit Cosmetics, Crew Clothing, and Happy Beds. In 2023, she completed the Mark Ritson Mini MBA in Marketing.
Rachel said: “After 13 enjoyable years at my previous agency I knew my next move had to feel right – especially as I wanted to specialise in e-commerce. I am now excited to be working with our amazing team, helping our clients speak to their audiences and achieve their goals.”
Joining Rachel are two new account managers, Niamh Ryan and Paige Shiel. Niamh graduated in 2020 with a 2:1 in Business Management from the University of Chester. She started her career as a freelance social media and marketing manager. She has also worked at Jupiter Advertising and Creed Communications. Her previous clients include Lidl, the House of Commons, and Evri.
Paige holds a BSc in Marketing Communications and Advertising from Kingston University and is a Meta Certified Media Buying Professional. She has worked in the marketing sector for seven years with roles at APMG International and SportsCover Direct. Her focus at Hello Earth will be on paid social.
Niamh said: “Joining Hello Earth was a no-brainer for me. Coming from an employee-owned business, I wanted to continue working somewhere that values its people.”
Stephanie Fisher, founder and CEO of Hello Earth, said: “2025 is set to be another big year for the business so welcoming three such talented people to the team is great news. Rachel’s experience and her dedication to combining creative and strategic thinking is already adding value and I know she, along with Niamh and Paige, will become an integral part of the Hello Earth family.”
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Matilda Jones and Emily Cliffe
Legal 500 law firm, Butcher & Barlow, with 12 offices across the North West, has announced the qualification of its latest solicitors, Emily Cliffe and Matilda Jones, following the successful completion of their training.
Emily Cliffe, who is now working in the private client team at the firm’s Gadbrook Park office, has spent her training period gaining experience in various legal areas, including residential conveyancing and private client work.
Having completed her Law degree in 2018, Emily went on to obtain her Legal Practice Course and Masters in Law at BPP University in 2021, balancing her studies with work commitments. Emily said: “I am thrilled to have qualified as a solicitor and to be continuing my career with Butcher & Barlow.”
Matilda Jones, who has also qualified as a solicitor, is now working within the firm’s commercial property team at Gadbrook Park.
She joined in September 2022, after graduating from the University of Manchester with First Class Honours in Law. She then went on to complete the Legal Practice Course at Manchester Metropolitan University, achieving a Distinction.
During her studies, Matilda gained significant experience through volunteering with the Legal Advice Centre and Support Through Court, helping individuals navigate legal challenges. She said: “Qualifying as a solicitor is a proud moment, and I am excited to continue my journey with Butcher & Barlow.”
Senior partner, Jonathan Aldersley, said: “We are extremely proud of Emily and Matilda for reaching this significant milestone in their careers. Their hard work, dedication, and commitment to client service reflects the values we uphold at Butcher & Barlow. We have no doubt that they will continue to thrive in their respective departments, and we look forward to seeing their careers develop within the firm.”
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L-R: Lisa Lodge, Sally Shaw, Justine Church, Holly Richmond, Jemma Lloyd
Lancashire law firm, Vincents Solicitors, has welcomed a new private client team to its Penwortham branch in Liverpool Road.
New hires, Justine Church and Holly Richmond, are joined by Sally Smith, who has transferred from the conveyancing team to assist. The trio will work closely with Penwortham branch head, Jemma Lloyd, and director, Lisa Lodge, head of the private client department.
The team will look after the wills, probate, trust, estate planning, and lasting power of attorney requirements for clients across Penwortham and south Preston.
Experienced solicitor, Justine Church, has specialised in private client law for the last eight years and joined Vincents from Clarkson Hirst in Lancaster. She recently achieved her Advanced Will Preparation certification and is working on the final module to become an accredited Trusts and Estates Practitioner (TEP) and fully qualified member of STEP.
She said: “I live locally and it’s great to be back in Penwortham and helping people in my own community.”
Holly Richmond has recently qualified as a solicitor after completing her training contract with Solicitors Direct in Leyland. She has moved to Vincents to specialise as a private client solicitor, having previously worked in general practice, family law and litigation as a trainee solicitor and legal advisor over the last three years.
She said: “Helping people when they have just lost someone they love and you can take away some of their burden, that’s what I want to be doing.”
Sally Smith has worked for Vincents in the conveyancing team for five years. She has transferred to support Justine and Holly. She said: “I’m looking forward to the challenge of working in a different area of the law as part of the private client department, while being able to stay in the Penwortham office with this brilliant team.”
Branch head, Jemma Lloyd, said: “Local families have long entrusted their wills and probate matters to us, and I’m thrilled to welcome this fantastic new team to continue that strong tradition.
“Justine is diligent, patient, and hugely experienced and Holly is extremely passionate and hard working. Together, and with the support of Sally, our clients are in extremely safe hands.”
