People: UoMIF; Haydock Finance; Igloo Regeneration; Walker Sime; Marketing Cheshire; Luma Marketing; LCRMB
The University of Manchester Innovation Factory (UoMIF) has appointed Dr Catherine Headley as its new chief executive, effective immediately.
Catherine succeeds Andy Wilkinson, who played a pivotal role in transforming UoMIF into a dynamic force for commercialising cutting-edge technology and intellectual property (IP) originating from the university’s academics and researchers.
She steps into the role full time, having served as interim CEO over the past year, while also fulfilling her responsibilities as director of business engagement and knowledge exchange at The University of Manchester.
With a wealth of experience in working with businesses, technology transfer and innovation, she brings a deep commitment to advancing UoMIF’s mission of identifying and commercialising groundbreaking research to drive social, environmental and economic impact.
Catherine will be succeeded in her previous role as director of business engagement and knowledge exchange by Dr Louise Bates, who joins from her position as head of strategic partnerships at The University of Manchester.
Catherine said: “I am thrilled to take on this role at such an exciting time for the Innovation Factory. Manchester has a proud and established legacy of pioneering innovation that shapes the world and I am eager to build on that tradition.”
Prof Duncan Ivison, president and vice-chancellor of The University of Manchester, welcomed Catherine’s appointment, saying: “Her leadership, creativity, and commitment to bringing our research to life exemplify exactly what we’re about as a University. Her appointment will help us accelerate the journey from discovery to real-world impact, ensuring our ideas make a meaningful difference – not just here in Manchester, but nationally and globally.”
Prof Richard Jones, vice-president, regional innovation and civic engagement at The University of Manchester, said: “Catherine’s leadership comes at a pivotal moment for the Innovation Factory as we seek to amplify Manchester’s position as an innovation powerhouse for the region and the nation. Her appointment signals our commitment to transforming bold ideas into tangible solutions, fostering a vibrant ecosystem where research fuels regional growth and global breakthroughs.”
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Gordon MacGregor
Haydock Finance has announced the appointment of a chief credit officer to strengthen its credit leadership. In this role, Gordon MacGregor will spearhead Haydock’s credit function and drive strategic initiatives to optimise service excellence.
Gordon brings more than 25 years of banking and asset finance expertise, gained from roles at RBS/Lombard and Close Brothers. His experience includes developing high performing commercial teams plus building profitable, safe and sustainable portfolios. Most recently, Gordon held the position of risk director for Carrick Asset Finance, where he built a highly effective and well respected risk team from the ground up. He was also responsible for the design of the lending policy and credit framework within which it operated.
Ian Barr, chief risk officer, said: “His distinguished career and deep understanding of asset finance brings invaluable expertise to Haydock. Gordon will be responsible for building on the excellent work our credit team has driven to date and this appointment will strengthen our delivery of service excellence.”
Gordon said: “With strong foundations and a talented team, I am thrilled to be joining Haydock. I am also confident that my experience in team and portfolio management will help to support Haydock’s ambitious growth trajectory.”
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Dr Jess Steele
Manchester-based sustainable developer, igloo Regeneration, has appointed Dr Jess Steele as a new member of its Footprint Advisory Board (FAB), an independent governing body of esteemed experts.
With more than 25 years of experience in neighbourhood development and renowned for her independent community activism and entrepreneurship, Jess brings a new avenue of expertise to the board. Through her company, Jericho Road Solutions, Steele works to support grassroots and community-led projects across the country and has been recognised for her contributions to the social sector.
Jess said: “I’ve always admired igloo’s approach to placemaking, with actively shaping communities at the core of all its developments. I’m pleased to be sitting alongside some of the industry’s leaders and key players on the Footprint Advisory Board, and I look forward to contributing to the important work ahead.”
Lowri Bond, igloo Footprint lead at igloo, said: “We are thrilled to have someone of Jess Steele’s calibre join the igloo Footprint Advisory Board. Her extensive experience in community development, sustainability, and her lifelong commitment to community activism will bring invaluable insight and expertise to our projects.
“We would also like to thank Anne Power for her invaluable contribution to the FAB. As our longest serving member her dedication and expertise have been instrumental in shaping our work, and as she steps down, we acknowledge the lasting impact she has made across all our projects.”
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Jon Neville
Walker Sime has appointed Jon Neville as its new managing director.
Jon takes on the role following 18 months as director of infrastructure, where he has already made a significant impact.
Liverpool-based Walker Sime provides project management, project controls, and cost and commercial management services across the UK’s infrastructure and real estate sectors. The company has helped deliver transformative projects like Liverpool Waters, the Wythenshawe Civic Regeneration Master Plan as well as mega programmes at the forefront of the net zero transition, such as the Great Grid Upgrade.
Now part of the HanmiGlobal family, Walker Sime has expanded its reach with international, European, and US capabilities.
Jon said: “I’m incredibly proud to take on the role of managing director. From the moment I joined, I recognised this was a business built on strong values, a fantastic culture, and a deep commitment to its people. My priority is to build on that success while ensuring we continue to grow in a way that stays true to our values.“
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Jamie Christon
Jamie Christon has been named the new chair of Marketing Cheshire’s Advisory Board with a pledge to continue the improvement and growth of tourism across Cheshire and Warrington.
Currently CEO of Chester Zoo, the UK’s most visited paid attraction outside London, Jamie has been a board member and director since 2021. He brings more than two decades of tourism experience and leadership to the role, as well as significant national profile, including through his current role chairing the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Stepping into the role in April, Jamie will succeed Cheshire entrepreneur Trevor Brocklebank, chair of the Marketing Cheshire Board since 2020.
Jamie said: “I will bring my experience and passion for the place, and work with partners to promote Cheshire and Warrington as one of the best destinations in the UK.
“And I’d also like to pay tribute to the leadership our outgoing chair Trevor provided during a hugely turbulent time for the visitor economy and wish him every success for the future.”
Trevor Brocklebank said: “Congratulations to Jamie on his appointment. He has been a hugely influential board member and key player in Cheshire tourism for many years and an excellent appointment as chair.”
Marketing Cheshire worked with recruitment specialists, Sherrington Associates, to appoint the new chair, and several new members for the board. Interviews for the board members are ongoing, and the new appointments will be announced in April.
Cllr Jean Flaherty, deputy leader of Warrington Borough Council and a Marketing Cheshire Board member, said: “The Cheshire and Warrington visitor economy is worth £3.9bn a year and supports 38,000 jobs. We are blessed with world class attractions, beautiful landscapes and stunning destinations – but there is more we can do to improve our offer and promote all that we have even further and wider.
“To have a chair of the calibre of Jamie, alongside a number of new board members from our visitor economy businesses, puts Marketing Cheshire in an incredibly strong position for the future.”
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Luma Marketing team
Manchester-based Luma Marketing has secured two new clients and recruited an additional team member, achieving its largest ever headcount of seven.
BCorp firm AEW Architects and global consultancy Hatch have signed with the integrated marketing agency.
Luma was established in 2016 and recently welcomed visual comms lead, Megan Blunn, to the fold.
With more than 16 years of graphic design experience, Megan’s creative focus will complement the team of accomplished marketers, communicators and copywriters.
Lucy Lomas, founder and director at Luma Marketing, said: “The last 12 months have been a real game-changer for the agency and our headcount has grown in line with our client base.”
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LCRMB board members
The Liverpool City Region Music Board (LCRMB) has announced nine new board members who will help drive forward the city region’s music strategy, sustain the industry’s development, and champion local talent.
Taking over from Michael Eakin, who has made an outstanding contribution as chair of the board, is Jon Collins, CEO of LIVE (Live music Industry, Venues and Entertainment), the organisation representing all elements of the UK’s live music sector.
Jon Collins, said: “The Liverpool City Region Music Board is one of the most successful of its kind in the UK. Under Michael’s leadership and with the mayor’s support, it has demonstrated how to unite a diverse group, set clear objectives, and deliver meaningful change.
“I’m honoured to join the board at such a pivotal time for music. Across the region, artists, venues, and the wider sector face significant challenges, as they do nationwide. However, with the board’s commitment – particularly in collaboration with MusicFutures – we have a unique opportunity to harness our rich musical heritage, strengthen our industry, and build a diverse, vibrant, and sustainable music ecosystem for the future.”
The new fellow board Members are: Adrian Bell, Artist Manager and Show Producer, Director Blu Fire; Chris Taylor, Record Producer, Sound Engineer & Director, Kempston Street Studios; Jade Burns, BBC Presenter and Producer; Joey Ankrah, Musician, Producer, Composer, The Christians; Dr Jonathan Savage, Managing Director, UCan Play; Regional Programme Director, Restore the Music UK; Mel Burton, Strategic Lead Sound! Music Hub (Observer role); Melissa Kains, DJ, Agency Director & Artist Manager, SiSu Collective; Rheana Forrester, Musician & Founder/Director, The Narrative; Zi Lan Liao, Musician & CEO Pagoda Arts Liverpool.
