People: CSA; Downing; IPOS; Freeths; Economic and Social Research Council; Grant Thornton; Azets; robinson+co
The Cheshire Society of Architects (CSA) has a new president for 2025/7 from April, taking over from Lucy Crowther, Chartered Project Architect and RIBA Conservation Registrant (CR) at Kepczyk Pearce Sanderson.
The new chair is Millie Thompson, architect at Chambers Conservation in Tattenhall.
Millie qualified as an architect in 2024, and is currently working on a diverse range of projects including the Grade I-listed Gwrych Castle in Abergele, the Art and Sculpture Museum in Bury and the Owain Glyndwr Hotel in Corwen.
Millie’s particular talent is illustration, and she will regularly produce sketch visuals for projects when required to explain concepts or help visualise ideas.
She said: “I’m very honoured and excited to continue Lucy’s amazing work within the society. I hope to create a fun and inclusive environment that supports architecture professionals throughout Cheshire, with a particular focus on encouraging younger people to see architecture as a viable career path.”
The CSA recently celebrated 60 years since its foundation in 1964 by hosting an anniversary dinner at Chester Zoo last September with more than 100 attendees.
Lucy Crowther said: “Thank you to everyone who has supported the CSA during my time as president. Over the past two years, we have re-established the society, got it back up and running, grown membership engagement and held 16 successful events.”
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Bay Downing
Liverpool-based property investor and developer, Downing, has announced that Bay Downing will step into the role of joint-CEO alongside Sally O’Brien, marking a bold new chapter for the company’s future growth and innovation.
As joint-CEO, Bay will define and execute Downing’s long term vision, focusing on scaling operations, harnessing technology, and unlocking new investment opportunities.
His leadership will drive the company’s efforts in expanding its £1.6bn development pipeline and accelerating its strategy in key UK cities, including Manchester, Bristol, Leeds, Glasgow, Newcastle and London.
Bay Downing, son of chairman and founder, George Downing, has been an integral part of the privately-owned family business since 2018.
He said: “The opportunity to step into the role of joint-CEO and lead Downing into its next phase of growth is truly exciting. Having grown up in the business, I’ve seen first-hand the passion and commitment that have made Downing a leader in the sector.
Sally O’Brien
“My focus will be on driving long-term innovation and sustainable profitability, ensuring our business continues to evolve and set new industry standards.”
Bay will also manage the synergy between Downing and its new subsidiary, Aboria Capital, which he launched last year alongside Jessica Hardman, former head of European portfolio management and UK CEO of global investment manager, DWS.
Sally O’Brien said: “Bay has been an integral part of Downing’s journey, and his new role as joint-CEO is a natural progression. His deep understanding of the business, coupled with his forward looking approach, will be key as we navigate our next phase of growth.
“I’m excited to collaborate with him as we continue to seize emerging opportunities in the property sector.”
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Esther Day
Stockport-based creative agency, IPOS, which works with some of the world’s leading retail, fashion, cosmetic and homeware brands, has expanded its team with a newly created role as it celebrates its milestone 20th year in business.
Esther Day has been appointed creative thinker and will work with the agency’s senior leaders and creative team to direct and shape campaigns for retail clients across digital and physical touchpoints.
With 12 years’ experience designing for events, experiential and activations for retail brands including Next, Primark and Matalan, as well as an iconic luxury fashion house, Esther has worked in agencies across Yorkshire and the North West.
Esther said: “It is an incredibly exciting time to be joining IPOS as the agency marks its 20th year and continues to evolve its offering for retailers.”
Samm Lloyd, founder of IPOS, said: “I’m excited to welcome Esther to the team in this landmark year for the agency. Connected thinking is more important than ever, and this new role will help to ensure brands are considering every touchpoint with their customers from the very beginning, ensuring their campaigns have maximum impact.”
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Joey Byrne
Freeths has announced a new national head of restructuring and insolvency following the retirement of long serving partner, Joey Byrne, in April.
Joey qualified as a lawyer in 1996 and joined the top 50 firm a decade later. He launched Freeths’ Manchester in 2006 alongside managing partner of the north, John May, growing it from a standing start to an 80-strong multi-disciplinary team in 2025.
Having also led Freeths’ national restructuring and insolvency team for almost 20 years, Joey’s leadership has ensured the service line’s robust development into the market-leading UK practice it is today.
Freeths’ partner, Kevin Pinkerton, will now take the mantle of national head of restructuring and insolvency, continuing to build on the significant success of the team.
Joey said: “I have worked with highly skilled and dedicated people who have played a pivotal part in helping to build the insolvency practice here at Freeths to what it is today. I am extremely grateful for their support, and I am confident the team will continue that progression further under Kevin’s leadership.”
Kevin Pinkerton said: “I am very much looking forward to taking on this role at what is an exciting time for the firm amongst a backdrop of year-on-year strategic growth. We have ambitious expansion plans for the restructuring and insolvency practice, and I will be collaborating closely with colleagues across our 13 offices to further develop the offering nationally for our valued clients.”
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Prof Cecilia Wong
The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) – the UK’s largest funder of economic, social, behavioural and human data science – has appointed The University of Manchester’s Prof Cecilia Wong as a member of its council.
Prof Wong brings a wealth of expertise and an exceptional track record to her new role. Her extensive research encompasses strategic spatial planning, policy monitoring and analysis, urban and regional development and housing and infrastructure planning.
A distinguished academic, Prof Wong is a Professor of Spatial Planning and serves as co-director of Policy@Manchester. She also directs the spatial policy and analysis lab in the Manchester Urban Institute.
Her advisory roles extend internationally, having advised the European Commission on the Urban Audit II and UN-Habitat on the City Prosperity Index.
Currently, Prof Wong is engaged in a five-year UK Prevention Research Partnership-funded project addressing the root causes of health inequalities in urban planning decision making. She also led a joint ESRC and China Natural Science Foundation project on eco urbanisation, promoting sustainable development in metropolitan regions of China.
She said: “I am incredibly honoured to be named as a member of the ESRC Council. I look forward to working with my fellow members to highlight social science research which is contributing to economic growth, advancing knowledge and improving the quality of life in the UK and beyond.”
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Michelle Lloyd
Business and financial adviser, Grant Thornton, has launched a new team to deliver its national entrepreneurial and small and medium enterprises (SME) services offering.
Michelle Lloyd and Gill Hobbs will be responsible for heading up the entrepreneurial and SME services team across the North West, Yorkshire and the North East.
They will work closely with tax directors Laura Wycherley, Doug Tailby, Chris Bagnall and Matthew Wilson to bring an holistic and joined up service to SME and fast growth businesses in the north.
The national team will be jointly led by partners Tim Taylor and Gareth Hitchmough. They will work alongside Lynne Bicket, Mike Delf and Rob Thomson, supported by a large team throughout the UK.
Michelle Lloyd, who is based in the North West, brings more than two decades of experience with Grant Thornton to her role. Throughout her career, Michelle has specialised in working with entrepreneurial and fast growth businesses, complemented by her expertise in the not-for-profit sector.
Gill Hobbs, who is based in Yorkshire, brings more than 15 years of diverse experience at Grant Thornton to the team, having worked across multiple sectors with particular expertise in service industries and precision engineering.
Michelle Lloyd said: “Throughout my 20 years with Grant Thornton, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most dynamic and innovative businesses in our region. What truly excites me about this new offering is the opportunity to deepen these relationships, providing tailored, year-round support that goes far beyond traditional audit services.”
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David Houghton
Accountancy firm Azets has made a strategic promotion as it seeks to expand its forensic accounting and valuation services to meet business demand.
David Houghton has been named national head of forensic and valuations. He is a commercially-focused expert based in Manchester, with more than 25 years’ experience in the specialist area of forensic accountancy.
David, who joined Azets as a partner in January 2024, is a Chartered Accountant with expertise in the valuation of private company shareholdings, litigation support and forensic accounting.
He has been regularly appointed by the courts as single joint expert, as well as appearing as an expert witness for both appellants and respondents under cross-examination in the Technology and Construction Court, High Court, Tier 1 Tax Tribunal and Family Court.
Azets UK chief executive, Peter Gallanagh, said: “The Azets UK forensics and valuations team provides market-leading tailored advice and reports to lawyers, private equity and corporates across the country. It is very much a growth area for Azets, and we were pleased to appoint David, a knowledgeable and skilled seasoned operator, to head this crucial division of our business consultancy offering. His long experience in the field will serve us well.”
David said: “I am honoured to have been asked to lead the team and have been tasked with further developing our service while driving new business for the firm.
“These are exciting times for forensic accounting as companies, organisations, and investors seek to make every penny count.”
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Peter Ellwood, left, Shannon Tubman
Cumbrian accountancy firm, robinson+co, has announced the appointment of a new accountancy partner.
Shannon Tubman took up the role last week, marking a significant milestone in his career and a proud moment for the firm, which has offices in Workington, Whitehaven, and Gosforth.
Shannon, who is from Whitehaven, joined the firm in July 2013 as a graduate trainee, just weeks after completing his university studies.
He brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Throughout his 11 years with the firm he has become a trusted figure within the team and their clients.
Shannon said: “I’m incredibly proud to have been made a partner. This firm has played a big part in my professional journey since the beginning, and I’m excited to take on this new challenge.”
Shannon’s promotion brings the firm’s number of partners to five as it continues to grow its client base and expand its services.
Managing partner, Peter Ellwood, said: “We’re thrilled to see Shannon step into this new role as partner. He’s been a familiar face at the firm for many years and a constant source of support to colleagues and clients alike.
“His promotion is well-earned and reflects the dedication and high standards he brings to his work.”
