Appointments: Leaitherland re-elected at DWF; Hurst & more

ANDREW Leaitherland will lead law firm DWF for another three years after he was reappointed unopposed.

Since his appointment in 2006, the firm, which has offices In Liverpool, Manchester and Preston, has seen double digit, year-on-year growth in revenue and net profit.

In the last five years, DWF has seen an increase in its people from 560 to over 1500 and has grown from two to eight offices, with new offices opening in Leeds, Birmingham, Newcastle and London.

Mr Leaitherland said: ““DWF is one of the fastest growing law firms in the UK and I look forward leading the firm in the coming years, ensuring that we stay true to our values. We will also continue to recruit and retain the best people, allowing us to exceed our clients’ expectations.”

Chairman, Alan Benzie, added “Andrew has been the prominent force behind the consistent and highly successful growth realised by the business in recent years. His re-appointment was uncontested, recognising the partnership’s belief that with his continuing leadership the firm will achieve its strategic ambitions and undoubtedly much more.”

::

NORTH West accountancy firm Hurst has promoted senior auditors Tamara Deering and Janet Frith to manager level.

Audit is a part of the Stockport and Manchester-based firm’s business services team, which is reporting 15% fee growth and more than 50 client wins.
 
Andrew Milnes, who head of the team  said: ““We’ve grown rapidy in the last year and strengthening the team with well deserved internal promotions is key to us staying at the top of our game. These promotions come in the wake of a series of strong account wins. We’re busier than ever and that’s thanks to the hard work of our people.”

As well as its North West base,  the firm has a small London office.

::

GED Gould, the finance director of Warrington-based retailer American Golf, is to join private equity firm LDC’s North West team.

Mr Gould has joined the Manchester-based office led by Carl Wormald as portfolio director.

The move comes just two months after LDC sold American Golf to Sun European Partners.
 
During LDC’s eight-year investment, he was instrumental in doubling sales at the 89-store chain to over £100m through a major store expansion and also driving its online presence via acquisition.
 
Gould originally qualified with KPMG, where he spent 10 years in audit and corporate finance advisory before joining private equity firm Bridgepoint Capital.
 
Carl Wormald said: “Ged is ideally placed to support the growth ambitions of our portfolio companies across the region and support our new business initiatives.

“His appointment also demonstrates our commitment to the local market and our determination to expand the portfolio through new investment throughout the economic cycle.”
 
Mr Gould, who will join LDC in May, added: “From my own experience, LDC takes an added value approach to private equity, providing the strategic and operational expertise to help growth companies achieve their goals.  This is a perfect opportunity to work alongside the management teams it backs and complement the skills of the investment team.”