Appointments: Ainscough appoints new board members; Turner Parkinson; Turley Associates; and more

WIGAN-based Ainscough Crane Hire has strengthened its board with the appointment of Chris Chambers as finance director and Gareth Jones as commercial director.

Mr Chambers joins following the departure of former finance director Gary Speakman, who took up a similar role at coach holidays firm Shearings.

He joins from Whitworth’s – a private equity-backed business where he was previously CFO. He has also worked for big pharma firms Merck AG and Novartis as a finance director.

Mr Jones has joined from Northgate Plc where his most recent position was as commercial director on the UK board.  

He has previously worked for TLS and Shell UK and has a proven track record in business improvement and commercial management.

Ainscough Crane Hire’s managing director, Neil Partridge, said: “We have ambitious plans for the future and the appointments of Gareth and Chris will help us to achieve our goals.

“Gareth’s commercial background is a great asset to us and I am certain he will drive growth for the company. Chris has a solid background in financial and business management and will be instrumental in ensuring that Ainscough moves forwards as a stable and profitable company.”
 
::

LAW firm Turner Parkinson has appointed Paul Bibby as the new head of its real estate department.

Mr Bibby, who has also been made a partner in the firm, joins from rival Manchester firm George Davies Solicitors.

He advises on real estate acquisitions, disposals and development, with particular emphasis on property finance and property insolvency deals.

He said: “I have always held Turner Parkinson in high regard so when the opportunity arose to head up the real estate team, I was delighted to accept.”

Turner Parkinson senior partner Nick Davenport said: “Paul’s wealth of experience and extensive network of contacts will bolster what is already a strong team, and he will be a great asset to the firm in developing its real estate offering.”

::

DAVIS Blank Furniss has promoted Claire Smith to partner in its dispute resolution department.

Smith has worked at the firm since 2004 when she joined as a trainee. She then became a solicitor in 2006 and an associate in 2011.

She deals with all aspects of commercial litigation including debt recovery, injunctive relief, shareholder and directors’ disputes, general contractual disputes, property litigation and terms and conditions disputes.  She also provides advice on employment law and represents her clients at the Employment Tribunal.

Kate Oldfield, managing partner of Davis Blank Furniss, said: “Claire is a huge talent and she adds real value to the firm. We see her as a rising star of the practice so this promotion is well deserved.”

::

PLANNING consultancy Turley Associates has promoted Mark Worcester to director.

Worcester is a member of the company’s energy sector group and joined Turley Associates in 2001. He has also recently been elected to industry body RenewableUK’s onshore wind strategy panel.

He has worked for both the public and private sectors, including a stint as planning manager for Peel Energy, with a particular focus on onshore wind energy projects.

Dave Trimingham, Manchester office director at Turley Associates, said: “I congratulate Mark on his promotion.

“He has an outstanding reputation and will continue to play a major role in further developing the services offered by our Manchester office.”