Appointments: Mcr China Forum; Enterprise Ventures; Nationwide & more

THE Manchester China Forum, the new business network set up to forge closer commercial relations between Greater Manchester and China, has appointed Rhys Whalley as executive director.

Currently based on Beijing,where he is head of business development at property firm Jones Lang LaSalle, Mr Whalley has been working in China for nine years.

The board, which includes Bruntwood, BT, Deloitte, Manchestr Airports Group, The Peel Group and PTG Holroyd Precision, said Mr Whalley was selected because of his strong connections and experience of working with Chinese organisations.

Based in Manchester, he will direct the Forum in its ambition to increase Chinese trade, inward investment, tourism and academic exchange on behalf of Greater Manchester.

He says: “As China becomes an increasingly dominant force in twenty-first century global trade, it is of paramount importance that Manchester sets in place a clear strategy that allows it to nurture long-term economic ties with the country.

“The establishment of the Forum and senior-level backing is a clear indication of the city’s determination to lead the way in forging closer links, something that I am very excited to be involved in.“  

::

ENTERPRISE Ventures has appointed Stewart McCombe as manager of The North West Fund for Mezzanine – the £15m fund which provides investment for fast-growing businesses.

The role marks a return to the world of finance for Mr McCombe, a former corporate banker with Bank of Scotland. Since 2009 he has worked in the not-for-profit sector as a consultant and a trustee for a number of charities. He has also worked with businesses in the region as a coach with Winning Pitchand.

Mr McCombe said: ““I am passionate about developing a strong regional economy. The North West is home to a significant number of vibrant, dynamic businesses, led by some outstanding individuals.

“This wealth of business activity could help to kickstart growth, but for many, access to finance is required in order to do so. It will be hugely satisfying to be in a role where I can help provide that investment, which in turn creates jobs and generates wealth and opportunity in local communities.”

Jonathan Diggines, chief executive of Enterprise Ventures, said: “In addition to his background as a corporate banker, Stewart’s work with charities and SMEs has given him a broad skill set and wide range of contacts. He also shares our own belief in the importance of providing access to finance for small and medium sized businesses in the regions.”

::

NATIONWIDE Building Society has strengthened its Manchester-based North West commercial team with the appointment of Jo Farr as commercial deposits Manager.

In her new role, she will focus on developing new relationships across the region and will be working with local businesses to provide them with savings solutions to help them make the most of their cash reserves.

Miss Farr has moved from Nationwide’s commercial team in Northampton where she helped launch the Society’s business savings range.

She said: “I’m delighted to be moving across to our team in the North West, particularly one with such an excellent reputation in the region.  I’m looking forward to working with businesses to help provide them with savings solutions and a safe haven for their hard earned cash.”

::

TURLEY Associates, the planning and urban design consultancy, has lured BDP’s Jaimie Ferguson as its head of urban design and master-planning.

Based in Turley Associates’ Manchester office, he will lead a team of 15.

Commenting on his move, Mr Ferguson said: “I am delighted to be joining the company to lead what will be a newly integrated, national design offer.  I look forward to the exciting challenge of developing both the scale of the team and its creative output, to become recognised as one of the country’s leading master-planners.”

::

LAW firm Keoghs has boosted its fraud team with the appointment of two senior experts.

The Bolton-based firm has hired Raphael Lawson, originally from Australia, as director of lifestyle insurance fraud, while Damian Ward, from Bolton, and formerly of Clyde & Co joins as a partner.

Raphael, 38, has almost 20 years experience in fraud and insurance fraud in both the public and private sector. A Cambridge graduate, he recently completed a Masters research degree on Social Network Analysis in Insurance Fraud. He was previously with rival firm Kennedys.

Mr Ward, 42, returns to Keoghs after six years latterly at Clyde & Co – where he was head of fraud. He brings with him a substantial part of his team and leads Keoghs’ new central Manchester office on Peter Street.

James Heath, Keoghs’ director of counter fraud strategy, said: “With vast knowledge, broad experience and a unique combination of skills, we are delighted to welcome Raphael and Damian to Keoghs.”

::

MARPLE-based S & T Asset Management has strengthened its private client stockbroking team with the appointment of partner Luke Bagshaw.

Mr Bagshaw joins from Brown Shipley at a time of expansion and increasing funds under management.

Simon Chatterton, partner at S & T Asset Management said: “Luke is well known in the marketplace and has a wealth of investment management experience in private client and Court of Protection work.  Luke’s arrival is a statement of intent as we continue to drive the business forward.”

S & T Asset Management was formed in November 2009.  In that time, funds under management have grown to over £100m.