Appointments: MAG; Conviviality Retail; SGI Legal; Bennett Verby; PHX Training

GRAEME Ferguson, currently head of legal and an operations board director at London Stansted Airport, has been appointed as the new cargo director for the Manchester Airports Group (MAG).

In his new role, he will focus on developing the cargo side of the business across MAG’s four airports – London Stansted, Manchester, East Midlands and Bournemouth – which handle in excess of 600,000 tonnes annually.
 
He replaces John Froggatt, who after 30 years with the business is retiring from his role as cargo and commercial bid director for MAG. He will be leaving at the end of November.  

Ferguson said: “MAG has a proven track record in developing successful cargo operations and the acquisition of London-Stansted, one of the largest freight hubs in the UK that transports around 240,000 tonnes annually, has brought about a renewed focus for the group and I’m looking forward to driving this area of the business.  
 
“My first priority will be to meet and engage with both existing and new freight operators, to better understand their business needs and identify ways in which we can work with them to grow and expand their UK operations across MAG’s airports.”

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CONVIVIALITY Retail, the parent company of Bargain Booze, said Kenton Burchell will become its commercial director in March.

He is currently working for Musgrave Retail Partners GB, the operators of the Londis, Budgens and Supervalu brands.

Burchell, 41, was most recently trading director at Musgrave, and has previously been head of trading operations and head of buying.

Chief executive Diana Hunter said: “I am delighted to welcome Kenton to the Conviviality board. Since its flotation in July 2013 the business has performed well, and the addition of an experienced commercial director such as Kenton is an important step for the company as it develops and executes its growth strategy.”

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SERIOUS injury specialist Mark Ellis is to join the management team of Liverpool-based personal injury law firm SGI Legal.

Ellis joins from Duncan Gibbins Solicitors, where he dealt with high value road traffic accident, employers’ liability and public liability cases. He has a particular interest in traumatic brain injury cases.

He said: “As a serious injury lawyer I believe it is crucial that expert legal principles are combined with exceptional client care. I share SGI’s vision of delivering the very best personal injury experience and I’m delighted to be joining a team that is developing fresh and innovative ideas to challenge the status quo in the delivery of personal injury legal services.”

Simon Shaw, partner and head of marketing at SGI Legal, said: “At SGI we believe in hiring expert practitioners to develop teams and constantly look for ways to enhance our client service.”

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STOCKPORT accountant Bennett Verby has expanded its apprenticeship scheme.

It has taken on three apprentices – Danielle Crowther, Lee Wilks and Chloe Lancashire – in its 2013 intake and is looking to recruit three more.
 
Bennett Verby has been involved in trainee programmes since the Youth Training Scheme (YTS) in the 1980s.

Chief executive Bernard Verby, said: “It has always been a strong belief and commitment of the business to help and support young people within our community. A good number of staff who have joined these apprenticeship programmes have moved through the ranks, become chartered accountants and most recently joined the board of directors.

“The introduction of tuition fees has meant that university is not an option for everyone but this shouldn’t mean that young people can’t pursue their chosen career. At Bennett Verby we believe that everyone should be given a chance.”

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KENDAL-based training provider PHX Training has promoted a member of staff to a new role in health and safety management.

Kay Sutton will take on the health and safety manager position having been with the company for four years, which has included heading the Southport branch as centre manager.

She said: “I already visit the centres regularly and have carried out many risk assessments in the past, both as centre manager at PHX and in my previous role as training centre manager for Southport College, where I completed a qualification in risk assessment.

“I’m hoping to bring a common sense approach to the post. I would like to ensure that health and safety rules are easy to understand and are being adhered to.”

PHX offers online resources as well as face-to-face facilities at 10 training centres in Preston, Barrow-in-Furness, Blackpool, Kendal, Millom, Morecambe, Penrith, Southport, Carlisle and Workington.