Appointments: James Cropper; I-COM; Vinden Partnership; St Helens College & more

CUMBRIAN paper products manufacturer James Cropper has announced the planned retirement of long-serving executive Nigel Read.

Mr Read, who has been with the company for 33 years and is currently sales and marketing director of its Speciality Papers division, will leave on May 2.

Meanwhile Chris Brown will join the company as commercial director of the speciality papers and  converting divisions.

He joins Cropper from Favini, an Italian competitor, where he has worked for the past 12 years; the last five of which as marketing & European sales director.

Group chief executive Phil Wild said: “We’re delighted that Chris will be joining us at this exciting time in the development of our company. Chris has an excellent track record of growth amongst similar customers in the international paper market and I’m sure he will provide excellent leadership as we drive to achieve our global growth aspirations”.

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MANCHESTER-based digital firm I-COM has boosted its ranks with three recruits so far this year.

The Portland-Street-based agency, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year has taken on SEO consultant,  Simon Belfield,  digital project manager Mark Webster and web designer Phil Gwilliam.

Managing director Mike Blackburn said:  “I-COM is very excited to be recruiting so early in the year and with the expertise of the new people we’re certain they’ll thrive in our busy environment.”

The agency is expecting to appoint a client services manager in the next few weeks.

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JULIE Usher an associate at Manchester-based Zest Legal has been elected vice chairman of the Manchester Claims Association.

The Manchester Claims Association draws its members from claims managers, loss adjusters and other claims handling operations based in and around the city.

The organisation, which was founded 30 years ago, contributes with education and training and works closely with the Insurance Institute of Manchester to support continued professional development to the general insurance community.

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St Helens College has appointed Rob Molloy as its new deputy principal with responsibility for finance, estates and ICT.

Mr Molloy has more than 20 years’ experience in finance and joins the College from Capita, where he worked on a number of contracts in central and local government. His most recent role was as Financial Director of Entrust, a joint venture between Capita and Staffordshire County Council providing education support services to 400 schools.

He said: “It is evident that the college has clear direction and a strong plan for success which I am looking forward to contributing to. I’m confident that my skills and industry experience complement those already here.”

Principal Dr Jette Burford added, “We are delighted to welcome Rob to the College. He joins us at an exciting time and his skills, experience and expertise will certainly contribute to realising our corporate priorities.”

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LANCASHIRE-based Forbes Solicitors has boosted its housing team with the appointment of solicitor Amy Stirton.

She will work predominantly on behalf of social housing clients on a range of matters including anti-social behaviour injunctions, gas injunctions, possession proceedings and committal proceedings.

Forbes’ housing department now acts for over 90 Housing Associations across the country.

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BOLTON-based construction advisory firm, The Vinden Partnership (TVP), has appointed Rob Davis as managing consultant.

Davis has more than 20 years’ experience in project management and quantity surveying and joins TVP after managing his own consultancy.

In his new role at TVP, he will be part of the management team, responsible for driving business development, increasing the profile of TVP across the North West and building stronger networks with developers, contractors and subcontractors throughout the construction industry.

He said: “It’s great to join such a versatile and forward thinking business. The Vinden Partnership already has a diverse range of clients but there are plenty more who could benefit from our expert services. It is my intention to promote our offering to a wider audience and strengthen our links within the industry.”

TVP has offices in Bolton, Nottingham and London.