Appointments: Cassell Moore; Citypress & more

LIVERPOOL law firm Cassell Moore has appointed Peter Barlow to lead its real estate team.

Mr Barlow, who is recognised as a key lawyer in the Legal 500 UK and Chambers & Partners UK, joins from Hill Dickinson where he worked for 20 years and was a senior equity partner for more than 13 years.

He acts for businesses, registered social landlords, NHS bodies, local authorities and other public and private sector clients.

Commenting on his move, Mr Barlow said: “I am delighted to have joined such a vibrant and forward looking organisation. I have no doubt there are exciting times ahead both for my team and the firm as a whole.”

Cassell Moore managing partner Stephen Morris added: “Peter is a huge coup for us and a clear indicator of the leading commercial law firm that we are building. We’re delighted and excited to have him on board.”

::

PR agency Citypress, which has a growing national presence, has bolstered its presence on its home turf with two appointments to its Manchester corporate team.

The agency has hired Alice Newsham, from Tangerine, as senior account manager and Jess Shepherd, previously of Weber Shandwick, as account manager.

Deansgate-based Citypress’ business and corporate practice supports a range of clients operating in multiple sectors, including arvato – part of the Bertelsmann Group – KPMG, JLL, Keolis, and Lloyds Banking Group.

The appointments come one the back of the agency winning briefs with Pilkington and the Post Office.

::

JUST Costs Solicitors has promoted four staff at its Manchester head office to associate level.

The quartet are: fee earners Phil Bradbury and Simon Gayfer,  northern region business development manager, Iain Cherry and finance team jeader, Pauline Lyndon.

Managing director Paul Shenton said: “These promotions reflect our planned programme of targeted growth across the business.  As well as recruiting externally, we are committed to recognising and rewarding home grown talent.”

::

DAVID Cockshott, a former director at  npower has joined the board at Lancashire energy group Inenco.

Mr Cockshott – who has more than 24 years’ experience in the energy sector – is joining the Lytham company’s senior management team as its new sales and marketing director.

During his time at npower he held a series of senior positions, including domestic markets director, industrial and commercial markets director and director of corporate markets.

::

GRANT Thornton has appointed Raj Nandha as senior tax manager in its Isle of Man office.

Following a merger with BDO (Isle of Man) in early 2014, the Isle of Man office has increased its audit and assurance business, and is looking to build its tax services.

Mr Nandha, 35, said: “The opportunity for me to return to practice and work for a large organisation was very attractive, especially given the large network of other Grant Thornton member firms. I believe I have gained the experience and knowledge over the past 13 years to assist Grant Thornton Isle of Man in expanding its business and tax offering, and I am looking forward to being part of the growing practice for many years to come.”