Appointments: Liverpool City Innovation Board; Business Growth Hub & more
UNILEVER Open Innovation vice president Dr Jonathan Hague is the new chair of the Liverpool City Region’s Innovation Board.
Dr Hague will be responsible for driving the strategic development of the City Region’s Innovation sector, on behalf of the Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).
He takes over from University of Liverpool vice chancellor, Sir Howard Newby who has chaired the Innovation Board since it was first formed in 2012.
The appointment comes as the board is developing an innovation plan focused on an ambitious portfolio of activity to accelerate the development and competitiveness of Liverpool City Region’s economy.
This will be based on the City Region’s existing network of distinctive knowledge assets, including a national innovation campus at Sci-Tech Daresbury and the Liverpool Knowledge Quarter which includes world leading centres of excellence such as the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and the Oceanography Institute.
Dr Hague said: “Working collaboratively with innovation partners regionally, nationally and internationally, as we have demonstrated in Unilever, is absolutely critical to helping all sectors of the economy to be more innovative.
“This is especially relevant for healthcare and life sciences, creative and digital, advanced manufacturing, water- & land-based biotechnology and sustainable energy.
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WIRRAL-based Bridging Finance Solutions has strengthened its team with the appointment of Jeanette Jones.
Jones takes on the role of an additional business development manager covering the North West, working with new and existing clients, raising awareness of bridging and the various ways in which it can be used.
With a 30 year career in the mortgage and finance industry, she has spent the past 10 years running her own mortgage firm, focusing predominantly on the residential sector.
Jones said: “I was really keen for a change in direction and now is a perfect time to be working with bridging. I’ve worked with BFS in the past and referred them to my own clients so already knew they are a highly credible and professional firm.”
Managing director Steve Barber said: “We’re all really pleased to be able to welcome Jeanette to the team.”
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GREATER Manchester Business Growth Hub has appointed Richard Perkins as business growth advisor.
Perkins has more than 14 years’ experience in banking, specialising in the commercial arena.
Prior to his current role, he worked at a number of established banks, having started his career at NatWest before moving to RBS for more than seven years, where he supported a range of SMEs from start-ups to charities and international businesses.
At Business Growth Hub, Richard will be providing advice to companies in the area of Oldham and Tameside. His responsibilities include assisting in areas of innovation, finance, international trade and operations.
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CROFT Goode Architects has continued its expansion with the recruitment of six new employees over the last nine months.
The Building Information Modelling (BIM) focused practice based at Kirkham, Lancashire, turns 21 this year and has investing in a blend of youth and experience.
Cliff Owens and Neil Martin recently joined Croft Goode as fully qualified architectural technicians.
New recruits Aimee Griffiths and Dan Bishop are developing job-running skills working on projects as they study for their final Chartered exams, and Stephen Peploe and Luke Jones were offered architectural assistant appointments having gained their degrees and RIBA Part 1 status.
Croft Goode director and co-founder Mick Goode said: “Investing in people at varying stages of their journey in the architecture world has been essential for the firm’s reputation and success. The fresh attitude of likeminded aspiring architects is exactly why we continue this policy year after year.”
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SECURE Trust Bank, which has Manchester offices, is expanding its real estate finance division after advancing more than £135m of funds to customers last year, and has appointed Kevin Venn as managing director to roll out its growth strategy across the UK.
Following its successful start in London and the South East, Venn will spearhead the business as it targets expansion into the North, Midlands and the rest of the South of England, providing a comprehensive UK-wide service.
Venn brings more than 32 years’ experience in banking, 15 years of which he has specialised in real estate finance, with senior roles at RBS and NatWest.
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PRIVATE equity backed property management company Lomond Capital has appointed Michael Groves as chief executive of its North of England and Midlands operation.
The company says he will seek to build on Lomond’s success in Manchester and Birmingham in cities such as Leeds, Liverpool, Sheffield and Nottingham.
Groves founded Thornley Groves in 1991 and, with fellow shareholder Jason Watkin, created one of the most recognisable estate agency brands the North West.
They partnered with Lomond in 2013 when they sold a majority stake to Lomond Capital.
