People: Ex-footballer becomes MD; Blackstone Solicitors & more
A FORMER professional footballer has been promoted to managing director at housebuilder Steward Milne Homes in the North West.
Paul Challinor, who played for Birmingham City and Bury FC during his football career, joined Stewart Milne Homes north west division in January 2015 as finance director.
The company will soon be bringing new developments to other parts of the region, including Adlington, Alsager, Davenham, Widnes and Winterley.
Challinor spent seven years as group regional finance director in the property sector and previously held a number of finance positions with leisure firms My Travel and Thomas Cook Group between 2002 and 2008, latterly as UK financial controller.
John Slater, group managing director – homes at Stewart Milne Group, said: “Paul brings extensive finance and leadership experience within growth businesses to his new role, which will be critical to our expansion plans in north west England. As we mark our 40th anniversary this year, our focus is very much upon growing our presence in the region by creating the highest quality new homes and neighbourhoods to meet market demand.”
Challinor added: “Stewart Milne Homes is a business that puts the customer at the heart of everything it does and I look forward to playing my part in the team that will deliver exciting growth plans across the north west of England. Quality and customer care have been fundamental to the group’s growth over the past four decades and remain at the heart of our business plan. I’m now looking forward to creating new neighbourhoods with our team.”
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SOUTH Manchester-based litigation and property law firm Blackstone Solicitors has appointed three new staff.
Nick Jackson joins as commercial property partner, Usman Anwar as a solicitor and Hannah Killer as a paralegal.
Jackson previously worked for Altrincham-based MLP and has more than 13 years’ experience in the sector.
Founder and managing director Emma Nawaz said: “When I set up the practice in 2010 my ambition was to build a strong team around me. A professional, passionate team with a tenacious approach. Each new employee brings a range of experience and professionalism with them and will allow the firm to continue to expand as we work with an increasing number of clients to win cases.”
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PROPERTY and construction consultancy, Gleeds, has appointed Michael Conway as director of its advisory team based in Manchester.
Conway joins Gleeds following a career spanning more than 30 years in the UK construction industry, during which he has worked across numerous sectors including roads and infrastructure, energy, oil and gas and industrial and manufacturing. For the past 10 years he has run his own consultancy business and more recently worked as a director with Hill International (UK) Ltd.
His new role at Gleeds will involve providing expert witness support, quantum analysis and advisory services, as well as dispute resolution consultancy.
Richard Steer, chairman of Gleeds Worldwide, said: “Michael brings with him a wealth of experience thanks to his strong and varied background and I have no doubt that he’ll prove to be a real asset to both our clients and Gleeds.”
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TIMco, one of the UK’s largest independent wholesale suppliers of screws, fixings, fastenings and power tools accessories, has strengthened its team with the appointment of Paul White as a project manager.
White has more than 20 years’ experience and joins the Cheshire business from Ironmongery Direct where he was purchasing director.
Managing director Simon Midwood said: “We’re delighted that Paul has decided to join the business as we look to further extend our ranges and enter new markets. His experience in this area is invaluable and we believe this appointment will create a massive opportunity for TIMco.”
White added: “It’s a really exciting time to join TIMco at this stage of their growth. They have a great product portfolio and a fantastic reputation with their customers. I’m looking forward to working with the team and our customers to further maximize the potential.”
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MANCHESTER law firm Freeman & Co has hired experienced criminal defence solicitor David Hanman.
During a 23-year career Hanman has represented clients facing serious charges including multi-million-pound frauds, money laundering and allegations of large scale theft.
He used to have his own firm, but the last 10 years he has acted as a consultant to a number of law firms before joining Freeman & Co.
Founder Nick Freeman said: “I have known David for almost all of my working life and he is extremely well respected by colleagues throughout the profession. I’m delighted that he has now joined Freeman & Co, where his expertise and experience and will add another dimension to our already highly-regarded team of legal experts.
“David’s appointment could not have come at a more opportune time, as, month on month, we are handling an ever increasing number of cases of so called ‘white collar’ crimes.”
