People on the move: The HR Dept; Hall Liddy; PushON; Napthens; W.Howard Group; Mattel Play!

A HUMAN resources specialist with almost two decades in corporate life has targeted a better work-life balance and set up her own small business.

Linda Lavery launched The HR Dept Liverpool at the start of July, offering her expertise on an outsourced basis to SMEs in the city area.

Her aim is to bring her 18 years of corporate HR experience, from roles at major companies including Matalan and National Car Parks, to small businesses which would not normally be able to afford or employ such advice and support.

The mum-of-two, who has children aged just five and seven, said the time was right to set up her own company as corporate life was losing its appeal and the appeal of self-employment grew.

“I just wanted something different,” she said. “I felt there was a danger of missing out on my two children growing up and the time felt right to set up on my own. It’s really exciting.

“The desire to be my own boss and grow my own business has always been in the back of my head and it had come to the point where I was ready to leave my job.”

“Having that choice and independence is a great thing and so far it feels well worth the extra pressure of running my own company.”

Headquartered in Bristol, the growing company has been operating since 2002 and is run by the Gemma Tumelty, the daughter of founder Sue Tumelty.

Ms Tumelty, who took over as managing director of the company earlier this year, said: “I am delighted to see someone of Linda’s calibre and experience taking on a territory like Liverpool which has so much potential.

“We wish her all the best and will be here to support her new company whenever she needs it.”

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HALL Liddy, the Manchester-based medical accountancy practice, has promoted Alex Hamshere and Tony Martin to the post of associate director.

Hamshere and Martin, who advise a range of GP practices and medical consultants, both carried out their training with the firm.

Hamshere joined from university in 2002 while Tony, a biochemistry graduate, spent five years as a laboratory scientist before moving to Hall Liddy in 2007.
 
Their specialist areas now include allowances and NHS pensions. Alex and Tony will work alongside the existing associate director, Hilary Lowe.
 
Managing director Des Liddy said: “These promotions reflect Alex and Tony’s growing expertise and the key role they play within the firm. As we continue to expand the practice, we are also building the strength and depth of our team.”

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AWARD-winning digital marketing agency, PushON has appointed Paul Delaney as head of search.

Delaney was head of SEO at Vizeum, a leading media buying agency part of the Dentsu Aegis Network, before joining the Manchester-based agency.

With more than nine years’ experience he has provided SEO strategy and management for a number of large global clients including Matalan, Nintendo and Lloyds Banking Group.

In his new role, Delaney will be responsible for managing PushON’s online marketing team, leading on client engagement and providing strategic direction on search campaigns.

Delaney said: “As part of my role, I aim to continually deliver quality, online marketing services for our clients to ensure we are delivering on our commitments, as well as grow the digital marketing business further.”

Simon Wharton, managing director of PushON, said: “Boasting nearly a decade of experience, Paul’s specialist set of skills and knowledge will be integral in driving the business forward and enthusing the team to continually deliver outstanding results for our clients.”

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THE Corporate department at North West law firm Napthens continues to grow, with the recent appointment of expert David Carr to the East Lancashire team.

Carr joins the firm as a senior associate solicitor based in Napthens’ office in Blackburn. His role sees him handle a wide range of corporate work including acquisitions and disposals, restructurings and joint ventures.

The experienced solicitor qualified in 2008, and spent time working at a leading law firm in the Channel Islands. Prior to joining Napthens Carr.

He has experience advising a wide range of clients including international businesses and high net worth individuals.
 
At Napthens he will work closely with partner and head of corporate, Richard Robinson.
 
Carr said: “Napthens’ Corporate team has a great reputation in the region and its team and experience rivals any city law firm I’ve come across.”

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THE W.Howard Group, based at Astley near Wigan, has made a number of appointments and promotions within its 11-strong sales team.

Phil Barnard, who has been with the £20m turnover business since graduating with an accountancy degree has been promoted to sales director in a move that will strengthen the cohesion between internal and external sales functions. His first role within the business was as a trainee sales representative in January 2003.

The group consists of W.Howard Limited, Polyco Limited and Eccleston Engineering and RC Perry and is a supplier MDF Mouldings to partners including merchants, manufacturers and distributors within the construction and manufacturing industries across the UK and Europe.

The business operates from three main UK sites, with its head office in Astley near Manchester featuring a 100,000sq ft factory and a 80,000sq ft distribution centre. There is a dedicated collection and distribution depot based in West Thurrock, which services the south east of the UK and also in Newtown, Powys.

To support the new sales team structure, Louise Taylor from Leigh has been been appointed sales coordinator with Helen Jones promoted to sales office manager.

Nick Woods becomes accreditation and estimating manager and Karen Boardman moves into the newly created role of external sales development, with the brief of gathering and sharing important market information across the sales team.

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A NEW catering manager has joined the team at Mattel Play! Liverpool ahead of the launch of a new menu at the family attraction.

Rowena Jackson will lead the catering team at the interactive family fun centre, having extensive experience training staff within the food service sector.

An experienced and qualified front-line catering manager, Rowena previously worked at Oakmere Community College in Walton.

This appointment coincides with the launch of a new menu which has widened the choice of hot food available within the attraction, along with an improved selection of sandwiches, paninis and salads.

Zachary Kendall, commercial manager at Mattel Play! Liverpool, said: “We’re very pleased to welcome Rwena to the team at Mattel Play!

“Her experience will prove invaluable in delivering a catering offering that complements the rest of the attraction.

“After listening to our customers and redesigning the food offer based on their feedback, we hope they will visit, sample and enjoy our new menu.”