People on the move: Fanatics; Derwent Estates; ilk; Morris & Co; Irwin Mitchell

MANCHESTER-based Fanatics, the world’s largest retailer of licensed sports merchandise and the sports e-commerce specialist, has appointed clothing retail specialist Tim Wilson as buying, merchandising and operations director for Fanatics International.

Wilson will be responsible for further strengthening the buying and merchandising relationships already in existence with partners including Adidas and Nike.

Wilson, who will operate from the Fanatics International headquarters in Manchester, has 20 years of commercial retail experience across the buying and merchandising functions and more than 10 years of international experience, leading teams within three different growth markets in Central Europe, China and South East Asia.

He returns to England from Thailand where he was clothing director for the hypermarket retailer, Big C.

Previously, he held buying and merchandising roles with Tesco in the Czech Republic, Malaysia and China. As an experienced team builder and leader, he has also operated in buying and merchandising roles with Matalan and Marks & Spencer.

Fanatics’ international president Andy Anson said: “Tim has an outstanding track record of global buying and merchandising and is a key addition to our strong executive team as we continue to grow our international operation.

“Specifically, the knowledge and experience he has gained while working in Asia will be a key asset as we look to develop opportunities within the region.”

Wilson is originally from Anglesey, North Wales and was educated in Lancashire and the midlands.

He returns to the North West of England to lead the company’s international programme and will also have responsibility for logistics, and customer services.

He said: “As a passionate sports fan I am extremely pleased to be joining the Fanatics team and am excited by the global growth potential of the business.”

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DERWENT Estates, the property and legal services division of The Derwent Group, has appointed Ben Roberts as managing director based in its Manchester office at Walkden town centre.

Roberts joins Derwent from Cushman & Wakefield where, following the merger with DTZ, he was director of development and PRS and prior to that head of the Manchester office and partner for capital markets at Cushman & Wakefield.

He is a North of England commercial property development and investment specialist with more than 20 years’ experience working on both agency and client side. He has been involved with a wide range of acquisitions and sales across the full commercial and residential property spectrum.

David Lyons, group chief executive at The Derwent Group said: “The appointment of Ben Roberts as managing director will further enhance the strong team we have built over recent years. 

“His market credentials will be particularly relevant in the coming years as we complete major developments including Liverpool Shopping Park and add to the group’s portfolio through further investment.”

Roberts, added: “I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to become Managing Director of Derwent Estates and I’m looking forward to becoming ensconced in the business.

“Together with the team and our professional advisers I hope to be able to significantly grow the portfolio and through The Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation help many good causes”.

John Keyes, head of the Manchester office of Cushman & Wakefield, said: “We are sorry to see Ben moving on but congratulate him on such an exciting opportunity with Derwent Estates.”

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MANCHESTER integrated agency ilk has strengthened its creative team with a trio of new appointments in a strategic move to further enhance its reputation for creativity across graphic design, animation and branding.

Ben Gardner and Ryan Spence join ilk’s studio team as senior designers, whilst Hayley Collingswood joins as creative account manager. 

Shaun Beaumont, ilk’s creative director, said: “Business success is entirely dependent on talent and creativity in our industry – so it’s absolutely essential we invest in the right people to support our growth. Ben, Ryan and Hayley all bring a great deal of experience to the table, but more importantly they are creative.”

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CHESHIRE Oaks-based accountancy firm Morris & Co has announced four promotions and the appointment of three apprentices as the company secures new clients across a range of sectors.

Martin Lanceley has been promoted to associate, while Alex Wyatt, Lisa Simm and Tom Slevin have been promoted to assistant manager.

The new apprentices are Callum Dickens (general accounts assistant) and joining the company’s team specialising in the dental sector, also as accounts assistants, are Jessica Clay and Jack Pickering.

The firm, which works with a wide range of SME clients and has a staff of 70, has seen a number of new business gains from companies working in diverse sectors including healthcare, retail, manufacturing and property.

Nick Ledingham, senior partner, said, “This is a really exciting time for Morris & Co as we expand our client base.

“These promotions and the appointment of new apprentices will allow us to implement our strategic plans for growth in the year ahead as the business expands further.”

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THE Manchester office of law firm Irwin Mitchell has announced the appointment of employment partner Alan Lewis.

Moving from Freeths where he was head of the employment department in Manchester, Lews brings with him more than 20 years of legal experience having been partner at other firms in the region including Brabners and George Davies (now Mills & Reeve).

Lewis, who in his new role will lead Irwin Mitchell’s employment team in Manchester, advises large corporates and senior executives on a wide range of employment issues ranging from TUPE, organisational restructuring, tribunal disputes, settlement agreements and restrictive covenant breaches.

He joins Irwin Mitchell’s 70 strong established employment practice which is led nationally by partner, Fergal Dowling.

Lewis said: “This is an exciting opportunity and I am looking forward to joining an ambitious firm and helping it to expand its business team here in Manchester.”

Roy Beckett, regional managing partner at Irwin Mitchell in Manchester, said: “Alan is another important appointment for Irwin Mitchell’s Manchester office and adds considerable expertise and experience to our legal offering across the region.

“He is an accomplished employment law partner and I have no doubt that his strong leadership and client care skills will be an asset not just here in Manchester but to the wider firm.”