People on the move: Law by Design; Community Foundations for Lancashire and Merseyside; BDB; Plus Dane Housing

Boutique employment law firm Law by Design, based near Manchester Airport, has appointed former DAC Beachcroft partner Kirsty MacDonald as its newest director.

The company was established four years ago by managing director Sue Morrison and the current directors who all joined from large international law firms.

Morrison said: “This is a fantastic coup for us. Kirsty is highly regarded in the employment market and we are delighted she chose to join us against fierce competition from the larger employment law firms who had also  expressed interest in recruiting her.

“Fellow Directors and staff extend a warm welcome to Kirsty and we very much look forward to working with her going forward.”

MacDonald added: “I was attracted to LBD because of its dynamic, flexible and forward thinking approach towards its business development underpinned by a strong ethos of providing outstanding client service at competitive rates. I am excited to have joined the business and to be working alongside some really talented lawyers.”

::

The Community Foundations for Lancashire and Merseyside, an independent charity facilitating and celebrating community philanthropy, has appointed Rae Brooke as its next chief executive.
 
Brooke will start her role on January 30, to take over from Cathy Elliott who leaves the charity after 10 years with the organisation.

She has more than 27 years’ senior management experience gained in both the private and public sector.

During her career, she has engaged in market development and business growth initiatives for Littlewoods Pools, Volvo Truck and Bus, Northwest Regional Development Agency, KPMG and Hill Dickinson.

Arthur Roberts, chair of the Community Foundations said: “We are delighted that Rae is joining us at the Community Foundation.

“She has an impressive track record in leadership and brings with her a wealth of knowledge skills, experience and passion. The board and team are looking forward to working with Rae and we are convinced that she will lead the Community Foundation into next phase of growth as the region’s leading philanthropy hub.”

Brooke said; “I am thrilled and delighted to be chosen to take up this opportunity to lead the Community Foundations into the next phase of its journey.  I look forward to working with the excellent team and board, building on the success so far.”

::

North West business-to-business marketing communications agency BDB has further expanded its team with the appointment of two new account executives and a production executive.

The new hires come after a strong year for the Altrincham, Greater Manchester-based agency which includes the appointment of the new leadership team, a company rebrand and a number of new business wins.

Annie McIntyre joins the agency as an account executive from The Little Big Voice alongside Jenny McParland who will carry out the same role after arriving from Notch Communications.

Janine McCarthy has been appointed as production executive from USP Creative.
 
Matt Smith, managing director at BDB, said: “The level of growth at the agency is unprecedented with expansion in our existing client base coupled with some big new business wins. I’m so pleased with the level of talent we continue to attract and all three of our new hires are a perfect fit for BDB and our growing client base.”

::

Liverpool-based Plus Dane Housing has appointed Helen Nicholson as its new director of finance.

Helen has a wealth of experience in financial management, auditing and consultancy, and comes to Plus Dane from Contour Homes, part of Symphony Housing Group.

Her career began as a graduate trainee at PricewaterhouseCoopers, specialising in government and public sector clients, and advancing to senior management over 14 years with the multinational professional services network.

As part of Plus Dane’s senior leadership team, Helen will play an important role in the delivery of the organisation’s five-year Corporate Plan which focuses on four key priorities – financial resilience, growth and investment, products and services, and people; the latter providing a range of products and services for tenants and customers, and creating an environment of engagement, accountability and empowerment.

Helen will lead on the implementation of Plus Dane’s new finance strategy to ensure the organisation is stronger financially to be able to withstand external shocks, government changes and be in charge of its future.

Helen said: “Plus Dane is undergoing a real transformation and moving forward at pace, and I look forward to the challenge of joining the leadership team at such an exciting time for the organisation.”

Chief executive of Plus Dane, Barbara Spicer said: “Helen brings a wealth of financial knowledge and commercial experience to Plus Dane from different sectors. This makes her a welcome addition to our leadership team as the organisation moves forward.”

Close